Uniquely Created

I found this incredibly clever company called Recreate that uses discarded pieces of junk to create some unique items of furniture, lighting and accessories. The company was created by Katie Thompson. The interesting and functional repurposed furnishings give new meaning to the words “Don’t throw anything away!” Check out Recreate just for the fun of it!

The Glamour of Tiled Bathrooms

The Glamour of tiled bathrooms is coming back, in a big way.

You may find the perfect apartment, perhaps in an old Victorian house, and love all the special vintage details like glass door knobs, hard wood floors, mantles, sconces – all possibilities, and what’s more you might find a tiled kitchen or bathroom. Some of these old tiled baths can be tricky to adjust to in appearance. But with some progressive and modern design appeal, a vintage bathroom can be quite glamorous.

Here and below photos feature subway tiles. Simple and classic and easy to clean.

I absolutely love the color choices here, masculine and feminine and very chic. Just because the tile is black and white doesn’t mean the entire bathroom has to be. Hope the ideas presented here will give you some design options for the glamour of tiled bathrooms. All images via Apartment Therapy.

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Defining Antique, Vintage and Retro

Antique Victorian Loveseat via Scenic Mesa.

What exactly do the terms antique, vintage and retro mean and what, pray tell, is the difference? Hmmm? This has been an on-going question in my mind and may be one for you as well when considering your decor choices. Here’s the nitty-gritty on these words of “old”….

Antique – as defined by Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary – A relic or object of ancient times or of and earlier period than the present; a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various customs and laws at least 100 years ago.

So, basically antique means something old… like, really old. It carries all the dust, must and mold from its ancient days. It probably shows signs of wear and tear such as chips, scratches, gashes, paint-overs, and if it’s an electrical item it more than likely won’t run or light up. (Re-wiring officially needed!).

The word Antique has basically been clear to me, no surprises there, but vintage and retro get me confused. Just what is the difference?

Vintage – as defined by same dictionary as above – of or relating to a vintage (which applies to wine); of old, recognized and enduring interest, importance, or quality; classic; a period of origin or manufacture.

So if something is vintage it is old and “used” but not from your great-grandfather’s time. Vintage items and furniture may have imperfections also. Mid-century modern in style is considered vintage and objects might be associated with some people’s “younger days”, with pop culture, junk food, and fashion trends. Vintage, from what I’ve found, applies to a period of time such as the 50s, 60s, 70s etc.

Here we have sample of vintage industrial furniture via Style Devie.com

Now, for Retro…

Retro – definition – a prefix mainly meaning backward; back; situated behind.

According to Age Defining, the article I used as a source from Apartment Therapy, retro can also be defined as “fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned.”

In short, retro is applied to something out of style. Items in this category are fashions of the past which bring a nostalgic feel when viewed but are not fashionable now. I realize that I may have applied the word “retro” to furniture and objects that may be considered “vintage” since they were presently in style to use in home decor. Retro also seems to apply to a person who may have out-dated decor or may dress in an old style, not in a fashionable sense, but simply because they haven’t updated their wardrobe since 1975! Uh, I know someone like this…

In any case, I’ve found that mostly retro and vintage are interchangeable when used online, and I guess that doesn’t really hurt a thing. Mainly I get the idea that vintage items are in style, are not too, too old, and relate to a period of time in the past century. Retro seems to mean out of style and old, but nice to look at just the same.

If you have any thoughts on retro or vintage definitions, let me know.

 

Vintage Room Style

Vintage decor ideas are easy to find and when arranged with a keen eye to style and color an apartment can have a new fresh feel. Consider some of the following ideas I’ve found. All images via Apartment Therapy.

The incredible colors of this vintage style dining room bring life  to a small space.  The animal print rug add a nice touch.

Oh, the classic metal and “pleather” table and chairs from grandma’s kitchen. Love this clean green look.

Cute vintage appliances and sinks can add charm to a small kitchen space. Color choices here add style.

The vintage curve…love the use of different styled pieces here. I can almost feel that prickly vintage material on that couch. The hanging globe light and shag throw carpet are nice touches.

Don’t forget accessories! Are you a vintage fan yet??

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Chic Decor with Vintage Bottles

Love the idea of using an arrangement of vintage bottles as a decorative touch. Your best bet is to collect your own via yard sales or antique and flea markets. Putting little springs of flowers is each one adds a nice romantic touch. Arrangements in odd numbers work best and are more pleasing to the eye. Check out some more of my finds below.
The vintage style bottles are from Pottery Barn. The large on is $199. Quite an expense for an over-sized wine jug. Love this arrangement for its simplicity.
Carthusia perfume ad by Grey Hall. Had to add one collection sketch.

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More Retro Living

When considering a unique style in your new apartment, or redoing your old, why not consider going retro? It’s fun, funky, and make a statement. Here a sample of a totally fresh look with a 60s feel. Grandma’s old furniture never looked so good.

Absolutely love, love this room! Vintage living room with a framed Hermes scarf via 2nd Floor Living.  The framing of a cool scarf is a great and easy art idea. Love the numerous colored throw pillows too.

A cool store with awesome retro collectables: Old Values.  Love this picture of inspiration found at their website.

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Unique European Table Lamps

Wildwood Alchemist table lamp from Wildwood Table Lamps.

Express your style with this unique triangular table lamp found at Layla Grayce.

Chad Lighting, UK, ceramic table lamp in with Galileo shade, from Design Wagen.

Unique Gallo white table lamp–a rooter? I think it’s pretty cool, found at Bellacor.

And simply could not resist popping this one in, a Tiffany blown gold Favrile glass lamp with green leaf vine etching–sold at an antique auction for an astounding $19,200, which I guess is normal for a Tiffany. Bit out of range? But gorgeous! I only wish…dream…
Found at Antique Trader.

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Retrospect: The Frankfurt Kitchen

In 1926, Viennese architect, Grete Schutte-Lihotzky, design the Frankfurt Kitchen, a modernist view of a totally functional kitchen. This type of design flourished when it came out. It was the answer to all kitchen needs, and made  antiquated kitchen work, mainly performed by women, more professional. It may have helped that it was designed by a genius woman! Grete spent countless hours analyzing the working needs and space requirements when cooking to make a kitchen efficient, compact, and easy to maintain.

Here, the original Frankfurt design circa 1926.

The Frankfurt Kitchen had many built-in features such as removable storage bins made of light weight aluminum. The originals were manufactured in a WWI ammunition factory.

The Museum of Modern Art recently featured an exhibit of the Frankfurt Kitchen for its contribution to architectural and design history.

reduced space = increased efficiency

Sample of a Frankfurt Kitchen stove.

Today’s modern efficiency kitchen incorporate many design elements of the historic Schutte-Lihotzky kitchen.  The Frankfurt, in its many modern variations, is here to stay I think.

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Retro Office Desks

Maybe a little pricey, but some of the vintage desks I found at Rehab Vintage were incredible. Here, McDowell Craig blue steel Tanker Desk.

1960s All Steel Loewy Fantop Desk. I really like this one!

Refurbished Fireproofing desk, all metal restored, with brass handles. Circa 1920s. A pricey one at $8500, but love it anyway.

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More Vintage…at ABC Carpet and Home

ABC Carpet and Home offers vintage as well as numerous newly manufactured products for your apartment or home, from well known designers and companies. The carpets, which I featured before, are quite interesting.

The vintage Turkish carpets are recycled by bleaching them, then over-dying.

ABC Home offers many other inspiring vintage accessories for your home.

Cobble Hill Turner Trundle Bed in aubergine.

Vintage Suzani pillow…$160

Turkish Tea Light Holders…$75

Vintage metal stacking boxes…$45

Antique Tibetan Trunk by Tibet Arts & Crafts….$3800

Love Murano glass….Todd Hase – 1960s Murano Table Lamp…sale $1610

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