To The Letter

Here at Hillsdale Furniture, we’re from the South. Our home base is Louisville, Kentucky, where we have an undying passion for bourbon, horses, and of course, a good monogram. We see initials on purses, necklaces, glassware, serving trays, pretty much everywhere. Lately though, we’re beginning to see a little letter love in interior design as well. Here’s a round-up of a few of our favorite ways monograms, initials and just letters in general are speaking volumes around the home.  

Bed Sense

Upholstered beds are very trendy right now, and come in a lot of different shapes, styles and colors, and in nearly every standard size. Try putting your own spin on the idea with an embroidered monogram in a contrasting color.

Wall Words

Monograms on wine glasses and bath towels are old hat. Be a little bolder and stencil the family monogram on the wall in sophisticated fonts, shades and arrangements. It is a great idea for hallways or powder rooms. 

Pillow Talk

Throw pillows remain one of our favorite simple, inexpensive and fun ways to add bright colors, patterns and ideas to interior design. Letters are just another fun way to use them, and they aren't difficult to find, or DIY with a little help from stencils.

Expect the Expected

Had enough of your initials? Use letters to spell out something appropriate to place. Favorite food words in the kitchen, “CLEAN” in the bathroom or “DREAM” in the bedroom. Keep the words short and sweet, and get creative with it. 

All Over the Map

Beautiful letters and lettering can be lovely unto themselves. They don’t need to spell or signify anything to be interesting. A gallery wall-type arrangement of pretty type is unusual and visually very cool. 

Do you share a similar passion for the art of monogramming and letters? What are your favorite ways to use initials and letters around the home? 

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)