Antiquitous antiques...

  {something old}
  {something new}
  {something borrowed}
  {something blue}

Though this sentiment is generally applied to weddings, it seems all the ingredients for an inspiring interior are embraced; antiques, new pieces, reclaimed/recycled goods, and a pop of color.

In case your space has everything but {something old}, these Chinese Antique Temple Doors are ravishing.

These wondrous pieces of Elmwood are imported from Beijing, aged perfectly to about two hundred years.  Let your imagination frolic with possibilities for this lovely duo; they would resonate as a headboard, retrofitted doors, modern shutters, art, etc.  These doors are gorgeous enough to simply rest against a wall.  No matter what you make of them, they will always make conversation.

These doors are from one of my favorite stores in Honolulu, Buddawelt.

Wisteria's whimsy...

Not long ago, I was pleasantly surprised while perusing the pages of a new catalog.  Wisteria captured my heart by page three. 

My favorite interiors result in an eclectic, cohesive blend of numerous styles - when the ornate details of Louis XIV balance perfectly with the rustic teak of Balinese furniture.  East meets West.  Shine meets matte.  Scrolls meet straight.  Wisteria is the place to find those key pieces that radiate style; each unique piece screams with character and begs for love.  Here are a few that have earned my love...

The French Country Headboard comes in black, white, and {darling!} natural.

Linen graces the surface of the Oversized Tufted Ottoman, just as it would be a graceful bench in any entry.

Highly polished glamour, the German Silver Bowfront Chest.

The pragmatic French Industrial Coffee Table relies on the "practicality of the Industrial Era and the refinement of French design".

Inspired by a 19th century Scandinavian antique, the Spindle Leg Table makes an inspiring console, side table, or desk.

A faultless place to sit, the Linen European Chair is influenced by Louis XV and Swedish design.

Neoclassical perfection, the Triple Medallion Settee.

A few embellishing accessories to share.  The Handsome Wooden Porthole Mirror is, well, handsome.

These recycled glass bottles, Message on a Bottle, are gathered by hand and then topped with actual ocean keepsakes.

My kitchen {and my love for design} is earning for the next few jewels.  The Silver Plated Colonial Pitcher makes a glossy server, whether it's glasses of lemonade or a helping of hydrangeas.

This set of Vintage Kitchen Utensil Hand Towels is the prettiest place to dry your hands {and your utensils}.

These Portable Pots would make an encouraging house for a delectable herb garden. 

I adore gifts that come in wrapping as thoughtful as the gift, and these Acts of Kindness Wine Jute Bags are a kind way to wrap your favorite vino.

With so many sweet sentiments in the form of furniture and accessories, the whimsy of Wisteria will charm you, too.

Oui, oui, oui...

Just a frothy little post today; a single image from Weego Home, with as much warmth and color as this Monday full of sunshine.  Soak it in...

The key{s} to my heart...

Lately my eye has been drawn to a particular vintage find; keys, elegant and graceful forms of metal. 

A few ideas for my newly beloved old keys: 

  {Make a composition of vintage keys hung directly on the wall} 

  {Mount them in an heirloom frame for a whimsical piece of art} 

  {Mount them perpendicular to a wall or board for a nostalgic hook} 

  {Attach them to hardware and create unique furniture handles}

  {Use one as a key ring and make all your other keys jealous}

  {Thread one, or a handful, on ribbon for a necklace that sings}

Part of the magnetism to vintage keys is the chase and pursuit.  Scouring vintage and antique stores for the perfectly ornate skeleton key is nourishing.  Not into foot traffic and musky smells?  Scouring Etsy for vintage keys is almost as merry.  Here are just a few of the Etsy shops that have vintage keys for sale:

Red Dog Foundry has vintage keys galore {literally, so many glorious options}.

Cool Vintage has an Etsy shop full of vintage keys and several vintage escutcheons {keyholes just as lovely as the keys}.  Oh, and did I mention the sale?!?

Creative Artifacts has several collections of vintage keys for purchase, there is something illustrious about two dimensional patina.

Regina's Studio sells unique, almost endearing vintage keys, and so many other distractions {Nayapaisa Antique Coins anyone?}.

Steampunk Supply has a heap of vintage key options.  Don't even get me started on the vintage clock hands.  Does anyone else see an amazing statement necklace when they glance at vintage clock hands?  Or a nostalgic brooch when they see Victorian watch movements?

Pottery Barn sells this set of seven Vintage Keys.  Admittedly, they lack the character of actual vintage finds, but they are readily available...

There is more to the attraction than just visual appeal {but they are so visually appealing}.  Beyond the beauty, they are symbols.  They optimistically open doors and chests full of hope.  They are the keys to the past; they have stories and they invite the opportunity to imagine them.

Whether it's their irregular surface and antique finish or their deep tales of ambiguity; either way, I adore them.

Artisan sustainability...

Tucker Robbins is a designer with a purpose; his vision prominently displayed through a short documentary exhibiting values of "...community, respect, tradition, hands on, and making a difference," greeting visitors with significance long before he tries to sell you his products.

After, and only after, you experience his message are you directed to a website full of striking, unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.  Each item is made entirely by hand, nothing manufactured, nothing mass produced. 

Here are a few luxurious interiors with Tucker Robbins embellishing:

Robbins' accessories are the brightest facet of his product line.  Acacia in the form of lovely organic spheres, Giant Wooden Balls are Tucker's tribute to the primordial form.  

An extraordinary statement in the form of wall art, the Feather Headdress is indicative of Cameroon highland custom.

There are several products salvaged from Southeast Asia, specifically the Philippines.  The Philippine Ladders {top} were found 'as is' in Philippine farmhouses.  The Solid Columns {bottom} are made from various woods reclaimed from house supports, simple elegant structures to stand alone or be adorned.

A few notable furniture pieces, the Japanese Coffee Table {top}, made from recycled Philippine sleeping boards, and the Dutch Chair {bottom}.

Tucker has an extensive and exquisite collection of stools, most of which can double as side tables.  Acacia carved to an immaculate finish; the Hollow Cube {top} and the Pierced Cube {bottom} make glamorous, primitive pieces. 

Relying on a more organic form, the Cup Stool and the Pouf Stool both earn their keep as conversation topics alone.

Allow Robbins to brighten your space through his unique lighting: Tucker Robbins Lighting.  Definitely worth a click or two, find your way to his lighting collection by first clicking "Catalog" and then "Lighting".

Not surprisingly, Tucker Robbins boasts indulgent price tags.  Even if a personal Tucker Robbins piece is out of reach, we can all appreciate and take inspiration from his creativity and focus on global social responsibility.  Robbins himself travels to faraway lands to experience his sources and immerse himself in local heritage, both for technique and inspiration.  Tucker Robbins proposes a new type of sustainability and green design, where not just materials, but cultures, artisans, and traditions are sustained.

Dining fit for a monster...

My husband and I have a creature, a monster.  To an external observer, the appropriate term may be dog or loyal companion; to the experienced eye of anyone who has ever met our charming Andy, she is no ordinary dog - but a monster on every level. 

The clever Mr. Webster's definition:

     monster (noun) : \ˈmän(t)-stər\

        a: an animal or plant of abnormal form or structure;

        b: one who deviates from normal or acceptable behavior

Yes, our Andy is a monster.  She is, in fact, an animal much too small for her size and breed, her health complications are numerous.  We lovingly call her our undersized lab.  Physically, she is abnormal.  Behaviorally, she certainly deviates from normal.  She is far too intelligent for her scientific classification and her personality is, well, flawed.  But, at times, she is gentle, loyal, and utterly lovable.  She is our chocolate monster {a monster on every level, but still sweet enough to crave}.  In all sincerity, if Marley had a sequel, it would be Andy.   

Because our Andy is just charming enough to deserve splendor and functionality, every now and then I stumble across {or scour for} a dog accessory or two she cannot live without, and I cannot help but share.

Design Sponge recently featured an adorable 'Do It Yourself' project, the Vintage Elevated Dog Feeder, where Julia Cluster Norris shares her creativity with great instructions. 

Believe me; the moment I get my hands on a jig saw, Andy will get her paws on her own vintage elevated dog feeder. 
Not the do it yourself type?  Visit Julia Cluster Norris' Etsy store and purchase one of these finished versions:

Stay tuned for occasional posts full of pet lover's products, toys, treats, and dog accessories of all kinds - or dog garnish, as I like to say.

Found object...

This marks the first post dedicated to my new love, restoration and refinishing.  I suppose I shouldn't use the term new to describe this passion, because I have always longed to do it; maybe I should say that I am finally getting around to my old love, restoration and refinishing.  Regardless of the adjective, this is my first piece, my first venture.

This charming side table is a product of Craigslist.  By the way, I love living here {the greater Portland area}, where actual, aged, solid wood furniture is always available and begging for purchase on Craigslist.  Love, love, love.

The only negative?  The painstaking choice of what to do with it.  Polished and pristine?  Or rustic and antique?  Stained wood or color?  Vibrant and bold or soft and muted?  Turmeric yellow?  Gentle navy?  Normandy Gray?

Stay tuned for the 'after' picture {if I ever decide just how to treat this picturesque piece}.