Romantic Homes June 2017
Romantic Homes June 2017
Romantic Homes June 2017
50+
Decorating
Ideas for Summer Bright years
STYLE GUIDE:
VINTAGE KITCHEN
MAKEOVER
features
Hunt
By Chantal Hintze
36 LIVING LOVELY
See how antique furniture and vintage charm
combine for a shabby yet elegant home.
By Tori Youngbauer
48 CHARACTER LESSONS
Discover how creative color and clever styling
can transform an everyday house into a
striking visual treat.
By Renée Green/GAP Interiors
62 UNDISCOVERED GEMS
Check out these romantic flea markets to bring
home the perfect vintage finds.
By Kristin Dowding
70 BEST BUYS
Keep your eye on these trending collectibles
this season.
By Karen Wilhelmsen
72 MY FAVORITE THINGS
Collectors share their love for
beautiful vintage treasures and the
keys to collecting them.
By Staci Dumoski
departments
78 ESSENTIALS
Give your kitchen a vintage makeover with
these easy DIY ideas.
By Staci Dumoski
84 SAY AHH
Take a look inside two designer homes, both
infused with vintage pastels and a love of pink.
By Jo-Anne Coletti
88 COLLECTING
Learn all about stunning majolica pottery
and its endless variety of styles, colors
and shapes.
By Lidy Baars
92 DETAILS
Bring charm and uniqueness to your home with
vintage architectural elements.
By Gay Van Beek
JUNE 2017 3
22 36
shopping
12 GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL
Sustainable, handmade, organic, recycled and/
or biodegradable, these stylish products are
ecofriendly too.
By Staci Dumoski
17 SUNSHINY DAY
Add a dose of vintage cheer with these finds.
18 FRESHEN UP
Infuse your rooms with bright summer color.
96 SHOPPING GUIDE
Where to find the products featured in
this issue.
48 62 12
72 78 in every issue
6 ALWAYS
8 ONLINE EXTRAS
10 VINTAGE
96 COMING NEXT MONTH
98 BLOOMS
DESIGN
Senior Art Director: Elena Oh
Design Director: Gabby Oh
CONTRIBUTORS
Lidy Baars, Jo-Anne Coletti, Anneke Gambon, Renée Green, David Giles, Bret Gum, Chantal
Hintze, Jaimee Itagaki, Gay Van Beek, Karen Wilhelmson
ADVERTISING
THE THRILL
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MARKETING
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WONDERFUL World
Look for these and even more exclusive decorating ideas on our website.
DECORATE DIY
How to pick the perfect sofa. Get organized for summer gardening.
PHOTO BY JAIMEE ITAGAKI
PHOTO BY JAIMEE ITAGAKI
COLLECT ENTERTAIN
Find, decorate and share vintage jewelry. Celebrate National Rose Month!
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WE’RE IN
THE
30
CELEBRATING
years
relaxing in the garden, and enjoy this
look back at a classic issue of
Romantic Homes.
oms
ke a series of ro
“My garden is li
}
nd
seating areas a
{
“We set a pair of tea roses, each ringed with ivy topi-
with different
to entertain aries, at the gazebo’s entrance and lined the walkway
vistas. We love with several pots of miniature rosebushes.”
l as in.”
outside as wel
“Novice decorative pa
inters can begin on
inexpensive, replacea
ble pieces like plain
boxes, flowerpots, wo
oden charger plates or
small wall shelves. Wi
th a little confidence,
they can move on to lar
ger pieces like gar-
den benches, dressers
or tables.”
Beautiful
GREEN
Recycled, handmade, organic,
sustainable or biodegradable—
Is
these products are both stylish
and ecofriendly.
JUNE 2017 13
Browsing
7 8
9 10
12
13
15
JUNE 2017 15
Browsing
sunshiny
Day
Make any morning cheery with
these vintage-inspired items in a
bright palette of colors.
PHOTO BY BRET GUM
BISTRO CHAIRS,
$470 for 2. Visit gilt.com.
CERAMIC PITCHER,
$41.98/$69.95. Visit pier1.com.
FreUpshen
VALANCE FABRIC, “CALL ME HONEY”
BY P KAUFMANN,
$17.99/yard. Visit decorativefabricsdirect.com.
AREA RUG,
$48 and up. Visit dashandalbert.annieselke.com.
JUNE 2017 17
Browsing
} Pampered Pets
}
Vintage Pooch
Your pets may not love fleas, but here’s something
that will make them big fans of flea-market style. The
“Kitsch Bitch” dog bed is handmade with vintage linens,
so each bed is unique. It’s the perfect complement to
your shabby, cottage or granny-chic style home décor.
} Artisan
}
Wordly Beauty
Two years ago, Cecelia Leatherman quit
her bank job and headed to Florence,
Italy. “I wasn’t sure what I was going
to do there for three months without an
agenda, but I ended up being inspired
by the city,” she says, discussing how
the trip inspired her artwork. “It really
began as a way to channel the happiness
I found in exploring and living with the
beauty that Florence has to offer.”
JUNE 2017 19
Browsing }
Well Furnished }
What’s Old Is New
If you’re hoping to reduce your environmental impact but
can’t find vintage furnishings that meet your style or needs,
then new pieces constructed from reclaimed wood might be
the perfect solution for your home.
COLONIAL RECLAIMED CARVED COFFEE TABLE.
Visit sweetpeaandwillow.com.
RECLAIMED WOOD
SAWHORSE DESK. (888) 850-
3348 or woodwaves.com.
VINTAGE FIR
GUSTAVIAN
BED BY
VIVATERRA.
(800) 247.6799
TALL WOOD DRESSER. or vivaterra.com.
(331) 442 -4830 or wwmake.com.
JUNE 2017 21
NotoEnd
Passion
See how this couple restored their
home’s authentic charm by peeling back
the layers of time.
Fabulous Farmhouse
What was set in motion by the trip to
France continued to gather momentum
JUNE 2017 23
until the pair found themselves married and the proud Terrific Team
owners of an ever-expanding antiques collection. “At But together they took the plunge and began renovating
that point, we decided to buy a house, and while we were the 3,200-square-foot house. “We are a great team and
not fixed in terms of location, we knew we wanted some- very aware of the skills we each bring to the table. Otmar
thing old with a big garden, a house that would provide has always been good at, and responsible for, the big jobs,
the right kind of canvas for us to actualize our ideas,” while the smaller, more detail-orientated tasks are my
remembers Heike. forte,” explains Heike. But while they each have their areas
They eventually purchased a 115-year-old farmhouse of expertise, they are united by a common denominator.
in a small town in the Lower Rhine area, which came with “We are both drawn to the old, to that sense of history and
not only an attached barn that had already been converted the memories that are attached to something that has had
into a shop but also an outbuilding that had formerly been one, or several, past lives. Because of that, we spent a lot
used as a pigsty. of time peeling back some of the more recent layers that
“When we first went to view it, I felt as though this place had accumulated in the house, with the aim of restoring its
had been made for us,” says Otmar Lind and adds, “Even on authentic charm,” says Heike.
that day, I could imagine how it might look once we The lovingly repointed brick wall that now gives the
had renovated it.” While Heike was not deterred by the master bedroom its wow factor is only one example of the
decrepit state of the house, she did have trouble grasping many original features they managed to uncover and
the full scale of Otmar’s vision initially. “He’s a country lad restore in the process. “We also exposed the wooden
as well as a skilled craftsman, so while he could immedi- beams and repaired the old fireplace, which had been
ately see how the farmhouse, which hadn’t been renovated partially torn down,” says Otmar.
in decades, could be brought back to life, I needed some In keeping with their repair-and-restore philosophy,
time to catch up with his ideas,” she says. they shied away from modern building materials as much
JUNE 2017 25
“Seeing all these intricate
chandeliers, the elegant
furniture and vintage table-
ware, my love for antiques started
right there and then.”
JUNE 2017 27
as possible, choosing instead to source
secondhand materials. “[Besides]
going to a lot of flea markets in France,
Belgium and the Netherlands, we were
always keeping an ear out, in case we
heard about someone in the local area
who was getting rid of materials,” says
Otmar, whose favorite find was the old
timber floorboards that now grace the
living and dining room. “They came from
the community center in my hometown,”
he says. But while some things had to
be carted in from further afield, the pair
also discovered a few usable items in
the house itself. “We found some old
windows in the attic and promptly gave
them a new home,” says Heike.
Moving Ahead
Thus far the renovation has taken the
pair three years, and while they tackled
most of the rooms together, there are
also spaces that are clearly his or hers.
“Otmar is the cook in the house and had
complete free rein when it came to the
design and décor of the kitchen,” says
Heike, who herself has an affinity for
cozy corners. “I love antique chairs and
almost everywhere you go in the house,
you’ll find an atmospheric little corner
and a place to sit,” she says.
With most of the house now renovated
to their liking, the pair has begun to turn
their attention to the outbuildings. Otmar
has already converted the former pigsty
into a shop where he now sells wine from
JUNE 2017 29
TO GIVE THE HOUSE AN
AUTHENTICALLY AGED
FEELING, Heike and Otmar
did not resort to modern
building materials but
instead sourced second-
hand materials wherever
they could. In this way, the
timber floorboards in the
hallway, which originated
from the community center
in Otmar’s hometown,
were rescued from demoli-
tion, while the window was
one of several they discov-
ered in the house’s attic.
“…almost every-
where you go in the
house, you’ll find
an atmospheric
little corner and a
place to sit.”
JUNE 2017 33
DIY:
Repointing
Brick
When you live in an older house, at
some point you will probably want
to have your brickwork refurbished.
Ensuring the mortar between bricks is
in good condition has structural as well
as aesthetic benefits, since mortar that
has degraded over time can lead to leaks
and dampness in your home.
JUNE 2017 35
LIVING
Lovely
Antique furniture and vintage charm fill
this shabby and elegant home.
By Tori Youngbauer
Photography by Jo-Anne Coletti
UNIQUE VISION
Over the years, Donna has renovated her
raised ranch home and filled it with antiques
that give her pleasant memories of her child-
hood. “My mother loved antiques,” Donna
says. “She collected mostly jewelry and china,
and taught me much of what I know, including
how to refinish old furniture.”
With inspiration from her mother, Donna
began collecting vintage pieces of her own
from an era she loved. “I absolutely love the
1920s, and I wanted to create that feeling
throughout my house,” Donna says. “Your
home is special, and mine became a haven
from reality. I love living in this house and
using all of my collectibles on a regular basis.”
LOCAL FAVORITES
As Donna has built her collection over
the years, she has met some wonderful
women who help generate décor ideas and
sell antiques of their own. “I refinish much
of the furniture I find. My friends who own
vintage shops in the area have taught me
so much about painting furniture and living
with antiques.”
JUNE 2017 39
THIS PURPLE LOVESEAT FROM THE EARLY
20TH CENTURY is a wow piece that Donna is
thrilled to have in her home. She drove with her
daughter to an estate sale in north Boston to
bring home this one-of-a-kind piece.
TIMELESS BALANCE
Donna’s home is full of character with-
out too much clutter. “It never hurts to
get rid of things you don’t love anymore,”
she says. “You can easily have a ‘hoarder’s
house’ when decorating with antiques.
You have to find a balance and give up
things to others who will enjoy them even
more.” Donna’s home seems have the
balance she speaks of, and she is thrilled
with the result.
“I like the fact that I can enjoy decorat-
ing and shopping,” she says. “If you start
with a concept or vision and put in the
time to bring it to life, you will enjoy
living in your home so much more.” With
patience and great energy, Donna has
turned her home into an ode to a style she
loves each and every day.
JUNE 2017 41
Antique Living FRAGILITY IN MIND. Keeping fragile items like vintage china
and antique glass out of reach of animals or small children is a must.
Anything breakable should stay in a secure area when not in use.
How to keep up with vintage furniture
CLEANLINESS IS KEY. When asked about keeping her antiques
DONNA’S HOME IS FILLED WITH VINTAGE GEMS SHE clean, Donna says that it is easier than one might think. “I dust as often
HAS HAND SELECTED. SO HOW DOES SHE KEEP as I can, and I’m careful to vacuum slowly around and underneath
EVERYTHING CLEAN AND TIDY WITHOUT DAMAGING furniture.” Cleaning delicately and frequently helps to keep her antiques
HISTORIC PIECES? HERE ARE SOME OF HER PERSONAL in top shape.
TIPS FOR ANTIQUE UPKEEP.
A GENTLE TOUCH. Donna has trained herself to live among
DONNA FOUND THESE BLUE-AND-GOLD LOVESEATS delicate items, and treats everything she owns with care. “It’s not much
and matching table on Craigslist for under $250. She different from living with items from big box stores. I keep certain pieces
added decorations from around her house to match the
color scheme, as well as pillows she updated herself. She away from sunlight to keep them from wearing out, and I take my time
is a firm believer that anything can be customizable to care for everything.” With careful attention to detail, your pieces will
with a little DIY magic. continue to shine.
JUNE 2017 45
Shop Till
You Drop
Tips on flea market and antiques shopping
INTERESTED IN STARTING A VINTAGE COLLECTION OF
YOUR OWN, BUT UNSURE OF WHERE TO START? WE’VE
COMPILED ADVICE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR DREAM
DÉCOR STYLE FROM DONNA, WHO HAS BECOME AN
ANTIQUES SHOPPING PRO OVER THE YEARS.
[2] [3]
JUNE 2017 47
“WHEN I DISCOVERED I could
have my own stained glass windows
designed and made, I got the kids to
help me with the colors by coloring
in photocopies of the template.” The
tongue-and-groove wall panels were
inspired by the family’s home-exchange
trip to the Bahamas.
JUNE 2017 49
“My South African
heritage means that I
love color, and it’s
become a bit of a
theme for me.”
JUNE 2017 51
“I LOVE THE CONCEPT OF AN ENGLISH
WORKING FIREPLACE and installed this soon
after we moved in.” The traditional repro-
duction tiles work well alongside the Afghan
prayer mat, bought in South Africa. “My
South African heritage means that I love color,
and it’s become a bit of a theme for me.”
Caryn’s collections have become varied and
many—starting with her very first, the African
baskets, followed by the African male figures.
ONCE THE CHILDREN’S TOYS LEFT THE LIVING ROOM, Caryn turned the
unused space into a computer area, closing off one of the doors to the living
area. “I wanted to add a modern element to the room. The glass and chrome
is a welcome addition, instead of opting for a traditional wooden desk. It’s the
perfect location. I like having my computer near the kitchen, so I can cook and
surf at the same time, and the kids can sit next to me doing their homework.”
JUNE 2017 53
“I BOUGHT THE SIDEBOARD FROM A
LOCAL STORE, and the owner showed me
photos of a kitchen in France he’d just made
and said he would make a bespoke kitchen
for me. We took a chance, and it was one of
my best decisions.” The duck-egg-blue paint is
still in excellent condition several years later.
The cherry wood worktop just needs oiling
once a year.
JUNE 2017 55
up to now). “I promised my daughter
[Erin] that she could decorate her own
room, and I wouldn’t add anything she
didn’t like. Daniel had absolutely no
interest in his new room, so once again
I enlisted Erin’s help, and together we
created his coastal-themed room,”
says Caryn.
By the time she came to redecorat-
ing the master bedroom, Caryn’s love
affair with painted wood had come into
full bloom. Although a lover of color,
she found herself continually drawn to
mainly white bedrooms in magazines and
online blogs, and even started a Pinter-
est board along this theme. “When my
artist friend gave me a pair of paintings
in beautiful frames, I referred back to my
Pinterest bedroom board. I realized that
my bedroom needed to be whiter, so that
this artwork could really stand out.”
“I never wanted
a formal dining
room, as it often
becomes the least
used room in
the house.”
Caryn credits the room’s success to
her discovery of Annie Sloan chalk paint
because she relished the task of white-
washing the shutters, bedside cabinets
and bedroom cupboards. She then
turned her newfound skill to other parts
of the house, starting with the dining
area. “I felt that too much color had
crept into this room too, and it needed
‘whitening.’ So when I couldn’t find new
dining chairs (my existing natural wood
chairs were supposed to be temporary),
I decided to paint them white and lightly
distress them. I then painted the table
JUNE 2017 59
1. DANIEL’S NEW ROOM was styled
around this favorite “scrap wood”
wallpaper discovered by Caryn. The
wallpaper went on to inspire a full
coastal theme, including a porthole mir-
ror and sea-blue paint. The pine bedside
table was painted by Caryn using Annie
Sloan primer red (base coat) and a
Dulux blue mix.
[2]
[1]
JUNE 2017 61
Flea Markets
UNDISCOVERED
Seek out these romantic flea-market
venues to find the perfect vintage
touches for your home.
By Kristin Dowding
The
East
Gems
Carnival of Collectables Renninger’s Promotions
|New Jersey| | Pennsylvania & Florida |
Antiques and Art Mall in Sicklerville Adamstown and Kutztown, Pennsylvania;
Open Tuesday–Sunday weekly Melbourne and Mount Dora, Florida
carnivalofcollectables.com Events held throughout the year in all locations
renningers.net
Shoppers are heading over to this show for great deals and prices on
loads of finds from primitive style to Midcentury Modern and eclectic This event caters mainly to antiques and the collectors’ trade. “Most of our
pieces. “We have everything from vintage jewelry to fun costumes vendors are offering merchandise that has just been picked at its origin or is
with faux accessories. Antiques and handmade items make up a lot re-entering the marketplace,” says James Renninger Jr., one of the co-owners of
of what we offer with over 150 vendors at our location,” says Ulana these family-owned flea markets. “Here you are encouraged to ask questions and
Zahajkewycz, show co-owner with Edward Lorelei Jankowski. exchange ideas. It’s a social experience.”
Morris
2nd Saturday May through October.
Holiday market: November 10 and 11
3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com
A romantic scavenging experience awaits at the Three French Hens
market. “We sell a mixture of handcrafted vintage and antique
items,” says Traci Tessone, market owner. While you shop through
their unique selection of romantic décor, you can enjoy fresh produce
options as well. “Some popular items are our jewelry made out of
vintage repurposed items, our handmade candles and our local
honey. We like to keep everything affordable.”
JUNE 2017 63
Flea Markets
JUNE 2017 65
Flea Markets w
The est
Thieves Market Driving Miz Daisy
|Arizona| |California|
Big Surf Water Park lot in Tempe Saddleback College in Mission Viejo
1st Saturday of the month from October–April 2nd Sunday every month
(closed January) drivingmizdaisy.com
thievesmarketvintageflea.com
Looking for larger vintage items? Come to Driving Miz Daisy for a big surprise.
“Our trademark is our vintage trailers. We have an entire row of them,” says
Do you enjoy bartering with flea-market vendors? Thieves Market is the perfect
Charlene Goetz, show owner and partners with Shelly Peterson. “There are
place to haggle to your heart’s content until you’ve filled your cart with all kinds
over 200 vendors, [all with] something different to offer. With gourmet food
of treasures. “We are not a vintage show but rather an old-school flea market
trucks and live swing bands, there’s something ... for everyone. We carry one-
where you pull your vehicle in at 6 a.m. and start haggling at 8 a.m.,” says
of-a-kind items that are antique, vintage or repurposed, from clothing and
Mickey Meulenbeek, market owner. “We are old school, down and dirty, and we
jewelry to vintage children’s toys. It’s a place where you can unplug and really
cater to savvy junkers, compulsive collectors, dealers and vintage vendors as
connect with other people. There’s even a vintage barber!”
well as weekend warriors looking for one-of-a- kind treasures.”
With over 100 vendors, “goats” (older vendors) and “kids” (new vendors) alike Paying tribute to almost every style under the sun, the market features “farm
gather together to show off their creative spaces and pieces. “The arrange- chic and French chic, wonderful European farmhouse style, industrial modern
ment we make with our curated artisans is this: Bring salvaged, rusty-crusty, and Midcentury Modern,” says owner, show founder and director of market
shabby-frilly-white, or industrial, handcrafted, upcycled or collected, but by operations Bonnie Burhart. “We sell primitive antiques, rusty garden art,
all means it should be mostly vintage,” says Shari Delgado Nicsevic, assistant French and European antiques, traditional antiques, vintage advertising signs
to Cyndi Garofalo, show creator and director. “Our aim is to offer a village of and items, architectural salvage, vintage antique hardware and tools, old wash
variety in vintage.” tubs, vintage patio furniture, European tubs and harvest baskets. Our vendors
will take scraps and remnants of antique items and build incredible one-of-a-
kind pieces of art. We see such creativity and talent at our market.”
JUNE 2017 67
Flea Markets
Fallbrook Rainbow
Open Monday–Friday. Special sale events the March 10 and 11, June 2 and 3, September 8
3rd weekend of every month and 9, December 1 and 2
secondchancesbarn.com thevintagemarketplaceca.com
Located in a 2,100-square-foot barn next to a running creek is a flea market Calling all romantics to the flea market that can offer items for cottage,
that prefers quality over quantity. “We have 10 individual vendors who farmhouse, eclectic and French styles. “We have over 70 vendors selling
display their shops within the store,” says Jayne Blair, store owner. “We offer vintage and antiques, who work hard to make their booths look like a little
a large, diverse selection of vintage shabby chic, rustic home and yard décor. store or boutique,” says Rita Reade, market owner. “We also have what I call
We sell quality antiques, vintage furniture, vintage kitchen collectibles, the ‘Makers’ and the ‘Bakers,’ the makers being artists that create jewelry using
handcrafted soap, candles, crochet toys, handmade barn wood signs, lights, vintage and reproduction elements, and the bakers being local vendors that
mirrors, chandeliers, art, unique one-of-a-kind shabby chic furniture, sell scrumptious desserts!”
jewelry—just too much to list!”
Vintage lovers and social butterflies flock to this event held at a vintage Any and all vintage marketeers should head to the Anacortes pier for a truly
amusement park to have a good time. “It’s not your grandmother’s antique vintage experience. “This show caters to all who love vintage,” says Stacy
show,” says Pam Knecht, show founder and chief plucky officer. “Our events Doyle, show owner. “You will find anything from a lovely hobnail vase and
are like a party with live music and food trucks. Our 90 vendors have train case to junk salvage table legs and corbels. There is a wide variety of
vintage or antique items or upcycles made with vintage materials, such as handcrafted goods as well, such as vintage-inspired clothing and repurposed
jewelry made from old charms and things made from old hardware items. furniture. You won’t find just tables with stuff for sale. These are carefully
We tell them if it has or had a barcode, leave it at home.” curated creative displays that inspire shoppers to think outside the box.”
JUNE 2017 69
Flea Markets
Best
By Karen Wilhelmsen • Photography by Kristin Dowding
BUYS
Keep an eye out for the hottest
flea-market collectibles this summer.
Pie Birds
PIE BIRDS FROM AMERICAN MAKERS LIKE MCCOY
OR SHAWNEE became common in the 1930s. Today you
can find them in a variety of colors. Use them for their
intended purpose to vent pies, or group several together for
a cute homage to the great outdoors.
Salt Cellars
SHOP: BAKER RUGS
List
SALT CELLARS ARE A ROMANTIC COLLECTIBLE THAT
EVOKES A BYGONE ERA. Popular from the 15th century
SHOPPING
up until the early 1900s, cut-glass salt cellars can be found
today in a vast range of colors. Use them to hold sweet
treats or place cards on your next tablescape.
1 2 3 4 5
1. Fiberglass Lampshades 2. Vintage Signage 3. Porcelain Figures 4. Hat Boxes 5. Faucet Knobs
Things
Flea Markets
MY FAVORITE
Collectors share their love and the challenges of
By Staci Dumoski
collecting beautiful vintage treasures.
COLLECTORS
TIPS:
“They aren’t going to be easy to find
outside of Southern California, and
there are so many other beautiful
colored-glass goblets from glass
companies that have been around
for a very long time. So my sugges-
tion to others is to find that special
color and style you love, and then
go treasure hunting
wherever you are.”
ON THE HUNT:
“I have received a few as gifts, bought some at the Madonna Inn
gift shop in San Luis Obispo, but most of my finds have been through
estate or garage sales, flea markets and antique stores.”
MY FAVORITE:
“A very oversized red goblet, which is one of a kind. I have a couple one-of-a-kind
goblets and love to find those rare ones that are made with the last of a color… (some
colors are retired and they no longer offer them).”
COLLECTORS’
TIPS:
“My advice for future
collectors is to be patient
and to enjoy the process
of collecting.”
WHY I LOVE THEM:
“I absolutely love collecting Pyrex. What started about 10 years
ago with one pink Pyrex bowl (a gooseberry 444 to be exact) has turned
into an obsession with all things vintage and cute!”
ON THE HUNT:
“There are two pieces that I am really hoping to add to my collection. They
are the Starburst promotional and the Lucky in Love promotional. Both
pieces pop up on eBay every once in a while, but for outrageous prices, so
I’m patiently waiting to find one in the wild!”
JUNE 2017 73
Flea Markets
Vintage Gowns
| Photos by Jennifer Hayslip |
COLLECTORS’ TIPS:
“The majority of dresses you
might find will have a small
stain, tear, broken zipper.
However, that does not take
away from the overall beauty
of the dress. It’s a small flaw,
WHY I LOVE THEM: but [they’re still] worth
“The billowy gowns are beautiful pieces of artwork to me. My style is owning and loving.”
romantic and feminine, and the dresses are the embodiment of that. The
fabrics and textures of tulle, satin, taffeta and floral millinery just make my
heart go pitter-patter. I love knowing that some special young lady wore the
dress to her prom or cocktail party.”
ON THE HUNT:
“I find the majority of my dresses at flea markets, antiques shops, and con-
signment and thrift stores. “
MY FAVORITE:
“My favorite piece is a pink tulle prom gown with the most beautiful roses
millinery. I display it on my bedroom armoire. It’s my favorite color and was
in mint condition. I just wish it was several sizes larger so I could wear the
beauty to a special event.”
ON DISPLAY:
“My select favorite dresses I display in my home by hanging them on door-
ways and armoires. My daughter even has a pink tulle child’s dress hanging
in her bedroom. The gowns are so full and big that it is a challenge storing
them. The majority of my dresses I keep sealed, hanging in a garment closet
wardrobe. That way they are well protected.”
ON THE HUNT:
“My husband and I love to go antiquing, and that’s where I often find
my treasures. We go to antiques stores and flea markets. EBay has also
been a good source, but lacking in instant gratification.”
MY FAVORITE:
“It’s hard to have only one favorite among the many beautiful pieces,
but there is a Limoges chocolate pot that I am fond of because of the
story behind it. I saw it in one of the antiques stores here in California,
and I told my husband I would come back for it one day and set it on a
pedestal because of how gorgeous it looked. A few weeks later, I got it
as a present.”
ON DISPLAY:
“We have a small house, and storage can be a problem. I make good use
of every nook and cranny to display my china. I also make sure I move
the china pieces around, interchanging what is kept in the cupboards
and what is out on display. All of them get a day in the sun.”
JUNE 2017 75
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Give Your
KITCHEN
a vintage
makeover
Getting a period look in your kitchen is easier than you think
with these easy DIY ideas.
By Staci Dumoski
Photography by Bret Gum
When you’re a collector of vintage kitchenware, it only makes sense to have a vintage kitchen
in which to display them. But if you live in a newer house—or a period house that’s had much
renovation—that vintage vibe may be hard to imagine. Here are some steps you can take to get
a vintage look in any kitchen, no matter when your home was built.
CABINET CURIOSITIES
This kitchen, built in the 1930s, still had plenty of period charm when homeowner and
vintage dealer Charlotte Carpenter Lewis moved in. The cabinets and tile surrounding the sink
are all original, but it required a bit of work to get the complete look Charlotte envisioned.
“Everything was this mustardy yellow,” says Charlotte. A coat of bright, white paint for the
cabinets brought the kitchen back to its period roots.
You can get the same vintage vibe in a more modern kitchen without having to install all new
cabinetry. First, replace a few cabinet doors with glass fronts that allow a peek-a-boo view of
your vintage collections, or just remove a few doors for open shelving. Add some visual detail
with scalloped trim under the cabinets. Then swap out contemporary hardware with period
pieces. Charlotte found “new old stock” dating back to the ’40s and ’50s, but many companies
specialize in reproductions that will give you just the right look.
The final touch, if your space allows it, is to bring in one or more freestanding cabinets or
hutches. Period kitchens weren’t wall-to-wall built-ins like today’s kitchens are, and storage
needs often required additional furniture. A freestanding unit full of its own character will add a
touch of authenticity.
THIS FREESTANDING CHINA CABINET was a flea-market find. “It was 15 colors and had
all these nails in it—it was the most abused piece of furniture I’d ever seen.” Charlotte had
it stripped and painted. The striped panels on the front were vintage pieces that she added
afterwards. The teddy bar cookie jars are by Brush, just like one Charlotte remembers her
grandmother owning years ago.
COLOR SHOT
Take inspiration from your favorite collectibles
to continue your kitchen transformation.
“I can spot a red canister or red kitchen
something from 600 yards away. I have a
natural affinity,” says Charlotte. The results of
her passion for flea-market treasure hunts are
on display everywhere in her kitchen, from the
polka dot Fire King bowls and vintage canisters,
to the collection of wall art, to the fold-out table
and matching chairs. Even the curtains over the
windows are adorned with vintage fabrics.
Charlotte based the color choices in the kitchen
on these collected treasures. Against the sunny
yellow backdrop, the red-and-white color scheme
May 5 & 6 • Spring Soiree with Earth Angels
at TRUE LILY, Canandaigua, NY
May 20 • BLYTHECon Europe • Málaga, Spain
June 2, 3 & 4 • “Country Living Fair” • Rhinebeck, NY
September 15, 16 & 17 • “Country Living Fair”
Columbus, OH
Say Ahh
Midcentury Magic
In the early 1950s, pink was all the rage. Perfectly pink baths and kitchens
and all-pink appliances were a favorite of American housewives. In 1953,
Betty Coletti designed this pristine pink bathroom as a wedding gift for
her newly married brother, Nunzio Cirillo, and his bride, Ellie. The color,
“Mamie Pink” or “First Lady Pink” (named after First Lady Mamie Eisen-
hower), was the single most popular color for bathrooms in the 1950s.
Betty, knowing Ellie’s favorite color was pink, surprised her with the
redo when she arrived home from her honeymoon. Pink tile with black
trim, a pink sink, bathtub, soap dishes and even a Dixie cup dispenser
JUNE 2017 85
Say Ahh
Pink Fling
In this elegant living room, pink
shows up in the way of flowers. A
minimal design, this neutral space
needs only the pop of a flower vase.
The furnishings make you feel at
home—white-slipcovered sofas oppo-
site each other coax family and guests
to stay awhile. An old, kid-friendly
trunk is perfect for putting your feet
up, and the antique fireplace and oven
warmer are just charming.
A small corner can be made quaint
using thrift-store finds. This vintage
blue chest was purchased for a steal
from an antiques shop. The long-
stem gilded lamp and shade was $10
at a garage sale, and the white ruffled
throw and basket can be purchased
at HomeGoods and Target stores.
Never decorated with pink before?
Go into it easy by adding small accent
pieces: a pillow or throw blanket, a
vase of pink roses. Don’t overdo it,
or it can look candy-coated. Home-
Goods, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and
Target stores have a good selection
of pink and pastel items, including
colorful pots and pans, teakettles and
small refrigerators. There is even a
section of girly office supplies that
includes pink chairs.
W himsical, fearlessly
inspired by nature
and glistening in bold
jewel-like colors,
antique majolica excites collectors and designers alike.
Easily combined with both traditional as well as
modern environments, majolica enhances any
interior when displayed as decorative art.
History of Majolica
Herbert Minton, the English ceramist, is
credited with initiating the majolica craze
in 1851 by exhibiting his brilliantly glazed
majolica pieces at The Great Exhibition
in London. Minton’s collection of
ceramics resembled the tin-glazed
16th-century Spanish and Italian earth-
enware called majolica. His factory’s
sculpted work, featuring naturalistic
shapes, colorful glazes and humorous
themes quickly became known
as majolica.
A soft paste earthenware, fired to biscuit
stage, majolica was coated with opaque
lead or tin glaze, which was allowed to dry.
Pieces were then hand painted with colorful
metal oxide glazes and fired again, creating the
glossy lustrous glazed finish for which majolica is
most admired.
Majolica was mass-produced for the middle class
in countries like England, France, Sweden, the United
States and Germany. Large urns, covered serving dishes,
plates, platters and even garden seats were much in
favor. During the Industrial Revolution, majolica, with
its figural designs and charming rural themes of flowers,
JUNE 2017 89
Collecting
THIS 19TH-CENTURY
MAJOLICA PLATTER or bowl in
the decorative pineapple design
is attributed to Adams Bromley.
THIS LARGE ENGLISH BREAD PLATTER with
blue center has the motto “Eat thy Bread
with Thankfulness” around the rim.
2. SHINY. True antique majolica should have a glossy, collection on desirable signed pieces; if it’s small, seek out
almost “wet” look to the glaze. The final beautiful trans- an unmarked piece you like with a small amount of damage,
lucent glaze, a metal oxide glaze in the second firing that and build from there.
enhances the clear jewel-like colors of the pottery, is what
collectors seek out. Tips for Use and Display
Since these pieces are tin- or lead-glazed, it is not advis-
3. WHIMSICAL. Antique majolica is imaginative, able to use them for actual food service, but the decorative
humorous and whimsical. Majolica aficionados cherish its options for displaying your collection are endless.
artistic molding and robust, bright colors. Majolica wares Plates can be wall mounted with plate hangers or dis-
were created with a sense of humor—they were meant played on stands made especially for that purpose. A single
to bring texture and fun to the table during the serious piece can highlight a shelf; a large collection will be spec-
Victorian era. tacular in a cabinet or hutch. No matter how you display it,
majolica, with its breathtaking designs and colors, is aes-
4. PRICEY. Signed 19th-century majolica can be thetically pleasing. Every collection has its own personality.
expensive: Expect to pay $200 to over $3,000 for the rarest Acquiring majolica that expresses you is a beautiful way to
pieces. If your budget is substantial, you can focus your share your own personal style at home.
JUNE 2017 91
Details
architectural
Antiquity
Add charm and interest with vintage
Written, photographed and styled by Gay Van Beek
architectural elements.
JUNE 2017 93
Details
otherwise bland room. Look for newel posts
that are sturdy and can bear some weight
Adding architectural elements to
added to the top. Design elements such as
carved wreaths and molding details add
your home is a great way to expand on
interest and show that the piece is a true the blank slate so many people
antique. Original paint complements a piece’s find themselves faced with when
uniqueness and shows, through many layers,
what life the piece once had. purchasing a newer home.
Adding architectural elements to your home
is a great way to expand on the blank slate so
many people find themselves faced with when
purchasing a newer home. Even though your
home may not be on the historical register,
it’s always great to have someone ask, “What’s
the history of that piece?”
DIY:
Faking
History
By Staci Dumoski
By the Sea
It’s time to hit the beach! If your summer dreams include
a visit to the seashore, then don’t miss the July issue of Romantic
Homes. You’ll find plenty of romantic ideas for adding coastal flair to
your home, no matter how far you live from the ocean. Plus get ideas
for throwing a seaside shindig and celebrating Independence Day in
shabby style.
Fr e s h l y By Staci Dumoski
Photography by Paul Brissman
Styling by Ingrid Carozzi
wrapped
garden—are an eye-catching complement to practically
any wrapping paper. Visit romantichomes.com for more
seasonal flower arrangements from Ingrid Carozzi and Tin
Make your gift stand out with a Can Studios, and learn about her new book, Handpicked:
fresh-flower package topper. Simple, Sustainable, and Seasonal Flower Arrangements
(published by Abrams, ©2017; abramsbooks.com).