Spring Break France: French Fireplaces

03.31.2010

Au revoir UK, Today BC and I take the Eurostar to Paris. So exciting! And yet, we’re already halfway through our trip. (Booooo.)

I was only mediocrely impressed with Paris upon my first visit when I was 16. Then, a few years ago, I went on a french memoir kick; Almost French, A Year in Provence, From Paris to the Moon, and the classic A Moveable Feast, all of which completely renewed my interest in the country that speaks the language that I’ve failed to learn a lick of after 4+ years of french classes.

But put me in a room with a marble french fireplace and I melt. They are so gorgeous. And equally so, the rustic stone fireplace more common in villas of Southern France. Oh, why isn’t my living room 5 times larger?

via Cote de Texas

via After the Antique

via My French Country Home

via Topsy Turvey Style

Spring Break Sweden: Mora Clock

03.30.2010

In college, I worked in a small antique shop in Blowing Rock, NC named Family Antiques. It was there that I met one of the great loves of my life: the Mora Clock.

Mora Clocks were first created in the late 1800′s in the town of Mora, Sweden. I bet they had no idea of the star quality that their weathered pastel painted, curvy bottomed clocks possessed. Owning one of these beauties is on the top of my “furniture to buy one day” wish list.

Image via Cote De Texas

Image via Oliveaux

Image via Decor De Provence

Spring Break England: Vintage Pub Signs

03.29.2010

I’ve warned BC that during our time in London, we’ll be stopping in many an English pub. British pubs have a very congenial feel to them. Conversation feels highly spirited and fun, the beer’s always cold and fresh, and there’s just something about those quirky signs beckoning in passers-by.

Ever wonder where those iconic signs came from? Back in the Middle Ages, a large portion of the population was illiterate. Therefore, pub owners illustrated the name of their pubs. There were even pubs which didn’t have a name – a name was later derived from the illustration on the pub sign. Brilliant.

Here are some examples of vintage British pub design:

Via Eron Johnson Antiques

All images via Tonkin of Nantucket Antiques unless noted otherwise.

Across the Pond

03.26.2010

Globe Centerpiece via Belle Maison

As of tonight, BC and I are on our way for a week’s vacation in London and Paris! Finally… this week was the longest ever!

You may have guessed that I’ve created a full itinerary of all the things we’ll see and do (and eat and drink) during our trip. BC’s most looking forward to the day trip to Stonehenge in England and a visit to The Catacombs in Paris. I’m totally psyched to visit the National Portrait Gallery in London and for a day trip to the Champagne region of France.

It’s going to be awesome.

But friends, I’m not leaving ya’ll completely. There will be a special “Spring Break” edition of Salvaged Grace next week, featuring some of my favorite design elements from five European countries. I thought you’d like an escape as well…

Have a fantastic week! See you soon!

Packed

03.25.2010

Well, tomorrow’s the day! Since I’m finishing up my packing this evening (note to self: don’t forget passport!), I thought it’d be appropriate to show ideas for repurposing old suitcases.

Marianne's Suitcase Table via Design Sponge

Alethea House Tour via Design Sponge

Suitcase Cat Bed by Vintage Renaissance via Etsy

DIY Cat Bed by Mrs. Limestone

Vanity Case via Apartment Therapy

Suitcase File Cabinet via Poetic Home

Subsequently, on the L platform at Union Square yesterday I saw a man playing the accordian and using the suitcase he was sitting on as a foot drum. Man! I wish I’d gotten that picture.

And what?

03.24.2010

& Made. That’s what. & Made is a London based design firm who’ve created a series of pieces made from found pieces. I am in love with that little green stool!

All images via &Made.

Fun Makes Good

03.23.2010

I mentioned a few weeks back that I’ve inherited some furniture from my friend Swirby who recently emptied out her NY storage unit. Among these items are some sad looking 70′s iron, wood and leather chairs. I have so many ideas for what I could do with them, I’m not sure where to start!

But were I a British resident, I’d be all about Eleanor Young of Fun Makes Good working with these pieces. Instead of just covering her found pieces with one fabric, she uses detailed embroidery and fragmented patterns.

The look is all fun, which is quite good.

All images via Fun Makes Good.

Couchi Couchi… oooh!

03.22.2010

Howdy! How was your weekend? The weather in Brooklyn was wicked awesome. I took a long run Saturday and went for a lazy brunch outside on Sunday – it was just lovely. I think the weather is playing tricks on us though, disguising as Spring so soon. I know how you are, Mother Nature.

Speaking of mothers, Couchi Couchi Chairs, a Buckinghamshire based company does a lovely job lending style to the type of furniture typically seen in a mother’s (or grandmother’s) traditional living room. There’s nothing better than classic style remade with funky colors and fabrics. It’s kinda like your stuffy mom becomes your more cheeky aunt!

All images via Couchi Couchi UK.

Footloose, footloose, kick off your Sunday shoes!

03.19.2010

Did I ever show you the old shoe form I picked up in Hudson, NY last fall?

Despite not exactly knowing why I wanted it… There was no way I was walking out of the store without that shoe form. I imagine it was created in the early 1900′s to fit some poor little boy’s foot. Strangely, in my head, this boy looks like Forrest Gump.

Anyway.

Apparently, the Brothers Dressler have similar feelings of warmth towards the shoe form. They created an entire line of furniture built around the idea. I enjoy the whimsy of these seemingly dancing feet and the fun application of the shoe forms. That’s entertainment!