Saturday, September 19, 2009

"Wonder-fall"...Tablescapes and Buffets

Since this is my favorite time of the year,
 I'm hoping to do some posts that are "magazine inspired".

I'm a big magazine fan, and some of my best ideas
 have come from the pages of great layouts.
So to celebrate fall and all the goodness that it has to offer,
 from decorating, to cozy evenings at home with family and friends,
to parties, and everything in between...
here are some of my favorite
"vintage inspired" fall magazine articles...

Spooky vignette to really get you in the mood.
 Great for an entry if you're having a get-together.



Love this idea for a "Poe" inspired buffet
of hors'doeurves, or desserts.
Notice the tall silver candlestick, silver trophy cup,
 silver platters and blackboard.




Wonderful tablescape consisting of black books and pumpkins.
Casual dishes, bookpage print placemats, and colorfull fall leaves.



All of these images are from the current issue of
Midwest Living Magazine.

Have fun pulling together great vintage pieces
 to make your table decor a real party!

Debra

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Heirlooms Party


I'm a pretty sentimental gal, so I'll be right at home at this Heirloom Party
 hosted by Marie at Emma Calls Me Momma.






I have some great memories of my childhood, and being the oldest sibling in my family, I was of course the first to leave the nest. My Dad's mom and dad were in their 40's when he was born. Old by the standards of 1929, so by the time I came along they were in their late 60's early 70's. One clear memory I have is of my grandmother's upstairs bedrooms that had been my dad's and uncle's, was an old sideboard that contained old papers and ephemera. She had been a schoolteacher for a while, and was a packrat. (Now I know where I get this from) The old sideboard had been her mother's and was crackled with old varnish. It seems that each year a new coat would be put on to "spiff it up". So many layers of darkend varnish were covering an oak beauty.




My parents gave this to me after my husband and I were married. We took it to a professional furniture restorer to remove the many layers of grime and varnish. It was in my Dining Room until we moved to this house, and now it's in our family area in the basement. It has a shelf underneath that holds some silver trays and  collectible Crabtree & Evelyn bisquit tins.





Original Hardware and beveled mirror.




An old Hull apple cookie jar and stove set were also from my Grandmother's kitchen.




The salt shaker met an untimely fate a few years ago,
so I need to give Mr. Pepper his mate back.





This red velvet autograph book is also hers,
with entries from friends which date from 1889.



 I wish I had a "macro" setting so you could see
the handwriting flourishes on some of the pages.




And a foil decal of a bird in flight.




Thank you for letting me share a few of my heirlooms.

Have a sweet day full of memories,
Debra

Inspirational Home...the Rest of the Story

My last post was dedicated to "White Wednesday", so I shared photos of the white displays and vignettes at Inspirational Home. If you have not seen that post, be sure you check it out after this.
Inspirational Home is located in Galloway, an eastside suburb of Springfield, Missouri. It's a great little tree-lined area that dates back to the early part of the 1900's. The particular building that now houses IH, was built in the 20's as a filling station complex. IH is located in the residence of the family that owned and operated the gas station.

Before Debra started her business I was involved in a great little antique boutique called "Wild at Heart" that was the previous occupant. So this physical building was my second home for 2 years. I have such fond memories of being there, as I rented space upstairs.

Be sure to click on the images to enlarge them,
as you don't want to miss anything!


Debra Moore is an interior designer, who decided to open a storefront in the spring of last year. When she took possession of the space she opted to remodel the interior of the store, as it was needing attention. She spent about 6 weeks painting and cleaning and polishing the place to make it her own.



 She was open for only a very short time when we had severe flooding in the area and the building was under 3 to 4 feet of water. She opted to stay and the landlord totally redid the building, taking down walls, installing new floors, plumbing etc. She came back bigger and better than anyone could have imagined!


Here are some really fun Halloween, Thanksgiving,
and Autumn decor items.


















Debra carries a variety of jewelry lines and lots of great accessories.










Now, we are back in the Garden Room, my favorite spot.
When I shot these photos it was sundown, and the light was just so perfect.







Isn't this color just fabulous?!


...and this?





Debra introduced me to my fascination with Angel Vine.






I just had to show this photo again.
I love the dried hydrangea and pumpkin mix.



During the Open House a jewelry designer from Kansas City
set up in the covered area.


My wire hanging pumpkin candle holder.







Upstairs displays and vignettes.






Such a unique and comfortable store.
 Full of classic and beautiful furniture and accessories.






Meet Debra, the owner, and talented designer of Inspirtaional Home.
And one very sweet gal!


If you ever decide to head to this area be sure and let me know,
 I'll direct you to the most fun shopping spots you could find.
Inspirational Home is located at 3830 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, MO.
Be sure to check out my previous post for more great photos of the store.

Hope you're having a "wonderfall" week!

Debra
(my new word, sorry I could'nt help myself)

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

White Wednesday at Inspirational Home

Nestled next to a creek in a quaint rural area of Springfield is a little shop that I want to share with you. Inspirational Home, owned by Debra Moore, is a jewel in an area that has long been known for antiques. Galloway was once a small incorporated village, that has since become part of the city, but still retains it's "days gone by" atmosphere of shops and small businesses.
These are photos from the Fall Open House that was held last weekend. Be sure and click on the image for more detail of all these great finds.

Since this is White Wednesday, I will just be sharing Debra's white displays and will post the rest later this week. So just consider this a "teaser".

Below is the Garden Room, and I have to admit, I could spend hours in here. Her cupboards are filled with great garden goodies, and accessories. Debra carries new  "vintage inspired" merchandise, and her displays are vintage, also for sale, so it's a wonderful mix.






Gorgeous dried white hydrangeas from the front yard
on a beautiful wicker chaise lounge.
Glass and wire cloches covering small cottages.
The upstairs has just recently opened
with great kitchen accessories, gourmet foods
and some delightful displays.


Candles and jewelry, all unique.



Great country French towels for the kitchen.



The leopard sofa, just gorgeous, with white pumpkins.
                                     




Incredible cabinet.



This is the white room, filled with candles, bath goodies, scents of all kinds.



Beautiful fountain filled with leaves and white lights.

Inspirational Home is just that...a place to be amazed and inspired.


Now, head on over to see Kathleen at Faded Charm,
 for other great "White Wednesday" posts.

Be Inspired this week!

Debra