Simple Vintage

Like many of you, my vintage inspiration comes from my favorite decorating books. There are the volumes you choose for entertainment. Others, for pure fantasy (like you could ever have anything even CLOSE to what you're seeing on the page). And then there are the books that inspire you to creativity and action. Josephine Ryan's book, Essentially French, and Simple Home, by Mark and Sally Bailey, are among those in the latter category for me.

I would never choose only ONE style. But I find that my tastes constantly evolve, and so do my collections.  For the time being, what I want to look at needs to be beautiful, and simpler. Like a blank canvas, I need to create what I want to see TODAY in the empty space.

A few months ago I took down my upper kitchen cabinets and have been thrilled with the result ever since. There will never be enough space in my kitchen, but I have resisted putting up anything to obscure the liberated wall space that just lets me BE in my designated cooking area.

I want as much vintage in the kitchen as is useful and practical because of its beauty and inherent value. I haven't simplified near enough yet. But with each passing day of effort my satisfaction, comfort, and enjoyment grows and grows. To see more of the original process, and my solution to storing what was in my cabinets see my earlier post here.

 Thanks so much for stopping by! Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

I'm linking up to Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

 



Vintage French Table

 There seem to be almost endless patterns of vintage Limoges china, especially in pink themes. This is all to the advantage because the various designs mix so well. The porcelain is difficult to find undamaged, however. I'll forgive a few "flea bites", as finding large numbers of flawless place settings for an economy price makes for a challenge.

The beauty is well worth the trouble. I continue the French theme here with fleur de lis napkin rings.

 One of my recent delightful finds at a fleamarket price was this flawless lidded serving dish.

I'm always happy to come across antique French linens like this fringed woven cloth covering my table.

 What is more delicate than a Limoges cup and saucer?

 Simple suppers are transformed when served from fine china with a history, no matter WHO'S history it happens to be!

 My recent favorite though is the vintage set of French bistro pressed glass jems! I am always needing replacements for mine because they are in constant use and I am frequently suffering losses. The nice thing about fleamarket prices is that nothing is too dear for daily use.

 The stitched in owners mark in linens always fascinates me.

I am using one of my odd Limoges pieces as a coaster for the wine.

      Thanks for stopping by! Ciao! for now!

 And Bon Appetit!

Jacqueline

I'm linking to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday,

and My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

The House In The Roses for Show Of  Your Cottage Monday

Cabin White

Cabins are traditionally on the dark side, with lots of natural wood textures and finishes. But there's no reason you can't mix it up, or just go with white if that's what you love. That's what I've done here. No matter what covers the furniture already has, a throw will work wonders to change things up! I'm fortunate that the wall finish is already a lovely off-white shade. My acccessories are all I need to make a big impact.

 I'm joining up with Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday, Color Outside the Lines for Vignette Fridays; and Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special

Thanks for stopping by! Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline



A Cameo Appearance

 My Tea and Victoria inspiration comes from an article on cameos in the Sept. 1994 issue.

The autumn russets and ochres caught my eye, and reminded me of the one cameo in my possession.

I'm more inclined to view jewelry as art than to wear it. And the same is true for vintage clothing, like this Victorian bodice I recently acquired.

 I'm awestruck by both the art of lacemaking, and shell carving.

The detail leaves me speechless with wonder and delight. Each cameo different from the next makes me understand how easily one could be enticed to collect them.

The white embossed figure made my choice for my white Spode teacup and saucer a natural.

I thought I'd also show you the darling teaspoons I came across this weekend!

A matched set of four that will polish up nicely.

I was more than thrilled to find the tiny oak leaves and acorns adorning them!

I also lucked out to find this small Spode jug in my foray out. No one should ever wonder why poking around junk shops and garage sales is so compelling!

I have always enjoyed Victoria magazine for the detailed beauty to be found within the pages. I never tire of bringing each new season's issues out to peruse for a little lift sometime during the day.

I hope you're planning some time to savor a few pleasures in your day!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

I'm linking to A Delightsome Life for Victoria--A Return  to Loveliness

and Tea Cup Tuesday at Martha's Favorites, and Terri's Artful Affirmations