Improving for a Bountiful Journey in 2014

Happy New Year!

this beautiful rose bloomed on the patio during December

I am beginning 2014 in a way I have never started off any other year before. Instead of making resolutions that will surely fail, I committed to a lifestyle that will increase awareness for better health, minimal waste, simplicity, and harmony within and began making optimal changes after my last post in November. For the month of December I chose to take a break from blogging and focused on clearing clutter and ridding myself of excessive habits that never served a positive purpose. I decided that 2013 marked the end of superficial living and waste for me. It marked the end of posturing and pretending to be unaware of the chaos and havoc we create as consumers. Going forward, I refuse to bring anything into my life that is not contributing to enhancing the well-being of people, the earth, or animals on this planet. I realize this goal will be challenging, but it will be achieved. To be able to start a new year activating a positive plan is a blessing, just as it is when we start each new day. We have that moment to be grateful for the opportunity to improve. Whatever your plans are for the next year...


I toast 2014 to a bountiful journey and Happy New Year to you!

Claiming a Kittinger

My new-found love for an American-made icon


Most of you already know that I have be searching for a new sofa. I have looked at dozens, from the low-end to the high-end and after seeing some brands in person that were suppose to satisfy those of us with keen taste, I even considered having one custom made. But my Eco side couldn't bare with the thought of buying brand new since many fine furniture pieces are in need of recycling. Plus, I knew that my budget could not afford me the quality made sofa of my dreams...brand new that is. 

I'll admit to being a big fine furniture snob (when it comes to sofas) but I want the very best for a bargain price, within my means. Because of my finickiness taste and budget, I have become an even bigger recycling snob and a lover of vintage items and DIY projects. There is so much to be gained by investing in well made used furniture from the past. I do admire French and European antiques and adore Belgian style used in today's interiors, but for me nothing feels satisfying in comparison to owning a good old fashion superior American-made piece of fine furniture. 

I became determined to find an American heirloom quality sofa somewhere! 

I began my usual scouting online through numerous listings on eBay and Etsy. I even daily checked Craigslist for possibility listings all over Texas. For months, every weekend I went shopping at local thrift spots, but wasn't finding what is in reality fine furniture, much less heirloom quality. What I did find was mid-lower range and common big store brand stuff that was uncomfortable and would test my and an upholsterers nerves to redo into a sofa that I could tolerate.  


Fast forward to two Sunday's ago...

I finally struck gold as I walked into a consignment store and was greeted in the entry by a pair of matching traditional style sofas sporting a classic English arm. Both sat upholstered in a spice red silk mohair with down seat and back cushions. Products of the 1980s and in mint condition, they both looked as if they may have been sat in less than a dozen times. The color (not on my list of "must haves") was in such an exquisite fabric that it made me jump for joy. My instinct knew they were a treasure find as I visualized one reupholstered, but I wondered who were they made by?

So I looked under the center cushion and saw this tag...
 

 

I thought WOW! 

Unbelievable! 

The Kittinger Furniture Company is an American fine furniture icon and has built furniture for the White House and many other offices in this nations Capital and other high American offices and homes for many years. Their furniture is built to last and be passed down through generations.

I stood there worried about how much they were asking for them. The tag said 795.00, which was still a steal of a price for a 10,000 dollar (today's price range) sofa of its kind, but for my mindset it wasn't the bargain I desired. It was still too much. My heart sank thinking of the money I would be spending having it reupholstered, or getting a slipcover made on top of that price. Then a sales guy told me they had been in the store for over 30 days so I would get a 45% discount. I couldn't believe a month had passed since I browsed thru this store, but it isn't part of my normal browsing route either. Actually, I had forgot all about Design It With Consignment and was only in there because of whim. 

After almost straining my back by trying to lift one side (heavy and solid) and sitting on one sofa and then the other, bouncing, I fluffed the cushions and sat again. Then inspected both sofas fiercely, searching for ANY microscopic flaw I could find, but found none. I wanted to buy one so badly but was terrified over all of that 1980s spice RED mohair coming to my home. It is bad enough having red striped linen slipcovers on two wing chairs, but that is TEMPORARY. I thought of movies from the 80s like Scarface. I kept visualizing these sofas as part of Tony Montana's decadent and gaudy decor in his new palace home. I put the one pictured above on hold and went home to think about it. Why? Yeesh, I don't know. Besides being superbly made… 

They were in MINT condition!

They were VERY comfortable!

 They were AFFORDABLE!

They were the RIGHT size!

The 90 inches long by 37 inches deep size fits inside the blue taped "sofa crime scene investigation area" of our living room. They were vintage and made like the sofa of my dreams with my reality price. What more could I want? Not a thing! I can visualize what the sofa will look like AFTER its makeover, so the next day I bought one. 

 This tag was attached while in the store. I ripped it off for a souvenir as soon as the sofa delivery guys left my home.

She sat like this in the living room for only two days...

...before I decided to take the skirt off because the plan is to give it a make over.

 

I'd rather show the legs, which are built into the frame...4 with brass casters in the front and 4 without casters in the back
 

I told myself...don't stop there...and cut off the back and seat cushion covers. As soon as I did they all fluffed up wonderfully and look larger and fuller than when the sofa sat in the store. For a sofa that was supposedly made in the 1980s it is so awesomely CLEAN!
 

Who ever owned those two sofas barely used them. Of course after eyeballing the body for over a week I am debating whether to just reupholster instead of slipcovering. Or, should I do both? It is 8-way hand tied and the body is in such great condition that I wouldn't dare think of taking it apart and rebuilding it with polyester fill...the HORROR!

So for now I have thrown a king size coverlet over it, until I can make up my mind on the fabric for reupholstering. I do have samples of a 28 oz natural Belgian linen which would be perfect BUT the holidays are near and I am postponing all projects. We can curl up on the coverlet for a few months until the spring. 

This Kittinger sofa is my most comfortable and favorite find of all and I am blessed to now own an American-made piece of fine furniture.

Till next time

~

When I find...I count my blessings!


Linking to...

Furniture Feature Friday

Wow Us Wednesdays

 Treasure Hunt Thursday

Feathered Nest Friday

Dear... Demijohn

a letter to express my admiration

(photo by Négrel Antiques)

My dearest Demijohn,

How do I admire thee? Let me count the ways...

1. your wicker is in excellent condition and strong for its age
2. the color of your wicker is rich and vibrant
3. you still have your original wicker top
4. inside your fabulous wicker casing is a French glass wine bottle
5. that glass bottle still has its original stopper
6. you are the envy of all the antique French Demijohns I've ever met
7. after admiring you for many months...you are now MINE!

For years I searched high and low to find a handsome French demijohn like you. I must admit there is a beautiful large demijohn bottle that resides in my home, but secretly I desired one wearing its wicker cover. The first time I laid my eyes upon you was while visiting Négrel Antiques website. I knew that your previous owner Cathy Négrel specializes in selling French antiques and travels frequently "...to France in search of exceptional antique furniture and decorative accessories..."(from Négrel Antiques website) and have always admired her great taste and selection. Looking at your photo I was in awe of your good looks and could not believe you may want to pair up with me so I continued searching, but in my search NONE ever compared to you. You are magnificent and after meeting a dozen or more toad "demijacks" I realized the two of us really belong together. Going to meet you in person at Négrel's in Austin confirmed it. At one glance you took my breath away. Cheers to our new future together and may you enjoy your new home for many years. By the way, I do plan to keep in touch with Cathy to let her know how you are doing and perhaps pair up with a couple of your old friends at Négrel Antiques. I believe they will enjoy living with us too.

Yours truly,
Elena

Linking to:

Wow Us Wednesdays

Treasure Hunt Thursday

Feathered Nest Friday

Ordering A Little Marble Top Table Please!

with some fresh paint on the side

Like the convenience of ordering fast food, finding interior treasures on eBay can trigger a shopping addiction. One day you're not seeing anything that suits your taste, but on the next day...you practically need to seek counseling for being on the verge of becoming a save to your watch list addict. 

eBay offers convenience!

Whenever I come up with an idea for something to put in my home, searching on eBay is my first move. Recently I decided to seek out a little marble top table to replace the large Mexican pottery piece that sat between the two slipcovered wing chairs in the living room. I have used that pottery piece as an end table (with a 24 inch round glass top) for over 16 years. I now wanted it to just be a large piece of pottery in the area that provides shape and texture.

Its new place is the spot that was dedicated for a French biot, which I had been searching for and have found (more than once) but suffered from sticker shock and couldn't buy. Dag-gum-it! I should have bought one back in the 1990s when they were REASONABLY priced and not as idolized as they are now.

French biot's on 1stdibs

This beautiful French biot below keeps calling my name. Hmm...I wonder if M Naeve in Houston has a layaway plan?

 

 1stdibs

My old Mexican pottery looks good there, but that beautiful French biot pictured above would be fabulous and a dream come true.

Looking around the room I felt marble was needed for the area and between the two wing chairs was ideal. I wanted to stick with a round shape because the other pieces for each side of our future sofa are; an oval import cabinet and a set of 1980s Ethan Allen French Country nesting tables. I painted both last year for a new look.

Can you see that a natural (white) Belgian linen slipcovered sofa is needed in the plan? Yes, even though I put those colorful slipcovers on the two wing chairs and talked bad about using white in the living room. After deep consideration I realize it was the shades of white which my fabric samples were that was guiding me against having white slipcovers in the living room. Vision 25 oz Belgian linen in a NATURAL shade of white. 

Perfect!


 back to the subject matter of this post

Sometimes searching for a specific item can take a few hours on eBay, especially if your results list is 11 pages long and having 200 antiques and used items on each page. When it comes to furniture on eBay, I only search for items that are either vintage, antique, or USED. Experience has taught me to be patient and ONLY buy what feels right for the space. But of course I threw that wisdom out during my nightstand nightmare horror escapade that you might have read about here. For this new adventure I didn't care what color the table-base would be because I planned to order it and paint it to please my grey-beige taste. My main concern was the size and the marble being able to work with what is going on in the room, especially for the future plan. 

And...TA DAH! 

photo by eBay seller

This darling table was listed by one of my favorite eBay stores Hollywood Antiques Center in Florida. They have many wonderful vintage and used furniture pieces available and they pack items to ship extremely well. If anyone is looking for something special for their home or office and desire to buy GREEN giving older furniture a new purpose, be sure to check them out.

Patience won this time, but looking at the photo my thoughts were what in the world was whomever thinking with that blue trim? After it arrived the blue really wasn't disastrous, it just wasn't going to work in our living room. 

So...

After a quick table-base paint makeover using Amy Howard at Home One Step Paint in Luxe Grey and some aging with my own concoction and a dark wax, its just like new!

By now most of you know to ignore the temporary cement floor showing in my photos, lol. I'll enjoy this little marble top table over and over again. It now looks scrumptious! 

 Be sure to check out Hollywood Antiques Center on eBay for used furniture that has great potential.

Till next time

~

I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.

~ Emma Goldman

Linking to:

Mod Mix Monday

Make it Pretty Monday

Inspire Me Tuesday

The Scoop

Wow Us Wednesdays

Treasure Hunt Thursday

Furniture Feature Friday

Feathered Nest Friday

Decorative Pillow Lust

beautifully embellished embroidery on linen

What size do you prefer your decorative pillows? Do you like them large, between 24-30 inches at their widest, medium at 20-22 inches, or small at 16-18? Do you prefer them to be square or rectangular? Perhaps you are a lover of round. I have to give a shout out to all who have a soft spot for triangular. That's unique! When it comes to bedroom decorative pillows I am usually a large square lover, but suddenly I am liking the idea of having one large rectangular shaped couture pillow centered on a bed. 

How do you feel about embellishments? 

I have been amazed by some beautifully created pillows adorned with everything but the kitchen sink. I also enjoy simple decorative pillows made from unique textiles. Knife edge is my preferred style because it provides a cleaner, more modern look and is less likely to seem outdated so soon. Other styles that are classic use fringe, ruffles, ribbon trim, gimp, cording, etc., and though they're currently not the trend, but they can still add beauty to a rooms interiors. Creating embroidery for a pillow will never be on my DIY list, which is why I'd rather invest in a fabulous creation designed by someone else. Couture decorative pillows are a luxury and I believe there are times a person needs to purchase something truly special for their home.

Below is some couture pillow eye candy for you designed by a few luxury brands in the industry using embroidery on linen. Mind you, these are not bargain pillows. I just believe having at least one showcased in a bedroom is worth the splurge. Who knows, you may even get lucky and find one you like on clearance.

~
  
The first three are adorned by using what the designer Lili Alessandra claims is an ancient Persian embroidery style called Zardozi. The tasseled one is a small beauty (lol not rectangular) and is in this post because I believe it would be awesome filled with dried lavender. I have a small 14 inch square tapestry pillow filled with dried lavender to help me relax at night. After two years it still smells heavenly. When needed, I will unzip it and pour out the old lavender to refill it with new. 

such a lovely crown and tassels

Lili Alessandra

Lili Alessandra

these pillows have beautiful embroidery designs

 Lili Alessandra


the next group is from one of my favorite luxury brands Callisto Home.

this one reminds me of a beautifully scrolled iron gate

 Callisto Home


here is one with cheerful color in the embroidery pattern

 Callisto Home


 I like the soft and soothing color combination on this pillow

 Callisto Home


this is unique

 Callisto Home 


 a lot of designs are available in different colors

 Callisto Home

like this one

 Callisto Home


this navy on natural linen also has a mate with the embroidery going in the opposite direction and it too is made in other colors 

Callisto Home

here is some Greek key bling on linen

 Callisto Home


I have been eyeballing this next one for a while. After seeing it in person I know it is a nice size for centering on my king size bed and the embroidery is absolutely GORGEOUS on the natural linen.

 
   Callisto Home

This next group is by Ankasa, whom I was told has a store showroom in New York City that is a must see. I believe that and the next time hubby and I are in NY, a visit will be in the plans.  Thank you Loi for that tip!


you can be in style having embroidery over a block print

Ankasa

you can go for a calm color with textured stripes

 Ankasa

you can even strike gold

 Ankasa

a beautiful group of Fleur de lis'

 Ankasa

 and for the finale...another small beauty that would be awesome filled with dried lavender

 Ankasa


Be sure to checkout the websites to see even more couture pillow eye candy. Remember all it takes is investing in one of these beautifully designed pillows to place on your bed for instant gorgeousness. No pillow fights allowed. 

Till next time 

~

There are as many pillows of illusion as flakes in a snow-storm. We wake from one dream into another dream.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/pillows.html#YTbED2wj7vRKaZDx.99

 There are as many pillows of illusion as flakes in a snow-storm.
We wake from one dream into another dream. 
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson



Linking to:

Wow Us Wednesday

Treasure Hunt Thursday

Feather Nest Friday

Make it Pretty Monday

There are as many pillows of illusion as flakes in a snow-storm. We wake from one dream into another dream.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/pillows.html#YTbED2wj7vRKaZDx.99

There are as many pillows of illusion as flakes in a snow-storm. We wake from one dream into another dream.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/pillows.html#YTbED2wj7vRKaZDx.~ Ralph Waldo Emerson