What's kitchen character? It’s the idea of using one unique element to make a kitchen memorable. Too often these days I see kitchens that are sadly cookie cutter. They often look so similar they become formulaic whether they are the classic all-white kitchen, black and white, wood tone, or one of the popular muted colors such as gray or pale green. Creating kitchen character … [Read more...]
More Repurposing Ideas
Some alternative uses for some every day objects Repurposing objects is a quick and easy way to showcase our unique personalities. So I wanted to show you these repurposing ideas for some collectible items. It's also a way to clean out those drawers and storage rooms. A vintage painted shutter is outfitted with a series of hooks, creating an instant coat rack. It could also … [Read more...]
Master Bath Picture Wall
A collection of European etchings, on an bathroom picture wall, creates a relaxing atmosphere. I have this thing for vintage etchings, but not just any etching. It must have one or more of the following: a lake, stream or pond is a given. A bridge -- arched stone bridges are favorites -- and a structure with architectural interest. A few years ago, Jane gave a tour of our … [Read more...]
Repurposed Piano Bookshelves
See how mahogany piano cases have been remade into fascinating bookcases. As a little girl, I spent many hours tickling the ivories of our baby grand, but later I picked up a flute and never looked back. When my parents built a new home it was a hard decision for Mom to sell the piano as it had been in our family for three generations. While I'm happy it was restored, and is … [Read more...]
Gurney Console Tables
Vintage medical apparatuses are très chic as gurney tables. Metal medical cabinets used for bathroom storage have been in vogue for awhile. But how many vintage gurney tables have you seen used as when visiting friends? These are made by repurposing old medical equipment and they work as part of the larger industrial furniture trend. This salvage style as a hall console has a … [Read more...]
Architectural Salvage
Find missing renovation pieces you need at this online architectural salvage source When restoring or building "old" new houses, local sources may be lacking. Online storefronts can fill this void and Nor'East architectural salvage is a fascinating find. The double marble sink with skirt and legs [top] is typical of their inventory -- bet it won't last long. The website is a … [Read more...]
Vintage Windmill Wheel as Decor
An icon of Americana, the windmill wheel is being repurposed as wall art. I lost a picture of a windmill wheel used as a wall hanging when my previous laptop stopped working but I've never lost my desire to own one. They are becoming a rare site when driving across the country, so if they pull at your heartstrings too, better snap one up if you run across it for sale. This … [Read more...]
Charming Cottage Laundry Room
Simple details change a space in a unique cottage laundry room with a surprising location. Were it not missing a window, one would never suspect this cottage laundry room was located in a basement. Selecting the perfect perk-me-up color, based on Devine paint color's "Steamer," homeowner Beth Schaleben took steps to create a mood for the space that she had seen in a magazine. … [Read more...]
Swinging Porch Beds 2
A collection of more ideas for handcrafted swinging porch beds. It has been two years -- almost exactly to the day -- since I wrote about the promise to myself of a special treat for my porch "one day" in my original post with ideas for Swinging Porch Beds. Now, it's Happy Mother's Day and early Birthday to me! Recently, I posted about our Custom Stairway Gates, including … [Read more...]
Vintage Christmas Mantel
Wooden stocking forms, originally used to dry socks, help create an old world Christmas mantel. Seven is my lucky number. This is our seventh Christmas in our home, but the first time I am happy with the great room Christmas mantel decorations. I began purchasing vintage sock stretchers from etsy sellers a few months ago. Too many actually, as I have extras, including the … [Read more...]
Chicken Wire Chic
Finding its way from the barnyard into the main house, chicken wire has some homeowners crowing. When we were building our cottage I mentioned using chicken wire on the doors of two hutches in our kitchen. I was met with a blank stare from the cabinet maker. Would it have sounded better in French or Italian? Probably not with my southern accent. Whether it's fabric backed or … [Read more...]
Retro Office Decor
The industrial look is in full gear, making it easier to find and buy vintage retro office décor A McDowell Craig steel tanker has an elegant blue semi-gloss powder coat finish. Sounds like we're discussing cars, but we're talking about a desk that qualifies as retro office décor. The steel desk is built like a tank and meant to last. REHAB Vintage Interiors specializes in … [Read more...]
Creative Paper Towel Holders
Clever and imaginative solutions for paper towel holders -- some built in and others improvised. It's a common kitchen question often asked while the paint is still drying: where the $%## do I put the paper towels? The answer may lie among these creative paper towel holders, a number of ideas I gathered while thinking through the question for myself. During the planning stages … [Read more...]
Eclectic Gender-Neutral Nursery
A gender neutral nursery was created for baby but in style and color harmony with the rest of the house. This gender neutral nursery is near and dear to my heart, as it belongs to our first grandchild. We're having a baby boom at Atticmag and it all started a few weeks ago with the Sophisticated Safari Nursery our pal Brandy created for little Blake. But the nursery I helped … [Read more...]
