Live Breathe Decor

Dec 31

I’m still a sucker for french provincial

Like a lot of decorating junkies, I go through phases of being in love with a particular style. Sometimes I crave modern spaces, sometimes it’s what I call ‘upmarket coastal’ (basically what many refer to as ‘Hamptons’ style), or it could be bright, colourful, American East-coast style. But I always come back to french provincial, or at least a little bit mixed in with whatever else I am loving. French chairs in particular are my big weakness! I am so drawn to the french grey palette (see previous post!), linen and hessian fabrics, mixed with chipped paint and a hint of gilt.

marie claire maison via decorology

interiors via decorology

paint me white

martha moments

To me this is heaven in display (above)! How I love the shapes and aged patina of this mirror and candlsticks.

image via decorpad

I am always on the lookout for pieces that fit with this look: antique french candlesticks (reproductions are around but they at least have to look antique!), grey or off-white-painted furniture and of course french chairs. Being a very impulsive person, I have sadly sold many of my ‘french’ pieces over the years when I have been in a ‘modern’ frame of mind. At the time it seemed right but I occasionally remember something I used to have and regret that I sold it so hastily. Though it does mean I can continue to shop…

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comments: 2 » tags: antique, french, grey, provincial, rustic, white

Dec 17

Junk Shopping

Posted in collections, Shopping, Uncategorized

Today I went to a local ‘junk’ shop (a mix of high and low-end old stuff), and had a great time browsing. Of course the fun thing about shopping in these kinds of places is the thrill of the unknown and the high when you discover something great. I went to a particular shop to take a look at these:

But I ended up finding a whole lot of other stuff I liked the look of:

These are the front windows. Looks intriguing, right? They had an old set of hooks with Christmas cards hanging off it which looked great (in top of second picture - I know the photography is terrible). I also liked the blue striped deck chair and the old globes.

Doesn’t this old dressmaker’s mannequin look fabulous against the giant cityscape print?

I love old tripod lamps. The replicas are everywhere now, and I like those too, but there’s nothing like a rustic original.

They had this huge artist’s easel near the front door - I can picture it in a large modern foyer with a big painting on it - what a great statement piece. Also note the bowl of wooden shoe moulds underneath - even the simplest thing can look amazing when collected and displayed en masse.

Speaking of collections - I loved all these mini sets of drawers for storing papers or jewellery. We had some just like the square ones in the middle in my childhood home- they were quite deep and my mother used them to store cutlery and serving spoons.

I am always drawn to old musical instruments.

Lovely pink and cranberry glass lamp bases.

…and matching Murano glass!

There were cabinets full of old globes (these are just a sample). I think they’d look great as a collection in a library, on a tabletop or interspersed with old books on shelves.

I nearly brought these home with me! Love these useful drawers, the shell handles and perfect shade of grey-blue.

This sun-bleached cane and steel chair caught my eye.

I know the colours aren’t great but this is a screen with potential! It would make a perfect room divider if you re-painted it.

Imagine this old plant stand filled with terracotta pots and greenery in a courtyard - stunning!

That’s me for today - no purchases but plenty of inspiration..

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comments: 0 » tags: antique, find, junk, rustic, shopping

Dec 13

Rustic Industrial Style

Posted in Uncategorized

There are so many shops in Melbourne selling industrial-style furniture and homewares - usually pieces made from timber and/or iron or steel. These are often things that 20 years ago you could have found in country towns for next to nothing, but these days people appreciate not only the masculine - edged style of industrial pieces, but also the fact that they can be unusual one-off pieces with some history attached.

Check out this shelving unit made from old wooden fruit boxes ($260):

But my philosophy is never to spend big money when you don’t have to. Sometimes I’ll see an amazing industrial shelf or table and the high price will be justified because it’s a truly unique piece that’s beautiful and that you are unlikely to ever see again. But if you are after the look without the price tag, there are a lot of ways to add an industrial element to your home. I love this style particularly in big converted warehouses- I’d love to do that one day!