Kitchen Inspiration

Posted on March 4, 2013 by thesavvyseeker

I want to apologize right now for not offering any of the “before” images of what our kitchen looked like when we purchased our 1960′s brick colonial from the original owners. The Mr. was literally peeling pale pink wallpaper and removing the olive green fridge and matching-non-working oven as I was directing the movers where to place things in the house from off the truck…hence the fact that there are no photos. What I can offer you is a humorous mental picture of what it looked like…

Pink and green must have been the “it” color combo of the early 60′s…because it was ALL OVER our home when we first purchased it.

There was a pink “Tiffany style” lamp with a brass/gold chain hanging in the middle of the room, that you would bump your head on if you walked underneath of it. There were “almond” colored cabinets with gold knobs. There was a white formica counter top with gold flecks in it…reminiscent of Goldschlager. The wallpaper was white and pale pink, that had a raised texture to it. The light fixture above the sink was a florescent tube. And the floors…two layers of vinyl, glued together, that have the appearance of pale yellow bricks. Oh, and did I tell you that leading into the kitchen was pink shag carpeting that covered up beautiful, flawless honey oak wooden floors? Yes, I know…I’m a lucky woman.

What I will be able to show you in the coming weeks is our “temporary before,” that we have lived with for the past few years, and a brand new “after.” In the meantime, here’s some vintage and farmhouse-style kitchen eye-candy to get us both inspired!

What do you think about Sharon Osbournes country inspired kitchen? (photo from Architectural Digest)

This photo is from Marion’s lovely updated kitchen at Miss Mustard Seed. I LOVE her chalkboard paint wall. Our kitchen is shaped almost identically to hers…

Check out her marble tile floor and chalkboard painted wall! Adorable! (Photo from Miss Mustard Seed)

I don’t know where this photo originally came from…but I have clipped this image over and over. I LOVE this kitchen…maybe because it’s a lot of different pieces coming together to create a very inviting space?

Check out the antique enamel bread box and architectural elements that were added for display.

These lights are awesome! You can own a pair just like them from Schoolhouse Electric…that offers reproduction antique lighting at affordable prices. Hmmm…I may have to find a place for one!

I totally wish we had glass front cabinets, but that ain’t happenin’ in this round of renovations!

Okay, if these floors don’t give you heart palpitations, then you best check your pulse. DROOL!! And if you look closely in the background…some of the old floors have been painted in a black and white/cream checkerboard pattern…OMG!

Yum…enough said.

I have always loved yellow in a kitchen…it just makes the room sunny and welcomes conversation. This kitchen is a great example of a restoration job.

What do you think about a vintage style fridge?

I like this updated version of country charm…butcher block counter-tops, wainscoting, open shelves and farmhouse sink.

I like open shelving…but that means you have to be super neat and tidy!

I thought this kitchen was fun and friendly. Again, I noticed their vintage style bread box on the counter and jadeite dishes on the shelves.

We have the exact same black vintage rotary phone in our kitchen!

More open shelves…discuss!

Nice white washed wooden floors…

Love the wainscoting on the ceiling…nice touch!

How do you feel about blue in a kitchen? Does it come off as cold?

What do I like about this photo? The antique sign (red) with the pale yellow walls, antique white cabinets, butcher block counter tops, bread box….do I need to continue?

More country, vintage kitchen goodness…

Okay folks…I don’t know where this image originally came from…maybe Better Homes and Gardens…but I find this kitchen to be elegant, soothing, soft and inviting. I love the sea foam green walls, the marble countertops, the farmhouse sink and that ceiling! Look at that ceiling! So cute!!

After reading this, try and guess what elements from these photos that I’ll incorporate in our little kitchen “makeover.” What do you think we’ll include? Which kitchen from this group is your favorite?

2013 Spring Antique Show Guide

Posted on February 25, 2013 by thesavvyseeker

Got cabin fever? Are you dying to bust out of your wintery abode and hit the road for some antique pickin’? Looking to plot out your travel calendar this spring for some antiquing adventures? Well, look no further…here’s a quick list of some DO NOT miss shows for the Mid Atlantic region:

I bet there are lots of great treasures waiting for you inside this building!

What: DC Big Flea Market
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 2 & 3, 2013 – Rain or Shine! 9am – 5pm
Where: Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, VA
How much: $8 admission fee – good for the entire weekend!
What’s gonna be there: 300 vendors from around the country, bringing you one of the Mid Atlantic’s largest antiques and collectibles shows.
More info: www.facebook.com/events/278137342242084/
Need more info? Watch this: www.youtube.com/watch?v=N56DBe_ZP60

If you are serious about early American furniture and decor, then this is the show for you!

What: The Philadelphia Antiques Show
When: April 13-15, 2013 – 11am – 6pm (special preview April 12th from 6pm – 9:30pm)
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
How much: $20 admission fee
What’s gonna be there: Looking for that museum quality piece of early Americana for our estate? Then this show is for you! The Show is now recognized as the finest and most prestigious Show in the United States, offering diverse furnishings and decorative arts for both the period and modern American home. Bring your check books…I have a feeling this one will be expensive!!
More info: www.thephiladelphiaantiquesshow.org
Need more info? Read this: www.philadelphiaantiquesweek.com/2012/10/15/2013-philadelphia-antiques-art-show-announced/

Joe Adams of Yesteryear Antiques at Liberty Antiques Festival (Photo: www.ourstate.com)

Joe Adams of Yesteryear Antiques at Liberty Antiques Festival (Photo: http://www.ourstate.com)

What: Liberty Antique Festival
When: Friday & Saturday, April 26 & 27, 2013 – Rain or Shine! 8am – 5pm
Where: Pike Family Farm, Liberty N.C.
How much: $7 admission fee
What’s gonna be there: 400 dealers from more than 25 states pack a 100-acre farm with 18th-20th Century antiques. No craft and no reproductions! Sounds like a good time to me!
More info: www.libertyantiquesfestival.com
Need more info? Read this: www.ourstate.com/liberty-antiques-festival

I've been to this event twice and always had a blast. Now I'm wondering why didn't purchase this awesome cola sign!!

I’ve been to this event twice and always had a blast. Now I’m wondering why I didn’t purchase this awesome cola sign!!

What: 52nd Shenandoah Antiques Expo
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 10, 11 & 12, 2013 – 10am – 5pm (Saturday – 9am – 5pm) (Sunday – closes at 4pm) Rain or Shine!
Where: Augusta Expo Center, Fishersville, VA
How much: $5 admission fee (or buy a 3-day pass on Friday for $10!)
What’s gonna be there: 300 dealers inside and outside the expo center! Dealers are set up in three exhibition halls, four large barns and tents outside. Everything from high end early American to fresh rusty pickin’s right off the truck! My advice…bring CASH, wear comfy walking shoes and bring a tote bag for your treasures. I’ve been and my experience is that the better deals are outside.
More info: http://heritagepromotions.net/events.htm
Need more info? Read this: http://thesavvyseeker.com/2012/05/21/2012-fishersville-antique-expo/

One day, I WILL get to this show!!! But how will haul all my treasures home?? (photo: Masslive.com)

What: Brimfield Spring Antique Show
When: Tuesday – Sunday, May 14-19, 2013 – Sun up to sun down! Rain or Shine!
Where: Brimfield, MA
How much: $5 admission fee (though off street parking ranges from $3 – $10)
What’s gonna be there: One of the biggest open air antique/flea shows in the United States! Yowzers!! More than 6,000 dealers and it takes place around 21 open fields! This show is held three times a year and is well known among antique lovers to be the quintessential show for anyone looking for a treasure!
More info: www.brimfieldshow.com
Need more info? Read this: www.brimfield.com OR www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/05/brimfield_antiques_show_has_a.html

This show is on my to-do list as well! I’ve heard it’s a great show with a good eclectic mix of goods for sale.

What: Clover Market
When: May 19, 2013 – 10am – 5pm – Rain or Shine! (There’s also another Clover Market on April 14th)
Where: Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA
How much: No admission fee
What’s gonna be there: The Clover Market is an open-air market in downtown Ardmore PA (just outside Philly) featuring 100+ vendors with antiques & collectibles, vintage jewelry & clothing, handmade items, original art & artisan crafts.
More info: clovermarket.blogspot.com
Need more info? Watch this: clovermarket.blogspot.com/p/pictures.html

If you go to one of these shows, let me know how it was and what treasure you scored! What show will you be going to this spring?

Auctioning Charlotte Moss Collection

Posted on February 18, 2013 by thesavvyseeker

Are you a Charlotte Moss fan? Do you repeatedly flip through her books, drooling over glossy pages of French, English and early American antiques and wishing for rooms filled with layers of rich color, texture and fabrics? If so, you’re not alone. Quench your thirst with Charlotte’s eighth book, “Charlotte Moss: A Visual Life: Scrapbooks, Collages, and Inspiration.”

We all need inspiration to feed our on-going hunger for designing or collecting…whether it’s reading magazines, blogs or creating scrapbooks. Charlotte’s latest book reveals what inspires her to create her own lines of fabric, carpet, wallpaper and china…as well as what inspires other famous women when it comes to design and style. (Great interview here from House Beautiful!)

Excerpt from Charlotte’s most recent book…

If you are a super fan of Charlotte Moss…March will be your lucky month! On March 7, 2013, Doyle Auction Company in New York will be auctioning off furniture, decorations and art from Charlotte’s personal collection. And if you are in New York on March 5, stop by Doyle’s New York headquarters for a chance to meet the master designer while she signs copies of her new book.

Here’s a smattering of what’s up for grabs:

Pair of Louis XV Style Unupholstered Walnut Bergere Frames on cabriole legs

If you like the deconstructed, Restoration Hardware look that is very popular right now, then these two chairs are for you!

French Enameled Tin Advertising Signs

Oh-la-la! I’m lovin’ these two examples of antique french enamel signs!

Victorian Shell Mounted Keepsake Box

Keep something special in this cute Victorian box. I love anything that has a folk art feel to it…

Pair of 19th Century french oak doors

The auction will feature 400 items from Charlotte’s homes in New York and Colorado, as well as from her shop.

British School, late 18th Century, portrait of a gentleman, oil on canvas

There are many works of art to select from as well, featuring paintings, sculptures and drawings…

Metal and linen lantern, with circus tent form and interior acrobats

I thought this lantern was precious! The shade is canvas and the interior features little circus acrobats when lit up!

French provincial fruitwood and lead corner dry sink, 19th Century

Don’t you love the patina on this dry sink!

To drool over the entire auction catalogue, click here. All auction images are from this post are from Doyle New York.

Interested in listening to Charlotte discuss her new book? Listen here, at the Skirted Round Table.

Q&A: Liz Ughetta of Bohland & Graham

Posted on January 28, 2013 by thesavvyseeker

Q: Tell us briefly about yourself – What are your interests or your hobbies?

A: I love the antiques business. I’ve always enjoyed antiquing – so, it only made sense to open my own shop. By the way, the name of the shop comes from my husband’s grandmother’s name & my grandmother’s name.

Where can I hang this in my house?! An amazing Ringling Brothers Circus banner, found in upstate New York.

Q: What inspired you to open an antique store in the Richmond area?

A: Richmond is such a great town. The shop was a leap of faith – and knock on wood, so far so good. It was also in my blood, my mother had an antique shop in Southampton, NY. I learned a lot from her – and she made it fun – it was addictive!

Love this tall english cupboard with pewter and stoneware display! I loved it so much, I had to purchase two of the smaller platters for my own collection!

Q: How would you describe your shop in comparison to other stores that offer antiques in the Richmond area?

A: When asked to describe what we carry at Bohland & Graham – it’s hard to come up with a simple answer that encompasses everything. I usually say it’s a mix of traditional antiques, mid-century & industrial furnishings with interesting objects interspersed throughout. There’s definitely a certain vibe to the shop. The other day one of my customers said, “I just want to hang out here.” And that’s a wonderful compliment.

You can never have too many antique dress forms!

Q: What do you see as big collecting trends for 2013? Are there some hot items that one should invest in?

A: I try not to pay attention to trends. I think it’s better to buy what you love, and what speaks to you. Timeless sounds trite, but If you buy what you love, it will always work together – my mom taught me that. A good decorator will cull items from your own collection to incorporate with new acquisitions. It’s rare to find a decorating book from ten years ago, that doesn’t look dated. Rose Tarlow’s book, The Private House originally published in 2002 is the exception to that rule. It’s an inspiration, with lots of great advice on how to make your house a home.

Beautiful antique chest with english leather books and miniature boxes.

Q: What is the most unique object that you’ve ever brought into your shop? How did you acquire it?

A: I went to a sale about 2 years ago at Abraham Lincoln’s great great nephew’s house on the Piankatank. It was fascinating & I purchased a lot of unique items at that sale as well as some very beautiful traditional pieces. I’m only sorry I didn’t buy more!

Fantastic early 19th century lantern. LOVE the red glass!

Q: If I had an antique store, it would be empty! I’d bring all the treasures home with me! Does your personal home decor style influence what you put into your shop?

A: Somewhat, however now that I have a store – I’ve neglected my house. It’s like having 2 homes less than a mile from each other. Also, whenever I find something great – I want to share it with my clients.

Liz looks for treasures for her shop everywhere, including the flea markets in Paris.

I fell in love with these heavy cast iron industrial wheels! No reproductions here!

Q: What would be your advice for those who are just starting to purchase antiques?

A: I’m repeating myself, but my advice would be buy what you love. If you don’t know anything about antiques – visit some of our wonderful resources right here – from the VMFA which has a terrific permanent collection, to the Virginia Historical Society to Agecroft Hall, as well as many other museums and historic homes in Richmond!

Keep your treasures locked away in this awesome old Richmond safe.

Q: What other services does your shop provide?

A: We try to provide outstanding customer service. We offer free local delivery, designer discounts, and gift wrapping for smaller items or wedding presents, etc. We are so lucky to have such wonderful customers, it’s only natural to want to please them.

Another great chair and antique lithograph!

For more information about this wonderful shop, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bohlandandgraham

Bohland & Graham

2605 West Cary St

Richmond, VA 23220

(804) 859-1577

Store hours: Mon. – Sat. 10am – 6pm

GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!! The winner of my first ever blog giveaway is Sam!! Congratulations Sam (I’ll be in touch via email shortly!) and thanks so much to everyone who entered the drawing!

Upcoming Events:

Winter in the Valley Antique Show

Feb. 9th, 2013

11am – 4pm

General Admission $5

Augusta Expoland

Fishersville, VA

Before & After: Bathroom Mirror (Plus Giveaway!)

Posted on January 20, 2013 by thesavvyseeker

Hey ya’ll! I know, I know…I’ve been a bad blogger! I missed a week (had some technical difficulties!) and that was pretty bad considering that I’ve been dangling a fun giveaway from my last post. Well, before I get to the giveaway, I wanted to give an update on our fun and funky retro bathroom!

I’m still on the hunt for the perfect mirror!

Remember when our bathroom went from early 60′s funk to a clean and timeless face-lift? After the big reveal, I received some comments about our antique mirror. People were NOT digging the oak framed mirror with our 20′s inspired, black and white bathroom. Needless to say, ya’ll gave me a new mission…to find the perfect mirror to compliment our new look.

At first, I started looking at places like Lowes, Home Depot and HomeGoods for a frameless mirror on a pivot, like this one:

Moen Glenshire pivot mirror from Home Depot…

Problem was, the dimensions were all wrong…and most of these mirrors are around 24″-26″ tall, which wouldn’t have worked with our light fixture. I really liked the way it looked in Dorie’s bathroom from Tuesdays with Dorie:

I love Dorie’s bathroom in her bungalow…but this mirror would have been too large for my small bathroom…oh well:(

So I was back on the hunt…but this time, for something vintage. Luckily, I didn’t have to go that far. I live about 4 miles from a cute antique shop and when I went in I found…not only ONE vintage frameless mirror from the 1920′s …but TWO! And I had a gift card:) Lucky day!

A perfect fit!! And no more oak frame…this one is frameless baby!

The smaller mirror has scalloped edges…so cute and feminine.

And to make the room complete, we hired A & J Resurfacing to give our old cast iron tub a much needed makeover! The tub wasn’t in horrible shape before, but was very dull and dingy from 40-some years of use. And we couldn’t be happier with the results! It looks like a brand new tub!

Isn’t she lovely? Now where’s my champagne and bubble bath?

Okay, so enough about the bathroom! How about entering for a fun freebie? To celebrate my one year Blog-Birthday, I’ve crafted a one of a kind wool and homespun penny-rug heart to show my love and appreciation to all of my lovely readers (this means you!). Hang it on a door knob, a windowsill or display it on your favorite antique bookcase!

All you have to do is leave a comment below and tell me what treasure you’re on the hunt for in 2013! That’s it! One lucky winner will be selected at random on Friday, January 25th at 8pm. (Giveaway open to U.S. and Canada, no purchase necessary to enter, duplicate entries will be deleted and one entry per email address only). The winner will be announced on next week’s post, so check back! Good luck!

Happy Blog-Birthday! Favorite Posts of 2012!

Posted on January 8, 2013 by thesavvyseeker

Hey ya’ll! Can you believe this blog is turning ONE this week! Well, I can’t! I started this blog as part of my 2012 New Year’s resolution…to create a new outlet for my passion for antiques and for my other interests; writing and photography. I had no idea how I was going to do it or what I was going to say…but once I started, it all came pouring out! Looks like I enjoy talking…imagine that!

Wow! What a year! Here’s to many more treasure hunting adventures!

I would like to also take this time to thank everyone who has encouraged me with supporting words like, “You can do it!” And I don’t even know how to thank those that have opened their homes and their shops to me and allowed me to pester them with endless emails and questions about their unique collections. You guys/gals are AWESOME!!

I thought we could take a look back at 2012 and see what ya’ll loved most about the TheSavvySeeker.com:

#5 – Seeking in Colonial Beach, Va

I’ve lived in Virginia for over 20 years and hadn’t heard of Colonial Beach until this past summer. What a fantastic destination spot!! Just over an hour from Richmond and Washington, D.C., this quaint Victorian town has a lot to offer it’s guests. Rich in history, friendly people, shops, restaurants and a small beach, it makes for the perfect day trip.

Remember this beauty? The Alexander Graham Bell family vacation home, now a B&B.

#4 – Before & After: My Bathroom

These photos don’t do it justice! It really is one of the cutest rooms in the house! I can’t express how happy I am with the way this room turned out…from the dark gray grout and the craigslist finds (Kohler sink and antique Hoosier cabinet). You’ll see some updates to this room this year too, as we are having the old cast iron tub refinished and the hunt continues for the perfect mirror!

I’m still on the hunt for the perfect mirror!

#3 - Bathroom Inspiration

Before I start any creative project I always sketch out some thoughts and collect a variety of images that inspire ideas. Just like you, I love to see how other people update their older homes. This post was a fun collection of different bathroom styles with some small similarities.

Hello Barbie! How about a hot pink sink? NOT!

#2 - Old House Charm: Before & After Banister

What was originally going to be a stained banister ended up as a painted banister. Not all home improvement projects go as planned, but sometimes a little experimentation can land you happy results!

Wowzers! Looking good! This minor change really added a lot of character to our foyer!

#1 - Mason Jar Light Pendant

By far…the most viewed post was actually about taking an old mason jar and turning it into an inexpensive, yet funky light fixture! We get so many compliments on this little light pendant from visitors and it only set us back $28 for parts!

The OG: Original Mason Jar Light Pendant

So that’s a look at the top 5 from last year, according to YOU, my wonderful readers!

And not to ignore lots and lots of other great stories, I thought I’d share just a few of my favorites from 2012:

Stay tuned next week, as the Birthday Bonanza continues with a great GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

Dear Santa…

Posted on January 2, 2013 by thesavvyseeker

One of my all time favorite flicks to watch this time of year is The Christmas Story. Who doesn’t love this goofy and heart warming movie about a young boy, growing up in the 1940′s with his wacky family, who longs for a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. I think what makes this film such a classic is that the story is universal. At some point in our lives, we have all longed, hoped and wished that Santa would bring us that one magical gift that seemed unattainable…

“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid…” Ah, Santa…the gift giver or dream crusher?

So what did I ask Santa for this year? Hmmm…..let’s see….

A fully restored 1972 Dodge Adventurer. Notice the words “fully restored.” The Mr. and I purchased one several years ago, but the amount of work that it currently needs seems never ending. So, how about this one?

Isn’t she lovely? She came in solid green, tan and navy. A two-tone was also an option…

And how about an early Gustav Stickley mitered mullion large one-door china cabinet? (Say that three times fast! I double dog dare you!) I think this little lovely would look pretty amazing in the same room as my summertime lucky find while in Pennsylvania…a Stickley Brothers arm chair!

This is waaaay better than a leg lamp! Look at those lines!

Or better yet…how about an early American apothecary cabinet! Ya’ll know I love cabinets and primitives…anything folksy and rustic! Just the perfect piece to hide all your little treasures!

Wowie zowie!! Imagine all the Christmas candy I could store in this beauty!

What about a show-stopping lamp to illuminate my living room when guests come over to enjoy Christmas treats and eggnog…and I don’t mean a leg-lamp! I hope Santa has a few hundred thousand dollars handy to purchase this one for me…

How about this Tiffany lamp from Skinner Auctions? Not too shabby…

Or a fun retro Coca-Cola clock to place near the infamous Drink Coca-Cola sign that now hangs in my family room…

I think I’d place this on my kitchen table…since it says “Please pay when served.” Maybe I could make some tips at dinner time!

Maybe I could ask Santa for some “bling” to wear at a New Year’s Eve party…hmmmm…maybe a statement ring? Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!

I love estate jewelry…just look at this 5 Carat Art Deco saphire and diamond ring! Stunning!

And maybe my new princess bedroom could use some new artwork on the walls. How about an original Toulouse Lautrec poster? Preferrably the Moulin Rouge poster from 1898…

I can’t even imagine what Paris must have been like during this time…so full of change and excitement…and art!

In reality, all I really want for 2013 is to spend more time with my awesome family…time to occasionally take a break from our often too busy work lives and just enjoy each other.

So here’s to hoping that you had a very merry Christmas and a fun New Year! And here’s to more treasure hunting in 2013! Stay tuned!