Past and Present ~

One of my favourite pastimes is treasure hunting for antiques.  I can, and do, spend hours covering each corner of an antique shop looking for that one special piece that can add the perfect touch to a room.   
Finding a mirror like this is at the top of my list!
Antiques and collectibles add individuality and beauty to existing decor.  Mixing styles and periods gives a relaxed feel, as if a room isn’t “put together”.  Adding one or two pieces will look chic and modern.  Finding balance is key.
While I dream of being Kelly Wearstler in this photo, the reality is that I have three children and two more with four legs.  I want my home to be stylish and represent my taste while being kid and Frenchie friendly.
There are many ways of incorporating antiques into your home.  One is by adding small details such as knobs to a chest or cabinet.
One of my personal favourites ~ a chandelier!  It gives instant drama and elegance.
This Louis chair is fabulous!  A beautifully upholstered chair can be a work of art.  It’s one of the least expensive and most versatile.  The look can be easily be changed with fabric.
Place your antiques in a prominent place where your family and friends can admire them. Think of them as precious gems. If diamonds can go with just about anything, so can antiques!
Like a chandelier, accessories bring sparkle to your ensemble.  I purchased this clutch several years ago from one of my favourite online vintage boutiques ~ Posh Vintage.  I carried it to dinner last weekend when we dined at our favourite brasserie.
Wishing you a lovely Wednesday!  xoxo, B

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14 Comments

  • Reply Couture Carrie July 28, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    Gorgeous post, darling!
    I love antiques, too…
    That Louis chair is just fabulous!

    xoxox,
    CC

  • Reply Camille @ Style Notes July 28, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    What a lovely blog you have…so happy to have discovered it! And now I'm also on the hunt for a gorgeous oversized mirror for the bathroom. What a statement-maker!

  • Reply High Heeled Life July 28, 2010 at 4:53 pm

    Lovely images… I love antiques; and mixing things up. It always makes me feel great when someone says to me that they feel comfortable and relaxed… happy Wednesday my frend..HHL

  • Reply Castles Crowns and Cottages July 29, 2010 at 3:57 am

    Bonjour ma belle!!!! Oh, I see you came by yesterday! AH….we were out again, having fun like two little kids, shopping again and actually going back to where we bought my Louis chairs and a leather settee for Ruben's office. I am so excited to hear that you will be going out next week to shop at such an ANTIQUE FEST…..rows and rows, blocks and blocks of shops? Sounds like I need to GO THERE!!! I hope you find exactly what you are looking for dearest! So sad to hear that your wallpaper will not be coming in! What happened? Well, I know you will come up with another solution. Those things happen, but something else nice or even better comes along! While we were out yesterday (hence, not coming to blog earlier), we saw MORE mirrored furniture pieces…..now that I know you, I am seeing these gorgeous things in the antique stores! And, I have always been very happy with my bed, which is not an antique or even French inspired. It is a four-poster pine bed that is very high off the ground. It has acorn finials and has always been the centerpiece of my bedroom. However, while at the consignment shop yesterday where we found two WONDERFUL Louis tables, I saw a bed……a white French bed with a very simply carved head board with a cluster of roses, and a footboard with the same design—–it was a steal for about $195. I am tempted to propose to my husband to take a look at it again because our bed will eventually be too tall for us to climb!!!! HHEEEEEEEE, the danger of antique shopping. He is just as bad as I am however. Oh we have so much fun!

    Well dear one, enjoy the week, and report back on what you find on this excursion of yours! BISOUS MA BELLE, Anita

  • Reply Flourishing Networks July 29, 2010 at 4:39 am

    beautiful ideas I love the bath and main room, especially as I am designing our new home and have no idea. Thanks

  • Reply VMcreation-fashion-studio-atelier July 29, 2010 at 4:48 am

    Just absolutely devine post,my dear Friend!!!

    Antique things always are beyond inspirational…

    Love,
    ***Violetta***

  • Reply Rosie July 29, 2010 at 9:30 am

    Ahhhh…. Brenda,
    You and I are sooo, on the same page.
    I love a “frilly” sideboard paired with a contemporary mirrored table…this “snappy” of a bathroom, makes my heart S*I*N*G…
    ….Are you enjoying the summer dearest?…I can't believe July is done___:(____Where did it go?…cést la vie…have a wonder filled day my dear friend and…smile on…love Rosie

  • Reply Castles Crowns and Cottages July 29, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    BRENDA! Are you familiar with French Garden House? You can find her blog link on my blog list at the bottom of my page. I was just perusing her shop and she has many, many of your dream beds for sale!! Please visit her when you get a moment!!!! Anita

  • Reply The Zhush July 30, 2010 at 9:41 am

    So great…all your pics are amazing. That dress and the bangle are real faves!!!

  • Reply Castles Crowns and Cottages August 2, 2010 at 4:41 am

    Brenda ma belle,

    A visit from you is always a lovely experience….as I look to see what my next post might be, I am flipping through a marvelous book that I have of old black and white photos of Paris and the women of Paris….and I am reminded of you and OUR love for this era and fashion….I must compose my next post now! And..I am glad that you visited Lily at French Garden House….she has quite the stock. AND…..YOU FOUND YOUR BED? But your husband wants a four-poster…hmmmm, hard decisions, but what fun!!! Whatever you decide on, I know that you will make it so lovely. We are just letting the days breeze on by until school starts back up again (you too are returning, aren't you?) and then our building starts. Are we FOUS or what, going back to our classrooms and starting a building project? 🙂

    Have a prosperous and happy week ma belle! Anita

  • Reply Rosie August 3, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    S*W*E*E*T__D*R*E*A*M*S
    _________love rosie_______

  • Reply Theonlyfashionprincess August 5, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    i like your blog. hope you will follow my blog too!
    xoxo

    http://theonlyfashionprincess.blogspot.com

  • Reply Castles Crowns and Cottages August 9, 2010 at 4:07 pm

    Bonjour ma belle!

    I was just worrying about you…you haven't posted in a while….how are you? Anita

  • Reply Castles Crowns and Cottages August 10, 2010 at 4:21 am

    oh oui, school…I guess in all honesty, I am trying to avoid having to face the reality!!!! And you, you yourself are getting ready for classes! Oh, I know that when you are done with your own program, you are going to be so happy! I am glad all is well dearest! It is a busy time, and I am milking every quiet hour for what it is worth. Have happy and hopeful thoughts that this school year is going to be great….have a wonderful week and BON COURAGE!!! Bises, Anita

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