Flea Market Fabulous

Photo credit: ocantiquemarket.com

Summer time is peak flea marketing season, and we all relish the opportunity to grab an iced coffee, hit the road, and spend a few easy hours browsing the rows for hidden gems and adorable antiques (and if we’re thinking ahead, maybe a few fun holiday gifts we can check off the list super early). Flea markets are fabulous, but they can also be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few suggestions for streamlining the experience this season:

1.       Bring a tape measure - Looking for something specific? Know ahead of time what the dimensions of your space are and what you have room for. Toss a tape measure, and maybe even quick diagrams of your rooms, in your bag to avoid purchasing things that won't fit your space properly.

Photo credit: apartmenttherapy.com

2.       Check for issues – Carefully examine the item to check for torn seams, rust, and cracked or rotting wood. Avoid any problems that could potentially affect usability or break under the slightest pressure. Signs of mold or an insect infestation are important to look out for as well.

3.       Look for a label – Know your designers beforehand so you can quickly tell a real find from a knockoff. Eyeball for specific details to get an idea of authenticity, and check in with Google on your smartphone to ensure you’re looking for the right markers.

4.       Check the craftsmanship - Dovetailed joints, hand-stitched seams, and solid hard wood are well signs of quality craftsmanship. Know what they look like, and you’ll be able to whether or not an item is worth its price tag.

5.       Pay attention to smell – Don't assume you'll be able to get rid of that cigarette smell. Chances are it’s the result of years of use and exposure.

6.       Look past the obvious –Don’t be turned off by ugly upholstery or color. If a piece has good bones it might be worth a little refinishing (though be aware of the costs associated with refinishing).

7.       Shop early and with a plan - For the best selection of merchandise, it's important to arrive right after the vendors have set up which, for many places, is super early in the morning. It's well worth your effort. Not only will all the stands be clean, organized and fully stocked, but you can browse them unfettered by bustling crowds. When you begin, try to have a general idea of what you're looking for—dining room chairs? Bathroom fixtures? Office furniture? Having a focus will help you to visually cut through the clutter.

Photo credit: designurlife.com

8.       Don't stay home if it's raining - Even if conditions are less than ideal you should still arrive in the morning, jacket and umbrella in tow. Although fewer sellers will show up on stormy days, those who do turn out will be more apt you cut you a deal.

9.       Cash is King - Most dealers don’t take credit cards. Be sure to have cash on hand.

Have any favorite flea market finds? Please share!

Copper Cool

Less showy and expensive than its more precious cousins, copper is one of our favorite ways to add a little metallic to our décor.  Copper brings with it a warm glow and subtle shimmer, making it perfect for cozier spaces.  Though it’s difficult to call copper accents in home design a trend—it’s a pretty timeless metal that’s been used in kitchens and around fireplaces for centuries—we’ve been seeing a lot of it in the design media lately, and wanted to share a few our favorite, more unexpected finds.

Fiery Fantasy

We’re used to seeing copper tools and containers around our fireplaces, but what about a fireplace made out of copper.

Bathing Beauties

Typically, when it comes to bathrooms, we look for copper hardware in the sinks and faucets. These days though, go big or go home. We are loving this old school bathtub finished in a lovely copper patina.

Copper Pots

Copper pots and pans hanging above the stove, ready for the next culinary adventure, are a pretty standard accessory to any well-appointed kitchen. Get creative when you aren’t spending as much time around a hot oven, and use interesting copper pots and containers as planters for herbs, flowers and greenery. 

Or use one to hold something a bit more precious and important…

DIY Delight

Crafty? Like to work with your hands? Use old copper piping (or whatever kind you have coated in a decent layer of copper spray paint) and turn it in to something new, but just as practical. This reading lamp is a neat way to breathe new life into old materials.

Looking to really roll up those sleeves? Give your kitchen counters a copper top remodeling job, with this cool tutorial from Remodelaholic.

Do you use copper in your home? Which rooms?

(Photo credits: apartmenttherapy.com and remodelaholic.com )

Gingham Greatness

What feels more summery than a red gingham tablecloth on our outdoor picnic table? It just seems ready for burgers fresh off the grill, cool potato salad and a popsicle (or three). Gingham, in a variety of colors, can also add a fresh, seasonal touch to your home. It may or may not leave you hungry all the time. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use this iconic pattern in your interior décor.

Uplifting Upholstery

Gingham patterns and fabrics are perfect for accent chairs. It adds a graphic touch in a sophisticated way without being overwhelming. Look for antique chairs at flea markets and sidewalk sales, and spruce it up using a gingham print from your favorite fabric store. If you are lucky enough to have a window seat in your kitchen or bedroom, it’d be great for seat cushions there as well. Upholstery isn't too difficult to DIY (look for instructions online), or take it to the professionals. 

Wallpaper Perfection

Have a summer cottage or vacation home? Spruce up a living area, kitchen or bathroom by wallpapering a single wall in gingham print wallpaper in whichever shade will best complement the room. It will make for an unexpected visual pop and brighten up dark spaces. 

Lovely Linens

Pretty up the seasonal linen switch-up by adding some gingham sheets, pillow cases and shams to the rotation. They are perfect for any room, but will seem extra special in the bedroom of a child, teenager or guest space. These would be especially lovely in pastel green, yellow and purple shades.

Curtain Call

We have discussed this in previous pattern-centric blogs, but curtains are one of our favorite ways to add unique designs and bright colors to home décor. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to change out if it doesn't work. Gingham would work great on a tall set of curtains in a living room, or on a shorter set for a kitchen window.

How do you use gingham in your home? Anywhere other than the picnic table?

(Photo Credits: apartmenttherapy.com)

Outdoor Ovations

Welcome to summer! This past weekend we celebrated our remarkable servicemen and women, their families, and the unofficial kick-off to one of our favorite seasons. If you ‘re like us, you spent the past few days swimming, sunbathing and grilling out to mark the occasion, all of which will become pretty regular parts of our summer routines. Next weekend, kick it up a notch with a few of our favorite tips for outdoor dining.

Buy (or make) thick, comfortable seat cushions that will fit the chairs you regularly use outside, whether these belong to a specialty outdoor dining set or are of the fold-out variety. Guests shouldn’t be ready to make their exit before the burgers are even off the grill.

Add a layer of brown craft paper onto your dining table for a rugged, casual look and easy clean-up. Likewise, purchase grill-friendly aluminum paper to avoid any charred or melty messes.

Get eclectic with your china choice. No need to be fussy about the plates or cutlery. A mixed and matched variety can add charm and intrigue to your outdoor table, and can be the perfect conversation starter.

Table umbrellas are multipurpose. Use them not only for shade (which can be especially important peak season), but also to define your dining area.

Haven’t splurged on outdoors-specific furniture yet? No problem. Move indoor pieces outside to create an outdoor “room.” Try using pretty pillows to decorate a simple cot and turn it into a settee. (Just be sure to bring everything back inside when the party’s over.)

Keep the food (and the drinks) simple to keep from driving yourself crazy with time in the kitchen. Cold beers and/or one cocktail option (preferably one that’s great on the rocks) are ideal for the bar cart, and a menu burgers or grilled fish, corn on the cob and fruit salad can streamline the cooking process.

Grilling season also happens to coincide with mosquito season. In addition to being prepared via bug sprays and citronella candles, try using mesh colanders and bowls to keep the food safe from buzzing intruders.

Craving s’mores but not a camping trip? Add the crackle of a campfire without the need to rough it. Set up a fire pit on grass or a stone patio. They are affordable and widely available at home and garden stores.

What are some of your favorite outdoor dining tips, tricks or traditions? Have any favorite recipes for the grill to share? 

      (All photos credited to realsimple.com)

Polka Dotted Delight

Polka dots are especially popular right now, popping up in bright colors and fun patterns all over…the clothing store. Most of us own at least one top, skirt or pair of pants adorned in this bubbly pattern, but have you tried using it in your home as well as your closet? Give it a whirl without overwhelming by using it in one or two of the fun ways we’ve listed below.

Curtain Call

Curtains can be inherently light and ethereal, making them a simple place to add a jolt of color and pattern to any room. Polka dots, especially when paired with a pretty pastel hue and gauzy fabric, are a fabulous fit here. Bathrooms are always fun places to brighten up an otherwise muted home color palette, and shower curtains in polka dot patterns and bright jewel tones are a fun way to do it.

Photo credit: kristilinauerinteriors.com

 

Wall Art

Polka dots can also be used as a way to add visual intrigue to an otherwise large blank wall. Large, bright and colorful dots can be a fun  backdrop for a children’s room, or use a black and white scheme to keep a hallway classic and neutral (and complementary to any other bold hues already in the rotation).  

Photo credit: apartmenttherapy.com

Small Wonders

Not yet ready for a full-scale polka dot commitment? Small accessories like throw pillows or blankets are a great way to incorporate polka dots into your home without going over the top.  If you’re crafty, you can make your own pillow or blanket and add polka dots with paint in any color you choose, or you can purchase ready-made pillows in eclectic home stores like Anthropologie or Bed Bath Beyond. 

Photo credit: kristilinauerinteriors.com

Fab Furnishings

Another, less overwhelming method for adding a bit of polka dot intrigue is with your furniture. Accent chairs, bookcases and end tables are great places to either search for polka dot renditions, or DIY projects. Upholstery for chairs and ottomans or dining room seat cushions is an inexpensive way to add bursts of color or pattern to objects you already own, and bookcases and tables can be easily painted yourself and repainted if you grow tired of the pattern.

Photo credit: kristilinauerinteriors.com

Are you a fan of polka dots? Have you incorporated them into your home décor or kept them mostly in the closet? 

Luxury for Less

The Mikelson Bed

Always dress to impress. This mantra should be applied not only to wardrobes, but to homes as well. Everyone should be able to enjoy beautiful interiors they are proud to bring friends and family home to, for the holidays, for the party, for the evening. Hillsdale Furniture is working to make luxury and elegance attainable, affordable, and easy to care for. Our products are designed in-house, and capture the trends, themes and styles popular with high end dealers and designers, at a price point that’s far simpler to stomach. Luxury for Less is a regular series meant to highlight some of our favorites.

Classic wrought-iron beds are the romantic staples of castles, historic mansions and antique-inspired bungalows. Each one seems to display its own unique design of whimsical flourishes, so they look as special as they feel.

Reminiscent of these wrought-iron classics that we at Hillsdale imagine adorning royal bedrooms, the Mikelson Bed brings a luxury atmosphere to even the most basic of boudoirs. Solid hardwood bedposts frame a beautifully crafted metal headboard and footboard. An antique gold finish adorns the metal to give the piece a classic sophistication without the auction house price tag, making the Mikelson one of the most striking members in our bedroom collection. 

The Mikelson Bed is available in queen and king sizes, or headboards can be sold separately. Matching rails are included. Some assembly is required.

At Hillsdale Furniture, we make elegance attainable. For more information on the Mikelson Bed, please visit www.hillsdalefurniture.com. For more ideas on how to integrate our furniture into your daily life and special occasions, check out our Facebook and Pinterest pages. 

Floral Decor

We have had a soggy spring here in the Bluegrass State (alas, even Derby Day was a bit cold and rainy this year). But we’re staying optimistic, since “April showers bring May flowers,” right? Our azaleas are already blossoming in our backyards and parks, so we've got flowers on the brain. Floral prints are a fun and unique way of bringing that springtime style into your home, assuming you don’t overdo it with grandma’s old florally adorned sofa couch. Here are a few tips to keep it tasteful and classy:

Mind the Background

Unless you’re trying to be kitschy, floral patterns with a dark background are usually a recipe for disaster. Instead, opt for more airy floral designs – something that hints at French country chic or simple minimalist. 

Photo:countryliving.com

Use Sparingly

Florals can be very overpowering prints and, when overdone, could resemble an antique fair more than a contemporary home. Choose only one element (and print) for your floral, such as a piece of furniture, an area rug, throw pillows or wall art. Mixing and matching will overwhelm your space.

Photo: decoist.com

Be Wary of Wallpaper

Although some interior designers may argue that wallpaper is okay in moderation, it can give your room a much outdated look when done wrong. This is especially true when it comes to floral prints, which tend to be busy and can bring chaos to an otherwise balanced space. Try keeping it to a single, smaller wall for an easy style punch that won’t overwhelm.

Photo: decoist.com

Consider Asian Floral

Modern and abstracted Asian floral patterns, such as cherry blossoms and lotus flowers, are often found throughout contemporary homes. This look provides a unique, modern take and can be quite refreshing as a part of a more subtle design scheme.

Photo: marthastewart.com

Keep it Classy

Unless you are a fervent re-decorator  it’s best to stick with the classics. That is, choose the versions of prints that don’t generally go out of style – like understated, simple floral prints. Much like animal prints, florals will almost always have a place in home décor, as long as you keep it subtle and classy. 

Photo: marthastewart.com

Do you use floral prints in your home? Or do you stick with the real thing this time of year?