After browsing decorating books at lunchtime (Emily Chalmers and writer Ali Hanan's Modern Vintage Style and design blogger Holly Becker and writer Joanna Copestick's Decorate; both books feature Debi Treloar's great photography), I was inspired to show some of my own collectibles found at brocantes, flea markets and antique fairs in France, England and Spain.
Pictured is vintage Provencal pottery for sale at a brocante at Chatou, France.
Pieces of Provencal glazed stoneware pottery that I've collected, on top of a vintage French mercantile cabinet at the top of the stairs in our entryway.The smaller Provencal jugs - originally used in every French kitchen to store duck fat - are quite pricey, as they become more difficult to find. The rust-coloured pottery at left is from Bourgogne. The cabinet containing DVDs and CDs faces a door with glass panels leading onto a balcony. The door beyond the cabinet leads to a small bathroom.
Pieces of early 20th-century French luggage, made of woven wicker and trimmed with leather are stacked on top of an old linen cupboard on the second-floor landing. Three vintage wooden hatstands - and a 1940s felt hat - are wedged between the luggage and an architectural beam. I started my quest for luggage after receiving the ladies' overnight bag (top) as a gift from my friend Gabrielle.
This modern 30-drawer chest was handmade by talented craftsman Luke Ellis of Kent & London in Whistable, England. It stores my cameras and photography gear (must get some suitable labels, so I remember what's where). The antique baskets on top are Chinese and the modern lamp is signed by a French artist.
Side view of the chest and lamp tucked under an eave. The small chest at left is vintage French. The wall is more than 200-years-old and slants at an odd angle, making decorating a challenge. The oil painting is by Santa Fe artist Carole Whitmore.
More interior shots to follow.
if I could EVER afford it, i would get you to decorate my home - you do have a lovely eye for arranging things and your collections are exquisite. thanks for this peek into your new home - i'm now eyeing up one of those cabinets for all my camera gear too!
hope you are both well
x
Posted by: leonie | 03 May 2011 at 20:31
How I adore that chest for which you need labels, but actually, I'm loving it all! Most of all, I love that I'm seeing it settled in your new house -- no. Your new home. Perfect!
Posted by: jeanie | 01 May 2011 at 19:01
Especially love all those chests - making me think about what kind of chest I could use here - as I've moved to a house that requires very crafty use of space. Hope you enjoy your konninginnedag and have got some orange to wear !
Posted by: Rhiannon | 28 April 2011 at 14:55
So beautiful! You decorate your home with an artistic eye!
Posted by: alison | 28 April 2011 at 04:50
GAH can I have one of each please? I love your collectibles!
Posted by: diana strinati baur | 26 April 2011 at 19:16
One word Tara: Exquisite!
Posted by: Yoli | 26 April 2011 at 17:16
Love it!!!!
Posted by: Martha ann sloan | 26 April 2011 at 14:09
Look at you, going all golden and blue-grey on us! You truly are living in North Eurpoe now. :) Beautiful.
Posted by: Natalie | 26 April 2011 at 05:52
Ditto what the runaway L key posts! Your abode is full of wonderful treasures.Thank you for letting us in. Pottery is an obsession for me so these pictures are especially fun.... Although I will say the luggage could easily become a "bad" habit!
Posted by: Mary H. | 26 April 2011 at 01:49
I love the simple, old office and shop furniture. Their colours combine so beautifully with your antiques.
I was looking through some of your previous posts, and instantly recognized the town you now live in. I spent my childhood in the village right across the river (the village which has become part of an ugly, sprawling town). As a young girl, I used to love the yearly horse market in your town. I really should say 'city', as it got it's city rights some 750 years ago.
It is interesting to see your photographs. Some of the everyday things we are so used to seeing, we take them for granted.
Enjoy your new environment!
Posted by: Josje | 25 April 2011 at 22:38
looks like your new home is filled with that same beautiful vibe I experienced in your Parisian home!!
hope you had a beautiful Easter weekend.
love,
Deb
Posted by: JanePoet ~ Deborah | 25 April 2011 at 20:04
I agree with what the runaway L key... said. The photos are lovely, Tara.
Posted by: ally bean | 25 April 2011 at 20:01
Beautiful style, Tara! I especially love the light you captured in the photo of the pots atop the chest of drawers at the top of the stairs. Just beautiful.
Posted by: Barbara | 25 April 2011 at 19:55
a perfectly made point that "old" is modern when well executed. i'm raising my mug of coffee to the cause of anti-consumerism done with the patina of lives lived and the loveliness of lean lines.
Posted by: the runaway L key... | 25 April 2011 at 19:13