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

Fabulous Art Studios: BellaBeads4U

Shop: BellaBeads4U
Owner: Marilyn Pizzolon

My studio/work area is furnished in vintage pieces. I was raised by parents who lived thru WW1&2 and The Great Depression. We made due with what we had, re-purposed(long before it was the norm) what we could. Many of the pieces are family, many my husband and I purchased. Vintage/antique give off a warmth that I feel comfortable with. Many of my jewelry pieces contain vintage components. I have favorite antique fairs that I frequent, scouring for vintage pieces//components to incorporate into the jewelry I create.
As for my favorite part of my studio, the comfortable chair and vintage light. I've had the chair since childhood and the light was rescued from a potato barn and restored by my husband.
The most inspirational piece is the Oak armoire which holds my finished pieces. It is solid and built to last generations. I like to create well made pieces that will last more than one season. Being from the frugal family, we utilized personal items that were seasonless. I like to think my pieces are that, with a few exceptions of whimsy.

My color inspiration comes mostly from nature.
I look through botanical books that my Mother had to see what colors go well together and like to walk thru the nearby woods/park as well. Earth tones seem to be my favorite.
As for my favorite tool, well my Ott light of course. Reduces eye strain and provides a natural light that doesn't skew colors. My newest and next favorite tool is a stand with magnifier and clip arms which makes soldering silver so much easier!
My all time favorite magazine for this craft is Bead Style and their specialty books/magazines. My "6th sense" somehow guides me to put a look together with just the right materials. It's like being a good cook and spotting a recipe knowing the ingredients together will taste good.
As for my future plans, enhancing my wire wrapping skills and learn to fuse glass and create my own beads/pendants. Retirement is on the horizon and I won't have any lack of things to do or create. Staying active, physically and mentally and challanging oneself on a daily basis is the key to health and a fruitfull existence.

You can find BellaBeads4U on:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellaBeads4U

{Images from BellaBeads4U}

Chic Parisian Apartment Decor

I hope you like this Paris- inspired items!

Vintage gilt ROUGH LUXE sofa -Etsy

Chandelier fixture Fantasia in clear by Alabelys

Royalty Chair

French Market Royal Crown Black and White Rhinestone Satin Bow Canvas Home Decor

Stunning large vanity tray with mirror - with ornate brass lace style edge http://www.etsy.com/listing/49346484/stunning-large-vanity-tray-with-mirror?ref=tre-4c53a25cd36a8eef3493526f-10

Pillow 18 by 18 Inch Paris Document
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51842000/pillow-18-by-18-inch-paris-document?ref=tre-4c53a25cd36a8eef3493526f-9

Beautiful Hand Gilded Roccoco Side Table
http://www.etsy.com/listing/52195387/beautiful-hand-gilded-roccoco-side-table?ref=tre-4c53a25cd36a8eef3493526f-12

To view all the items, please check the treasury:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c53a25cd36a8eef3493526f/glamorous-parisian-apartment-decor?index=0

****New Listing***

"Red Poppy Field" Hand Painted Jewelry Box

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48475149/red-poppy-field-hand-painted-jewelry-box?ref=v1_other_2