Sheila Zeller Interiors

Vintage Delicates for Valentine’s Decor

By SZInteriors, on February 6th, 2012

I was intrigued a while back when I read an article in Kravet Inspired News: The History of Lace. There was a suggestion, a hint that we’ll be seeing lace again in fashion and decor. Of course, this stemming from the lace adorned wedding dress of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Here you see a close-up of the back of the dress.

Source: My Royals Blog

And ever since I read the article, I’ve been keeping my eyes open for some sign of lace showing up in decor. I don’t mean to compare this stunning gown to a doily, but there is a correlation in the intricate work because both are painstakingly created by hand.

So let’s take a look at some vintage doilies and lace.

Source: Jen Ulasiewicz Designs

When you think about it, the detail involved in creating a doily is pretty incredible. Not to mention the hours of time…

I grew up with doilies in our home. I watched my Mom crochet them, my Grandmother knit them, my aunts and friends of my Mom’s making them too.

Source: Country Living

Source: Ravenhill Blog

My Grandmother also made lace trim. She sewed the trim onto pillow cases, edged fabric table cloths and runners… and these pieces were often hand embroidered by her, too.

Source: Junk to Joy Blog

I never really picked it up as a thing to do. My Mom taught me to knit, and I crocheted a few things, but never doilies or lace. I think part of that was because times were changing by the time I was learning the craft. So doilies just weren’t in my decorating box of tricks.

Source: Southern Vintage Georgia

But I am very lucky to have some beautiful pieces from both my Mom and my Grandmother. One thing to keep in mind, shaping, starching and pressing is part of the care in having them…

Source: Carolyn’s Homework Blog

And this is something I’m not very good at. Did you know there’s a fine art to this, too?

So how are doilies and lace popping up in decor?

Well definitely we’re seeing the return of doilies in their traditional layering way,

Source: The Sweet Occasion

And lace wrapped around objects like this votive, adding a soft, feminine touch.

Framed doilies are working their way into vignettes…

Source: The Smart Fish Blog

And some are being hand-stitched onto pillows and curtain panels.

This adds a romantic feel to the room…

Source: Country Living

From one side to the other!

Source: Simply Pretty Wedding Blog

So if you’re looking for some extra Valentine’s flair, you might want to give doilies and lace another chance!

You never know what memories they will help you make But before you to head off to create memories…

I just have to show you this photo.

Source: Pinterest

Isn’t this a cool shot? The ocean is my favorite place to be, and I love driftwood, so you can see why I couldn’t resist sharing this one!

Anyway, just wondering, do you have any vintage doilies or lace? Do you use them, or keep them tucked away?

THANKS FOR READING!

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Affordable, Colourful, Creative Mid-Century Modern

By SZInteriors, on February 3rd, 2012

I went searching for some affordable Mid-Century Modern and came across a little extra colourful twist.

It started with this MCM furniture clipart…

Source: Lushpad Blog

Isn’t it great? If you’re into Vector graphics, there are 4 different packages of furniture icons you can purchase for your own use.

And how about this Ali Douglass art print?

Source: Etsy

Can’t you just see this framed on a wall? Check out Ali’s Etsy shop for purchasing details, and for more of her work.

Do you consider chairs an accessory?

Source: Sunshine and Design

Bet you thought I meant ‘as in’ furniture pieces! But seriously, how cool are these necklaces? They are designed by Bruxe Design, and you can find more details and purchasing information over at Tiny Little Chairs.

Okay, I’ll be more traditional. How about chair pillows as an accessory?

Source: This Next

With these pillows, designed by Mike and Jennifer Tuttle, you can have a whole set of MCM chairs in your home! Visit This Next for more details and purchasing information.

Would you ever feature an Eames chair on your tabletop?

Source: Grass Roots Modern

I would if it looked like this! I think the set of four coasters is awesome, and would even hang them on my wall, too. Visit Medium Control Etsy Shop to see all four designs in the set, and for purchasing details.

If you’re more interested in wall art, you might prefer this wooden wall tile instead.

Source: Etsy

Here you see Saarinen’s tulip chair, but if you would like a different MCM chair or just want to purchase what you see, contact The Bees Knees Designs and they’ll make it happen for you.

Wondering what other MCM chairs there might be? Maybe this alphabet of design classics will help you out.

Source: Blue Art Studio

If you know the designer, it’ll be easier to name the chair! Visit Blue Art Studio for more incredible prints and for purchasing information.

Or you can opt for this alphabet print by Jen Renninger instead.

Source: Etsy

Notice, there are some different chairs in this one? Purchasing information and details, here.

But I in the end totally fell in love with this one by Jen.

Source: Etsy

What’s not to love about this print, the Eames Molded Plastic Armchair Rocker? For purchasing information on this print, click here. To see more of Jen’s work, visit here.

So you see, the options for owning a fab MCM piece are endless. It just depends on how you see it! Is there anything here that works for you? I hope you enjoyed this retail therapy with a twist

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Flower Fashion in February

By SZInteriors, on February 2nd, 2012

It seems like everyone is ready for a zap of colour and a hit of cheer.

How about this for a little flower fashion in February!

Saw it on Pinterest…

Source: Pinterest / French Essence Blog

And couldn’t resist. Can you say no to tulips and a jug like this?

Gingham and some simple jars. How hard can it be?

Source: Comforts of Home Blog

Instant charm with a vintage feeling of home!

Or maybe paint a little colour on your Mason jars…

Source: Pinterest

To give them a custom look and feel of their own.

Even enjoy just having a few fresh cuts ‘hanging around’!

Source: European Chic Design Blog

I think this is fun, and so easy to do.

But I’ve never seen this idea before…

Source: Country Living

Have you?

Repurpose your tin cans into something new.

Source: Tumblr

And treat yourself to a little al fresco, too.

How about a group of vintage milk bottles to keep a bouquet standing tall?

Source: Country Living

I think this one might be my favorite of all!

Isn’t having a little fun a great thing to do? Are you inspired to gather some flowers and try something new?

I hope this adds a little colour to your day, and puts a smile on your face. It’s February, and Spring is coming!

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Artwork Placement: It’s All In The Tweak!

By SZInteriors, on February 1st, 2012

Artwork. It’s usually hung too high!

Source: Apartment Therapy

And just a little tweak can make a big difference…

I did not style the space below, and changing it up was not why I was there. I was specifically asked for advice on the placement of the large piece of artwork you see above the love seat.

What would your suggestion be?

I made my recommendation, and after I left the move was made!

This is the after photo the owner sent to me.

See what I mean about the impact of a little tweak? Now the artwork connects more deliberately with the love seat, and the space feels more unified and cozy.

Typically artwork is hung too high, and often it is centered on the wall, rather than over the furniture below it. The result is a scattered feeling, leaving your eye with no place to go… which really means, no place to rest and ultimately, enjoy the art!

Do you notice how the new placement also demands more attention than the TV? That’s because the love seat and artwork presented together as a unit, or focal point, outweigh the visual weight of the TV. And the larger bare space left on the wall breaks up the grouping from the TV. Before, the artwork was leading your eye right to the TV!

Here are a few posts with different tips and strategies you might be interested in.

Hanging Pictures Straight: My Swear-by Tip

How to Break the Rules in a Powder Room

DIY Tips for ART-ful Presentation

Picture Panache Framing & Design

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Taking the Inside Out!

By SZInteriors, on January 31st, 2012

Here’s a small Pinterest round-up, I just wanted to share. I thought these ideas were a great toast to outdoor spaces, with a little creative use of indoor pieces!

Like this deck.

Pinterest / Jillian Harris

It was styled by Jillian Harris… you know, the Bachlorette from a few seasons back?

And when does a quatrefoil mirror not look good?

Pinterest / Style Me Pretty

Have you ever thought to collage a grouping of mirrors outside?

What about flower pots hanging on the fence?

Pinterest / Shannon Eileen Blog

I’ve heard of sitting on the fence… or on a windowsill, but not hanging on the fence!

I love these Impatiens ‘sitting’ in the chair.

Pinterest / Flickr

And I seriously want to try this one day! Would you give this chair a makeover, or would you turn it into a planter, too?

Have you ever thought of recycling an old dresser like this?

Pinterest / Rose Petals & Rust Blog

What a great way to take the inside out… instead of bringing the outside in!

Love this wall of windows…

Pinterest / Velvet and Linen Blog

Oh wait, there’re no walls!

Don’t you think stairs make an impact on any space?

Pinterest / Tumblr

Yup, definitely crushing on these stairs!

And this is how I feel about these photos…

Pinterest / 2bseeds

Spilling over with lots of ideas I am dying to try!

How about you, any new ideas waiting in the wings for you?

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Mid-Century Modern Challenge – Answers Revealed!

By SZInteriors, on January 30th, 2012

On Friday I posted a fun little challenge to see if you could name the pieces in this photograph along with their designers.

Source: A Note on Design

Wouldn’t you love to be on the receiving end of a shipment like this?

Anyway, not to keep you in suspense any longer, here are the answers…

1. Eames Walnut Stool designed by Charles and Ray Eames, 1960

Source: SZInteriors via Hive Modern

2. Coconut Chair designed by George Nelson, 1955

Source: Herman Miller

3. Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair (LCW – Lounge Chair with Legs), 1946

Source: Herman Miller

4. Eames Aluminum Group Side Chair, 1958

Source: Herman Miller

5. Eames Eiffel DSW Dining Chair (Molded Plastic with Wooden Legs), 1948

Source: Herman Miller

6. Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Side Chair, 1955

Source: Hive Modern

7. Eames Lounge Chair, 1956

Source: Herman Miller

8. Sori Yanagi Butterfly Stool, 1954

Source: Hive Modern

When you see the dates of these designs, it just goes to show that great design is never out of style… no matter where the next trend takes us! I hope you find this a useful resource.

And a special congratulations to Tracey Ayton of Tracey Ayton Photography for naming 6 of the 8!

Thank you all for playing along

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Mid-Century Modern Challenge

By SZInteriors, on January 27th, 2012

I thought it would be fun to end this week with a little Mid-Century Modern challenge. Are you up for it?

If I showed you this photo…

Source: A Note on Design

How many pieces can you identify?

Do you know their names and designers?

Email your answers to: sheila@sheilazellerinteriors.com / Subject: MCM Challenge

… and leave a comment below

I hope you have a great weekend!

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Change It Up… One-Two-Three

By SZInteriors, on January 26th, 2012

So our stormy weather blasted through, flipped our BBQ over (yup, it’s toast), knocked our power out, and did in one of our mega UPS battery power bars… so glad we had the UPS though, or it could’ve been the audio equipment instead

Guess why this folding screen caught my eye…

Source: Pinterest

Let’s just say I’m ready for some sunshine and colour! Bright, cheerful, playful and dry!

Since I’ve got you looking at the folding screen, I decided to share a few more. I know they’re nothing new, but they are an easy way to give your space a fresh look. And now might be the perfect time to change things up just a bit.

See how the mirrored screens frame this space?

Source: Meet Me In Philadelphia Blog

Imagine this space without them. Do you think you would like it as much?

Or this one with the antiqued mirror screen…

Source: Message Note

It adds to the old world charm, and creates the illusion of a larger space. Did you notice how it picks up where the mirror over the fireplace ends?

Maybe you would like to be carried off to another place.

Source: Confetti Style Blog

With this folding acrylic screen, would this weekend in Paris do?

Or is an outdoor retreat more for you?

Perhaps near the ocean?

Source: Web Urbanist

Believe it or not, this natural tree divider does fold! It would be tough to store, but what an impact it makes!

Or maybe you’d rather farmland like the Prairies instead…

This screen is made with laminated rye straw set in resin and acrylic…

Source: Home Interior Design Info

I think this is so pretty…

And here you can see that it really is a screen!

Source: Home Interior Design Info

It’s a limited edition piece from farm 21, and is truly functional art. It can stand in as a space divider, or stand on its own as a sculpture. But with a screen this unique, why get caught up in the details?

And last, but certainly not least…

If you’re a Mid-Century lover would this Eames screen appeal to you?

Source: Bonluxat

I have to admit, I’ve never seen the Eames screen. Is there anything they didn’t do?

Here’s a little ‘behind the Eames’ for you…

After Eames, is there anything more?

What do you think about mixing it up in decor with folding screens? Do you like them, or want to fold them away?

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Inspiration… It’s In The Mail

By SZInteriors, on January 25th, 2012

Do you ever start something full of enthusiasm, only to find yourself dragging before it’s done?

Well, that’s me and our office right now. I’ve been decluttering random piles of paper ‘stuff’, because I want to rework the space and prettify it a bit. But I can’t do the pretty until I finish the purge. Can I say, ‘groan’?

At this point I’m ready for a little visual inspiration. I need something to feed that initial burst of good intentions.

Like this vintage metal letter holder.

Source: Etsy

I wouldn’t mind looking at this on my desk!

And I totally love this repurposed porch railing.

Source: Pinterest / Better Homes & Gardens

Such a great piece, and my hubby likes it too! Did I mention we share the office?

If I could find a small bird cage, it might strike the right note between whimsical fun and fun-ctional.

Source: Embellished Weddings Blog

But I would set it on my desk, minus the flowers and bow! And I think I would like one that showed a little more weathered wear and tear…

Now we all know the thing with women and shoes…

Source: Etsy

But have you ever seen a wooden shoe form stand in for a letter holder?

Letter holders can be simple and without slots…

Source: Mockingbird Hill Cottage Blog

Like this hand painted bin. And how hard would a pretty bin be to find?

I’m thinking slots are suited to my style, and a vintage toast rack might work just right, too.

Source: Design Sponge

Even one slot will do the trick, and it would be easy to repurpose an old napkin holder to sit on my desk.

Source: I Heart Organizing Blog

Like this one. All it needed was a coat of paint!

So this is how I procrastinated yesterday. And even though I digressed, I still focused on the office in the end.

How do you plough through and finish something that’s starting to drag? Where do you find the inspiration?

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Spring In A Can!

By SZInteriors, on January 24th, 2012

Who’s ready for Spring? Anyone???

When I saw this photo on Pinterest I was caught by the bright, cheerful colours. A welcome splash to the eyes

Did you see this photo, too?

Source: Pinterest

Isn’t the fresh cut bouquet pretty?

I thought you might like to see a few more. And the vintage vessels they’re displayed in!

Enamel pails, pitchers and watering cans.

Love the live ferns in these pails.

ferns in enamel pails

Source: Martha Stewart

And the table they’re sitting on. You can always count on Martha to get it just right!

I never get tired of aged and weathered pieces…

Source: Pinterest

Like this chair and watering can. Don’t they make a great pair?

To me one of the first signs of Spring are grape hyacinths.

Source: 52 Flea Blog

With their splash of deep purple-blue. They sure make a statement in this white pitcher, don’t they?

I think this casual mix of seemingly wild flowers would look great just about anywhere.

Source: My French Country Home Blog

Especially in these vintage enamel pitchers. Do you think these are wild flowers?

Roses are so beautiful, but can sometimes seem a bit on the ‘proper’ side of things.

Source: My Sweet Savannah Blog

But here in this pitcher, they feel welcoming and relaxed.

A pail full of peonies? A sidekick of mixed flowers?

Source: The Foodie Bugle

Works for me. I love peonies, and can’t resist flowers in this deep wine colour. Always takes me back to my childhood – we had a wine coloured peony bush in our yard, and it’s just one of those things that feels like home to me.

Which is probably why I was drawn to this pitcher filled with these ammyrhylis…

Source: Arren Williams

This pitcher isn’t vintage, but does that really matter when the flowers in it are so exquisite? And the string caught my eye too. You might remember it from my ‘Packaging Perfection!’ article. Great way to add a little extra flair to a display.

Do you think this pail of flowers and grasses was dug up in a clump from the garden?