Mid-Century Cane Back Chair

The other day, on a whim, I stopped in my local Goodwill. I have an exciting decorating project coming up, so I've had this urge to thrift during my free time. The trick to thrifting is frequency. It's always hit or miss, but when you do it frequent enough, you gain a keen eye and increase your chances of stumbling upon gold. And sometimes, all you do it walk in and walk right out, so it really isn't too much of a time suck. But when you walk in and its a good day, oh man. Its so worth it. This on a whim day, it was a gold diggers paradise. I was only in the store for five minutes, and left with six items.  Quality vintage items. When I thrift, I always head to the furniture section first, and then scan the art next. If those two areas don't steal my attention, I might wander down the aisles, but usually its the bigger items, the ones that can be repurposed or a diamond in the rough, for a dirt cheap price: that's what I'm looking for. Finding furniture and art for a steal are my favorite items to find. And this on a whim stop, the first thing I laid eyes on was this mid-century cane back chair.

After cleaning off the dirt, its basically in perfect condition. The curve of the back! The details on the legs! When I first stumbled upon the chair I wanted to rip off the cushion and replace it. But now after taking it out of the thrift store environment--the chair shines in a different light. The cushion is a velvety soft pink, and really isn't that bad even if I decided to wait on redoing the chair. I've never reupholstered before, believe it or not. The cushion on this chair looks simple enough to remove and redo, so I am thinking it may be the perfect first reupholster job that I do. Originally I planned to paint the wood white, but after cleaning it up, I really like the natural wood. Its nearly perfect with no scratches, and the cane back has no snags or holes or anything. Seriously, thrifted gold. I spent $18 on this bad-jackson, and found the same chair on eBay and others like it for $150 and then some. Mid century finds are hard to come by because of how popular they've become in that modern vintage design thats flooding Pinterest right now. So, yes, I feel like a lucky thrifter!

Vintage Maps, Spelling Cards, Keys and a Target

Ever since building the sawhorse desk, and making a little creative space to work from, I've been gathering prints of maps to eventually hang a gallery wall right above the desk. 

So far, the prints I've been collecting up are mostly of maps. Maps of places we've lived, places that are our roots, and places that are our favorite to travel. I just love the idea of having a gallery wall that isn't just pretty prints inspiring me, but also a collection of places that have meaning in our lives.

When I ventured off to the Brooklyn Flea a few weeks ago, there was this vendor selling old maps salvaged from vintage school materials. She had this amazing selection of really old curriculum materials, like spelling cards and alphabet posters, too. I asked here how she got all of her prints, and she said that when schools are getting rid of old curriculum (we're taking materials from the 1950s and older), they call her. How neat, right?! I could only take with me what I could carry back on the subway, and I had no cash on me at the time, so I had to spend $20 in order to use my card. Lucky me, I bought $20 worth of vintage prints (seriously, a steal!?). The Poland map ties in my ancestry, and the South America print reflects my love seemed fitting since I studied Spanish all through college, and for a bit of nostalgia for our Peru and Argentina trip two years ago. You guys, it was so hard to only pick a few from her collection. I wanted so many prints!!!

I helped myself to her spelling cards too, and have plans to frame these "his" and "her" vintage word cards. Wouldn't it be neat to hang them on either side of our bed right above our nightstands?

The favorite find though, by far, was this old Winchester target. Its a clever nod towards vintage typography and design, yet a play on a very popular hobby in my household. I just love it. Matt was happy about this one, and I can't wait to hang it in his office or man cave one day, along with some photographs from our day out shooting clays and playing with the horses in Kansas.

Of course, to signify our whirlwind trip to NY, I bought this print by Rifle Paper Co. at the Chelsea Market. 

And the non paper find on my trip to the flea, these keys. I plan to hang them up too, but right now their functioning as a wonderful paperweight. I like to imagine what large doors they opened at one point in time, and what was hidden behind them. Oh my goodness, I just love finding treasures, don't you?!

Projects seen in desk view photograph:

Wire Chairs

Sawhorse Desk

Denver Map

La Catrina Framed Art

Printsagram Prints

Something To Write Home About: The Brooklyn Flea

Ever since I started reading Jenny's blog, Little Green Notebook, years ago, I've been slightly enamored by her trips to flea markets, antique shops, and other vintage vendors while she lived in New York- mainly while in Brooklyn. I've always told myself that one day, one day, if I found myself in Brooklyn, I would go to the flea. That I just had too. Coney Island and the Brooklyn Flea. Priorities. And finally, that day came--today! 

I am definitely starting a bit backwards, in more mays than one, with documenting this trip. First, today is day three and half, and my trip to the Brooklyn Flea comes after a long list of other really incredible things we've done while here. Second, I have been taking photographs this entire time with my cannon, but opted out of carrying the precious cargo to Brooklyn this morning because I wasn't really sure where I would end up or what I would end up doing. Thankfully, I did end up where I planned, and saw way more than I could have imagined. And I tried on lots of vintage clothing out in the open, which was way easier without straps and things hanging from me like a coat rack. Nevertheless, the flea was amazing, so much so, that I am sharing this intentionally first before any other NYC documenting, because I just loved it that much.

Before I even get to the flea, I have to tell you about these antique shops that have been popping up and pulling me in like a refrigerator magnet. They are full of beautifully salvaged items. A beautiful rust and reeling paint sort of beautiful. If you don't like shopping second hand, these shops might just convince you otherwise. The little shops in Williamsburg off the Bedford subway stop are too cute, they make you want to find your grandma and say, "Look, look, all of these things make me think of you, and your house, and that smell in your closet!." I didn't buy anything in these shops, because I wanted to keep my hands and option open for what was to come at the flea market. But one thing is for sure, if I I lived near these stores, I would be lost in here for hours, and my apartment would be full of vintage dishes, old clocks, and repurposed window panes. And a closet that may or may not smell like my grandmas.

Onto the flea: In the winter time, the flea is indoors in this big ware-house like building. Its right town the street from the antique shop above, and along the way there are tons of little restaurants and stores. And it was such a quick subway trip to get to from mid-town. It seems like a super fun part of Brooklyn. But you know, I was on a mission to get to the flea--so other than my one little detour, the flea is where I spent most of my afternoon.

I was as happy as could be by just being at the flea and then I came across this clothing vendor who not only had amazingly priced vintage pieces, but she herself was sincerely down to earth and so lovely to talk to. And then I found this shift coat on one of her racks. She told me I was the first girl to actually fit the shoulder width of the coat. Which is usually where I run a bit snug. I had been looking for an ivory or tan coat for years and to stumble across one so uniquely vintage that actually fit? I was sold. 

Then came the mecca of rugs. If only I had the room to take the pink, yellow, and orange rug over 100 years old from Turkey (below) back to Denver in my carry-on. This would pretty much be a dream to have in our house. Gosh darn the rugs, they are so so so beautiful.

Ridiculously gorgeous. Right?

I came home with more than a just a coat. Some rusty finds and vintage school prints that I'm really excited about made it back on the Manhattan bound subway as well. I'm pretty much still giddy from the fact that I finally went to Brooklyn for the flea. It was this long awaited adventure I had always dreamed about. And you know what? It was so much better even than I could have thought. Plus, I conquered the subway and walking there all on my own, a feat and adventure in itself. That's something to write home about.

Teacups Teacups!

You are probably wondering why on earth anyone would need these many teacups--really, ever! I promise I am not a hoarder. And as much as I would love to host a tea party for the masses, that is not the why behind the large quantity of glass teacup purchasing either. These delicate little cups will actually become part of wedding decor in less than a week! My sister in law is doing most everything handmade, and repurposed, hence the basket and box loads of teacups.

Vintage Glass Containers

That little vintage shop with the yellow chair? It had these beauties too. All of these old glass jars reminded me again how much I love vintage. Not that I forgot about my love for vintage, but it is very easy to get caught up in the now, and the new, when it comes to design. Threshold at Target, West Elm, Ikea and other newer stores get me going on a modern kick, but still my roots and what I come back to is the old and the rusty. There is so much potential (Not to mention the story that often comes with it. Remember the story of how these vintage chairs came to Denver? And what if doors could tell about the secrets kept within behind their closed guard?) What about you, are you vintage or modern when it comes to design?

Yellow Chair and Old Ammunition Box

Is this chair, ammunition box, flower vignette just wonderful? We were wandering through Breckenridge two weekends ago and I came upon this in front of a very darling vintage shop that upcycles so many amazing finds, straight from farm country. This little set up is a mix between what I love and what fits Matt's style too. Me: bright yellow and vintage. Matt: old ammo box. I need to go back. I have decided that I need to set aside an entire weekend for antique shopping through all the little Colorado mountain towns. I've already marked a few I've stumbled upon in Idaho Springs and along the way to Boulder. I'm thinking it will be perfect on a scorching hot day in Denver--to get away and up into the cooler mountain air while looking for old treasures. Who's with me?

Little Glimpse

Sometimes, photos speak louder than words. I've gathered a handful of photographs from the past week that speak something different than I could write. Sometimes, it feels better to just sit and look, words a few. To me, these glimpses into our little life this past week feel effervescent and cheery.

Rust-Oleum & Our Vintage Wire Chairs

About an hour after I posted about the wire chairs I found on Craigslist, that were only 7 miles from my house, I decided to call the guy and inquire about them. Story is, he got these chairs from a train engineer who found them on the side of the tracks back in the 70's. They are straight out of the 1950s, and painted a retro pink and black (reminding me very much of a poodle skirt). He's had them in his house for years, and now his wife gave the chairs the boot. Lucky me!

Although out of my price range at first glance, two of my friends continued to send me links to chairs, just like the ones I posted, that were $150-$400 PER CHAIR. Like, really? That much for a chair? Wire on chairs on Etsy are pretty ridiculous also. So, with all that in mind, I got in my car and drove to north west Denver to a little antique shop where I had to see the chairs for myself. Although $349 seemed to pricey at first, I figured maybe I could bargain him down a bit. And BAM, I did! The chairs even have their original hardware. I absolutely love love love them! And I think if ever we got tired of them as kitchen table chairs, they will make an absolute wonderful patio addition (i.e., that reclaimed wooden table with these beauties. Why, yes.)

Wire Chairs

Everything about this table setting pulls me in. The reclaimed wood. The crisp white rectangle dinnerware. The subtle green succulents. But most of all, the wire chairs. When we went on a walk last weekend, I could not help but swoon over a backyard we passed by. Among the spring blooms, wire chairs and a vintage patio set brought a sense of invitation and vintage nostalgia to the yard. Although I do not have a yard of my own, I think a set would gladly be welcomed at a dining room table. I have been checking in with my pal Craiglist to see if any wire chairs pop up. Don't you just love the juxtaposition of a wire chair with soft pillows and a throw in a bedroom space even!? Last night, I discovered these on the interwebs, just a few miles away from my house and ready for purchase...

Pearls Poppies PICKERS.

Traveling the backroads of America looking for rusty gold is quite possibly one of my dream jobs. I love the show American Pickers with Mike and Frank, and getting to pick myself when the opportunity comes along is something I never pass up. It happens very few and far between seeing as though I've typically lived in a big city, or near a big city, with slim to none in the "backroads of America" category. And typically the times I happen upon a junk yard of treasure, it is very unplanned. Hence, this Saturday. I tagged along with the men {Matt and our neighbor} for a bit of offroading and to scout out some great camping spots. After a day of bumpy roads, driving through rivers, and Yankee Doodle Lake, we stopped for some food which was right next to a plethora of rusty gold in this little indoor/outdoor shop. I did not buy a single thing, but I LOVED and savored the experience of rummaging through this mercantile junk yard antique shop. And I will definitely go back to this spot. I thought you might enjoy perusing and picking too ("window picking" we'll call it), and gathering up a few tips for braving the rusty venture of a bargain hunting pick...

Wouldn't this chair be great on a big porch or deck, painted navy with mustard yellow striped cushions? It was only $15, which I would have been all over if I had the place or space for it! And note the orange chair in the left photo. It was so darling as well!

Here are a fewTips that I have picked up from Mike and Frank, the American Pickers themselves, which I love to lean on at all picks/ garage sales/ bargain hunts {You don't just have to be on the backroads to do this! Try it out at your next neighborhood garage sale!}: 

• Break the ice with the vender/junk owner by paying the suggested price for the first item. Get the ball rolling and prove that you are serious about buying and know a gem when you see one!
• Save negotiating for the item that is just so-so. If you find an item that is a decent price, and you just love it, buckle down and pay the marked price.
• Bundle items. Find two or three items that you want and offer a single price for the group. When you bundle you often end up paying a lot less and the seller typically loves this because you are buying more of their treasures!

• Look high, look low. Sometimes you won't even realize it until you look up that chairs, photographs, frames, baskets, and light fixtures are right above your head when on a pick. And don't be afraid to look under chairs and in trunks and boxes. Often, antiques and junk are being literally stacked up as the collector or seller is getting more and more in their space, so things are everywhere!

• Venture outside and don't be overwhelmed by junk. Often, there is something so wonderful hidden in there that is hard to see from just scanning the outdoor area. Things kept outside get rusty and peely from weather, but be optimistic about a fresh coat of paint or some tuning up! These are the deals that are the best finds, because outside junk is big, bulky, and often overlooked by the average passer by. 

• Have a pickin' buddy. There's nothing better than having a partner in crime to sift through junk with. A second set of eyes can find things you might pass up, offer good advice, and help you break the ice, bundle, and negotiate. The roads traveled can be long and windy, and having a friend there along with the stories to tell is vital. What would picking be without this essential piece?

Do you have any pickin' adventures to share? Any tips you've learned to rely on? 

Color Translation: A Cozy Space.

Color Translation. Pinks, Print, and Cheery Cozy:

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This week I have spent more hours in my covers and sheets, sprawled out on the couch, and buried in pillows and kleenex than I have in ten years. You can read more about that HERE. It is only suiting that my wanderings on Pinterest lately have been heavily weighted in browsing photographs of cozy spaces. In my last post on color translation HERE, I mentioned that I often find myself translating home decor items, photographs, and well loved outfits into home design color palettes and aesthetic. Although the feel of Pink, Pattern and Cheery is far from Brown, Plaid, and Equestrian {and visa versa}, both design aesthetics in this collection derive from the utmost in comfy, cozy, curl up with a good book, take a cat nap, and rest your soul necessities. These beautiful spaces could have also been inspired & translated from these vintage {meets modern} home decor and style items. One thing is for certain,  with a cup of tea and book in hand, all of these rooms fit well with the wise words of C.S. Lewis "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me."

Color Translation. Brown, Plaid, and Equestrian Cozy:

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{All Home Design Photographs can be referenced HERE, unless otherwise noted}