Vintage Decorating In The News ~ Straighten Up Your Shabby Past!

Interior by Elaine Griffin, author of "Design Rules"

According to labeled "now" designer Elaine Griffin quoted in Inside BayArea on October 30, 2009, "draped, rolled and shabby (as in unkempt) are "so yesterday, darling." and "Blazing hot: Stuff from eBay and refurbished heirlooms." Hey, we know where you can get your hands on some of those!

The author continues with more on what design trends are "HOT" or "OVER":

Throws
Over: Draped throws — the flung fad has faded.
Blazing hot: Fold throws in neat verticals; place them over a chair back, sofa or across the foot of your bed.

Towels

Over: The tootsie roll towel is "ovah."
Blazing hot: Fold your towels and put them in square stacks.

Wood finishes
Over: Dark wood. Say sayonara to wengé and espresso finishes.
Blazing hot: Say hello to honey brown walnut and American mid-tone.

Rugs
Over: Solid-colored sisal rugs, unless you live south of the Mason-Dixon Line or within walking distance of the beach.
Blazing hot: Patterned sisal, especially geometric-patterned sisal. Waterproof sisal outdoor rugs are still killer.
Over: Shag rugs. They were marvelous while their comeback lasted, which it didn't.
Blazing hot: Flat woven or dhurrie rugs are "pure grooviness."

Overall look
Over: Stuff that looks new.
Blazing hot: Stuff from eBay and refurbished heirlooms.

"You don't have to follow every new trend to have a current space," she assures, "But if you're going to repaint or get drapes, know what's in. If you're still enjoying your dark wood table, update the room with a new area rug or a few throw pillows."

Thanks Elaine! Can't wait to read your new book, "Design Rules" (Gotham Books, $25)!

Tie One On! Vintage Aprons In The News

It's that time of year when we all get cookin' for family and friends in preparation for the upcoming holidays. Gotta stay clean, and you can stay cute too,
with vintage aprons! Any true ROOMIE worth her weight in soft calico cottons already knows that vintage aprons are cute as well as collectible, but it sure was nice to see these delicious traditions being served up in the new Country Living (November 2009) magazine. Highlighted in the article is a brief history on aprons, what to look for when buying them, their worth, parts of and types of aprons, all of which may be something you didn't already know.

Of course every true ROOMIE knows where to find them; Room With A Past!

You'll be happy to know we've unpacked a Hoosier-full of them in all colors and styles for November's (Nov. 12, 13, 14 & 15th) sale!

You can stay clean, and be cute without missing a beat while serving your holiday meals. (Heck, they're so cute you can just dance around in the kitchen wearing one. We won't tell.)

This Never Gets Old ~ Vintage Decorating In The News

Did you see this beautiful chair in the layout of the new issue (April 2009) of Romantic Homes? There is a whole section devoted to the allure of French decorating, which has enjoyed a recent revival! It can be really easy to get this look when you break down the elements (and if you know where to shop for the bargains!). Look at these two chairs we have in the French area we set up in the shop for this month's sale. It has similar lines, construction and a luxurious fabric (priced at $89.00 each!).

The color scheme we chose was black, white and peachy pink, with silver metal accents. The choice of color is totally dependant upon your whims and is one of the most obvious factors that will put the individual stamp of your own personality into the room.

If you plan on duplicating the look, keep your eyes open for curvy lines, and patterns to layer with textures. Romance can easily be added with toiles, harlequin or large floral printed fabrics. A chandelier is a must to add sparkle and even more romance. Add interest with time-worn finishes. Reflective surfaces such as old silver, mirrored furniture and wall mirrors with heavily accented frames will help bring in more of the French appeal.

Have fun with the last layer of your design: accessories! Old bottles, paper ephemera, softly colored paintings hung without frames.

Need more advice? Just ask any of the True Blue Roomies who will be working at Room With A Past during our March 19-22 opening!