If you don't hear from me for a few days, understand I am probably hanging out with the likes of these:

With the flash you can see the details on this gorgeous buffet (with really cool detachable rear mirror).
Without the flash you can see the true ebony color of the wood. I am almost tmpted just to bring it in as it is!



There are 6 matching chairs that are just amazing! The set dates back to the 1800's and is definitely one of a kind.


The table goes as small as this 54inch circle, but also has 3 additional leaves with their own feet (sitting on the table).

This poor guy has seen better days, and I have already invested hours since this picture in sanding down the crackle paint treatment. It is slow going, but I can already see the potential!

The scary thing is that these are the last on my giant list of projects! Wish me luck~

Like many things in our home, we are constantly rearranging and trying new layouts as additional paintings join the collection, and I actually have one that is yet to be hung (probably above the ornate frame at middle of the top row) but I just don't like the frame color so I will be painting it soon.

It looks like I need to break out the level and get them all straight again...

But it is really surprising how affordable it can be to do a wall of original art when you dig around at antique malls and thrift stores. I admittedly splurged on 2 of the paintings ($125 and $85), but the total is still under $500.

And because I know some of you have been waiting to see the blue armoire, I don't want to keep you waiting any longer.... unfortunately this is the best shot I have because it has already gone on to a new home! I think I should try and go back and collect up all the garage shots I have of pieces that went to new homes long before I ever had the chance to photograph them.

But here are a few from the last week that were about to come inside, but found new homes as clients dropped off other items!

The blue armoire, pre-bottom knobs.

This dresser went to a teenage girl's room and the blue armoire went to her younger brother. They definitely have one cool dad in my books!

These cute side tables went together, and will soon be seen in a lovely boutique in British Columbia.

Seeing them in the "studio" definitely isn't as glamorous, so kudos to all my clients who look beyond that!!

Today was my weekly treasure hunting trip. And while I snagged a few really lovely antique dressers and nesting tables, my best finds were two new additions to my "nautical" wall going up the staircase.

The first was this oil painting I had been contemplating for about 2 weeks, but it had lacked a price tag up until today so I assumed it was priced well over $100. Turns out it was $40 so I didn't even think twice! I just love all the birds.
The second painting is this watercolor dated 1924. The dainty frame was what originally attracted me to it, but the painting itself will be a really charming addition to all the ships.

And speaking of great finds, yesterday I had an absolute blast spending the afternoon with Frugal Contessa, aka Angelica! We literally spent hours in Anthropoligie, snapping pictures for project ideas, trying on dozens of outfits and deliberating over what to purchase. My favorite purchase of the day? this cloche hat! It was on clearance for $19 (and no, it isn't bent or discolored, my mirror is just really mucked up LOL). We both decided on jackets and tops, but it was a tough call!

Have a great Monday night!