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Showing posts with label craftsmanship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label craftsmanship. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

1930's Style - I Just Cant Get Enough!



I am seriously smitten with 1930's style furniture, fashion and design.  I mean seriously.  Perhaps because everything looked so luxurious and glam then.....and effort was put into even the most minute detail.


Amazing craftsmanship was the norm then too, and not just for the rich.  Though I wasn't born in that era it is definitely my favorite by far.  So what's a girl to do if she wants to find authentic 1930's pieces.....in 2011...and not have a cardiac arrest from the prices?


Well, here is what I do.  Two words, Craigslist and Ebay!  I stalk these sites like you won't believe.  Like "eye of the tiger", relentless.  After all, the very day I fail to check may be the day my dream piece is listed.  Just sayin. 

 There is no better example of this than the pictures below.  I had been looking for a real specific type of couch from the 1930's and I had searched for months and then bam!  (ha ha, yes I said bam)  It happened.  This gorgeous perfect couch that had all the elements I wanted. And trust me I am very nit picky, but that's another post entirely. 



This couch also came with a love seat. How neat is that!  

My favorite part is the tufted back and the gently sloped arms.  So classic, so 1930's lux.  Oh, and would you believe it's also extremely comfortable too? Yup, sure is. 

Another great feature of this couch is the legs.   Though you can't see it here, the legs are exactly like the modern reproduction below.  So, if I take of the skirt I will have a couch that has both modern and vintage elements. Perfect! 


Now that I have my couch, I am looking for a French Provential dresser like the one pictured here or similar.   I  am so excited to see what I will find.  Who knows....   One thing I do know for sure is, I will never, ever settle for less than what I really want.  This is a principal that I have applied to all aspects of my life,.  Be patient. Work hard. And go get it!  Period.


Cherio!







Thursday, March 10, 2011

Swoon Worthy Mosaic Tables & Mirrors



I cannot tell you how much I adore mosaics.  Now, I know some of them can look a little busy or dated but when you find a good piece, its truly a "shut the front door!" moment.  Mosaics can look modern, vintage, romantic and so much more. Its kinda like cooking.........You choose the ingredients and make it work!  It is your personal style that gives the mosaic or anything you create its very own flavor.   




What is Mosaic?

A Mosaic is an image or design, where small pieces of media such as glass, tiles, shells, and much more are placed together with space showing between them. The goal here is to make an image or design from lots of broken pieces.  Sometimes the space left is filled with grout, however, grouting is optional. In ancient Greece, nearly 4000 years ago  exquisite mosaic tiled floors, walls and ceilings were very popular.  Some of these exceptional designs still exist today. And, as expected they are much revered for their beauty and skilled craftsmanship. 




Over the years the art of using mosaic decor has evolved from floors and walls to mirrors, plates, wall hangings and even signs.  In this post I included some of the pieces that I covet love. 














Well, I certainly hope you enjoyed the eye candy.  Hopefully this post gave you a new perspective on mosaics too. 



I'll catch you later, I have a date with an old table, white paint and a box of glass tiles!



















Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Mirror Mirror On The Wall

Now I know it sounds a little shallow to say I fell "in love" with a piece of furniture but I think this is the only expression that explains how much I completely adore Venetian mirrors and furniture.  Maybe its because Venetian style was inspired by Venice, and what's not to love about Italy?  Its the birth place of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Raphael, just three little reasons why Italy is "all that" and an extra large sack of chips. Italy is the birth place of the most amazing Art ever created and is world renowned for its craftsmanship, not to mention its ability to continue creating at this standard.

The pictures shown here are just a coveted few of the the pieces I am planning to buy.  This may not be for everyone but I can truly say this is definitely a style that makes me very happy.

* Tip:  if you are afraid to go all the way with this and just want a a little of this style, just measure your dresser top (width and length) and have a piece of mirror cut for it.  You would be surprised at how this simple little thing will transform the look of your dresser. Absolutely gorgeous!

Want to see more beautiful Venetian furniture and accessories?  Check out the sites responsible for most of the images below:

www.arhzine.com
www.lecotefrancais.com
www.decorpad.com
www.shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com