Final Kitchen Island Plans

Cuckoo for my clock

Hello there! I hope you’ll indulge me today while I show you something new to our home. It probably isn’t too exciting to most, but it is a piece that makes me so happy I can’t even explain it. :) It’s actually a kind of weird how it came about. Without going into too much detail, let’s just say I have very little from my childhood. I have no toys, no Christmas ornaments – only pictures (that I treasure) and a small box of papers/trinkets from my entire childhood. All of it was lost along the way, (I touched on why a bit <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/home.html" target="_blank">here</a>), so everything that I do have means the world to me. For some reason, a couple months ago, I started thinking about one item from when I was a kid in particular. It was a small cuckoo clock my parents got when I was very young – I don’t think there was a time when I didn’t remember it in our homes. I have no idea why all the sudden I couldn’t stop thinking about this clock. I hadn’t though of it in about 20 years – it was the oddest thing. I had this deep ache for it though – it was just something that reminded my of my childhood. It was quirky and fun and symbolized good memories for me. I thought about it for weeks and then dropped it. Until one day a couple weeks before Christmas when my Dad came by for a bit. We were sitting at the kitchen table and he starts telling me how he had a clock that he was going to have refurbished. My ears perked up and I asked him which one, and what do you know…he had that cuckoo clock I had been thinking about for weeks!! I thought it was long gone since the last time I’d seen it was in my Mom’s storage. All of that was lost a long time ago. Could NOT believe it. I had no idea he had “saved” it at one point years ago, and he had had it for about ten years – but it didn’t work and it was broken and dirty. Seriously, freaky. I pretty much begged him for it, and I think he was surprised at how badly I wanted it. I just couldn’t believe that the one thing I had been reminiscing about for weeks was actually still around. So for part of my Christmas Dad had it refurbished. He brought it down last week and I tell you what…I was just plain giddy: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzHQi9MvkoIT7gqTrN9YtzfX6jf8vkqQOTyL6YheiKJLuDi8L2ucaR-PXs38wzxdYkSHDkYkFIdNgTbRMJEcidq-w7TYcX-YNgMlAb8gZX795gx3kiqSjYprjogN108pe8UwVrpHY3ao/s1600-h/IMG_4631%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="switzerland cuckoo clock " border="0" height="605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UVhgIh9ju-g2_bE8iVoq3zPSIF4oKlQYkBoYR9He5yrcx4tdpYKlz2GtyEOzkR9WlYZ87EYaRfqPKEPyhPbAdkFZezTIPpJ0VgzLRYaSyPcW3AKntprvFDNQECRXmYWSQoK9Uv4TRB4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="switzerland cuckoo clock " width="360" /></a> I seriously could have cried. We hung it up and messed with it a bit (everything has to be just so for this to work properly). I love all the detail in the wood (but not too much – it’s actually simple compared to some) and it was JUST as I remembered it. The roman numeral face: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTl9wklH6nWyzFo_o18YSAavcZO197wX6-IdbhpApB_QLaD4WwUkMDLvQJI3aOjWZnTj433OqSDl1pWjLuYBWt2xwkOb8QNP2RyGqzBrpQvBCzB7ZL1GvJIB3vaIFMXNmWl4jDZcNRQNA/s1600-h/IMG_4657%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cuckoo clock" border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLHan-8huJVKaBDDrc4CjdKaSlHIOUEkp7l2R4w2orR8BfB55cVvCYJFzwoapKUCh4fvoAOhbRa4x2wsnPzqJi8VyeMeG2O5O3Eqe367iEO2qvv8ehPdvMP_34VsxIohlW7C0ne1AWU4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cuckoo clock" width="320" /></a> And that little door for the bird to come out of course. :) I anxiously waited for us to get it just right, and then Dad turned the hands of the clock to set it and that bird came out and did his “cuckoo”: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0f1CU2_IR0EMVJMLuclN7ufkBPuM-X-RdnVZAe6UBKVjsLFgVHOi4ndt7tZnlUH_hObzz2dkX8SVYz57Wm4s8iDVoD08-R0kpE-WWlAesumP6qFO6CmgijGCWlO1jv6cCHpwyjLR8RA/s1600-h/IMG_4659%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cuckoo clock" border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKBdtoISPvtxj7YYtwCVrG1Pi8gVRv41UZdIhLhk5xgSLm79-Kt06wGwEYpPw0FxU1QTsWjNOALXCekcqMChAQ2kaTB2jEBNfNsAFUXeFLyjJOF_tceu1uM0WG2vxXUxAMb8PhPhP1sI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cuckoo clock" width="320" /></a> It filled me with JOY. You know how when there’s a song from a certain time in your life, and you hear it years later and you almost feel like your in a time tunnel and you can close your eyes and there you are again? Well, when I heard that cuckoo it took me back to a very happy time in my life and it was emotional, I have to admit. I spent that whole afternoon and evening hanging around the clock, waiting for that little bird to pop out. When it did I was JUST STUPID with happiness. I would do a little dance and would yell out to my son and husband, “DID YOU HEAR IT?? ISN’T THAT AWESOME???” Of course they did…I just had to make sure. Now when the Bub hears it and I’m not there, he makes sure to tell me how many times I missed the cuckoo. I love that he’s already in love with it and it will become a memory from his childhood as well. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAGpyvxElh6VhYrJ9r9cumf46kolf8dPb6nPZXtnX-arVtPZ9TQ17bPFQRjMpm3GheG_9M0AHVvW9EIx3JHRmtRdAPXflQ46Q4RlKPcokYqsy2xXasa-zLH7q5KsBKIefrXohFwQIO9s/s1600-h/IMG_4623%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lucerne cuckoo clock" border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZn46J_IwllSCOvxNoDzrqZeBk3KNISJ5TZyA-c6bXiPHoo8DrtZbj5bPsRUEXCEJDnSxcolgg2EpTM7jv6YsbN7gwUpQW8uHv9JxbMHnahvjGt-gWWSIV73_vkcI4I25T2V2bmY0BNkY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="lucerne cuckoo clock" width="320" /></a> Dad told me that my grandparents actually bought this overseas for him and Mom, so I talked to my grandma to find out more. She said they got it in 1977 (I was two), in Lucerne Switzerland. They bought one for each of their four kids, and as far as she knows, this is the only one left. Can you believe they traveled home with four of these in their suitcases? My grandparents traveled often and to some truly amazing places, so I love that this symbolizes their adventures too. I’ve done a little bit of research on it and I believe it’s a Bucherer cuckoo clock. Like I said, it was a mess, so things like the chain and some of the woodwork were replaced and are no longer original.  But it works and I feel like a kid when I get pull down those chains with the heavy pinecones on them every day, just like I remember my parents doing 30-(something) years ago. It hangs on a skinny wall between our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/01/black-interior-doors-in-basement.html" target="_blank">black doors</a> in the basement – we have it down there so it doesn’t wake us up all night, and I just because I think it fits in perfectly: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_Eq0kfqeXS-cVwQ7VUnH3cJyVBIpNIglQpO0lcUJHXedfSkrTRq7-TASZ-UORbMwxAK7KYhpfQPD3yrwhAZeKuPOqxFSX8UzxXB3AigfIIMS4VYT7WXLtFjpbDZfzMgtKbLGpHEbfG0/s1600-h/IMG_4663%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="black interior doors" border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqfiq82ZtE63d-bnZ9po93yM3ll7Y-1m5DLEusL7OQxNwHs02SB55vUIwN5lPC4uOLgRTuqCrbZnlv5LSZDMlTRjYJEzsuiIUTHUHVE0Glx12ybSYVUb7hFLsWEWo4NX2m3qNlBH7dzk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="black interior doors" width="400" /></a> I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have this in my home – I’m so excited about it. I guess you could say I’m “cuckoo” for it. Ahhh yes…I went there. Did you have any doubt? ;) Do you have lots of things from your childhood? Is there one item in particular that you miss and wish you had? Do you have a cuckoo clock that makes you dance around when you hear it every hour? :)

Cuckoo for my clock

Hello there! I hope you’ll indulge me today while I show you something new to our home. It probably isn’t too exciting to most, but it is a ...

9:50 AM

Thrifting heaven

Hey all! Hope you had a lovely weekend! Mine was GREAT – I got in a bit of shopping which is always fun. And by a bit I mean a lot. :) My favorite spot this weekend wasn’t a store though – it was a thrift/antique mart like I’ve never seen. A friend told me about it months ago and said we should check it out. We met there Saturday morning and I didn’t have high expectations – I thought it may be fun to browse and be in and out pretty quick. Well, I was wrong. It was AMAZING. Seriously, a thrifty decorating bloggers DREAM. It’s called the <a href="http://indieartsvintage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Indie Arts Vintage Marketplace</a> (in Indy): <img alt="Indie Arts & Vintage Marketplace" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrnty1FmVyawxqKZ0cpCGTkyYxRjBbzCfCFgdgNu8xMICYZXhszarZ7kk4rYjdAv4629FlPeQ5Ivx-_GZZtamO567_RvgSz0W_jTnE0wPKQEBhH08eGOmMqA_gk0kbwdbTsTG5c1tgME/s1600/card+version+2.jpg" width="450" /> Holy cats. It was so much dang fun. It was at a local conference hall and we were there for hours…I think we finally drove away almost four hours later. We were both in heaven, it was a blast. We were GIDDY. I took some photos along the way so you can see what we were so excited about. Bear with me, they were all cell phone pics and it was crowded, so I couldn’t get great shots. The sale had a fantastic mix of shabby, industrial, traditional and antique finds – we LOVED this booth with the industrial lighted signs: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9KBrFrtrU0FeFl5RJKi5H-OKqcNCa63vjbnA-R52O0a5qkaIivzVtftbuBF6Q2R89SwYwSB9mLX0F6XIAnIkNoJwdInLrwOZjYG4RAn5EOMHubWc8K4yuD_vd4AZsBkKWeYlFl3K8yU/s1600-h/IMG_3932%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="industrial metal light up signs" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoERQKVlNk24hC8AGHGZ1MHPMpZ5zOkOPuJmht0AL92ojCGTSdkBxD8utqxz7b0AmHVygETv_690vcO3X3-AWpUCMnMiGNRGPUvyoog58ARFogK-5M35Hp7tjInsmfL36uUao6YX2n-ys/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="industrial metal light up signs" width="450" /></a> I’ve been planning on making one of these on my own (using a tutorial like <a href="http://makelyhome.com/how-to-make-a-vintage-inspired-carnival-sign/" target="_blank">Lindsay’s</a>) but I couldn’t resist these metal versions – I picked up a star with yellow lights I’ll show you soon. :) I thought this was a brilliant idea – this vendor takes old dresser drawers and turns them into rolling foot stools:  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphCtx53hwyQvyWC9NB3GjJGA3R3WZ752d5W-kPfcKUGyWcD1pBp8crnyk26lV3tY6q49KCRAUbf4HITGZ4rDvzDJc5lpD_lYvrkksarLMjBLNKsDp-HXw8aykBpFdrBvX77vGn_gsjVE/s1600-h/IMG_3936%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="drawer footstool " border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMHT7HeWoeidG7lFd2Syy34PHCfAlR7n8ozGd5igtpBAlwcfNJEoaD28FY0hZzsijgJsd6GOJyIb_p3H-nMADtrgKmBP5kAmPhrTLP1X25B360TeaNUIKWujm0GOfrMD4indBj0_YNaY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="drawer footstool " width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lJHHZYEDXHWlauB1l_WOVWYlbDtrbFzm3cogmfjEGrUfufPLZvh2kvhjcehKSBpDpkC6IdG_CLlv0SnjZ-ry9enIcdi1TmmJ6_uqpie3Xp2fDU5zcWubk1WOmT6IwgC2KodJkK98luk/s1600-h/IMG_3937%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="drawer footstool " border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRf130kZbT48xd_l6poJPTB37j813xM5TiWI0rxK0NmPGdGnxZYGfGeynjMFQ3tCaI3P0nERHATMng2dJehe4YiaLWT0iregQiLl9L57xV2SZoCdqSl90uZsK4a-vK71SdFrJFK3yWnUs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="drawer footstool " width="290" /></a> Isn’t that fun?? There was a lot of furniture – I loved that little school house bench: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT8DSnlFP3ogGTm8bDFncGR6ogQpmgY75NfCRPGBwrAHo4lMnbg49Ll5e_EApGpAj-jduytdt7TKdiyS_Go9RZDsaO0cDvvdJBIWgQQgqAgjIRDInNAdMWVl8MJrgVocbxgc5qTHdNHM/s1600-h/IMG_3946%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="school house bench" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bf7sIiDZc7mzBrub-t6eoq3FGtaVlUryZi1O8Vrm3Ide02Srreb_ckJr1RfDElNXrm8ZuN2ZYmRkQXR9DpRojVKYhnrDrMcfohUT0aZTKqjcMX-Hf_FYaXcptykpxE8Wo3-jFKZq-cQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="school house bench" width="320" /></a> I negotiated the prices down on almost everything I got, but I was surprised to see great prices on so much. (A couple booths were ridiculous, but not many.) This sofa was HUGE and beautiful and was marked at $399 (and that was early in the day): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZ7Iz4c9HMIF4QnNMKwgSqicXanmYjbg_-Ww8rP940SV0xp9UgLSNmiQcXoJcrak9KpYaHfBQbK5DdAGF0QdliFOv2uleONJMhlti03jjlkZ_Cs_xVAc0qM_Yq3hmsOA0VeYzo0MbAzU/s1600-h/IMG_3948%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="shabby vintage sofa" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cuwZxoC9hGjpqnzcYEp1zGzuDpELpzY41N1JM5EqwzqhSyq-Rf7NHz9xNXK42gX_TjZcULIBnsdSELb6LZHlQ4Gowd68qMg63HxXvEt2PgXKHkZRyIJIqcegWBQb8a3Y3Dfmyknu4O8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="shabby vintage sofa" width="320" /></a> There were a TON of painted pieces too: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrxi6Bp-_RX60uEg-0ilvbBDxcSmYBiDDUUm7bMks10TdIqk1jd2bVp4HAcU5L4IPJurCdoDFOnazjGNlW_EKrMiGlScqdlyAjJ8KjoK_x-eYZt4mcw09L5DnocKoLd2NnHNl86ld3Aw/s1600-h/IMG_3929%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9limT5XvH0s5YMo8WRHfPkxJFcVYnINWXz_BnWkYnm-kTus29rw75HDb5NSms90OljlzBjhFWols9L3Ut04Gj9RNhHLD3VeHvKRAueu7K1KL8JstxKidmwKGxIdmYY_-4PvqC-2iYXXM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="320" /></a> This black and aqua dresser had leopard print pulls – SO fun: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D0mq_AHPDFtYMCyftuYHNrnZPceQ3d2BCOdR4UHwDhwlP8gdlRDBlugPSN0U-mhrNpQd9yb8axaLXUMLOwcyT6vAgEYZ_1_1hiAYWfPnMLhDi1CUtVLxxg2qEAPr0pDUYQ3pI84a3fo/s1600-h/IMG_3994%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA60kB7l5BKQ3nZw7hQpYxXoeD2N9zkGy1_qAUN-mD9f5dVG0nNH5PhiLtbgqdIdmPGw1qydlFvv6QIoTr3uQFqLrCgmheSiMG8e7WzvuQwMyN-83F4GsxiChVMhCxTqDDAqt6uQMNdw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a> I loved this yard stick table too: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXwI047QtCjTqFRisWmlZsfTHew5nTfAXtvHnchBKD2frra9GjFQ2S0RzGJf-g87Yy-u9Sw6nAet_DO4jyL0jWtDSIQauV_lRfulgrcAAqhDxzdHV3upiDATPsuwiFf_UCPC5I0sTyrI/s1600-h/IMG_3944%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="yard stick table " border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrOgiysux39ql8wXEPrSX_eDDGI-V2Rxj4AY5dNyYRebhHAH-osRTHlQIghw6VwHhtVrSaOHwzhEt5-yJI1hnVqt2rmRH7YR6r2z7hIO6atcEAeL9Y5FTrRcq7BjocutQE6W-JlMxt5I/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="yard stick table " width="320" /></a> It reminded me of my friend awesome <a href="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2012/12/bookcase-turned-yard-stick-coffee-table-diy-wayfair-challenge/" target="_blank">Traci’s bookcase table</a>. ;) If my house was twice the size I would have left with a LOT more. (So it’s a good thing I don’t.) I loved this ottoman – for some reason I was oddly drawn to it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7-F6fPYN4HAmAlRDf4mR23sfaSa4akXqQw3vTq6g13vo63sZhqCvhs_3qTVY8WTuykuIQ-BBEUSA9c49frZ9LMPeJEqjrbhUrjswyAPHw5lRmFZUBJ19B1JfEp22EnWKV2s5luXp99Y/s1600-h/IMG_3938%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="leather ottoman" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fkxr-F7WbirnJLWJmEuzGfi5NNyTH7Li_KA47qrgc5EebCAKt4YF0b45N8w7UPCi-KRF8mgIedDvztci8g6NdsaKSwlslYrdXusofXRUpppA-TKHZa1w9daatFqGLcyaKo-XsDKGYXs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="leather ottoman" width="320" /></a> I loved that it was worn and soft – but it was a little too worn (there was a hole in the top). There were a TON of vintage letters: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4B0aRrWSl1RSI_MPVwhOMuHwD6sXuXz96lJvkTncJEGjC6YA8L0gIY1QnCkvn3k6nCCnautEnnkUpiIGKsa5wDVkUvYFf-DYBZMWGF2pAixQl_Xf6oypvIoLfyhKAj2VRD8E03FanL4/s1600-h/IMG_3941%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="vintage letters" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuYb8yzgWj9BoihrBbXfk4SjfsfHGXikPXRjWfO9GESbsh3cVVHAb_2GIf6fZ3LlP3r1-_ljsWsMEx4zVCa3IVVm-YwBCUDWpkCpkgJ4n0BMCDc-QWD7WxADZN43oAtYqTu4e2H01FeU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="vintage letters" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RRXSvpZWv-HSW8lorBFEnWx3X8tCmrarQTKn0TQVaq_EsnAs3iAZZa1sdDNugldPtYhKQc0wCWHwwnWbBmOML1Q-36mE7cjNiAaAM2uHciwA1X-TLCS-tIN4rT1ZO6g69BMFRu59lBk/s1600-h/IMG_3952%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="vintage letters" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06K8PsrQHH3iGSJzTmrUeGe2nvOFlQZ-oMI_aNa7yAZy7goXQzvrd_ONXDS1FIBemzPl-oRN514A8NgA5QQx19CWq2uetjMQPZWr4b5q4YiEedU4CkBw5j4DkGt_oVQLAiG7NAlwqggE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="vintage letters" width="290" /></a> My girlfriend and I were totally bumming that our names didn’t start with “M” – that one rocked. :) I thought this EAT sign was adorable with the way they made the “A”: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvE0JPn9Frc97HWGKR9P8mimQXSMKo8uHIlxYj1ddQ-9nvLM-1Zf1bdLdJs4R4zURmiBNE0IZ3o4IvbxIfZxeor2ojzaDWg4tqfK4niPLxvbIuqJcG3Swiwv7jbed2m6SK2ZukbFcnOds/s1600-h/IMG_3949%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="vintage letters EAT" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifowxmWPlMKd9Au4EZmzEtkc9VWSoB6AljGrTMr_oQEhEl1p_1UodxmfHdO2jll9XM-1hAfokn_vR6LtWTegXbJ1t_iX51ehYvtHts80UglzEOTs9rs3YeAGBVNvDS3l_wueVuYyUgud0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="vintage letters EAT" width="400" /></a> I thought the idea of building shelves into a big frame was genius: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbNxWBazEFU1VbbEntuTzDxJyYEaz_nu1jtvqjWODsyWBStDPFkTf5nARg0B-k58XGHVrvqZTySKYDN3m4QDOuryxmoVq2Uvuv_EWZCXgrpeXMdgHYTN3IBCIul03BpqA0vfyZhXE5Co/s1600-h/IMG_3950%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="shelves in frame" border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD33j_FjHke_Iapxudtf3OfXHyZJz9tBieQ6TD-YL337Ki0vUaQtAY8Ds_OJ_r8EeK4V1kbtT5SSawGp1qglmxyiG0t0Ay0IseMU7iJpRrMGx2LJD_d5eIS29VZxCyY6XjyJsLPHAnrU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="shelves in frame" width="320" /></a> There was a whole booth with just air plants – I have been looking for these forever! I was so stinkin’ excited: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnfOmRPrBCiNy05Q_yWAcagOMbAskT9GCLAmh1tyiGgkLTX2k7u-gQ9ppiZl0R3TcrI7llIZ2hhihSpwtfI7LLCnQZaSebqXz-N7PjApYRPDgwvqyv_v2qzJj0zhjrDPZI5-Cce3eZ4M/s1600-h/IMG_3947%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="air plants" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mzBNA3MUXg-JuSC9kqT-tz2bMTZHK6u3kLUrl4LUNMEbakCbRdgs1BtXAtoxzEbCkfsHJaO2axz3M1pP1VDCfnCJc7WoLm13yUs9WS6qnvrZA91mLlBoQ9bRr6kUb-uIM32GOPxnRtg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="air plants" width="320" /></a> I picked up a couple of them. Once I figure out where they are going I’ll share more about them. So cool! This booth had a ton of art they made with vinyl – I thought the big fork, knife and spoon were adorable and would look so cool on a big wall in a kitchen: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4M3Lod-Dw-qrja1hIEYWBPtuvGGqj9o01R8SzSbcLiRU9dgZ-I1CNt9a6lCNbWgCFCnExlUbHk_WjsmdwJ2XhnwoLGwUfAj9YOrcNPyGyazydFguwRxm7AqdMYmVohZXmW9vrSKJW60/s1600-h/IMG_3931%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cutlery art" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD0K-O2p9R4FSiey9dIyreoNWC0r9eed5FTtKey4cSMN_AR59wnW8VIjd4hfuFnCXfjurHhkYHiuLa3vD6i2wvIWfFZqZupZTvTYt9Pyr248GQfwsexwW-3_wmmfuCfy0cy5Q6k7EN9I/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cutlery art" width="320" /></a> That laundry sign was pretty cute too. ;) I think my favorite booths were the ones with an industrial vibe. I was obsessed with this big metal basket and the leather medicine balls: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPphWaYO71fTdqAaIBEXdEy1IZEAK-rFBUmDStHHEIxDXWsKxFtNze93Hb-THSIkl2mZCtb6jdNoGDLkOadaJWtfvjwu_nZPMooSIQVL2IfLZPAIbxU2xLA3YXdQk38Ao4Ptm1fYEXi8/s1600-h/IMG_3940%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="vintage medicine balls" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPEfnMfpn6NUkvbODPN9FkPh8umf9LCztgWTZPDX4teYIHvw4nVEZ8facievPlTpYDqvI6s2oBHR78XkXW3PvvWPev-vVxcooMJtHDditLnMImCaNZALQIroTHb4omewtBRiNM-L1A-w/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="vintage medicine balls" width="305" /></a>They were SO heavy! At first I thought this big chunky chain was fabric, but it was actually made of bottle caps: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJH6kiIEigCjYsZUUaRoM5lZ2UktnHMb4TbrzBfK4eZBW8LerlEE_fyAopEOIaQDuYK8EMIB7xAIK0OHb5sIeGWsBw3Y2UcNjs_vsVhJn6x7WWZqqqab1gRX6nd5093qH_h_qyH_fc15o/s1600-h/IMG_3942%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bottle cap chain" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3D4GV_qMq6RZSGHUbtyLs_lgiQ2dTw8qh0jRuAhUUUFC7uJ0tf4uWoO66pjt4Tvl9PJW8_tacaCxuTufmnGCrGNqzJ9Ih_Qo7I8fXVv-VioVv3H0c8fhLjbOIbXrNUcOL_OK__96pEE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bottle cap chain" width="320" /></a> There were a TON of awesome industrial lights and accessories: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFL50F5flvL7SwsV7SJ355xmS9uXLOhFc5jLpy_5vnhzYWMK8rEHv17iBjYJDoFy8b8WCpQ0H5oQNNk7oWPrOGzCL5ekj2GrWyoQN2cDzZPiEBgy07iN970-jiEvT7M4q_xOJ5_w8eDc/s1600-h/IMG_3943%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="industrial lighting" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExdEFIAlNYb4OYEDiH9wc-5udEKLUTL6IOQ4zJjx5fv612-MrTlAZqM4OFqy4DEWPQHhdE3oNfrVDH0UzRO7je7XAupykStrMty5p7HxlXiNloq4wv9V9eJtHjJp4jUhuQ4me61mcXJY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="industrial lighting" width="320" /></a> This big piece (part of a propeller? A vent?) was HUGE and would look so incredible on a big wall: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWKdCIDjgT3frkxhtzpW1T7yQQVg1byGqrbppCOoveAPCKhl0ARYk5822myPdXYrpGpk1jJJaj9oK9k_NmHQottbzr7C7FcH6ZfGwJOVfy9c9bh20VKifG9oSlM95MkrHxnhbFCUgBZ0/s1600-h/IMG_3953%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3953" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0FPEUu0b1WTkqPqxN7CTYBtPnUK6aEp9nIA0cgcUG_bpx3pe14F_WBMqYI468VzUb7vZHS9gDQS9ambnyJxypdVrpVaKninEUqBmdafIkTprAGFXMxIfS_94UYx4lWYGCqIuza4VGh0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3953" width="320" /></a> Or with a big round piece of glass on it, and make it into a coffee table? Ack!! So what did we get?? Way too much. ;) My friend found a $30 wooden chandelier that we were both drooling over: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncjTF8O21e2CToY0tx9KThM10t3gBV6RiDzysCVpE8IMnPiSG9valoYY0jCdHZ9Pt22PdJjBUjsYnAreiPiQODmqEdkKGE4AVsbKTC0IbavHtsGtdHJ62dGVHTqixxghlj5nvD4JX_Fk/s1600-h/IMG_3991%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wooden chandelier" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby6bFK7Dh6uTlkK8ic1mIzchCEZEzFM6zF3Kc9tKNhGt4026iBRJxlVhiaUJkqj1uksrjoIMJC3qcMEzS2M2SMS0n0eVI8FVl81WpR73cjhA7SfGsC5JRIN_5k6-W7U8Lb6sv6gf-h5o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wooden chandelier" width="319" /></a> It may need to be rewired but that shouldn’t cost too much. It was gorgeous!! She wanted a vintage sled to put by her front door and found one: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2SpuI_W373iFhL9iOL4lL24ean_WKTBu7PtjiaCgz1pzsCPCxjAq0Kaew98S-fRnMrDdH7cIciP3PaYTIBox4Hzl1TSbFAhT2J3yGe1AjYTHeOKqOaHCfxvj-JZ6Y0Ed-Yuz4TyIzPw/s1600-h/IMG_3992%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="vintage sled" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrucHZuCPxnqiEGmtXDuK62Fnb3sHVUBdkpqFYwfTg6LdLuSOerRSXeG7-UhEzUsAMfF07J0X7oi2CrGpbkq3qe9ENHImaWoMkg0SiBrNjmgcVW62i0S0FUUQEDmVvNR5vVNJ0oP-dwAk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="vintage sled" width="319" /></a> She found a few things to decorate the kid’s rooms, including this old Valvoline can and an adorable night stand: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiXSRFPcZfok3bXV0AnOn5klK6LAqZBUm5vBwT2OPlNossS5nWYQF7qM2h6emRjO7j2GA2Vt078wToi38BmorxlxzDyaBcgPb-4z33NKgcyw6bhkMO4AIj7m3F32Bno2v6U2NIPtjrS8/s1600-h/IMG_3993%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="green and blue nightstand" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Te6GADCaj6KuH3pc0aKH85-T4krTidUIGD-cdKsPafqd30Da2spk6s47_WE54tupLmodPfGs1QR5WTKnvinYmbcgnKAcCKAUXvV0_4n0W2jWBL26diJHvmrcpUCfZuxuI1q72QMKL3w/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="green and blue nightstand" width="291" /></a> I was so thrilled with each one of my purchases. My goal is always to fill our home with accessories that represent something about us  – and this fold up basket was just that: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6G41J56Nh3ZqbZ1ekDLGpCOxambRearahMmgdEketj0A0MHFOaPEKBBM0B0c0XkrbVL07XZsae4vsMaKkKl5cLg9SGi8PqqKKDm_umITLtv5-CUktLtam76Wu-RiGoXq_gP3GCnGRrk/s1600-h/IMG_4636%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fold up wire basket " border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jcRv0jJUYQQIcU-g1Kpguel84stjd_oD670Hqahxq0Oz6rkz1KG57AA62N59olzY9BjyhvX192d95cnqBbATGhCVvrP2eFVXK82rJaEvew_ax53KzEPKUWj3-l95kNgtDZC8TivAWak/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="fold up wire basket " width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOJjytyf9Pqe14RwrIpSbQ346nWxe-0HEe0yPl8FEh2PFjbBFkmyB2gNzpAJLd0NiQCW5_3OuEydTFjaVlauHO2X3I7cU8lJBuD_-k1_PFBSBJOnaVrZf83B-EK6fxBYZObZMSZcImBE/s1600-h/IMG_4640%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fold up wire basket " border="0" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLEx76OVUmTUFAxFp5UuAQUuotvA2hU1gMpdHL75smn0mVu0isYrIEAvi8TMmtasuRyXUofaz9rEeT8sRcxwTX3FPuijBkHsXXPfkHkUv65D3PReiqLUX_OH8cRmsq9-FFhJ1otc2Ub0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="fold up wire basket " width="290" /></a> It looks like a drum to me when it’s opened up, so it’s perfect in the basement! (Hubby is a band director, musician and composer, so music plays a BIG part in our life.) And yes, that’s another <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/08/pottery-barn-pillows-on-cheap.html" target="_blank">placemat pillow</a>.  :) I have never seen a rosemary topiary – have you? I loved the pretty clay pot too: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmcxVPEQb-PP_VjM0Hf9rAz7SjH8QPkhNwAg4-5bPiTWoBx1UP4wE_MTlddOp-0StaO_PiUYPswnQoUVs6Yu8RUlR78A3jrWPv_DVC4uknENFQbPnDCx31OQN8Fa4q2LADLHvQ-qynh0/s1600-h/IMG_4647%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="rosemary topiary" border="0" height="549" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_0vkcWlB_DZzL5ylofNRA8tQEDt1F3QG9zkEJAELm1yIyOLpKoKk59-NY5TPcIQ_6RScdWjofSKXF5wP3K4yL9uoz6sEu9zDvBhS22-OZLdG07O9T1KfIrxzHqxQrrisKnfB59H5D_o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="rosemary topiary" width="320" /></a> I use rosemary to cook and the smell is amazing, so I couldn’t pass this up! I think one of my very favorite finds of the day was my first purchase –- a gorgeous brass bowl for $10: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGOiptMCVN73UMx7Az1zeRUGzSIzx7KXXqNbFDrzqmUf0uKy0_4ntzFmMH-gTn0F-0U_cLr1iWM01yeGDI8qksG9rCD_55gqjr9pC-lkfoQ2jAN6g9YmXLvOXxYBHKFh8ZWcwtYCe0PY/s1600-h/IMG_4651%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue red brass bowl" border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_8QXG83PzNolf0nYV4zV__VAg5w45Fu7dXLeY9eKDZmf6jqB-orCTwq2ghWZb0qfX7w2r2-60pxyJR1eioX7QuYygSWHXiw-wQIrElv-d-fT-6q8qbdC45Ie1AfPRs1VL0LWA9yNwz0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="blue red brass bowl" width="295" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F5hvZQYAO9kSj-14oAZozRSmPpYDuE2E3Wa5Yuvf1vuEp9wwQTzHcEqWdcXIAX_SWnt2Ky7PkUTW7U3qVl8UhyyAsOcwy8PHs8-ltpzW7dFdnrpb-lKns7kDSUemXLija1eigQ_q48s/s1600-h/IMG_4650%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue red brass bowl" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigANN2EkME4zKkip8qzLl09LfSQbA0640J5ERyR1Wa9qVUFKk1JLR-nzD-mw5t6Kk5IXNJGGcqK4JsBqb5C7neBleO9zEenjA-4hNH1CnLCuP56R6jZnFRb2_oydmaO3-awB6c3jOQAkQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="blue red brass bowl" width="281" /></a> I’m a little obsessed with it. I just love the colors and the design. Stunning. I got a few more things I’ll share with you soon, as soon as I figure out what I’m doing with them! So I had no idea this Indie Arts event happens throughout the summer too – I guess nearly every month here in Indy? They have one more indoor date planned for March too! I was thinking it might be fun to get a few of local bloggers/readers together to go to that one! Anyone in? I may try to plan something, stay tuned! Thing is, now we’re in trouble because we know about this awesome mart and it happens more than once a year. Next time I will have to exercise more restraint! I love shopping places like this – you truly find one of a kind pieces that no one else will have. Do you have any local places you check out frequently? Any great finds? I’m still thinking about some of the items I passed up…

Thrifting heaven

Hey all! Hope you had a lovely weekend! Mine was GREAT – I got in a bit of shopping which is always fun. And by a bit I mean a lot. :) My ...

9:03 AM

So you want to hire a decorator

<div style="font-family: inherit;"> Many people think that working with a decorator is out of their reach financially  or that the results of the pairing would create a space that wasn't personal.  Neither of these beliefs are true if  homeowners  matche their  needs with the right decorator's skill set.    Professional decorators usually hold a set of  basic beliefs about designing spaces that support  their interactions with clients.   For example I believe:  <div style="font-family: inherit;"><ul></ul><div style="text-align: center;">everyone deserves a beautiful space ....</div><div style="text-align: center;">  <img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWXaT3BEZTAtFECCeAICSFNAqqDLxBQKh8IRDpj0jOqwgU88OoxCCXbxT9Er4T7b5ukZxujr6ZOLadcnZSAklIgny1fEEPfG55xRPHM6FWsfeDQMf-oegup0LFY3dZktNdg-6cDqvvjOc/s640/DSCN8735_01.JPG" width="640" />  Margaret Ryall   interesting and inviting interiors can exist without a high price tag;    <img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiATEVeCZ1qpqR2lj0fT41yvHMgY9q34X_xsX9fK24CJqDrGYKRfEME_IWQlG22X2XdaTZshGqJalk3LgDpZOp3XjPaGQfe-z4c-f5Sp5BHZ5EwqA0UJ_0N3yXiUv1qy7tWMD0XOVv3nPV/s640/10+great+room+Ricks66.jpg" width="640" /> Photography: Brian Ricks   a space should reflect the needs and interests of the owner; </div><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGui4wWSWvx-Aq_uMI4OIxjc4DqrwpC6COIilsvYCvFdDo9oO_i2LBtkHb0Oepo3UzhwJ6xUyf4Ztsm5nnSrqSxvvZGsM2qeei2q1DKiUKePotYehxM5gbWK5_B_6lrpovrQkPFwd2R2m/s640/DSCN652866.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Margaret Ryall  furniture arrangement makes or breaks a space; </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-y5YZ-FQjhL78-PEjI1YPRbC6UCSBCmYdxyNi8qPiTQf05nCnccYHbDRol3TykuMEml5UfteNQxe0CMMA78cTi-UwnvnDvtGd3RxeaIgHaBN60uOfTXSzQ16sSGHIfPBMRfyXnC3E73b/s640/DSCN655466.jpg" width="640" /> Margaret Ryall personal items are the best accessories;</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGO4DJEFhez7O3zCdWvgLfW4AlHoIfXUobnUSv4tgO2mAfwgAmmm6K_tXVVJdA8QONRczdZTwZqdqljWa0vdflPtS2a7vT2ypyHaDam2gWIhs8i-RA_ZFaAK3dcJLfdrW8kSEo0uAymf1-/s1600/DSCN7651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGO4DJEFhez7O3zCdWvgLfW4AlHoIfXUobnUSv4tgO2mAfwgAmmm6K_tXVVJdA8QONRczdZTwZqdqljWa0vdflPtS2a7vT2ypyHaDam2gWIhs8i-RA_ZFaAK3dcJLfdrW8kSEo0uAymf1-/s640/DSCN7651.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Margaret Ryall</div><div style="text-align: center;"> editing a space can transform it;  <img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPleZhksvUAvofZ8q6Q9qR0UBWCzpmzHDaFvGVGJLhpWnSBrqdqRg0h8nSPR06bGQXvDO8BGOh5NUwE327Zr6rCJkKMS8_xDKzhorVAL1d8v0WaML8AmTXCfZLnWLq662igug__lxbRV9Z/s640/16+Master+Ryall66.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">  Margaret Ryall   layering objects, colours and textures create interesting spaces; </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzOboS2YxwHahnpV_U_PiSiZvHgxZl98vk1YdMkXoFW6sIxSqmp1myURTiozrDPOdvoFs448vkS7mLNDnBPuWswaGRDaiVU1XprbuVEYsc91zjSkxdVml-k_ovOOMS5o_261qImwQ7UnH/s640/03+Greatroom+ricks66.jpg" width="512" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Photography:  Brian Ricks art completes an interior design;   </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbHht9eLZOmOyjOAG2VoSfuxrVhkUMiciXgqN1BPZcfB00SWx4gcsWUsEtphUQUWLK4vFzrc60MQQUJl9rGBarssKv4qvnYy1B4wJOOKAlPr2P8JTii1sC-bsNea2hYs8jL527fL-_XNz/s640/DSCN570166.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Margaret Ryall harmonizing is more interesting than over matching; </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3YBqZuhyRN1UJb-kqIlDGTmm4f1f04-1nurf25jqjPW5Z5BpNamL0EqGI2lQJesaLI6tcfjmgQ_rmIZqxrfpf7GFOQEMDcS6TJ9xPaiWvThAR7AaBMskc9tMFh5qyLUMAh2YakhwnaZy/s640/DSCN8265.JPG" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">designing a room is the same as designing a painting;  and most important of all ....  </div><div style="text-align: center;"> listening is key to designing.</div><ul></ul></div> As you can see these are broad beliefs that can be applied to most spaces. They do not dovetail into any particular look.   Everyone is different and their spaces should reflect  this individuality.   My approach:  I  compose spaces  in various ways, problem solve situations, use colour to harmonize or contrast; understand the various principles and elements of design and put them together to produce  interesting spaces.   I like to meet clients, find out about them as people, look at their spaces and what they own,  and then create a space  that is personal to them. The key to this process is listening and questioning.  Do clients  have to love what I love?  NO! Are there projects that are easy for me?  Yes!  I love mid century modern styling and like to mix it with more contemporary pieces for a  clean edged  look with lots of neutrals, texture, splashes of colour and interesting lines to create quiet spaces.  Can I create  traditional designs?  Yes!   How about eclectic?  Yes!  It's all about understanding the characteristics of these styles and working with the likes/dislikes of the homeowner.     <div style="text-align: center;">Is there a decorator in your future?  </div> </div>

So you want to hire a decorator

Many people think that working with a decorator is out of their reach financially or that the results of the pairing would create a space t...

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Thrifting heaven

So you want to hire a decorator

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