Of chairs and boxes and this and that

Good morning! The weather god must have had such a change of heart! Yesterday's sun beckoned us out. We cleaned up the yard, did lots of cuttings and removed dried grasses. We got large sweeps of ready to pop forsythia and today we are having fresh snow...Oh well!

Winter goes reluctantly!

On Saturday we visited one of the small lovely river towns along Hudson and I happened to come upon a moving sale of one of my favorite stores there: The Saffron Trading Company! Oh, I love when this happens....

A small gem of a shop, with mostly Asian furniture, ceramics, baskets, linens and much more.

Due to their move across the street into a larger facility they have an amazing 25 - 50% sale going on. I found a few lovely things, among them these two beauties....

Originally for $260 a piece I scored them two for the price of one! I simply could not pass this chance. They are lovely done, with small carvings in the frame and legs, upholstered in a simple linen. They will be adding useful seating around the dining table, one will serve me at my small writing desk!

I've got this basket and a pretty wooden box, painted in a light blue. $11 and $14 respectively!

The box will hold letters and sits now under a small table next to my work desk!

While cleaning the garage and garden I came upon this little basket, which sat almost forgotten in one of the shelves, so in it came and after a good scrub I lined it with a French linen towel and it holds our daily cutlery. Easy to pick and the kids love to set the table with it.

And talking of table setting, looking through my files I found this site, which I had marked, because I saw so many great ideas popping into my head after finding all these lovely decorative items. Vases, lights, candle holders, party inspirations.

Go check it out here!

That's it for today!

Wishing you a true beginning of spring!

XX

Victoria

Today I love

This reading spot! Makes me think of spring and simple white dresses! The chair and stool by Laura Ashley!


And these vignettes too!




And look at these cool things: Caroline Mcgrath creates these lovely map paper cuts! You can find them here!


And the whimsical suitcase by Gabi Bolton can take you from imaginary worlds to travels everywhere! Look for it here!


I love British Elle Decoration! I am always so looking forward to the next installment!

Happy weekend!

xx Victoria




All images via British Elle Decoration.

Spring fling

Great finds ahead! Spring is sure to come and when it will I am going to be so ready!!!

I know, it's weeks away, but why not get a little flirtatious?
Come along!

A chair from Kmart!



A cute pair of shoes, a skirt, a dress or a blouse from here! You know the place, don't you? Anthropologie of course.





And how about these fresh pieces? All at Anthropologie...





Or something really fresh underfoot from cb2? (All below)


I am clear eyed about this:


A cute cushion perhaps?


Love that basket...


And something not for closet cases...

Oh, I am getting in the mood! How about you?


xx Victoria


All images as indicated. Top picture Copeland Gainsborough plate from my own collection.

Rug love

Found here.

I am wild about rugs. All styles, Oriental, Turkish, modern. But my passion are Kilims. I adore them on the floor, but I love them even more on sofas, chairs, cushions or draped artfully over tables.


I spotted this today over at Belgian Pearls.
This always reminds me of classic paintings from a time where rugs where rare, expensive and a status symbol.
" During the 17th century the worldwide trading empires of the great Dutch merchants brought exotic luxuries from the East and Far East. Owning such curious rarities was a sign of wealth, national pride, and a declaration of alliance with the rational and scientific breeze blowing through Europe from the North. This homage to Dutch still life paintings In their Golden Age by the artist includes shells from the tropics and an antique rug from the Caucasus." Quote from below.

Image.

By Christian Berentz.

Seen at Tea and Carpets, a great and informative blog about, well: carpets.


Today this has changed to a point, of course carpets and rugs are widely available, but great ones are still expensive.
Much has been written about gorgeous carpets and I will not take on a history of rugs. But I have a passion for lovely colors, patterns and love to incorporate them in my design whenever possible.

I like kilims for their softer, easier to drape quality. They are also more vulnerable, since they have no pile.


By Holbein.

By Hans Memling.

The cover of one of last year's Veranda Magazine was graced with this incredible Aubusson carpet. Draped over a dining table.

Image via Cote de Texas.

I found wonderful examples of kilims for upholstery. An absolutely timeless and classic look.
This Victorian chaise reminds me of Oscar Wilde's extravagant style.



Via Tribal Home.



Georg Smith sofas and arm chair.


Via The state of things.

After I wrote this post today I pulled the latest House Beautiful from the mailbox. I had to smile since the new trends to watch for 2011 are atmospheric, traditional, artisanal, tribal, handmade, theatrical, glam, looking back for inspiration...
Kilims fit the bill beautifully!

Dining chairs - before and after

After a few hours of work on my dining chairs they have a fresh face....It took the better part of the day to cut fabric and to staple it on to the frames. I used some batting to give a bit more support to the seat and now they are done! Strict orders have been given to mind the 'new' chairs, since they will be used at every meal...









And the bench had been done yesterday by me, trying out my skills and being quite happy with the results...



Now all I need is a manicure...
PS: And just click at House and Living above to see my recent acquisitions on Etsy and Ebay.


All handiwork and pictures by V.Zlotkowski.