As you may be able to tell already, family is hugely
important to me– and my Abuelos (Grandparents) are my heros. They came
to this country as refugees with little more than they could carry. They really
had to work for everything they have and I’m sure that’s why my grandmother
never throws things out. Far from hoarding, her meticulously well organized house is a collection of memories- old and new (thanks to her 5 great grandchildren). She can tell me where she purchased
any item in her home and how long she has had it. She usually says “Ay Mija es mas vieja que tu (Oh my Dear (daughter) it’s older than you).”
So maybe I should thank her for my love of all things vintage and antique and
why I am so sentimental and never throw anything out.
important to me– and my Abuelos (Grandparents) are my heros. They came
to this country as refugees with little more than they could carry. They really
had to work for everything they have and I’m sure that’s why my grandmother
never throws things out. Far from hoarding, her meticulously well organized house is a collection of memories- old and new (thanks to her 5 great grandchildren). She can tell me where she purchased
any item in her home and how long she has had it. She usually says “Ay Mija es mas vieja que tu (Oh my Dear (daughter) it’s older than you).”
So maybe I should thank her for my love of all things vintage and antique and
why I am so sentimental and never throw anything out.
I have so many old things either purchased or handed down to
me that I treasure. Whether it’s from a family member or that little off the
path antique shop we stopped at in Montana , I keep these treasures close to my
heart. Too often people squirrel away their vintage items because they don’t
know what to do with Old Aunt Tilly’s vase or for fear of breaking Uncle
Albert’s ashtray. I have a few really special items and maybe you do to.
Please- display them! What are they good for if not to be seen? I’ll share some of my faves in hopes to
inspire you to display your vintage goodies.
me that I treasure. Whether it’s from a family member or that little off the
path antique shop we stopped at in Montana , I keep these treasures close to my
heart. Too often people squirrel away their vintage items because they don’t
know what to do with Old Aunt Tilly’s vase or for fear of breaking Uncle
Albert’s ashtray. I have a few really special items and maybe you do to.
Please- display them! What are they good for if not to be seen? I’ll share some of my faves in hopes to
inspire you to display your vintage goodies.
This vignette sits atop a mid century credenza (Craigslist
score) that I use to hide the ugly TV compartments. But I just love my vintage
gilded leaf vessel that holds my seashell treasures I picked up at the Outer
Banks last summer. The vintage bowl with the abstract art behind it compliment
each other so well and makes my heart sing.
score) that I use to hide the ugly TV compartments. But I just love my vintage
gilded leaf vessel that holds my seashell treasures I picked up at the Outer
Banks last summer. The vintage bowl with the abstract art behind it compliment
each other so well and makes my heart sing.
On the other side of the above-mentioned credenza I have this
little vignette as well. The gold candlesticks are (or shall I say were ) my mother in law’s and I’ve
paired them with this great masculine horn. It’s a nice balance to the sometimes-girly
vignette.
little vignette as well. The gold candlesticks are (or shall I say were ) my mother in law’s and I’ve
paired them with this great masculine horn. It’s a nice balance to the sometimes-girly
vignette.
This pretty little teacup is from that trip to Montana and was from a really shady looking antique shop (like something out of a horror movie). I didn’t admit it to Craig at the moment (because I was dying to go antiquing) but pulling into the parking lot made me more than a little nervous. Inside though were some great finds and a really nice Montanan complete with a scraggily cat meowing around. I really love the way the tea cup and saucer look with the art deco style frame with the fashion print in it (-actually a framed business card from one of my favorite artists). I threw in the tall milk glass vase for some height. The whole thing is a great little accent to the console table in the dining room.
This is a mostly all-vintage space minus the black and white
pillow. The frame is from the late 1800’s but has been updated by adding a cork
backing. I love to put inspiring pictures like places I’d like to go- Paris
awaits! Underneath is a needlepoint my mother in law made back when she was
younger. I have a few of them sprinkled around the house and I adore their
daintiness. Lastly, the beautiful peacock chair (one of two I own), which makes anyone feel
special sitting in it, is adorned with a great graphic pillow. All
of these pieces play together well even though they are decades apart.
pillow. The frame is from the late 1800’s but has been updated by adding a cork
backing. I love to put inspiring pictures like places I’d like to go- Paris
awaits! Underneath is a needlepoint my mother in law made back when she was
younger. I have a few of them sprinkled around the house and I adore their
daintiness. Lastly, the beautiful peacock chair (one of two I own), which makes anyone feel
special sitting in it, is adorned with a great graphic pillow. All
of these pieces play together well even though they are decades apart.
Well I hope this inspires you to put your well loved items out for display. Make sure you move things around and play with the other things in your house. The best way to create interesting vignettes is just group the old with the new and your home will have a lived in and special feel.
Have a lovely weekend Buttercups!
Great post Mary and thanks for including my painting!!!!
Thanks Christine! I absolutely love my "Clarissa!"