My new side table

Over a year ago I blogged a really cool idea I saw on The Selby - a vintage safe as a side table.

Low and behold, I recently came across one on Kijiji and my husband nearly lost his marbles. Turns out he is a huge fan of vintage safes too! Yesterday we drove for what seemed like hours to some little town out in the middle of nowhere and arrived at the home of a really nice man who sold us a very similar safe for $250 (I'm thinking this was a steal based on what little I've seen via some quick googling). It took 3 men to heave the 300 lb (or so) safe into our vehicule and somehow my husband and I managed to carry it into the house last night. Now it takes pride of place in the corner of my living room. The previous owner does not remember the combination (he's had it for over 40 years - when he was younger while drinking with his buddies they'd see who could lift it) so we'll have to figure out how to open it or find someone who can. In the meantime, I think it makes a sweet side table. :-)

Vintage French

This home packed full of vintage goodies is located in the little French village of Vascoeuil, the location of Madame Bovary films. I am always enchanted and intrigued by homes decorated like this one. I could spend hours inspecting every inch, so that I don't miss any of the treasures. (Featured in Campagne Décoration, photos by Patrick Van Robaeys)

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47 Park Avenue update

I have about 10 minutes slotted do get a post done for today. I spent the day yesterday helping my sister and her husband close up the cottage (BOO HOO!) as fall has suddenly arrived (30°C drop in temperature in 3 days) and today I am going to check out the Glebe House Tour in between chores and blogging (I heard yesterday from the owners of this house that their master bathroom was done on Friday - can't wait to see it!). Without any real plans for for today's post, I immediately thought of 47 Park Avenue, one of my favourite blogs. I featured Michael and Jonathan's blog and home back in March, and I always look forward to updates on their latest finds (they are masters at finding the coolest vintage pieces) and how they are incorporated into their gorgeous home. So without further ado, I give you some of the latest photos of their inspiring home. 

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Daniel Grady Faires' tiny NY apartment

We received some amazing photos of an apartment that I had to share with you all. It's the 375 square foot New York pad of Daniel Grady Faires (New York design and furniture guru and featured on season 5 of HGTV’s "Design Star" and now has his own show "DanMade" ) and his wife Dasha. Here's a bit of info: Daniel and Dasha Faires love their 375-square-foot apartment on Ludlow Street in  New York’s Lower East Side. The 100-year-old brick building is situated where Daniel finds inspiration for the furniture he creates. The apartment features only two rooms, plus a great garden area, where the husband and wife entertain. And the pair have certainly created a warm and cozy feel – with the help of well-placed mirrors, candles and Edison bulbs to create a dreamy, low-lit haven. Daniel designs and builds much of what is in the apartment – with the help of items they find on the street – creativity is definitely their strong point. Their dining table and outdoor seating were all made of reclaimed wood from their neighborhood and the custom spice rack was designed and built by Daniel also. It's so cute! And that outdoor space is gorgeous! I would spend every waking moment (weather permitting) out there. (Photos by Emily Johnston Anderson)

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Monika and Christian's German home

Today I've got a reader's home to share with you that will knock your socks off I guarantee!

We (Christian and Monika) are from Cologne, Germany. My husband (41) is Graphic Designer, he was born in Argentina, his mother is belgian and his father german. I'm (39) Interior Designer, born in Germany but yugoslavian, then montenegrian, then serbian and in the Future...who knows :) We're running our little Agency together called Koenigsrot (translation is kingsred). We have twins, Emma (6) and Meo (6), our cat called "le Chat" and two squirrels. One year ago we bought a little house which was built in 1967. Before and after picture show a really huge transformation :) It's still work ahead us but we're really happy living here. We're big fans of flea markets, we travel a lot with the kids, we adore Paris and spent a lot of time there. Not in a hotel but in a flat.
- Monika, Christian, Emma, Meo, leChat and the squirrels.

I love every little square inch of Christian and Monika's home. It has all of my favourites - neutral colours, oddball curiousities, lots of vintage, industrial vibe....

Paintings are made by my husband Christian.

 

Detail Living room. Statuary made by our twins.

Part of our kitchen. The numbers are old baking dishes.

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