Greyhounds

A few years ago, I saw a feature on television about an agency that helped find homes for retired greyhounds. I decided then that if I ever got a dog, it would be a greyhound. Though puppies are gorgeous, I've never wanted to take on a pet that needed constant attention as well as basic house training. Retired greyhounds are not only elegant and easy going, they are generally between the ages of two and six when they're done with racing. My window washer at the shop, Mark, was recently telling me about his two greyhounds and he got me hankering for one of my own. All of a sudden, I'm noticing greyhounds everywhere -- the real variety and and a few that take inspiration from their real-life counterparts. With their natural elegance and svelte physiques, greyhounds were a popular inspiration for art deco designers. The intertwined pair above are thought to have been part of a department store display. I may have to settle for a stylish imitation until I can bring a real one into my life.

Playing card from Paper Picker.

Bronze statue from Julia Boston Antiques.

Lamp from The Antique and Artisan Center.

Urns from The McNally Company Antiques.

Dog park sign from The Antique and Artisan Center.

Images: Flea Market Style magazine, 2011 issue. Paper Picker. Julia Boston Antiques. The Antique and Artisan Center. The McNally Company Antiques. The Antique and Artisan Center.

Chandeliers

Having just purchased my first crystal chandelier for the shop, I thought I'd write a post celebrating the drama that a great light fixture accomplishes. Though my tastes are not especially girly when it comes to interiors, I have to make an exception for chandeliers. I've always wanted to makeover an otherwise understated bathroom with an elaborate glass chandelier adorned with lots of colorful baubles. A beautiful vintage chandelier can add elegance to a dining or living space. On the other hand, an up-cycled found object (such as a bowler hat, as was recently suggested to me by a customer) can inject a sense of humor into an otherwise classic room. Why else were high ceilings invented if not to suspend elaborate sculptures?

As the following pics show, Etsy is chock full of options for beautiful and whimsical lighting.

Classic Hanging Lantern from Rosebuds Home.

Hollywood Regency Faux Bamboo Chandelier from Fabulous Mess.

Pink Beaded Chandelier from Paris Couture Antiques.

Ball Mason Jar Chandelier from Boots N Gus.

Trouble Light Chandelier from Modern Upcycle.

Images: Lonny mag, Dec 2010. InsideOut mag; May/June 2010, June 2004. Thrifty Chic: Interior Style on a Shoestring by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell, photography by Simon Brown, published by CICO Books, 2009. Living etc mag; Dec 2010, Aug 2009. Rosebuds Home. Fabulous Mess. Paris Couture Antiques. Boots N Gus. Modern Upcycle.

Campaign, Plantation or Safari

This post was going to be about campaign style--so named for furniture designed to be easily transported by army officers on military campaigns. But the only photos I was finding of folding chairs, tables, and grooming stands all had a strong plantation vibe to them. So this post is a mash-up of the two styles with a bit of safari style thrown in through the tortoise shells and carved wood animals. The inspiration point is grand interiors with massive windows that are kept open from dawn until dusk (plantation) and outdoor living that doesn't skimp on the amenities (campaign/safari). I love the addition of trunks and travel baskets, as well as the tattered/unfinished linen chairs to otherwise quite upscale furnishings. Based on photos of Ernest Hemingway's homes (the last photo was taken at his Cuban hideaway), I can imagine him writing comfortably in any of these spots.

Images: Inside Out magazine, November/December 2008 issue. Maisons de Campagne magazine, September/October 2010 issue. House Beautiful magazine, May 2010 issue. Lonny magazine, October/November 2010 issue. Reuters.

World Traveler

Maybe it's because spring is nearly here, but I'm finding myself very drawn to the bright and sometimes clashing colors and prints that are associated with world market style. A basic room can be given a whole new identity when a handful of screenprinted or tie-dyed throw pillows are introduced and a beautiful textile is hung on a wall. The look can be achieved on any budget so that it works both in college dorms and in grander surroundings. The focus is on cheerful colors, an overabundance of pattern and an appreciation for handmade goods. The result is casual elegance and if a glass of wine or tea ends up on the linens, who's going to notice?

Images: Lonny magazine, Oct/Nov 2010 issue, Jan/Feb 2011 issue, April/May 2010, Dec 2009/Jan 2010 issue. British Homes & Gardens magazine, November 2010 issue. Living etc magazine, October 2010 issue. Casual Living: No-Fuss Style for a Comfortable Home by Judith Wilson, photography by Polly Wreford; published by Ryland, Peters & Small, 2010.