new uses for antique display cases

In my search for an armoire for our master bedroom, I have come across some really cool antique display cases. However, being that these pieces are generally quite large - I was unsure of how one could really incorporate them into a more modern space without them looking overly cluttered or just out of scale. Then, I saw this amazing kitchen in Lauren Liess' new book, Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating, in which she had repurposed an old glass front bookcase as upper cabinets. Everything else in the space was crisp and new making the antique cabinet a beautiful accent element that defined the room. Unfortunately, images of this particular kitchen are not yet available online. So I did a little digging and found some other really great examples of how one could use antique bookshelves, curios, cupboards etc. in a fresh and current way. 

I have long admired this image that uses old locker doors for a glassware pantry. I like how the doors are part of a built in unit making them really stand out against the white framing.

via Country Living

I could see achieving a similar look and one that is much like the kitchen Lauren Liess designed by using this sort of antique bookshelf. You could just use the doors or hang the whole unit as an upper cabinet. 

St. Louis Craiglist listing for $695

This Drexel Heritage piece could also be used in a similar way although I would probably re-stain it as the color looks a little off to me.

St. Louis Craigslist Listing for $400

If space allows, using a big display case can make a dramatic impact especially if you stock it with beautiful and useful kitchen items like the examples below.

via Habitually Chic

design by SR Gambrel

With something so large, I think you would have to look for old commercial or retail pieces as the ones pictured above seem beyond residential scale to me.

For smaller antiques cases, check out these inspiring spaces.

via Elle Decor

source unknown

Ranging from rustic to more refined, these current Craigslist listing could be beautifully integrated into a new kitchen for a similar look.

St. Louis Craigslist listing for $168

St. Louis Craigslist Listing for $375

St. Louis Craigslist Listing for $1295

For posts about my finds and searching Craigslist click here, for general kitchen inspiration check out this early kitchen post or to learn more about the design work of Lauren Liess click here. 

chintz

What is old is new again! And by that I mean chintz. Although, its not your grandmother's chintz but, rather interesting and bold florally color combinations. I love how this super traditional pattern is making a comeback proving to be both timeless and fresh. I would use it in a bedroom or for upholstery and contrast it with something more geometric and masculine.

Happy Monday!

from top left - Hampton Designer Showhouse via Savvy Home - via Domino - design by Albert Hadley via Coco Cozy - design by Lauren Liess - design by Redmond Aldrich via Little Green Notebook -  via My Scandinavian Home - via Domino

For other pattern inspired posts check out: Otomi Fabric, Ticking Stripes and Biscuit Home. 

spoonflower

Spoonflower is a fabric and wallpaper resource that I have known about for years but hadn't really looked at until this week. Two friends of mine are both looking for wallpaper for their little girls room and while I had some go to wallpaper sources to give them - I wanted to see what existed out there at a lower price point. Hence, the rediscovery of Spoonflower which sells wallpaper at $5/sqft for removable and $7.50/sqft for re-positionable. All of Spoonflower patterns are priced the same depending on the fabric type, wallpaper or gift wrap that you choose. You also can create your own design which discounts the price. They offer 2 types of wallpaper, 19 different fabrics and 1 material choice for gift wrap. 

I would say the biggest draw back of Spoonflower, that I have encountered (I haven't ever ordered anything), is that their design library is not very well organized. There are a ton of designs to choose from but instead of being able to sort by pattern then color, each pattern and its respective color is listed individually and in no particular order. I also would make sure to order samples which seems super easy to do so that you can check color and material feel, weight etc. before placing a large order.

Below are three Spoonflower designers that have some great patterns available. Happy shopping!

1. Nouveau Bohemian

Nouveau Bohemian are the designs of Esther Fallon Lau, an Australian artist who also sells her work on Society 6. Definitely a bit folksy but it works for me. 

2. Holli Zollinger

Holli Zollinger has a smaller selection of patterns which I appreciate. They are a bit retro, again a little folksy but use an updated color palette to freshen them up. She also has an Etsy shop where you can purchase pillows in her custom designed prints. 

3. Andrea Lauren

Andrea Lauren offers an insane amount of patterns that I would mostly use for kid spaces. Originally from the U.K. but now living in the states, all of her patterns begin with illustrations and hand carved linocuts. 

For one of my favorite wallpaper resources check out this post or to read all about my favorite animal patterns for kids click here.