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Monday, October 21, 2013

Russets of Autumn




We took to the woods again yesterday. This time for nothing more than to gather up the sights and scents of fall. And I mean that literally. Baskets of pine cones, weeds, and branches smell odorous wonderful, and dress up the corners of a room with the matchless opulence of nature. 




A few russet oak branches make me feel as though the fineries of the forest are all the luxury I might need for a season. I am always envious of the large branching bouquets I see in photos of gorgeous rooms, and the offerings of the impossibly large and dramatic displays at Pottery Barn. You have to actually have an oak tree (or whatever) readily available (I don't), or a pretty big budget! And in the end, an imitation doesn't feed my soul in quite the same way.




A copper trophy cup adds to the autumn tones. . . .




For the moment my branches are propped inside a paint splattered vintage crate that I brought home from the flea market that also holds logs for the fire. A rustic window pane from another market mimics the color.




A trio of just painted mirrors cure while making a pretty vignette.









 One of them hangs on a wooden door.






















A French style mirror in an ornate gold frame is getting the latest tryout over the mantel. 
















It's amazing how a few fall leaves can warm up a room.
I hope things are starting off cozy this week for you too!

Thanks so much for coming by for a visit!

Jacqueline




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Ivy and Elephants
Thanks to Ivy & Elephants for featuring this post!



Friday, October 18, 2013

The Other English China Cupboard









Busy times! Thank you so much for all the good wishes! I am feeling so much better. Now I am playing catch up. But suddenly my calender is all lined up for the rest of the year! How can that be? It makes me so glad for all we got done before fall weather set in.




One of those things was revamping a few cupboards, and switching things around. Over time, a lot of things inside get reshuffled and disorderly. The last time I showed this antique leaded glass English oak cabinet was at Christmastime last year. I didn't like the way things had organically evolved inside, but had no time to do anything with it, so I placed a lace panel behind the doors to camouflage it for a while, as shown below....



The other issue is the bad lighting for photos in this corner of my living room, so it rarely gets seen on the blog. I thought it was time for another peek before it gets all out of order again!




A new vintage tin panel I found this summer is propped on top. The lamp is also vintage with a closeout botanical shade from Pottery Barn.



I get asked a lot where I store my dishes, and the answer is really "all over." But this is one of the major dish cupboards in the house. For now, many of the white sets are kept together here. (For the grandkiddos that tassel  has for years now been one of the most fiddled with objects in the house!)












Now the cabinet looks good either open, or closed! I love the look of the open doors, but closing them protects so much better from dust.












So now you know the rest of the story... (kinda).

Thanks so much for stopping by!
 I'm looking forward to getting back to visiting you!
Happy Weekend!

Jacqueline





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Sunday, October 13, 2013

Life on the Ledge





In the same way that I finally realized that our house is really a cottage, I have owned up to fact that the fireplace mantel is merely a ledge. As much as I might want to deck it out in every direction, its territory is pretty limited. No matter what I have tried in the past, I have to admit that I've never been fully satisfied.



Photo from the film Howard's End 

One of my favorite looks is one found in the little drawing room of the Schlegel's London townhouse in the film Howard's End. Room for a clock, a few candles, the latest social invitations, and not much else. (Nowadays we use the fridge for invites!) But I love the whole house and each fleeting glimpse of its gorgeous rooms. It's the epitome of elegant small room living.




We have something far more rustic, but lately even have a small table for tea in front of the hearth. I have propped a few casual things here that I felt like looking at for a bit. 




A magazine tear sheet in an empty vintage frame instead of engraved invitations.  A sprig of this week's weeds.




My new mercury Pottery Barn candle pots for tea lights at each end. So romantic in the evening.




A fancy bottle with tattered books.










Plenty of room for tucking things in until I start all over again. . . . Or not.






















(The view out of the window to the left of the fireplace.)




We've already had some cozy rainy day fires. Poking things around on the ledge and a lot of naps is about all I've been up to lately. My cold is the flu, but not too bad I'm sure. Thanks so much for all your good wishes. They are the best remedy!

I hope you're off to a fantastic week!

Jacqueline





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Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Country Side





Fall always has me feeling on the country side of cottage. I'm trying out sage green today.




The smallest of changes can produce a big impact in plain rooms like this antique pieced quilt does. Even the pale color is a standout. Add a sage green basket, a green trimmed bowl, and you have a whole new mood. I add a few things. . . .  I take them away again. . . .  I still feel best with a quiet spareness for now.
























A weathered ironstone jug from our rambles through Utah this summer joins the collection in the cabinet.








One of my big recent inspirations is a life less ordinary by Zoe Ellison, and Alex Legendre of i gigi general store, Brighton, England.




The best gift I have given myself of late. All soft, warm, and gorgeous like an early autumn afternoon.





















I've been nursing a cold. The day has turned blustery. Mellow and jazzy Coffee House tunes are playing on my satellite radio. I think I'll take it easy for a while longer.

How's your week been going?
I hope you're finding wonderful inspirations of your own. . . .

Jacqueline





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