Friday, August 28, 2009

Federalist Details


I'm just a girl from Southern California. I grew up admiring mid-century ranchers, Spanish-style haciendas, and craftsman bungalows. All beautiful and architecturally significant, yes. But, the oldest building in our area was from the 1930s... So now, having moved to historic Pennsylvania, I sort of feel like a wide-eyed kid (and don't even get me started on the winters).


So, Philadelphia really was the center of the Revolutionary movement, right? We all sort of know this. Symbols of the Federalist Era include eagles and snakes, dentil moulding and pediments... custom built-ins, brass fittings and hardware. I like it all. So, I must be adjusting well.


Vintage iron eagle available in the shop... it's 23" wide and totally awesome in person.






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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Take the Stairs









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Orange Door


From Coastal Living Magazine.

I am not ready for summer to end.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Loving LOVIG


So, I see that the Mid-Century Modernist is also a fan. Too bad I cannot participate in this auction! Bidding is up to $1,025.00 and the reserve has not been met. I just don't have a few grand laying around.


Lucky Person-who-can-afford-this stunning Peter Lovig Nielsen desk.

Here it is in one of my favorite tear sheets:


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Kilim in the Kitchen


Kilim's are flat woven rugs, generally used as prayer rugs. The word "kilim" is Turkish, but originates from the Persian "gelim" which according to wikipedia, is most likely of a Mongolian origin. So, basically, the kilim gets around... from Eastern Europe on throughout Asia.


The funny thing about kilims is that due to their design, they technically aren't meant to last forever and ever; they break down faster than their more durable cut pile cousins. But, even still, these are pretty tough rugs. In a kilim, the warp (vertical threads) is nearly invisible, while the weft (horizontal threads) does all the work. Threads in the weft are brightly colored and are woven into beautiful geometric patterns. The threads from the warp are visible only at the ends, tying off into a fringe.


So, I am a big fan of vintage woven kilims. I mean, they never get old, they never go out of style. They look awesome in a kitchen. Effortless, really. As if you were like, "Hmmm, in this kitchen I will just throw down this old comfortable woven rug. This will keep my feet warm from that cold floor. My family inherited it from my world traveler uncle who brought it back from Turkey. Yes, it's one of a kind. It doesn't have to match anything, I'm just going to use it here." It's a good thing.


One more thing: because kilims are a flat weave (rather than a cut pile), crumbs can be easy removed by shaking it out, or vacuuming. So, a flat weave is a good thing in a kitchen. I mean, with a cut pile, where do all the crumbs go? They just drop between the fibers and... DISAPPEAR. Scary thought, isn't it?





I know we are talking about kitchens here, but kilims aren't a bad look for a bathroom either...




There are some great kilims on ebay right now. Happy shopping!

OH! And, inspiration for this post came from two favs of mine: Jennifer (The Newlywed Diaries) and Jenny (The Little Green Notebook).
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Shopping at Urban!

Some cute new finds at Urban Outfitters!

"Love" pillow


Stockholm stacked bookshelf


teeny tiny "owl" door knocker


mosaic embroidered pillow


midcentury inspired side table


And, do you remember my post on the Etsy shop, Cardboard Safari? Well, look at this! Cardboard Safari is available at Urban Outfitters!


And, they aren't the only lucky Etsy shop to hit it big. Ashley G and Drew have a piece available at Urban. And so does Berkley Illustration (their Urban print HERE), and Geninne's Art Store (her Urban pieces HERE and HERE).

Congratulations to these talented Etsy artists!

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