What is Old is New Again

Vintage--Industrial

As I have been researching and sourcing for a "pub-room" aka "man-cave", I have come across some manly and equally appealing furniture pieces and designs that evoke industrial, vintage images in a garage-like way.

Being from Kentucky and yes, being a "Coal Miner's Daughter" I am drawn to things that are naturally pleasing (and functional)  in their raw form:  burlap or linen material, fresh greenery, reclaimed or salvaged wood, industrial carts, metal baskets, flour and coffee sacks, vintage dish cloths made into pillows,  "paint-peeling" shutters and furniture that can tell a story or have definitely have lived a colorful life. Even, galvanized pipes (as long as they ain't yur plummin') are artistic and beautiful in their own way.

It is easy to take these everyday elements and incorporate them into your home decor.  Whether you are creating a whole new look or sprucing up your coop, I am sure you can glean some ideas from the following spaces.

This eclectic living room receives a punch of color from the re-purposed industrial cart turned coffee table in its original yellow paint.  Also, check out the surveyor tri-pod lamp in the left corner.

This dining room actually has all new things with borrowed design elements from the industrial factory.  Chairs, table, clocks and cloches as well as the lighting.....all borrowed from the past.

I am loving the clean lines of this space.  The regular metal chairs painted green-blue for dining purposes and simple barn lights overhead are great ideas on a budget.  Also, the galvanized fee-store or garden supply center display shelf as the end table and storage......

This kitchen borrows elements from the industrial side of things like the stools and utility cart/island as well as the pendent lighting.  A space like this infused with a little color such as the red food scale makes for a fun and appealing atmosphere to get creative with your cookin.

Who wouldn't want to work in a space like this?  Again, barn-like pendent lighting overhead....see a theme here?  Also the salvaged wood desk and metal chars......lovely

I absolutely love this kitchen.  I love the color of the cabinets and the fact that there isn't any upper ones....this creates a very open space, as does the re-purposed island card and salvaged wood table.  There are those pendent lights again.

Again an industrial cart re-purposed into a a sink with pull out industrial lighting and a concrete sink vessel...a great powder-room or garden/mud-room area idea.

i love this space because it reminds me of what my dingy, dark and disgusting basement bathroom could look like.....a fresh coat of grey paint, re-purposed mirror, hand sewn vanity skirt with pictures in white mat and frame....I think I am going to "steel" this idea.

This is a coffee shop/bakery...but I love the mixture of industrial lighting and exposed metal beams as well as the mis-matched table and chairs....This would be a great idea for a commercial space or loft.

Speaking of storage...I am going gaga over this collection.  I am currently on the "hunt" for items like this for the "pub-room" 

here a utility cart is re-purposed as a pantry of sorts.  Again, storage baskets are used and vintage cans and crates....for utensil holders.  I love the vintage tackle box or lunch box on the bottom.. What is so lovely about this is that fact that this pantry does not need to be behind closed doors.

Interesting storage option or tool box

Jewelry holder, craft organizer, for the potting shed or bar area......LOVE

Re-purposed egg baskets as lighting

Nautical boat lighting as sconces for the the mirror in the room, over the fireplace or in the bath.  I actually have  great idea of buying something like this and painting it some fun color and putting in beside my daughter's bed.

And lastly, finishing the room with art.  Ideas for industrial art are endless...You could put trays or crates on the wall, watch works, pulleys and any kind of metal sign.  Black and white photographs work well.  Better yet, go around town and take pictures of your historic landmarks in your town and print them in black and white and buy ready made mats and black frames (project ideas).  Ideas are endless.  

I showed you mine: Now, "Show me yours!"

Enjoy

Decorate with Vintage Trunks

I have been working on a bathroom for a client and am looking for a vintage trunk to use as storage.  There are so many great ideas to utilize a trunk within your normal daily living.  Check out the pictures below to steal some ideas for yourself:

You can use a trunk as a coffee table

Stack them in an entryway to create an interesting table for your keys and what-nots that also 

adds loads of storage

Do the same to switch out a boring night-stand: This adds interest and functionality

At the foot of the bed, a trunk can add visual appeal and extra storage for blankets, shoes or toys

A few trunks under an entry table adds depth to the space and storage for seasonal items

If you are looking for ways to find trucks, check Overstock.com, Craigslist for your area, estate sales, flee-markets, vintage re-sell shops and Hobby Lobby.  These are all great resources.

Happy Hunting: And send us a picture of your latest find

I am seeing stripes

I am not the zebra from lucky stripes, but I am definately inspired by chevron these days.  This pattern is eye-catching and a safe, full-proof way to add "punch" to your decor.  Check out the ideas below for every room in the house.

Happy looking.

For your Bedroom, a Chevron throw


For your Living Room:  A chevron chair


Paint a "rug" in your kitchen or hallway


Hang a Chevron Curtain in Your Office or Den


Use chevron tape for lampshades, journaling or just for fun anywhere


A small collection of chevron for anywhere and everywhere:  Love the ginger jar


Chevron underfoot makes it the star of the room:  Like this dining room--it brings all the colors together


If you are afraid to go bold: use the classic touch--put a small chevron pillow on a chair


Again a painted floor. This looks like a boutique, but could easily work in an entry, hallway or kitchen.


How about chevron for yourself? A dress--mod or retro? You decide


Are you now seeing stripes:  Go forth and create chevron!
Enjoy

Something New

Hello Friends, and Happy New Year. I have been hanging on to some awesome pictures of my little trip this Fall to the Coastal Living Idea House in Norfolk, VA.  What a great opportunity. Not only is is cocked full of ideas and design tips, it is beautiful to look at and your tour ticket money goes to charity.  Everyone wins.  So over the next few weeks, I will be sharing with you some of my pictures and ideas and then give you some tips on where to find look-alike items etc.  Enjoy:

This is the outside look at a beauty in the crowd.  It isn't that the neighborhood is crowded, but you would almost expect to see this beach house all on its own in the outer-banks or something.  But, it isn't. And every inch of space is used, inside and out, making the most of its location. The young couple that bought this house have small children, so they will love the location and of course, proximity to the ocean.

Just a short stoll away and easy to see from all floors of the house.

It was a beautiful day when I was there, yet the clouds rolled in....Still beautiful, don't you think?

Ass soon as you walk in to the left of the front door, a cozy ready nook created out of the window seat.  All you need is a cup of coffee and a great read.  The designers used a classic motif--and sure to never fail--yellow and blue pallet, incorporating texture and depth where appropriate, made this house live very large.  Most all the common spaced carried this theme and is an easy one to use if you ever get stuck. 

Beautiful chairs graced the ends of the white-washed table for the dining room.  These are great slip-covered pieces that can easily be laundered.

Here is a great piece you can use as the comfy chair at the head of the table. In fresh Grey Linen, sure to please. Click here to look a little closer.

What a great idea to use with Ores. I am going to research to see if this is a design or a mirror that can be purchased.

Also, a great idea for the ceiling......brings depth and warmth not to mention adding the beach element right into the home structure.

Here is a gorgeous alternative Light Fixture by Regina Andrews that would give any decor that extra zing for the beach atmosphere. And lastly, try the table below to give the comfortable warm beachy look to finish off your dining room.

 Stay tuned for more inspirations for glamming up your home in a coastal charming sort-off way.