Repurposed Antique Furniture

For the past two years, I was shopping around for an mid-century buffet  that I could repurpose as a kitchen island. However, so far I was not able to find one that I really like. As an inspiration, I pinned these pictures and hopefully, soon I can start working on this creative project.

Using an antique buffet or farm table as a kitchen island, would look great in an shabby chic or French Country style kitchen. The top can be replaced with granite, marble or a butcher block countertop.
Also, after some additional changes, these pieces could be used as a bathroom vanity.

For a dining room, a Rococo Sofa could be reupholstered and used for seating.

Also, instead of purchasing an expensive bar cart, you could use a vintage buffet.

Picture Source: 1/2/3/4

Downton Abbey Wedding Theme

This year I presented a few Downton Abbey-inspired tabletop ideas and I wanted to complete this series with a wedding board. Lady Mary's bridal ensemble is very romantic and can be an inspiration for many brides that plan to have a vintage style wedding.

By the way, I can not wait for Season 4 to start!

1. Laurel Leaf Tiara Headpiece by PompAndPlumage on Etsy, $70.00

2.Vintage Diamond Edwardian Engagement Ring by ErstwhileJewelry on Etsy, $21000.00

3.Custom Wedding Table Numbers Signs

Weddings Trends: Great Gatsby Theme

The Art Deco style is very popular for weddings this year and The Great Gatsby movie, which will be released in May, made this trend even more famous.
For this Art DecoWedding inspiration board I combined antique and hand made items I found on Etsy.
Also, in order to give a modern twist to this Old Hollywood nostalgic theme, I added romantic pink cherry blossom touches.

1. The Classic Crystal and Petal Bandeau Full size by DolorisPetunia, $600.00
2. Pink Cherry Blossom Place Cards Escort Cards by AZCreativeStudio, $25.00
3. Vintage 52 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring by ErstwhileJewelry, $3600.00
4. Blossoming 8x10 Flower Photo Pink Cherry by FlandersField, $25.00
5. Sugar Doilies Sugar Lace Edible Cake by andiespecialtysweets, $90.00

For more Wedding Inspiration Boards, please follow our blog ( the "Join this site" button available on the right side).

Downton Abbey Dinner Party and Tabletop Style

Like many of you, I am a big fan show and I wanted to present a few Downton Abbey inspired table settings.

When it comes to home decor, I like the contemporary style. However, for all my tableware, I use vintage or antique high-quality pieces, that I have collected over the years. These two styles look fabulous together.  

The Downton Abbey tabletop style would work great for dinner and tea parties, small wedding receptions and even bridal showers.
Some of the must-have Downton Abbey tableware pieces are: silver or silveplated trays and serving dishes, crystal steamware and porcelain plates and tea sets.

In the following weeks I will present a few Downton Abbey wedding inspiration boards, so make sure to follow my blog if you are a fan of the show.

Board 1: Picture Source, Tea Set, Gorham Silverplated Tray.
Board 2: Picture Source, Etched Stemware 
Board: 3: Picture Source,  Butler Silveplated Tray,Sterling Silver Candle Holder

Parisian Apartment Decorating Style Paris Inspired Home Decor

The Parisian Apartment Home Decor is one of my favorites. I especially love the mix of neutrals and subtle tones of color with rich antique finishes in gold, bronze or silver. 

Some of the most fabulous Paris-inspired decor color combinations are:

•  light iceberg blue and silver 
•  lavender and silver
•  creamy off-whites and gold
•  rose petal pink and gold.

You can use this as inspiration for your wall color and decor. Also, instead of using one color you can create a more rich look by using an elegant wall paper or stencil.

Even small apartments can be fabulous as long as edit the decor. Less is more when it comes to the color palette and number of furniture pieces and accessories used in space. Preferring quality over quantity especially when it comes to furniture is always a good principle. 

 For accessories using vintage and antique pieces is the best.  For the wall decor, I prefer photography and on Etsy I found very affordable and gorgeous art prints. Another idea is this large clock replica of an early 20th century French Tower Wall Clock.

1. Paris Apartment Image

2. Moroccan Stencil Zamira  Short version  by CuttingEdgeStencil

3. Paris photography gift set  a set of 5x5 Paris by elgarboart

4. French Tower Large Wall Clock  replica by Klocktime

For more Parisian Apartment Decor Ideas, click here

Rustic Christmas Decorating Ideas

 

1. Rustic Door Doorway Colonial by ShadetreePhotography

2. St. Nicholas Square® 4-pk. Ball Ornaments from KOHLS

3. Burlap bows Farmhouse shabby chic rustic weddings by NanaMontana

4. Acorn Ornaments Tarnished Shimmer Rustic by smilemercantile

I did not start to decorate my home for the Holidays yet and since I am looking for inspiration, I have decided to start a new blog series around this theme in addition to one dedicated to the 2012 Top Gifts.

Christmas in July Etsy Sale

The Christmas in July Sale season is here and I am offering a 10% off any item in my shop. At checkout, use the CIJ10 coupon code.
Also, I have recently added  more antique and vintage serving and Paris art pieces.

Antique Sheridan Butler Serving Tray

Vintage Sea Shell Serving Tray 

LARGE CASSEROLE with LID Silver Plated

                                  Framed Paris Art Print - Cafe Des Amis by Chiu Tak Hak

                                       Amber Champagne Coupe Glasses Coupes Set

French Country Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Source: shoredreamsandbeautifulthings.blogspot.com  on Pinterest

French Country Kitchens are designed using an elegant mix of rustic, antique, floral and decorative elements.
For the wall color, the most commonly used are faux earthy finishes, mellow tones of yellow, beige or robin egg blue.

Source: amazing-walls.com.au via AZCreativeStudio on Pinterest

The kitchen cabinets can be  white or have distressed finish. Having glass door kitchen cabinets is a good idea, as you can display your china, glasses or vintage serving pieces.

While white appliances go well with the white cabinets, the stainless steel ones can add a modern note to the space.

Marble countertops can add a luxurious touch. Also, the butcher block, white laminate or quartz would look amazing.


For the kitchen island, you can use a vintage farm table as an affordable solution.

Source: countryliving.com via on Pinterest

An antique chandelier would look amazing in a french country kitchen. If you purchase a new one, you can easily give it an antique finish.


As decorations, use copper molds, vintage ceramic roosters, ironstone pitchers filled with flower bouquets and brass candle holders.

Please let me know what style did you use or plan to use for your kitchen decor?

Copper Mold - RiverTownVintage

Antique Iron and Brass Candle Holders with Black Stone Base $98  - ModRendition

First hydrangea English ironstone pitcher by abbeyroadphotography, $28.00