Antique Picking Through The Mountains

Picture this:  Take a ‘young’, middle-aged married couple – she, an interior designer . . .  he, an urban planner . . . and send them off to the North Carolina mountains for some much needed R&R, mix in a few rain showers - then present to them some “honey holes” of sweet vintage and antique finds – and you’ve got a regional version of American Pickers!  (I promise we did take in the views and hiked along some gorgeous streams, I really promise!)  We even took turns rockin’ on the front porch.  Rocking, mind you, not rocking out.  :)

See, here’s proof.  And apologies for the dachshund bootie shots - they just won’t pose when their daddy has a snack in his hand.  (Notice Freckles, on the right, licking his chops in anticipation.)

I’ll bet there was a “honey hole” in top of this barn.

Isn’t she a beauty?  I have this thing for barns.  Have to take photos when I see a pretty one.  See the clouds?  That means “permission granted for picking!”

I’ll catch up, later, with more shots of the vacay.  When the sun came out, it was absolutely gorgeous!

Meanwhile, here’s where you can do your own “picking”.  It’s definitely going to be your sweet spot for finds!

(Tip for best video view – click on the tool button at the bottom of the video band, (cogwheel), and select 480 – Or you can click to watch it on YouTube)

See something you really like?  You’re welcome to email me.  I’ll bet we can arrange for shipping.  (Large items or furniture must be picked up locally.)  Watch the video to the end to find out our location.  If you really want to be a picker, you’ve got to have patience!

What’s been your favorite find while on vacation?  I’ll bet you’ve got some great stories to share!

All my best! ~ Wanda

Time For Tabletop Tips

Oh, we just bought a pail of fresh strawberries.  The old-fashioned kind where they are small but bursting with sweetness and flavor!  It reminded me of summertime entertaining and pulling out some sweet pieces for tucking flowers and fruit.

Here are just a few ideas:

Yes, it’s going to be hard to “adopt” these pieces out, but I have to save myself room for the next shopping venture! 

Stop by Golden Girls Antiques in Monroe, NC to get ready for your summer season.  Lots more of these await, along with beautiful napkins, lamps, accents, and furniture!

All my best! ~ Wanda

A Run For The Roses

The beginning of the Triple Crown of racing begets fanciful hats, Mint Juleps, and visions of a red roses loom ahead for the winner and I’m celebrating in the garden.  (Where else would I be during planting season?)

(Divine Derby Hat – Via Fashion and Lifestyle)

We had a bunch of pesky trees removed, so it opened up a ton of possibilities.  The DH loves trees - as do I - but we needed a little more breathing room and color.  Off to Latham’s nursery we went!  There were roses as far as the eye could see!  Knockout roses and drift roses made their way into the garden trailer.  (Yes, we look like the Clampetts on gardening days.) 

(These Drift Roses, at Latham’s really popped in pink.  ) 

We’re so fortunate to have a plethora of planting places within thirty minutes of our home.  Each has something to offer and I’m sure you could find some of my stories about Three Creek Farms and King’s Greenhouse, too!  I have my favorite peeps at each.  Michelle, at Latham’s was especially helpful as she patiently listened to “lively” discussions between the DH and I as we decided which plantings would be the best ones for the border. 

(These chickens enjoy a rose-covered coop.  Lucky birds!)

(Designer Jeffrey Bilhuber’s vacation home on Nantucket – Aptly named “Rose Cottage”.  Architectural Digest  Like a story book!)

So, I guess you could say we’re racing against the clock to get our project finished.  With so much to plant, it will be more like a gallop!

All my best! ~ Wanda

Pinterest Pinings & Design Inspirations

Before someone calls the spelling police, I didn’t forget the extra ‘n’!  If you’re addicted to Pinterest, (and I know if you’ve ever been on the site, you are), it’s easy to understand the yearnings for so many of the beautiful pins. 

One of my favorite ‘pinners’, Pamela Rodriguez, must be totally into my head as I love so much of what she chooses.  In fact, I hope she doesn’t think I’m stalking her! 

For example, she loves red and white – both in transferware and toile fabrics:

And so do I!

(Currently in my shop at Golden Girl’s Antiques – Monroe, NC)

Pam also has an affinity for shabby chic.

(Mmmm.  Seems familiar.  And also in my shop.)

There’s a little love of blue and white, too.

(I just brought in a pair of sweet dresser lamps.  Pardon the plastic on the shades.  Those 100% silk babies need a little protection!)

And being that she likes vignettes of collected items . . .

(Okay, I know it’s one more shameless plug, but don’t you love the mixture of textures?  Aubusson pillows, tole painted round box in a chippy cradle.  Ahem – also in the shop!)

I sure hope I’ve Pam has inspired you to drop by for a visit to take the images of Pinterest from online to real time in your home! 

I wish Pam lived closer.  I think we could get into trouble, together!

(Golden Girls Antiques is located in Monroe, NC.  Be sure to check out their Facebook page for other shops within their shop.)

All my best! ~ Wanda

Feathering The Nest

It’s almost time to head to the High Point Furniture Market as I’m sourcing some lovelies to help clients feather their nests!  I can tell, from sneak previews, there will be cottage comforts to share.  (Stay tuned as I’ll post them on both of my blogs!)

Meanwhile, a special client will be receiving a pair of custom tabletop arrangements for an engagement party she’s hosting.

Aren’t they lovely?

Yes, nesting season is here!

All my best! ~ Wanda

Easter Memories And Interior Design

So . . . just in case you didn’t know . . . I happen to guest blog for Hooker Furniture Company.  They’re a lovely manufacturer of many different styles of upholstery and case goods, but I think they excel in the area of cottage-influenced design.  If you aren’t familiar with them, I would definitely check them out!  Their Primrose Hill collection happens to be one of my favorites and I’m working on a client’s guest bedroom project with this gorgeous bed as the focal point.

Can’t wait to show you the completed space.  Even more gorgeous in person!

In the meanwhile, as the Easter holiday is just around the bend, I wanted to share my recent blog post for them.  It captures a poignant and fun memory and I thought you might enjoy it.  Tales of smocked dresses, patent leather shoes, S’mores, and a run-a-way bonfire! 

Just click on the image, below:

May you have a lovely holiday with peace and hope for the future!

All my best!

Wanda

A Shop Within A Shop – We’re Open!

For those of you who have not heard of Golden Girls Antiques in Monroe, NC, you’re not alone!  In fact, if you’re in a hurry and pass through our little town, you may just miss it - even though it’s right across from the main post office.  I’ll bet some of the local folks even hope it’s a hidden secret because there are just too many great finds tucked inside!

Well, being guilty of a little self-promotion, here, I WANT you to stop by!  After all, even if I’m pretty proud of the space I recently set up, I don’t want to see the same pretties staring back at me, week after week.  They need to go to a good home.  :)

A fabulous, designer bergere chair for under $500!  Covered in a Kravet fabric.  The mirror is a 1960’s bullseye with amazing metalwork. Under $350.  English Plates - $48 for the set of four.  Milk glass set - $35 – yes, pitcher and glasses!  Oh, and the wall hanging has meticulous stumpwork and beading.

Stumpwork is a needlework technique where it has been looped and trimmed for dimension.

Banded in black velvet.

Here’s a close-up of the mirror.  Notice the detailed metal work?

I’ve got a few pieces of art glass, too.  A little something for everyone.

Here’s the other end of the space.  The rustic brick texture is the perfect backdrop.  I’m sure I’ll be tweaking as time goes by.  The little farm table would be great for a breakfast nook or as a writing desk.  It’s under $300!  All wood peg joinery, too.  The French ottoman, underneath, has a new file fabric cover.  And yes, on the shelf above, that’s a chicken coop!  I loved the gray/blue washed finish and can just picture it hanging on a wall with mossed pots inside.

This cutie patootie cradle almost didn’t make it to the shop!  It would be such a great piece to hold quilts or to be lined to hold big red geraniums.  It’s a little more green than it shows in the photo.  I know you would love it, no matter what!  A pair of vintage pillows, with pom-pom trim are nested in it, for now.

English lusterware pitcher - $39.  American Ironstone coffee pot - $35.  Seaside oil painting - $95.  Yes, it’s worth the drive from Charlotte!

Antique wood fragments.  Put a hook on the back and hang them in a grouping!

Iron planters, wall plaques.  Old and new live happily together!

Two carnival glass bowls sparkle away.  I think they would be gorgeous in a bathroom with soaps and scrubbies piled inside.

I sure hope you’ll stop by for a visit.  For more details, you can go to my Facebook Page – Villas and Bungalows or visit the Golden Girls Antiques Facebook Page.  Updates about other vendors will be there, too.

Thanks for letting me share the news!  If you’re interested in some pieces, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  Better yet, take a side trip to Monroe!  There are several area shops – Remember Me Antiques, The Pack Rat Antiques, and down the road in Marshville, NC – OldeTyme Marketplace.  You can drop by Alice Jules Coffeehouse for a “Chilly Alice” iced coffee.  I can attest that it’s delish!

All my best to you!

Wanda