moodboard

Inspiration Board: Bathroom Facelift

  

1. Black Waffle Weave Shower Curtain, $24.99 2. John Derian Gypsy Tray, $66 3. Saipua Flowers 4. Small Locker Basket, $12.49 5. Ikea Lidan Basket, $9.99 6. Vintage Bottles on Martha Stewart

This is the moodboard I've put together for a bathroom facelift. That room is the bleakest thing in our apartment. Just sparse white walls, 1980's style vanity and a mottled green vinyl floor, which makes me want to cry. The only thing we have up is a clear(!) shower curtain. 

Almost everything we own is packed up and in storage, so I have to work with what I have or spend minimal money. I have several vintage locker baskets bottles that I've lugged with me from move to move, so they could be used for storage. There's an old black bench hiding at the in-laws that I think they would fit on. I also picked up a larger version of the Ikea Lidan Basket a couple of weekends ago that could be used as a mini hamper tucked in the corner.

As for the walls, I'm dying to paint them black, but since I can't I'm thinking about a black cloth shower curtain. And I can't make holes in the wall, so perhaps a vintage style tray to add some color on the sink. To finish off the room, some of my vintage bottles filled with fresh flowers or the cottons stems from my wedding.

But knowing me, my mind could change over the weekend depending on what inspiration I stumble on. I have dreams of a sexy, decadent bathroom with a chandelier and crystal decanters but for now simple and easily changed is on the menu.

In Her Home: Vintage Chrome Chippendale Chairs

I haven't posted about some of my recent home purchases, because just as soon as I buy them they have to go in storage for the future House of Dreams. The tiny cottage we have temporary shelter in doesn't have room for anything and I've given up even wanting to decorate it. Now that we know we are going to be in this city indefinitely we have being looking for a permanent base. Oh dream house, where are you? We have been searching for so long!

  

Back to purchases, I found two vintage chrome chippendale chairs at the thrift store and hauled them home in my car. I remembered seeing them in a magazine, so I started looking and there is a similar if not the same chair in the office of Nate Berkus. 

After further googling, I saw a discussion on Apartment Therapy about them. One reader commented that they could be Milo Baughman, and wouldn't that be awesome? But more likely non designer 1970's era chairs, and it looks like mine got recovered sometime in the 1980's. I know you love that fabric right?;) Obviously they won't stay that way, I'm thinking either a creamy leather or even a fluffy sheepskin fabric. Any other ideas? 

Vintage Shopping Weekend 8/17

Mr. M went with me to a vintage/antique flea market this weekend and  he was such a trooper. We had to take a nap after four hours of shopping in 90 degree heat.

We also made time to stop at our favorite Korean restaurant with some friends, do marathon laps around a thrift store, and play with the cutest 2yr old in the world. 

Here are some of the items I picked up:

(I bought the vintage silk & lace scarf above to throw over another table)

Vintage slip & tunic. Unfortunately the tunic is shredding at the sleeves, but I'm hoping to salvage it by removing them. 

Vintage silk scarves, made in Japan, to tie jauntily at the neck

 

I've obsessed with black velvet. This little vintage cape is encrusted with rhinestones & pearls.

  

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with this vintage pink slip, but I couldn't leave it behind. I'm also obsessed with scrolly designs and this has plenty. The swing coat is a 1950's velvet number with rhinestone buckles.

I have a little more to share with you tomorrow, and also a new contest!

  

In Her Home: Vintage Library Art

 

I meant to post this the other day when I was talking about Vanessa Carlton's New York apartment.  This is the vintage print I own that reminds me of her grandfather's art. 

It used to hang in the South Chicago Public Library and now it resides with me. As you can see it has some water damage, but it just goes along with the other old, crumbling things that I love.