The Vintage Round Top Welcome

While in Round Top, a couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of going to an open house at The Vintage Round Top, pictured here.  The minute I walked through the door, I immediately felt a sense of calm come over me.  Owners, Paige and Smoot Hull, so beautifully married modern and vintage together in the design of their lovely vacation home.  I must say, they have mad stylizing skills like the use of this old bedspring repurposed into a memo board in the entryway.

The next thing that grabs your attention is their creative use of stenciled numbers on the stair risers that, may I add, takes you up and past the most amazing vintage luggage art installation.  

See what I mean?  Smoot did mention it took a couple of challenging days for him and Paige to work out the mathematics on this project.  But boy was it worth it!  Hats off to the both of you.  

How about this clever use of an old metal awning as a stand-in for a vent-a-hood?  It's absolutely chock full of character.

In the corner of the living area sits this welcoming daybed.  Notice the vintage door turned headboard and the industrial pieces fashioned into wall sconces.  Smoot and Paige are definitely in sync when it comes to design.  

If that isn't enough to wow your senses, then check out the beautiful salvaged wood ceiling. It's all in the details for sure. 

I love the dramatic use of vintage screens as art above the clean lines of the fireplace.  In my excitement of taking in the house, I failed to get an overall shot of the living room.  Oh well, good reason to hop on over to their site and pay them a visit.    

Another piece de resistance is the light infused dining area.  The long farmhouse table provides a great place to dine, linger or play games for that matter.     

I guess there's no better way to bring this tour to an end than to share a peek of the master bedroom.  I love how Paige formed the headboard from old ceiling tins and framed it out with architectural wood pieces.  

Not surprisingly, the Hull's home offers up something unexpected at every turn.  However, the best surprise of all is you can actually experience the tranquility of this lovely space as well.  Contact  Paige and Smoot here for information on leasing this fabulous vintage inspired home as your next vacation getaway.   

Have a happy Wednesday! 

XO - Dana

Round Top or Bust

Rain or shine ~ it makes no difference to me.  I'm off to Round Top with my dear friend Kelley ~ who blogs at The Hidden List.  Together, I'm sure we're going to wrangle up all kinds of goodies from one of the best flea markets in the country.  I hope to be sharing some pics of all the cool stuff we come across soon. 

The vintage amber apothecary jars and industrial wheel were flea finds ~ and now rest in the niche of one of my clients living rooms.  I love the mix of the glass and iron together.  Along with a personal photo, it makes for a cozy vignette.

Finds like these, are bountiful at flea markets across the country. I'm headed out now to one of my faves! I'll see you soon. :)

Remember This Guy???

Back last fall, I made a trip to Round Top for the fall flea market.  You may recall I shared some of my finds from my shopping excursion ~ read more about it here.  One of my favorite finds was this wonderful old practice shooting target.  At the time, I was unsure of how I was going to display him ~ but knew I would eventually figure it out.  Sadly, he's been been rolled up in my office ever since.  But recently, I decided it was a shame to leave him in the corner as if he were being punished for misbehavior. 

After weighing my options, I opted to bite the bullet and have him framed ~ primarily so he would be protected and preserved.  Custom framing something this size isn't for the faint of heart ~ especially after I received the estimate.  I determined I would save my pennies and wait for Aaron Brother's 50% off sale, then I jumped on it and took him in.  I think they did a tremendous job ~ I love the way the simple frame compliments this unique and quirky piece of art. 

I nestled some other flea market finds beneath the art.  Read more about the metal ballot box here.  The piece of coral is a treasured gift from Nana ~ a memento from her trip to Australia.  

In addition, I added this wonderful thrifted chair to the vignette ~ read more about it here.  The pillow is a newly acquired addition from a sale going on at West Elm.  

The practice shooting target, no longer rolled up and forgotten in a corner, now boasts a prominent position in my home.  I think it only proper he has a name ~ what do you think it should be?  Have a good week!

"No Assembly Required" ~ Wine Glass Holder

 

I love repurposing items ~ especially when there's "No Assembly Required."  Recently, I posted an idea reusing an old rake head as a wine glass holder.  Read more about it here.  To my delight and surprise, the feedback has been overwhelming.  I think the interest, in part, stems from the fact it was repurposed from something quite common and ordinary.  The rake idea requires little effort to transform it from it's original identity.  

Funny how you can see an item over and over again and one day look at it in a completely different light.  Such was the case with this vintage "Standard" rubber stamp holder (say that real fast ten times).  I lucked upon it during my recent trip to Round Top for a mere $10.

I've had my eye on one of these for a long time, likely because I remember my dad having one on the desk in his office when I was a little girl.  I always admired it ~ it reminded me of a mini whimsical carousel.  I would play with it and pretend the stamps were little horses, gracefully taking their riders for a spin.  Practically, I had been looking for one because I had several stamps that I wanted to display.  



I wasn't needing another wine glass holder, but just last evening, I glanced at this simple utilitarian object and saw it as one.  The best part about it is there's "No Assembly Required!" 



All I had to do was plop in the stemware.  I'm in love with this idea!  I hope you find it as charming as I do.  :)

The stamp holders aren't quite as common an item as the rakes, however, they can still be spotted lurking around antique stores and flea markets and are also easily found on Ebay and Etsy.

Hoping today is a happy fall Friday for you!

P.S.  Thank you to the wonderful ladies from the Coppell Alumnae Panhellinic Association.  I enjoyed being with you last night and enjoyed sharing about design, holiday inspiration and Tattered Style.  Thanks for bearing with me and my nervous jitters.  It looks like we may be planning a girl's trip to Canton soon.  Can't wait!!!

Flea Market Favorites

On my recent trip to Round Top, one of my favorite days was at Marburger Farm.  There were several dealers who really grabbed my attention.  The first was Becki and Jur van der Oord, of Installations Antiques, they have incredible style and taste. I truly wish I could have made it back with their great "House" sign.

They also carried these unique pendant lights ~ I think they would be a standout fixture whether used singly or in a cluster.  And notice the round, red shutter ~ it would be a solid design statement in any room.

Secondly, I thought Utopia Antiques carried some very impressive pieces.  This cow is one of them and reminds me of our favorite car game, "Hey Cow," (thanks Sydney).  I do think this concrete variety would make for a clever install ~ inside or out.

I have a fascination for orbs ~ especially ones of this size and scale.  I'm pretty sure in its former life, this one was an old wrecking ball ~ whatever the case ~ wouldn't it be great in a garden? 

The giant star was another favorite of mine ~ also carried by Utopia.  I would love to have it hanging on a living room wall ~ but really it would serve as instant art most anywhere.  

And lastly, I had to snap of photo of this orange chest ~ the chippy patina was perfection.  I found it here.  I think it would make a great bedside or end table.  It would also provide great storage in a bathroom ~ a handy spot for rolled up towels.  I'm pretty crazy about the oversized glass container holding the dried hydrangeas.  This too ~ is one of those accessories that could easily move all over the house.

Thanks for letting me share some favorite finds from Marburger Farm.  I hope you enjoy your weekend.  :) 

Cool Stool

I've been holding out for just the right stool to snug up to this counter in my kitchen.  It's a relatively small space ~ plus the back door opens onto it.  I'm happy to have finally found it.

 

I've had this stool pulled up to the counter for years.  It's served the purpose, but I've never really been in love with it ~ it's one you see everywhere.   

I spotted this vintage metal stool at Round Top last week ~ industrial cool.

~ and it only cost $6.00!

~ The perfect mix of patina + style ~ 

I'm reminded all over again that patience and persistence pays off.  My word of encouragement to you ~ is to hold out and sooner or later you can usually find exactly what you are looking for ~ and for a reasonable price. 

A Flea For All

I'm still in Round Top for Antiques Week ~ "fleaing" to my heart's content.  Here's a few photos I've snapped so far.  First stop was The Gypsy Wagon and their beautifully revamped Airstream trailer.  Didn't their logo turn out wonderful?  It's quite a show stopper!  I'm sure owners, Carley and Johnny Seale, would love for you to stop by their store the next time you're in the Dallas area.  I promise you won't be disappointed ~ check out their website here.  

The colorful Navajo horse club chair they had for sale was nabbed up for country music sensation, Jewel.  I thought this was an interesting bit of trivia I'd throw in.  :)

Next stop was British Route Sign Designs ~ last year I stumbled upon my favorite purchase from this vendor.  So, I had to stop by and say "hi" and see what cool things DeWayne, the owner, had brought to Round Top this show.  As usual, his space was a highlight on the trip.  I spotted this old shooting target ~ such an unusual and quirky find.  It's making its way back to Dallas with me. 

I

I'm happy to say this beautiful old oil painting is going to join me at my house. I can't deny that the muted shades of the hydrangeas had me from the get go!  It was such a pleasure to meet Gordon and Lynette Harrison ~ they have two incredible spaces at Bar "W" field.  Gordon's space is loaded with exquisite old oil paintings and one of a kind vintage frames.  And Lynette has the most interesting and unique antiques ~ they are passionate about what they do and have great inventory.  If you're in Round Top, it would be worth your while to pay them a visit. 

My favorite fluffy pillow at Pandora de Balthazar    It was the ultimate in squishiness and style.  Thank you, Toni, for sharing the European Sleep System with me ~ it was heavenly...

Yesterday was an extremely fun-filled day at the Blogger's Luncheon ~ held at The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell.  It was such a wonderful experience.  I'll be sharing all about the day's events with you on Friday.  As for today ~ I'm off to Marburger.  See you soon!

Round Top Reward

Last spring I made a trip to Round Top for a flea market excursion with some friends.  Besides getting away to have some much needed girl time, I was also on a quest for a few specific items.  I was particularly interested in finding an iron twin bed frame ~ one to fill a corner of a spare room.  The room also doubles as my home office ~ also known as myspace.  I ended up acquiring the iron bed, pictured above. for a reasonable price of only $40.00.  I cleaned the bed up and deliberated over how to incorporate it into its new surroundings.  Typically, I would never paint over perfectly good rust, but I ended up changing my mind this time around.   

I eventually had the bed sandblasted and then powder coated it a bright white. I'm sure there are plenty who would question why I painted over the rust.  It certainly wasn't something I took lightly and I gave a lot of thought to it.  But ultimately, I determined the dark bed frame ate up too much space visually ~ and quite simply the small room demanded a bed frame that would fade into its surroundings. 

It really turned out beautiful ~ I wish my photos gave it the justice it deserves.  Oh ~ and I do love the box pleated bedskirt with its covered buttons ~ it's definitely a keeper.  I found it here. 

I've also been considering options for the rest of the bed coverings.  For now, I've tossed an inexpensive white quilt on the bed and draped it with a ruffley tablecloth I found on sale here.  Recently, my friend Kelley, of The Hidden List, has been featuring a series on how to "Build a Better Bed" on her blog.  I've been so inspired ~ I hope to make this guest spot as luxurious and inviting as the beds I have read about.  Check them out here.

Shortly after finding the bed, I also ran across the rusty medical cabinet that is standing in as a nightstand.  My original plan was to leave its finish untouched too, but after I have lived with it for awhile...

 ...my choice is to paint it a crisp, fresh white to match the bed.  I'll complete its makeover and accessorize it with clear glass knobs.  Be watching for "Before" and "After" photos.

And speaking of Round Top ~ I have more to share about the upcoming Antiques Week and some pretty exciting happenings.  I'll be back on Friday to fill you in on it, so be looking for my next post.  Until then, you might want to check out Tattered Style on Facebook where I'll be posting "Thrifted Finds of the Week."

P.S.  Thanks to the following blogs for recently featuring Tattered Style:  Handmade in TX, Etsy Fort Worth ~ "Organizing With Vintage Finds" and Etsy Fort Worth ~ "A Rake By Any Other Name."

Lighten Up

I believe that a home is a living, breathing organism with life happening all throughout it.  That being said, this place I call home is always changing.  Although I'm sentimental about some things, I'm not attached to most and I find it relatively easy to let got of some belongings in order to bring in new additions from time to time.  Especially, when I happen upon a cool find or great sale, or better yet ~ the two combined together.  I made the mistake of going into Anthropologie the other day and spotted this little guy, lurking in the clearance room shadows.  I've had my eye on him for awhile now ~ surprisingly, he's been sitting on a shelf collecting dust for weeks.  I finally decided he needed a new home ~ mine! 

  

Up until now, I've had a smaller, nondescript thrift store lamp on this old dresser and it served the purpose nicely.  But I've been eyeing this oversized gooseneck lamp and I was so happy to still find it available (I think he sort of resembles the Pixar logo lamp ~ do you?).  The mirror was a flea market find for a mere $10.00.

 

Since this is my bedroom, I really prefer to keep this area as uncluttered as possible.  A space that offers up minimal doses of visual stimulation ~ and instead promotes a calm and restful atmosphere.  I did add one pop of interest with this black and white striped rug I found at Ikea.  If I recall correctly, it also only set me back $10.00.

A nice reprieve from the hectic pace of the world within which we live.  

The dresser belonged to Nat's family when he was a young boy ~ I cleaned it up and gave it a couple coats of creamy white paint. 

I opted to use only a 40 watt bulb in the lamp ~ it casts a nice soft glow to the room in the evening.  I realize this isn't the most expensive or opulent room, but for me ~ it's certainly peaceful and relaxing.  Just what the doctor ordered after a busy week like this one.  Here's hoping you have an enjoyable and restful weekend as well. :)

P.S.  Some exciting news!  Here's your chance to meet and greet Rachel Ashwell at a Blogger's Luncheon during the upcoming Round Top Antiques Fair.  My friend, Kelley, of The Hidden List along with Bud Royer of Royers Round Top Cafe, is helping host this event ~ please go here for all of the details.  It is limited to the first 35 people who register.  It's not to late to secure your spot ~ I hope to see you there!

 

Additionally, thank you to my sweet friend and graphic designer, Lindsey Sobolik, for designing the lovely invitation! 

Letters Galore

Lonely Letters

I begin this post with mixed emotions ~ a little bit of distress fused with a little enthusiasm as well.  Sorrowful, that I just dropped my camera and am unable to finish shooting photos for this post but on the other hand, exhilarated because now I am forced into purchasing a new camera ~ something I've been meaning to do for quite some time.

In spite of my most recent setback with my camera, I do want to share the photos that I was fortunate enough to capture prior to the mishap.

Last spring I made a trip to Round Top and stumbled upon a graveyard of old signage letters (see above).  Who knew what might be lurking in this dismal heap of mangled-up metal?  My hope was to unearth a "d" or a "p" or possibly the initial of one of my kiddos ~ and luckily enough I found this guy.

Simple and imperfect in every way ~ just what I was looking for.

Who knows?  It might end up here ~ resting on the floor...

OR...maybe here ~ on this bookcase.  I have a feeling this is one of those pieces, that will frequently rotate from room to room.  For now, I think I like it positioned atop this weathered bookshelf, standing watch over numerous design books.  The pretty flowers ~ courtesy of the mister. 

The generously sized letter "d", with its muted shade of gray, blends in seamlessly with my color palette.  And the beauty of it is ~ it does double duty as a "d" or a "p" depending on which way I flip it or whatever suits my fancy for the day.

On another note, I thought I would share my latest read with you ~ a little gift my husband recently presented to me.  He knows of my love for beautiful design books.  I was happy to be introduced to Patina Style by Brooke Giannetti and Steve Giannetti.  I promise this book will not disappoint and is chocked full of wonderful old patina styled furnishings and rooms.  I'm a little embarrassed to say, this was my first introduction to these wonderful designers ~ read more about them here on their blog, Velvet and Linen.  You will be taken away by their beautiful stylizing. 

P.S.  Farewell to my faithful little Samsung point-and-shoot who has been a loyal cohort for the past couple of years. You will be missed.  On the other hand, that means new and improved photos for Tattered Style. :)