classic – Page 5

February 26, 2016 By Melinda 7 Comments

“How To” Add Authenticity with Marble (inexpensively)

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My father is from Holland, so after moving to the US we would travel back quite often. We would visit family, beautiful shops, and restaurants while we were there. One thing I took notice of even as a young child was the attention to detail. The detail was evident in the simple everyday events. If you bought a good from a shop, even as small as a postcard, it would be wrapped beautifully in its paper and string. My parents’ coffee in a cafe would be served in a coffee cup where a rounded paper sat on top of the saucer to catch any spills. A small sweet treat would be served as well, taking its place on the saucer next to the coffee. It was always an experience that evoked a sense of timelessness. Maybe it was the history, maybe it was my youth, or maybe it was the materials and architecture that was used to make these spaces.

There is Beauty in Simplicity

One material that I found in many of the places we visited was marble. The timeless and classic feeling marble evoked spoke to you just by being. It created a sense of elegance in an atmosphere that I truly cherished and still do.

I love to find different ways to incorporate marble into my home and this was one that I wanted to share with you. Remember it is about mixing pieces together. Whether it’s from a chain store, Goodwill, or your grandmother you mix to create an authentic space. I hope you find the project inspiring and simple to achieve in your own home.

A Kitchen Trivet

Tools

1. Small felt pads

2. Marble Subway tile

*These tiles came in a set of 7 or 8 for around $9.00 at a home improvement store

Method…short and sweet!

Turn the tile over and place a felt piece in each corner. This will help prevent it from leaving any marks on the surface you are placing it on.

Once you have all corners covered, it is ready to enjoy in a variety of ways! You can use them to display kitchen essentials, such as olive oil and salt and pepper shakers.

Another thought is to place a few side by side and place tea lights or pillar candles on them. Line them down the center of your table for a simple and classic display.

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February 19, 2016 By Melinda 12 Comments

“How To” Add Authenticity with Copper

Copper has been around for thousands of years and used in a variety of applications. Whether used for decoration, a musical instrument, or a purpose such as cookware, copper lends itself to a sense of timelessness simply by being. I am drawn to images with copper in them because they evoke a feeling in me. The vocabulary I would use to describe the feeling includes understated, romantic, and timeless.

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These “candlestick” holders came in a pack of 10 from a home improvement center for around $4. I love the simplicity of them and the feeling they help create in the kitchen. I set them up around the holidays and they are still up. It is the feeling that I get from them that I enjoy, so for now they stay!

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The tray that sits on our antique butcher block, pictured below, came from the thrift shop, so maybe a couple of dollars was spent on it. I love the shape and its purpose in the space. It is a different use for copper, but one that I truly enjoy.

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The Revere Ware copper above was bought by my parents when they were first married in 1971. They have a beautiful collection and that I am lucky enough to have them share with me.

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I think that at times people find the idea of thrift shops, garage sales, antiquing, etc. a little discouraging because you never know what and if you will find anything when you visit. That is the point. Your home and the making of it is a process. It is not about visiting the home aisle at some of our favorite “go to” stores and filling our carts to the brim with the latest trend. This type of process you can do any day of the week and in some cases 24/7. I am talking about a different type of process. It’s about making a home and the desired feeling you wish to achieve in it for all who are welcomed. This takes a little more time, but you won’t be tired of it in a month. Why, because you are not choosing ikat or chevon because it is the pattern of the month (or year), but because it says the right thing about you and your home. It is chosen with intention.

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January 25, 2016 By Melinda Leave a Comment

#10weeksofrealdesign

*If you would like to subscribe to my blog you will find the link (the three dots) next to the “Home Tour” page above. Thank you!*

My hope with this blog is to teach the everyday home designer how to make a classic, simple, and real home. I started a new hashtag on my Instagram feed #10weeksofrealdesign where I find a “real” item from the thrift shop, grocery store, or even the basement of my own home. I then share the process of finding a place/use for it. My first “real” item was a copper tray from the thrift shop.

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The tray definitely needed a little cleaning. I turned to my copy of Modern Mix by Eddie Ross to refresh my memory on the best products and techniques to use to clean this type of finish.

The copper tray turned out to be the perfect place to corral my onions while I am cooking. They no longer roll everywhere and look beautiful displayed against the copper on my antique butcher block. On a side note, I love to display my fruits and vegetables in my kitchen. I find beauty in their simplicity. I think the grey and white color palette serves as the perfect backdrop for them to shine.

I hope that you are inspired to discover that something “real” in your home. Something that hasn’t been used for some time or has been packed away for awhile. Something that may serve a new purpose and be just the thing you were looking for.

I want to thank Melanie from My Sweet Savannah for adding House 214 Design to her blog list. You are so kind to introduce me to all of your friends. If you are visiting by way of My Sweet Savannah, thank you for taking the time to visit me. What an honor!

November 6, 2015 By Melinda 6 Comments

Thanksgiving Tablescape Tour

My inspiration for this project came from a visit to Belgium a few years ago. My father was born and raised in Holland and his family and many friends still live in the area. We stayed with some long time friends of ours in Belgium. One morning we sat down to breakfast and before us sat a table piled high with wonderful breads and rolls. They were not in baskets or on platters, but sat directly on the table. I was drawn to this tablescape and the mood that it evoked. I wanted to create that same feeling for my own Thanksgiving table. Here is my own version.

The bread is a part of the meal and encourages people to take what they want. I think the table setting feels real. It welcomes people to sit down and enjoy the experience of family, friends, and food.

There is a lot of bread of course, but mixed within are other elements that I believe make it feel real. The corn in the center is glittered in gold and repeated on the walnuts that sit on the napkins. The brass candlesticks and gold ribbon compliment this same color palette.

The herbs were something I wanted to incorporate because put simply I love them! I love how they look, but most of all I love how they smell. Sense can be another way to add warmth in my opinion. I planted thyme in the urns, rosemary is tucked in with the utensils that sit on the plates, the plant on the island is a rosemary topiary, and the round bread on the table are rosemary loaves.

You will find silver and grey in many pieces. The tablecloth and napkins are obviously in the grey family. The rim of the china, the cake stand, butter dish, silverware, and even the chairs all have some tone of silver in them.

My tablescape is a “tip of the hat” to the Thanksgiving holiday. To me that makes it feel more authentic and not forced. I spent approximately $20 on the bread and everything else I already owned.

My “something to try” tip is to create a beverage station. I didn’t want to clutter the table too much, so I decided to place the water pitcher and glasses on a nearby marble table. Now everyone can help themselves!

I have created a free design plan to help get you started on creating a timeless feeling home. You can find out more below. Take care! Melinda

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October 17, 2015 By Melinda 1 Comment

Ingredient #5: How To Bring The Outdoors In

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When I see an image that is natural and green, my eyes are drawn to it. There is a feeling that it creates in the space that I just love. A feeling that is calm and beautifully uncomplicated.

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I think what I appreciate about bringing the outdoors in has a lot to do with its simplicity. It doesn’t feel forced. In fact, it feels quite the opposite. It feels natural.

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A bonus is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. The herbs pictured here were $2.99 at Trader Joes. The mint and lemon verbena in the glass jar were a gift from a friend.

Let’s talk containers. This is another opportunity to bring the outdoors inside your home. Use urns and pots intended for the outdoors inside. The glass vessel holding the rosemary plant was a $1 thrift store find. There is always a large inventory of these types of beautiful things waiting to find a new use at thrift shops, garage sales, and antique stores. The glass bottle from my friend was a salad dressing bottle that she cleaned and removed the sticker. Get creative!

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Remember, design is about making a home. It’s about living in it and an extension of you.