May 24, 2013

Do You Antique?

Does the word "antique" make you smile or turn up your nose?  I have to admit the smell of most antique stores makes me wrinkle my nose.  Literally.  The thrill of the hunt is what keeps me coming back, even though 97% of the time I walk out of those places empty handed.

But then I run across an inspiration like this (at the local coffee house) and I suddenly want to search for an aqua phone and an old fan.
Isn't that the cutest display eva?  When I retire from motherhood (ha!) I think I'll open a coffee shop and create cute little montages like this.

There is a delicate balance between using antiques with discernment and having antiques that scream J.U.N.K!  It is important to find things that share a common ground.  In the photo above, it is the light aqua color and school day charm.  

I've started a collection of enamel pots above my kitchen cabinets.  Don't get grossed out, but the pot  with the red handle is the pee pot my husband's father used growing up. Yes, it's been washed.  I think it's pretty cool.  The others have been yard sale and antique store finds.  

Speaking of my father-in-law... he found a ladder back chair for me.  When I turned it around, I found this gem on the back:

"State College Property 1935"  Oh the learning that occurred in that chair!

I love that some antiques have a story that speaks for itself.  I recently ran across a quilt that had been lovingly made by a group of women.  They each stitched their signature on the squares they had quilted.  Oh the conversations that occurred at that quilting bee!  Totally regretting not purchasing the quilt, by the way.

The best thing about antiquing is finding something that you know you can use with something you already have.  Old and new.  It's a beautiful combination.

Check out this idea, again, from the coffee shop:
 A-mazing.  Painted pallet.  Bike on the wall.  Red watering can.  Sigh.

6 comments:

Amy Kinser said...

I love that phone. I think I had one when I was a freshman in highschool that looked a lot like that one. That is a great vignette for sure.

I bet you would do great with a coffee shop. :)

Amy Kinser said...

I also wanted to say I loved the comment about school day charm. What a cool way to say it. Also took another look at that phone and yes, I think mine was just like it. Hey, maybe that's my old phone and maybe they need to give it back to me. :)

Kellie said...

I would never be able to create something like this, but I live vicariously through you. I am learning to have more of a vision, though, and for that I am grateful... and I believe my house is, too. Of course, during the school year it is in survival mode. I'll get to some creativity this summer.... maybe. haha! :)

Unknown said...

Love your pots and that quilt find! Sweet items

Sandy said...

"Our" coffee shop?

Joy for the Seasons said...

I am in love with all those antique-y looks. I think because so many remind me of treasured things from my grandma's farmhouse. When I see similar things in shops, I must remind myself I have nowhere to put them and not to buy them! And I so had to pee in a pot when I was at her house. :)