Unique Unique Design

There are sooo many fabulous chandeliers out “there” waiting to be bought, hung, illuminated. I thought it would be fun to find a few and post pics of them. I’m sure right after I publish this post, I’ll find at least 20 more I wish I had included…and then 20 more after that. Oh, well, that’s half the fun of all this. We have such an enormous store of material to pull from.

  Did you know that the first chandeliers started showing up during the turbulent 13th and 14th centuries. This was a time of wars, economic troubles, malnutrition, famine. Remember the Black Plague? It nearly wiped out the population of Europe. As religion was experiencing a rebirth at this time, the idea of a hanging fixture with candles came about. They were used mostly in churches to light the dark halls and corridors. They were made of wood with attached fittings for candles and were fashioned in the form of a cross.

By the 15th and 16th century changes were taking place across Europe. The power was shifting from the pope to the monarchy. Thanks largely to Henry the VIII who broke with Rome and formed the Church of England. With this power shift, the chandelier, also, followed, now seen in the homes of the noble class. The form changed, too, to a crown and became a status symbol and decorative item.

The 17th and 18th centuries saw many move to the Americans and the growth of the British Empire. Between the importation of goods from other lands,  the Industrial Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, and new technology wealth began making it into the hands of merchants. With this newly acquired wealth, the chandelier moved into the homes of merchants. They were being made with high karat gold, glass, and lead crystals.

The continued westward movement and exploration of the Americas characterized the 19th century. With that came more technological advances such as steam engines, gas and electricity. Gas lit crystal chandeliers began appearing. As electricity became an available form of energy, electrified chandeliers naturally followed.

With all the advances seen in the 20th century and early 21st century, the chandelier has taken on many new forms. While most everyone has at least one in their home, it is no longer an object of the wealthy. Even, though, lighting our homes and businesses is necessary, it is often used for its decorative value. How the chandelier has moved from lighting dark halls to hanging over our jacuzzi tubs to lighting up our outdoor kitchens is amazing. Here are just a few, from the more humble to the grand.

I love this capiz drum chandelier. I think it could be used in so many applications.

HW Home

Here’s an off the wall, totally funky chandelier. Where would you use this?

Metropolitan home

large chandelier with metal shades

unique unique design

love all the graphic details in this room and the contrast…makes the white chandelier stand out.

veranda

wheat chandelier….night and day

unique unique design

These are made from old industrial wire whisks. They are great!

Liza Sherman Antiques, 1st dibs

This is wonderful. How about dropped down over a small table, or your kitchen sink, or front porch, or in a box window. Love it!

Bizarre Bazrre 1st dibs

Impressive. Wouldn’t a high ceilinged foyer look wonderful with this.

white and wander 2009

I think these are great. They would make fabulous pendant type lights over a concrete or carerra marble counter.

mothology

This would be a knockout used in an industrial/loft type space. It would add that bit of sparkle.

francesca martire 1st dibs

I believe this is a 70’s chandelier, but what a look! With an all frenchy, swedish, more ornate room, this would bring a bit of contempory into the space.

unique unique design

Can’t see much of this, but it’s pretty amazing.

veranda

Between the large chandelier and mirror, this is fantastic!

house beautiful

The beehive chandeliers  work so well over this really cool island. They would look great over nightstands on each side of a bed with linen bedding and a black bamboo screen headboard. Very organic.

southern accent

This is just stunning…that chandelier reflecting in that mirror. Imagine how great it would look at night!!

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maison luxe lighting

Rain, sleet, or rising flood water,  we must get our chandelier hung. Whether our chandeliers are humble or grand, they surely set the stage for a room. So many to chose from…not sure if that makes it more difficult or easier?! Are you in the process of picking out one? Tell us your ideas.

We have been in McKinney working and have spent some time at Homepieces in Vicki’s  new shop. She has done a phenomenal job redoing the space. With all the extra room she has in this shop expect some really wonderful items to come in that she couldn’t fit in her old shop! She has absolutely beautiful merchandise and it is really coming together. As in most cases, you think something will take a day and it takes 2-3 days. Vicki has certainly run into those unexpected things resulting in it taking longer to open than she anticipated. She told us, though, that we could say she will work like crazy to be open on Sat. July 4th at 10 A.M. So, if you are looking for something to do on the 4th before the fireworks start, we would suggest a trip to McKinney. I will give you her info at the end of this post. You can call to make sure she has hit her deadline. In the meantime, peruse her pics of the work in progress.

long harvest table

horns, canvas, and Masonic sign

very cool architectural pieces and wonderful leaded glass panels

ornate iron pieces and long neck bottles

more bottles, shells, balls, and slag glass

table, screens, and sconces

oh, so fab large french mirror and great industrial pieces in front of it

no, she’s not starting a new trend selling decorative vacuums. As I said she is not quite done yet!

more inventory waiting for a place

ahh, but the swan has found a home. Love that large iron container!

And just to show you not everything is totally on hold, Vicki has been making sales in between all the moving, arranging, and mess. Here she is writing a ticket!!

Go check out Homepieces, 203-B Virginia on the square in McKinney, Tx. Her store # is 972 542-6191

I think it was Friday afternoon when I asked my husband if he wanted to drive down to Round Top early Saturday morning. His first response after first hand experience helping us with shows in that very area was, “Isn’t it going to be very hot?”   I told him, of course, it was, but the show was in an A/C building. Well, in that case he was willing to go. So up before 5a.m. and off we went. Our only stop on the way was in West, home of the famous Czech bakeries. We made it down there in pretty good time and arrived shortly after the show opened. The first friends we ran into were Judy and Billy. Pete (my DH) and Billy got a chance to catch up a little, since they hadn’t seen each other in awhile. Around the corner we ran into Brian and Melonie from Seedbox Antiques, then Alison and her husband from Ennis, Tx. Down the row was Linda’s booth from Willow Nest, then Peg and Jon of French Vanilla fame. A little further on were Theresa C. (blogger extraordinaire) and her husband, and back up front we visited Carolyn Westbrook’s lovely space.  Now these were just the folks showing. We, also, ran into Portia and her very very nice husband Jeff (who loves nothing more than shopping for all this wonderful “stuff” and moving it around their home! Actually he’d much rather do this than play golf!)  Jeff, if you read this I will post a correction in my next post!! Pete, also, got to hang with Jeff some too, so between Billy and Jeff his day wasn’t nearly as boring as it could have been. We ran into the very talented Mom and daughter team Luanne and Kaci from Patina Green. It’s always fun to see them. A special surprise was running into Sandra who used to do the “Possibilities” show with us down there. Here son was just starting at West Point when we quit doing the show. He has since graduated from there and is now serving in Iraq. Sandra said he’s not in the safest area, so you might keep him and his unit in your prayers. I know there is someone we saw that I’m forgetting and I apologize. Between old age and heat. I’m fortunate to remember all I do. Since it was at least 100 degrees down there, the A/C in the building was a bit lacking. I, also, realized later that I got caught up talking and forgot to get pics of some of the above mentioned booths. I spent so much time in Linda’s booth looking at the fabulous art of Ludmil’s daughter and totally forgot about pics. Again, I’m sorry. But, here are the few I did manage to get. Hope they’ll give you a hint of what you missed.

look at Judy’s lampshades!! Cute!

Judy again…simple bottle with greenery

Statue in great old birdcage.

Judy had a lot of her really wonderful bedding and linen line there. When I got to  taking pics, there were a lot of people in there, so couldn’t get any shots of it. You do need to check it out on her website at J. Hill Designs.

This is the only pic I got in Brian and Melonie’s booth of the Seed Box Antiques. Isn’t this floor lamp great and what about that shade!

By the time we found Theresa’s booth from Garden Antqs Vintage, her booth had really sold down. A lot was already gone, so I tried to get some shots of individual groups or things.  Love all the old silver.

Sweet face of deer

nice old bottles and apothecary bottles

Carolyn Westbrook’s spot had this wonderful vintage couch. There was a matching chair that I didn’t get a pic of.

Some of her bedding line…a very pretty green.

Some botanicals and a cool crusty old chalk piece.

Carolyn will be having a show at her home. I will try to post the info on our event calendar in the next day or two.

I have to say I’m glad we made the last minute decision to go down there. We enjoyed the show, the friends we ran into, and we, also, bought some nice merchandise.

The computer was finally up and running with some changes that totally challenged this computer challenged person. I think I’m figuring out and relearning these new systems…..slowly but surely. But, then our box (I’m pretty sure that’s not the technical term) that Verizon Fios comes into our house on went out. So, then they had to ship us another. Needless to say I’ve been on the computer very little the last 2 weeks or so. I believe the worst is over. It is amazing how hooked you get on having this machine and connecting to everything and everyone.

Even though the computer wasn’t working  doesn’t mean we weren’t. We just finished a wedding this past Saturday. I have a few pics, but not the best shots and not all the stuff was photographed. Our friend Deanie did the church bouquets and all the attendants bouquets and “boots” and bridal bouquet. The flowers were beautiful. Deanie does a great job.

These first pics are at her house the day before the wedding. She was putting stuff together and we were making decisions on some different things with the flowers.

These roses are beautiful. The red ones are really a beautiful deep pink. They look darker and redder on my computer.

These are in the cooler waiting to be arranged. Lilies, snaps, delphinium. callas.

Deanie at the church working on large arrangement

We tied old silver teapots on the end of the pews with the flowers in them,

wedding cake just arrived at the reception.

another view

small arrangement with Mother’s glass compote

looking down the buffet tables. You can’t really tell by the pics, but we used all glass, mirror, and old acrylic serving pieces and tables, except for one wrought iron table and one cloth covered small table.

You can’t see the other mosaic mirrored table, but it looked great with what you can see.

groom’s cake and strawberries.

I never got a pic of the head table or guest tables. Like I said my pics aren’t very good. It’s hard to see the full effect. We were, also, on a very tight budget, so somewhat limited. It was alot of work, but all seemed pleased. My granddaughter, Madi, worked with us all day and was a huge help. Mayron worked like crazy keeping everything under control and doing all the rental stuff. Of course, Deanie did an excellent job.

We wish the Happy Couple a wonderful life together!!

Now to try and catch up on some blogs!!!!!

My motherboard went out on my computer last week. Of course, Mr. Computer was out of town, so I’ve been somewhat out of touch. He’s home and got me hooked up to my mini notebook, but something is amok. He hasn’t had a chance to get it all figured out yet. So, here I sit not knowing how to do anything. He’s the expert, I’m the computer illiterate!!!   I can’t even get to all my info, although, he has retrieved it. It’s just not available to me. Maybe by this week end we will have it more under control. Mayron and I do have a wedding this week end, so won’t have lots of available time. Please be patient and we will be back. I’m not even going to blogs because of the slowness of this. Wow, does that make you feel out of touch.

Weather prevented us from making it to Judy’s show. What a disappointment. I have talked to her, though, to see how things went. We did hear comments (great, of course!) from some who actually were able to make it. Did make it to Portia and Gina’s show on Friday. Had fun visiting with them and things looked fabulous, considering all the weather they had to deal with. Mayron and I, also, went to Winnie and Tulula’s opening. Everything looked fantastic and a great crowd there. I do have a few pics of these 2 shows, but not sure I can edit them and get them up. I will as soon as all this is working again.

Now, I’m going to try and put a picture up just so this isn’t too boring. BUT, if there isn’t one following this you will know I was unsuccessful.

Wonderful Italian stone urn surrounded by white impatiens…..very inviting!

Southern Accents

We love green. Most of my house and our merchandise is done in whites, grays, and neutrals so it probably sounds strange to hear we both love green. There is just something about it and it especially stands out beautifully with the above mentioned neutrals. Think about a bowl of limes or granny smith apples waiting to be made into homemade applesauce. What about a field of young wheat on a spring day, or a bunch of pale green hydrangea….beautiful. I love watching a brand new fern frond unfurl. (say that fast 5 times !) So, this post is about the beauty of green objects. Some are outside, some inside but all stunning in their simplicity and striking contrast against a neutral palette.

the lime

photo fm flickr-library man

apples and moss ball

limes and chalk chunks

very striking centerpiece with just limes, hydrangea, and glass water pitcher

veranda

tablescape-limes, cloches, large leaves

grapes and dogwood and sunlight

not complex…just branches in glass on nice table

elle decor

gorgeous and look at those great chairs

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a study in contrasts. is this art?

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rust, gold, green, and glads

just that touch of green!

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how fabulous are these glass stools by philippe starck?

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preparing for a party for a Veranda Show House

patio from same show house. white and green, simple but stunning

concrete and green plants….a winning combo

house beautiful

rustic and wonderful

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And last but not least, here is a very pretty limelight hydrangea!

That is our idea of green. There are so many more pictures I could add, some from magazines, some from our own stuff. Hope you enjoyed our green journey. Now, go eat some green grapes with an Irish friend and watch “Fried Green Tomatoes”.

Here comes another show!!! Our friends Portia and Gina are having their Annual Antique Garden Show in Portia’s lovely backyard. The date they have set is June 11th. This will be open from 6-9pm for dealers and designers. (so, all you dealers from this area that might go to Judy’s sale will still be able to make it back to Dallas and catch this). Friday they open the show to everyone starting at 9am-4pm. Here are just a few of the things you can expect to find: concrete including birdbaths, statues, urns, also, birdcages, artwork, shell art, furniture, architecturals, ironwork and more.  Check out Gina’s blog for ongoing news and our event calendar for more details. You can e-mail Portia at portia@tx.rr.com for any ?’s.

This pic was taken in March so I’m sure alot has changed in Portia’s yard, but make sure you mark your calendars for this show. You’ll be glad you did!

Now for an  update on J Hill Designs. Judy has redone her website and changed the address. If you click on our link to her you will get the new address. Not only has she redone her website, Judy has entered the world of blogging, so stop on by and give her a BIG welcome.  The blog is linked to her website.

There you go ladies and gentlemen…….a new blog and two great shows you need to get to!!!

See you there!

Had a great trip to New Mexico. Did lots of cooking for lots of cowhands. It was a very interesting experience. Was fun to see my grandkids in action. They really do know what they are doing!! They are hard workers, very responsible, and just great kids!! I know….spoken like a grandmother. Its true, tho. I’m posting a couple pics of my trip, then I’ll get on to more normal stuff. I was away  and then when I got back, I kind of hit the ground running. I’ve not been at my computer much to blog or look at others’  blogs. Hopefully, now, I can catch up.

granddaughter Madi on palamino, daughter Erin and other granddaughter on other horse. just finished rounding up about 200 head of cattle.

grandson Mason doing his job…dusty business

son-in-law Seth and grandson Jack keeping eye out for next load of calves

Ellee and Jack discussing important “cow” business

Sorry, I don’t have a picture of my daughter, Casey, She’s the mom of all these kids. She was quite busy putting together the spread to feed all these folks….and boy can she do that! They love lending a hand at the Lowe Ranch!!

Now, for more “normal” blog things. Our very good friend Judy of J Hill Design is no longer doing Canton. Last month was her last time. She’s been doing it for many many years and what a job she and Billy have done!! Now, don’t panic!!! They will continue their house shows, Marburger and the Red Barn show. If there is anyone reading this blog that thought they would see Judy at Canton, please check our event calendar for details of her home show June 11th…just in case she didn’t have your address. Pass the word so no one misses it, since she won’t be there to hand out flyers.

Judy’s booth at Marburger

Also, just a reminder…..there are only a few more days left to buy your raffle ticket for Bella in the Bucks for Bella. There are some really cool things being raffled off, but mostly it’s helping a great family with their hospital costs!

There’s the news. Til next time…

Last Thursday I attended a show put on by 9 ladies at a private home in Dallas. I got the info on the show by e-mail from Theresa at Garden Antqs. Since I had to go into Dallas that day I decided to go shopping! I arrived at a beautiful home with some very nice ladies inside. I didn’t meet but 3 of them and had the opportunity to chat a bit. Well, this was their first house show and as you will see by the pictures following they did a bang up job! They had great things for sale and did an excellent job of display. Kim and Theresa gave me their card, so I am including their e-mail addresses in case you see anything in the pics you might want to  inquire about. They plan on having another show in October, so am sure we can add the date to our event calendar.

kimee2@verizon.net

lowrimore@hotmail.com

Here’s some of their “pretties”!

and last but not least, Kim, Suzie, and Theresa

E-mail these ladies so you can get on their mailing list…you’ll be glad you did.

Now, I’m off to my daughter’s in New Mexico for  a round-up and all that goes with that (which hopefully will not include getting bucked off a horse!). Of course, this includes some grandkid time!!! Be back in a couple days.

You might wonder why I chose to post about daybeds. Well, I’d been out in the yard weeding the unending weeds, then working in the house moving large items.   I sat down to grab a drink and flipped open a magazine and saw some daybeds on a page. I flipped the page and there was another I liked even better. I thought wouldn’t it be nice to be reclining on one of these perusing this magazine with a nice cold glass of ice tea. It was very warm and muggy outside. So, with those thoughts in mind, I decided to look for daybeds and do a blog on them. So, if you aren’t reclining on one and maybe wish you were join me on our daybed journey. I will only be posting a few I found as it would take awhile to find as many as I’m sure I have pics of.

Webster’s definition of a daybed is:

1.  a couch that  can be converted to a bed. (simple enough definition)

Historically daybeds have been around for quite a while. For ancient Chinese it was function as they did not distinguish between sitting and sleeping. Ancient Greeks, Romans, Victorians used a daybed as a means of accommodating traveling guests. Daybeds were tented or draped to provide warmth in drafty places. Daybeds that folded were used when traveling or wartime often to accommodate officers. Treating persons with diseases like tuberculosis brought about the concept of a daybed with an adjustable back as it was better for their health to not lie flat on their back. These were often called cure chairs and eventually wheels were added so the patient could be rolled outside for sunshine and fresh air. As you can see, the daybed has been a very versatile and utilitarian piece throughout history. Today they still are used for more than one function. Today, though, we add our own style, design, and uses for them.  They are available now from simple humble ones for a small child’s room to highly stylized ones that are quite expensive.

Now the pictures…

Straight lined daybed in striped fabric used to connect 2 spaces

very simple clean lines

still simple lines with the special touch of a head finial. cushion and pillows are silk

isn’t this bamboo daybed inviting

very classy (sorry about the line on the left. it’s from scanning a mag)

love this look. great color

linen always looks fab

this french 19th century daybed in a linen stripe is wonderful paired with the Asian elements

black silk….very elegant and chic

above 2 pics are different views of a gustavian canapé . I love this piece in the linen. I would take it home!

This is a custom daybed in French hemp. A few years ago I would have loved this piece exactly as it is. Now I think I would take off the ruffle and make it a little simpler…either legs (wood or covered in hemp) or maybe a straight skirt (pleated?). What do you think?

Would love to hear your comments on daybeds or if you have a favorite pictured here.

Hope you have a nice place to lounge and read quietly or with your children or grandchildren. Have a great day!

all pictures courtesy of Southern Accents and Veranda