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January 31, 2013

Oh, the Beauty of Possibilities!




Force yourself to look beyond the years
of use and the layers of old paint:


This Mid-Century dresser was given new
life and purpose.  Isn't it glorious?


Though chairs are priced as a group, it doesn't hurt to ask the thrift
shop volunteers if they would break up the set and sell just one:

Before                                                                                After




How many times have you passed on a chair with caning or webbing
damage?  They're often marked ridiculously cheap as these types of
repairs can be quite costly.  An alternative?  Upholster over the damage:







Here we have a typical thrift store tarnished treasure . . . . . .
. . . . . that was lovingly transformed into cherished keepsake.





          A rather dull 1930's wardrobe was ingeniously
          transformed into charming children's storage space:

 





Although these weathered porch posts look as if they've
been there for a while, the transition to columns with
stone pedestals finally completes this house:






Another successful exterior renovation:

Angie's List
The marvels of imagination, a healthy
budget, and a competent contractor!





When I first saw the makeover, below, I thought, 'What is that big screen TV
doing in the dining room?'  It took me a moment to realize it's a mirror - duh!

There really was nothing "wrong" with the dining room before
the re-do but now it's fresh, interesting, and inviting.





The kitchen project, below, is one of
the most inspiring I've seen in a while:
               Before                             After
 





If you're addicted interested in the television show House Hunters International,
you might already have seen this unbelievable transformation - a 441 sq.ft.
parking garage in Bordeaux, France, was converted into a sophisticated home:






The actual renovation can be viewed on this
video - I still can hardly believe the results.


That's all I have for you today, loves.  Just thought we all
could use some Thursday inspiration.  Back to unpacking!

January 29, 2013

We all know someone who's spent years prowling flea markets, estate auctions, and antique shops in search of an addition to their collection - maybe Art Deco compacts, vintage lunch boxes, Scottish Terrier figurines, or 18th Century hand painted fish plates, just to name a few. 

One of the more unusual collections involves architectural hardware - specifically, antique and vintage hinges, door knockers, locks, key plates, spigots, etc.  

And they truly are works of art . . . . .














  




























What led a blacksmith or locksmith to create heart-shaped
locks so many years ago?  Every piece has a story.


















Maude Lynn






My Foto Log






MFC






Diane Torrisi






Marcia Colucci






Cheri Payne
Some see rust, others see a treasure trove of possibilities!






Maggie Trueba






Summar-Daze






Rustic Treasures by Alicia Jones







Design Sponge






Sara Kenworthy
Someone made a gate hinge out of two horse shoes - so clever.






Berengia







Basket Bike






Zoom In






J. Lynn Petty






Bohemian Dream Spirits







Crush Cul-de-Sac







Dwellings by Devore
How darling is this painted cast iron and brass ice cream cone
door handle?   Definitely adding this to my  'I Want One'  list!






Grange de Charme






Indulgy






Crush Cul-de-Sac







Sandy Sauter






Pablo Aranguren






Dishfunctional Designs






Susan Perkins






The Essence of Frenchness
One of the most elaborate of gate hinges - beautiful.






Source






This Ivy House
Many collectors of antique and vintage hardware
actually use the items for their intended purpose.






Flora Bella






Interior Style Design


Whether you prefer the mysterious, the whimsical, or the practical, antique
and vintage hardware is one of the most intriguing of collectibles, isn't it?