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September 30, 2015

It's hard to believe that these 2 sets of photos were taken 35 years
apart.  Which examples do you think show the bigger difference?

#1 - Women at the beach
Victorian ladies at the beach, 1900

35 years later:
Cover of Harper's Bazaar, 1935


#2 Women Singers
Kate Bush, British singer, 1980

35 years later:
Lief Hall, German singer, 2015

Hmmmm. . . . . I vote for #1.  What do you think?

September 29, 2015


"Don't sweat the small stuff."

But, I do.  Decorating-wise.  It's the small stuff,
i.e., accessories, that gives me the most problems.

We all know someone who can take a monkey paper weight, rocks
and an old vase and create a beautiful tablescape.  I envy them.

The tops of armoires are the perfect areas to showcase
few special pieces or a cherished collection.





I think that a large percentage of decorating magazine readers get
more ideas from the accessories than from the large pieces of furniture.


Accent Areas give you the opportunity
to add color and texture to any room.

When the decor is sparse it's best to stick
with an uncluttered approach.

And it's okay to use big pieces on small spaces.

The distressed wood-base lamp compliments the shabby cabinet.

An uncluttered approach seems so much more sophisticated.



If you have a room that's really not coming together maybe
it's the small stuff that's the problem.  Just don't sweat it.

September 28, 2015


One of the most elegant and interesting architectural features of a home
is a fireplace mantel.  On this Repurposeful Monday we're going to
look at some ingenious ideas for upcycling beautiful antique mantels.








I love this idea of making a book
case out of a fireplace mantel:
I posted this photo a couple of years ago but it's
such a great idea that it deserves a re-post.

Here are before and after photos of
another mantel-turned-bookcase:


An adorable shabby bookcase was
created out of this old mantel:


It took me a moment to realize that the
bottom of this mantel holds a mirror:

This mantel was turned into a large magazine rack:

Imagine how beautiful it would have been
if it were stained instead of painted.

Old mantels also make charming headboards:








Think of other areas of your home that
could house an interesting mantel.


What a clever idea!  A small mantle
is framing a bathroom mirror.


How about adding a mantel to the garden?

I logged onto Craigslist to check the types of mantels that are
available in my area.  The results were interesting and the prices
were even more surprising:

 A local antique shop is selling this Craftsman-style mantel for $250.


This mantel came out of an historic home that
dates to the late 1800's.  It's priced at $750.

 The price of this mantel is $250 but I don't think it's very old.

The owners are asking $650 for this oak mantel with a beveled mirror.

Consider adding a beautiful antique mantel to your home.  Check
Craigslist and antique shops to see what's available.