Cheery Interiors

Don't you just love it when you feel like an interior is actually smiling at you?

You know what I mean. I know you do.

Take the photo above for example.

It's cheeriness just makes me want to jump into the picture! The red wicker dining chairs play so nicely with the checkered pattern on the white wicker armchair. The wire, garden-style candelier above the table feels so fun and fresh, its curves ooze whimsy. Greenery and fresh flowers scattered throughout really gives the space a pulse. The width of the planks on the floor echo the width of the planks on the ceiling, like one big, symmetrical bear hug around the rooms.

I can imagine sitting in one of those sweet little bar stools, with their low backs and cushioned seats, and just staring at that delightful plate rack.

And then there's this guy.

From the row of primitive, linen cushion covers, to the most perfect little pumpkin in the world- this photo has me cuckoo for country. I would sit and dream up names for the color of picnic table..."Electric Splash"..."Freshwater"..."Caribbean Coast". The cupboard in the corner, filled with stacks of hearty, brightly-colored mugs and bowls deserves to have its cheeks pinched for providing storage in such an enchanting and cheery way.

Well, another storm is moving in, so it's time to shut off the computer and call it a night.

All of a sudden I'm really happy the Lettered Cottage is made of cinderblocks.

:-)

Tornado Warning!

UPDATE- We made it! :-) Thanks to everyone who prayed for us!

Flea Market Finds- Silverware Candelier & Antique Bedroom Furniture

I spotted this "Silverware Candelier" at the Eastbrook Flea Market the other day.
Looks like a pretty easy project to re-create. A metal ring, some thin chain, old silverware and some glass votives. I'll be storing this one in the idea file for sure!

Another great find was this Bedroom furniture set:







All the hardware was still on it, and it was in EXCELLENT condition. The set included the Armoire, the Dresser and a Queen-Size Head and Footboard. All that for $655! Not bad for in tact, antique, solid wood pieces with as much character and beauty as these have.

Remember this little cast iron pedestal I saw for $7.00?



Well, after I saw this listing on the VintageWeave.com:

Aged White Pedestal Plate (on the left) - $32.50

New aged white color! So chic! Mini cast iron pedestal. Gorgeous with a green ivy or fern on top, or thick cream candle. One of our most favorite pedestal pieces in a medium size 5H x 8D.

And this one:


Grey Pedestal Plate
$36.00
Back by popular demand! Fab French Grey color reminiscent of zinc, but this version is sturdy cast iron. 8 x 8".

I just knew I had to race back to the Flea Market and get it! So I did. Now I'm searching Ebay for the perfect glass cloche to put on top of it. I'll post photos of it in it's new home when I have it all together. Isn't it funny what we get excited about?

:-)

De-Saturated Palette

I found these inspiring images while surfing the web the other day, and just had to share them.

I named this little house we live in the "Lettered Cottage" because of my love for all things typography-related. Also, I'm married to a writer, and find myself displaying books, quotes, words, letters and numbers in every single room.

This tablecloth really speaks to me. I love the variations of dark and light gray in the type, and the layering of different fonts:

The next two photos gave me inspiration for accessories to use in my Kitchen...


Items like these could be found in flea market, home stores and on Ebay.



That little tin crown in the photo above initiated an online search for others like it.
I found this larger one...



...and this one for sale at a brocante in Paris...

Photo Credit: Tara Bradford


This last photo is my favorite. I could design an entire house around just these items.

I am crazy about the de-saturated look they all have. I may be forced to re-think the palette I've chosen for my Kitchen now that I've seen this. (Kevin's gonna kill me) :-)

Images:

Bloomingville by TrendKompagniet

Also, I'm still looking for my Craft Magazine Contest Winners...

"Cottage Rose"

"Shannon @ Silver Trappings"

"Drama Queens Mum"

...to email me with your mailing addresses so that I can mail you your magazines.

Congrats ladies!

:-)

Happy Valentines Day 2009!

I am Valentine-less today, (boo) so even though it seems more like a blue day than a red one, I thought I'd post some happy rosy red-themed images for you to admire.

Happy Valentines Day to you. hope it's extra sweet!

And in case anyone is feeling extra crafty today...how cute are these?

Here are the instructions: