Finding Vintage

Although, I have not found any golden colored globes in my travels while hunting for antiques and unique finds, I have found that vintage globes are very easy to find. 

They are found in different colors, between 8" and 14.5" and are one of two types. Globes depict a map of the stars or a map of the earth.  I think I've always been fascinated by maps.  It's so interesting to me to see places I've visited on a map or to see where a location is in relation to another or how an area has changed over time.  

Globes were first recorded in Nuremberg, Germany in 1492. In the 17th century it became the fashion to carry a miniature globe in one's pocket because geography was often a topic of conversation. Fast forward to the 19th century where globes became common in schools.  

Globes were made of paper-mache, a layer of plaster with 12 hand-colored printed paper strips. There would be a brass ring (the meridian ring) and the globe would be on an oak stand.  Can you imagine the level of detail?  What a piece of art.  Nowadays, globes from the 20th century are abundant.  They may not be as valuable but I still find them to be colorful and interesting accessories to decorate with and not just for a child's room.

The above picture is of a favorite globe of my own.  It's oversized, has a metal meridian ring that rotates and the blue water and yellow land colors are bright and vibrant.  A fun mix with my vintage white-washed cabinet.

 

 

I just cannot help myself. I am a "do-it-yourselfer" and I am finally coming clean.  I love DIY.

I love the satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment that I get out of painting a room or repairing a piece of furniture. The moment I hear someone say "you can't" my reaction is to say "I'll definitley do it".  The problem is that I then have a paintbrush in my hand at 11:30 at night and I'm cursing the fact that I didn't properly tape the room off and now I just want it to be done.  That's the pattern so why should it be any different when I want my tiny foyer to have wallpaper in it but I want it done immediately.

So, I decided to do it myself and because of this I wanted to pass some lessons on to other do-it-yourselfers in case they are interested in doing a wallpaper project before the holidays.

1. Measure. Really. I measure furniture and spaces all the time but I am a bit lose with those numbers . . . about 9 feet or approximately 5 x 7.  This does not make for a good wallpaper installer. Measure accurately and leave two extra inches on each side.

2. Start with the right tools and maybe double them. I had the scissors, exacto knife and squeegee-like tools but the wallpaper paste sticks. As much as I cleaned the tools off it is still a messy process (The video's make it look like the paper magically adheres). Start with an extra exacto knife on hand - I found that to be my most useful tool.

3. Don't worry about waste. I know these things are obvious but I don't like to waste and I want to move quickly.  I attempted to use some of the smaller pieces I had cut away and the wall just ended up looking messy. Use the entire sheet so that it looks smooth even if it is a small corner and you have to cut away 3/4th of the paper. Do it!

4. You actually can do it if you have the time. This is not rocket science. It's time and patience and with that anything is possible. Kids will be home soon, many other things on the list need to get done. You know the drill. I did try to rush my way through it and as it turns out I have one more piece to redo because of that but I'm super proud of myself for trying and it's a foyer not a family room.

My husband came home from a business trip and asked who I had used to wallpaper the foyer (a room very low on the its of priorities as far as projects go). The lights were dim so he couldn't see the air bubbles around the light switch, but I was more than happy to tell him that I had done it myself.

Thanks a million to Cecilia Walker of Cecilia Walker Designs for her gorgeous Calisole wallpaper that makes me so happy every time I look at it.

If you have any real life wallpapering tips to share please pass them along.  I'm sure this will not be the end of my wallpapering projects. tracy_foley@comcast.net

What a privilege it was to spend last Tuesday with Kelly Mcguill of Kelly Mcguill Home and Eric Roth Photography.  The opportunity to work with them both to style the Weston home of Kelly's client was fantastic and Kelly was so generous to have me.  Although, I love collecting and have always been passionate about finding one-of-a-kind pieces I also enjoy putting those pieces together to tell a story.  When I find a unique piece I often picture it in a setting or a vignette right away and that's when I know it's a piece I have to have.  Creating those moments and telling those stories are exciting to me.

Kelly's design aesthetic is clean, classic and uncluttered. It simply feels beautiful and relaxing to be in a room that she has designed.  From the camera's point of view, Eric really brings that to life in his photographs and his years of experience photographing interiors for publications like New England Home. Spending the day styling the photo shoot was truly inspiring. From flower market to photo shoot, the detail that goes into capturing that moment is significant. Thanks to Kelly and Eric!

 

If you haven't been this year might be your year.  I've been attending the Brimfield antique show since my early twenties and although it's changed much has stayed the same.  There are hundreds of vendors, some who specialize, some who collect and some who just love their junk.  It's overwhelming to say the least.

Some finer points if you're going to attend this years show (opens on Tuesday the 6th). You may already know but bring your cash. It's a no brainer. Checks are fine and larger vendors even use square but cash is king and it's much easier to negotiate.

Bring your tape measure but expect to find what you fall in love with not what you need.

Check the field schedule. Different fields open on different days and each field has a vibe. Some are more expensive, some feel more retail, some are better for picking and because vendors move around you want to hit them on the first day.

Collect cards. Even if you're not buying Brimfield is a great place to network or get some resources in your back pocket. If you love what Jane is selling at least grab her card and when you're ready to make a purchase in the future you know where to find her.  I've had the regret of wishing I had grabbed the card because now I do have a place for that fantastic piece of art.

There's always a deal but how hard are you willing to work. I think I've heard it every year. "There are no more deals at Brimfield." I beg to differ.  Depending on what you are looking for there is always a deal to be had.  The more authentic antiques (100 years or over) may have thinned out because styles and markets change but if you spend more than one day at Brimfield you will feel like you found a deal somewhere along the way.

There will be a lot to see but don't get overwhelmed. You can always go back later in the week.

Don't leave without apple cider donuts or fried dough.

I'd be happy to offer feedback on which fields I prefer and some vendors who are must sees. Send me an email if you're heading out to Brimfield. Enjoy the hunt!

 

Summer is one of my favorite seasons. Lot's of beach time, boating, antiquing and a few trips to Nantucket.  

The Roberts House on India Street is part of a collection of lovely Inn's with a wonderful boutique style.  On our trip over to Nantucket yesterday I stopped into the Roberts House to see their new interiors and was excited to see my wicker bike so perfectly appointed and hanging in their lobby.  I love the vision Annsley Interiors had when she decided to use this WM wicker bike for wall art. Annsley's great touches throughout the Inn are fresh and snappy. Lot's of fun to see where my pieces end up.  A quick stop into Nantucket Looms, lunch at Crew then back to Chatham. 

What a fun experience to be able to participate in the April 21st episode of Chronicle, the iconic news magazine that has been on television since 1982.  Their recent program "what's new" aired and featured a segment on the Market Stalls at the Boston Design Center.  The Market Stalls are a section of the building that hosts about 20 antique dealers and their wares.  I was lucky enough to be able to acquire a space in the building when it opened in May of 2015 and have found that it's been a wonderful resource for those shopping for one of a kind pieces for a design project or a customer who just wants to find something special for their home.  Although, most who enter the design center are designers or in the trade, the BDC is open to the public as well with 5 floors of showrooms. Growing up in New England and being a huge fan of Chronicle (especially the Main Streets and backroads of anything Vermont) it was amazing to have my business as well as the Market Stalls featured. A big thanks to Shayna Seymour and the Chronicle team! Here is the link to see a portion of the episode. http://www.wcvb.com/chronicle/chroniclewhats-new-a-little-bit-of-everything-at-the-antique-market-stalls/39163166

Beginning April 1st at the BDC a " Vintage Vignettes" exhibit will be on display through April 29th.  This event will feature display's on the second floor in the Market Stalls area that is filled with antiques and vintage pieces for sale as well as display's throughout the building in the showrooms. The displays of “modern design meets old world charm.” are an opportunity to showcase design that mixes the old with the new. along with the sample sale that is going on this weekend it is a fun time to visit the BDC. The public is welcome!

The Junior League of Boston's 2016 Decorators' Show House is once again happening!  The historic Nathaniel Allen House in West Newton is was the site of the earliest co-educational school in the country and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Owned by the Newton Cultural Alliance the property will support performances and cultural events. Designers are getting ready to transform this tired piece of history into an amazing showcase and I am thrilled to be transforming a room with Cecilia Walker of Cecilia Walker Designs.  Tickets are on sale now at www.bostonshowhouse.org for the May 7th opening day.