Vintage Finds

As I'm sure you know by now, I have a small obsession with all things vintage!  When I see an interesting piece my heart starts to race as I consider the endless possibilites for its use.  Sometimes it is these small accessories that inspire a whole design.  These are four little treasures that can do just that.  To get your imagination running, we have displayed each in a small vignette showing a direction that each COULD go in. 

All pieces are available here at Martini Road Vintage:

Vintage Japanese Handpainted Sugar Bowl

I had to have this pretty little piece.  I loved the handpainted birds and bright colors.  It is a statement piece that surely could inspire an entire space.  It would be beautiful on a dresser to house jewelry, or on an entry way console for keys, and yes of course as a sugar bowl!  Here we used it as an accessory on this vintage pine chest.  It inspired us to bring in these whimsical yellow blooms and blue floral patterned pillow.  The pattern on the pillow mimics the painting on the bowl just on a much larger scale. 

Vintage Cream & Gold Pedestal Dish

This glamorous little dish practically crawled its way into my cart (and my heart!).  I thought, jewelry dish, candy dish, soap dish, candle holder...I have to have it!  Here we paired it with these feminine shapely cream vases, a modern yet sophisticated piece of artwork, and this glamorous crystal lamp which compliments the glitzy gold trim on the dish.

Vintage Set of Milk Glass Vases

A great way to accessories a space is with a grouping, especially here.  You want variety, the lamp and floral are each one large piece so adding a grouping rather than another single piece is one way to switch things up.  Clearly the left side needs something for balance but not another single piece.  When you group things together you get some variety.  It also gives these vases more visual space which is needed here to balance the lamp on the other side of the dresser.  Not tall enough?  Here we stacked white magazines to raise the vases while not taking away from the striking white on black combination that gives this look its drama.

Vintage Cream and Chocolate Vase

Vases are always a "go to" when accessorizing a piece.  They generally can stand alone and usually give a little height.  Here this vase inspired us to keep everything a little more modern and two toned in chocolate and cream.  We softened it up a little by pairing it with a floral.  Notice the three different heights of the picture, the floral and the vase.  This creates rhythm and is more pleasing to the eye.

xo

Carinne

kitchen lighting, UNCENSORED

Recently, I have had a lot of inquiries from clients pertaining to renovating their kitchens. Likewise, one of my dear friends Therese, asked me about helping her out with updating her kitchen. As most of you know, these simple DIY projects are a domino effect...once you start changing one item in the room, more often than not, it leads to another and another and so on the cycle goes.

After picking out some paint colors for her cabinets, walls and furniture in the kitchen, we dove right into new hardware, fabrics and lighting. There is no rule to only using typical "kitchen" lights in a kitchen, and so it inspired me to look forward and beyond the norm and standard light fixtures. Get out of your comfort zone, stay away from safe and really make a statement. I thought: Go bold! Be daring!

These very unique pendents and chandeliers could be just the spice your kitchen is missing. I've said it before and I'll say it agian, it's the accessories that make the biggest impact in a room. And they don't have to match! Shocking, I know. So, without further ado...

I'm slightly obsessed with 1 & 2...I think I am drawn to the color?

I know, I know, these are LAMPS, but why not throw one on your island or counter? Don't be so conventional!

I'm loving these Thomas Edison style lights and wondering where I can use one...

1. VAUGHAN: menton hanging shade. shown in blue cornflower silk shade. can customize with own fabric.
2. SUFFOLK  DESIGNER LIGHTING: armilllary sphere chandelier. shown in bronze.
3. MOTTEGA:  design your own lamp, I made this one, shown in cashmere.
4. MCGUIRE: cascade table lamp, custom finsihes available. shown in antique copper w/ ivory linen shade.
5.CIRCA LIGHTING: country industrial pendant with metal shade
6.CIRCA LIGHTING: pimlico street lamp with large black shop shade
7. CIRCA LIGHTING: dressage round ceiling light
8.CIRCA LIGHTING: aronson lantern by suzanne kasler
9. MURRAY FEISS: artisan 3light island light
10. 4HOUSE LIGHTING: ashton 3light island
11. 4HOUSE LIGHTING: acquisitions mini pendant
12. INTERIOR DELUXE: bulb pendant light
13. INTERIOR DELUXE: illustri pendant light
14. NIERMANN WEEKS: cristoball chandelier
15. CB2: firefly pendant lamp
16. SEASCAPE: gaby silk taupe hanging pendant
17. SEASCAPE: thao ll orb silk pendant shown in lime
18. SEASCAPE: by rachel taylor, tulips in white
19. SIMPLY PENDANT LIGHTING: knotted rattan pendant
20. SIMPLY PENDENT LIGHTING: seashore mini pendent
21. DESIGN WITHIN REACH: etch pendant
22. DESIGN WITHIN REACH: pod pendant
23. RESTORATION HARDWARE: cast iron barn door trolly pendant
24. RESTORATION HARDWARE: industrial pulley single pendant

Actual kitchens with out-of-the-box lighting:

This is a townhouse I designed a few years ago, notice the very large pendants over the island? They created a lovely focal point in this open floor plan. And the tiered candle votives? We hung them with clear fishing wire at varying levels. Together, a great pair. And they don't even match! (similar to #15 above)
 

{photo via traditional home}
These are the same light fixtures as in my kitchen!



{Photo via elle decor}



{photo via traditional home}



What type of lighting do you have? Does anyone have any suggestions for my friend's kitchen?

Must SEA Wedding Inspirations

Weddings inspired somewhere beyond the sea....

1. Table seating Cards via The Knot
2. Christian Loubitan heels via The Knot
3. Cake via The Knot
4. wedding favours via The Knot
5. Escort Cards via The Knot
6. bridesmaids via The Knot
7. Programs via The Knot
8. Keepsake rocks via The Knot
9. The entrance via Martha Stewart 
10. Starfish garland via etsy, annemusingdesigns
11. Personalized tree slice stand via etsy, Braggingbags
12. flipflops via Martha Stewart
13. Blue seating cards via Martha Stewart
14. Tropical icecream cones via Martha Stewart
15. Handmade handkerchiefs via Martha Stewart
16. Maracas escort cards via Martha Stewart
17. Sheer wedding dress (weighs 2 lbs) via Vera Wang
18. Whimsical gown (weighs 1.15 lbs) via Marchesa, Martha Stewart
19. Badgley Mischka gown via Kleinfelds
20. Oscar de la renta gown via Martha Stewart
21. destination wedding decor via Martha Stewart
22. Seaside elegance invitation via Wedding paper divas
23. Mason Jar chandelier via 100layercake
24. Watercolor Wonder invitations via Wedding paper divas
25. Real weddings via Martha Stewart weddings
26. Real weddings via Martha Stewart weddings
27. Real weddings via Martha Stewart weddings
28. Reception Decor via Wedding Chicks
29. Lazuli necklace via Etsy, Karinagracejewelry
30. Omega crystal bracelet via Etsy, Livelovebead
31. Ceylon blue sapphire ring via Etsy, lauriesarahdesigns
32. Alexis Bittae celestial ocean bracelet via Bag borrow or steal

Before & After Chairs

I am so excited about these chairs!  I found them and could not pass them up!  A new coat of paint and a great fabric will totally revitalize them.  Now I just have to decide what color paint and which fabric will suit them best.   I have been searching for inspiration on how I will refurbish these beauties.  They would be acceptable for outdoor chairs, but I think they have so much more to offer!  So, the "after" of these chairs is still to come....but, these are some pictures I found of other "reborn" chairs that I love, and am considering for inspirational ideas,

These are my chairs......

These are the inspiration.....

{via: Janis}

{via: Susie}

{via: Kirsten Design Sponge}

{via: Nancy}

{via: Danielle}

{via: Jesse}

{via: Jessica}

{via: Susan}

Vintage Finds: Nautical!

Nautical is usually noted as a trend for spring and summer.  But I look at it more as a sign of the season than a trend.  Trends come and go.  Nautical comes and goes.....AND then comes back every year!  We see nautical inspirations every spring in interior design as well as fashion.  I have even been finding it alot in my vintage hunts.  (Again, proof that nautical is a thing of the past, present and I'm sure future!)  Here are some of those finds and the "sailor girl" inspiration behind them!

Sailor Girls!

            Kim Kardashian                            Cameron Diaz                                Rachel Bilson     

          {via: My Roman Sandals}                {via: Everyday Facts}                    {via: Your Next Dress}    

Vintage Nautical Finds from:

1. Martini Road Vintage: Vintage Navy Polka Dot Dress $2o

2. Martini Road Vintage: Vintage Nautical Anchor Earrings $16

3. Martini Road Vintage: Vintage Red Anchor Skirt $22

More Nautical Vintage Finds....

     

1. She Hearts Vintage: Vintage 80's Abstract Top $19

2. LeMollusque: Vintage Navy & White Wrap $34

3. Secret Lake: Vintage 60's White Boatneck Top $35

4. aiseirigh: Vintage Cotton Dress $74

5. andemonster: 60 Nautical Rope Dress $29

6. Sabrosa Vintage: Vintage Chevron Stripe Poncho $26

7. Capricious Traveler: Striped Sweater

8. ggiotta: Vintage 80's Red Clutch $24

9. prvtcollection: Bungalow Beach Resort Dress $38