Kismet Junk: October 2013

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Great Crate

Crates Rocks. Personally, I believe one can never have too many storage options. Crates are perfect for blankets, books, towels, shoes, basketballs... the list goes on. I have never met a crate I didn't like! Here are some groovy crates I have spotted online with some inspiring new ideas for uses.

I am not a fan of painting crates, but WOW!
This crate painted chippy red is awesome.
It adds a great accent to a muted palette room.

This would look great next to a bed or on a nightstand.

My husband just bought me this giant crate.
I am in love! (He rocks too!)
Search for advertising is as cool as the crate.

How adorable would this be on in a powder room?
I love the fresh flowers!
Also, add an apothecary jar of cotton balls or guest soaps.

Speaking of powder rooms...
If you don't have enough storage, why not store towels in crates.
I may utilize this idea in my gray themed bathroom.

Anyone else now on a search for a crate that will hold a wine bottle?
I am! (Anyone else thirsty?)

Storage is always needed in a child's bedroom.
This is simply fantastic how the insides of the crates are brightly painted.
It seems they left the outside natural - perfection!

Wouldn't this be a sweet wedding shower gift?
I love gifts wrapped in baskets or industrial crates.
Its a gift that keeps on giving!

Where to start? No one person should hoard this many soda crates.
I request, please share your crate collection with the rest of the world!
I love the addition of giant letters in any situation!

Casters added to the bottom of this crate shelf is sheer genius.
This is ideal for small spaces and situations where the shelf would need to be moved.
Consider making a rolling mini bar our of old crates.

Feel as if you live inside a Crate and Barrel store!
This would be a cool display inside a front door, especially if you don't have a coat closet.
Add some hooks on the wall, and the crates could be used for shoes, hats and mail.
Be sure to add a few decorative pieces for it doesn't look like a junk pile.

My books made me add this photo. They are requesting that they would like to live in crates.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this photo. (I love books!)
I feel the books actually come to life against the natural backdrop of crates.

So, do you agree? Crates are great! Kismet Junk will have an abundance of crates for sale this Saturday at the 3 French Hens Market. Stop by an pick up one great crate or two! How are you going to utilize your crates?

Monday, October 7, 2013

Favorite things

Aren't you thrilled when you find inspirational blog, groovy store or fabulous site to follow? I am! I think that is why Pintrest became so popular, so quickly. We love to gaze, adore and be motivated. So, be prepared... here are a few of my favorites:

[My Favorite Stores]

Three Potato Four

Philadelphia, PA

This is my favorite online store to browse. Everything is amazing! I wish I lived closer to view all the amazing items up close. I am inspired every time I visit this web site. I subscribe to their mailing list and its like a visual treat in my inbox whenever an email arrives from Three Potato Four. Enjoy!

Rudy's Roundup

Wicker Park, IL

I love the eclectic, vintage vibe of this store. If you are looking for inappropiate greeting cards, wacky junk, vintage dresses, uniquebooks and treasures from yesterday - well,Rudy's is the place. I make it a point to visit this fun little shop everytime I go to Chicago. You should too!

Lucky Little Dot
Los Angeles, CA

One of my favorite Etsy sites. Lucky Little Dot never fails to make me drool. They have the most unique, vintage treasures. If you are looking for a rare, one-of-a-kind gift check out this site. Its fun to even peruse and view the treasures from yesterday.

[My Favorite Blogs]

Kara Paslay

Tulsa, OK

This blog offers a sorts of fun. Kara has a knack for decorating! She has worked for Anthropologie, is remodeling & decorating her home and is a design consultant. She posts beautiful photos, easy to follow tips, and makes you want to redecorate ever room in your house! This is one of my favorites!

[My Favorites Facebook]

Novogratz

New York, NY

This is my favorite facebook page! This is the page that inspires what I do on the Kismet Junk facebook page! They continually post design idea's, quotes and more. I love everything they do. Their style and tips are amazing. If you know anything about me, you know I am one of their biggest fans.

Junk Gypsy

Round Top, Texas

This company is truy inspiring! Its Kismet Junks, country sister. They post tons of photos and always seem to be having a blast, doing what they do! Check out this facebook page. You won't be sorry!

RedBird Vintage Home
Morris, Illinois

I may be a bit biased because this is one of my favorites! Kay is my friend and has a unique voice that comes through in her writing. I love her style, inspiration, spunk and sass and feel like she and Ralph Lauren must be related somehow. In fact, he probably stalks her facebook page for new idea's. This is definitely a page to 'like'.

Details Boutique

Littleton, CO

I found this store while living in Colorado, and I love it! They are constantly posting new merchandise photos to their facebook page. If you are ever in Denver, check it out! Otherwise, drool from afar, like the rest of us!

These are a few of my favorite things... share your favorites!

Velma's Jewelry

When I was little, I remember going to visit my Grandmother, Velma. She was a petite red head, only 4feet, 8inches tall, and she baked the best homemade cinnamon rolls I have ever had, still to this day. Everyone said Velma was soft spoken and and kind. The thing I remember most about my grandma was how she looked. Whether on her way to square dancing or simply working around her garden, she would apply bright red lipstick and adorn herself with bright, colorful beaded jewelry.

When I would visit, grandma would set aside a bowl full of necklaces, clip on earrings and empty make-up jars on a dressing table for me to play with. I remember putting all those treasures in her old black purse and walking into the living room, wearing her high heels. I would pretend to be the Avon lady and ask each adult if they wanted to buy anything from inside my bag.

I associate my love jewelry, and make-up, and let's face it... playing dress up, to Velma. About 12 years ago, my grandmother passed away. After the funeral, the family was sitting around my grandma's house, telling stories and sharing memories. When I shared this story, my aunt left the room and returned with a bag full of grandma's costume jewelry. I treasure these necklaces, earrings and broaches to this day. Looking at the plastic jewelry instantly makes me feel 5 years again, and reminds of my Grandma.

Years later, I still have all that old jewelry. Even though none of it is real, I think its beautiful, sparkly and needs to be a part of my every day life. I think if I applied bright red lipstick and wore grandma's necklaces, my husband would think I had finally lost it! So instead, I have decided to think of ways to incorporate Grandma's jewelry into my decorating.

Earrings and Broaches

I framed one of my favorite broaches and display it as if it were a piece of artwork. Using an old frame, I took out the glass, covered the cardboard backing in an old encyclopedia page and then stuck Grandma's pin into the cardboard. I applied a touch of glue to keep it in place. This would be beautiful to hang within a mix of family photos and mementos. Something similar could be done with a pair of clip on earrings too. A family photo or newspaper clipping would also make a nice background image.

Necklaces and Rings

I gathered up all my grandmothers remaining jewelry: rings, necklaces, pins and earrings. and placed them all in an apothecary jar. This is be a heartfelt touch for a powder room or a make-up table, and it could even serve as a cute way to decorate your walk-in closet. I have a friend who put her grandmother's engagement ring and wedding ring in a terrarium. Any idea is a good one. Family jewelry can serve as a daily reminder of where you come from and who you want to be!

It doesn't do any good to store old jewelry in boxes or a drawer. Display it. I always say use the good dishes. Don't save the good China, serve ice cream on the it! This is similar! Show off grandma's jewelry! Vintage is in. You may even find a few pieces you would actually wear!

Mixing Styles

Decorating is all about style | Most people have an distinct opinion when it comes to decorating. There are certain styles they like and don't like. However, decorating is about allowing your individual sense of style to shine. What you choose to surround yourself with should be a direct reflection of who you are. This is the very reason decorating is so much fun. There are no wrong answers.

Like many people, I think the French Country style of decorating is romantic and whimsical. Its very popular right now. However, I live with my husband, our four active children, a dog and a turtle. Needless to say, a style based on the use of whites doesn't mesh with our family of muddy shoes, pets and soccer balls. Also, I love anything industrial and have a soft spot for 1970's vintage artifacts. My solution, find elements in the each style that inspire me, yet are practical for my family, and work it together to create one cohesive statement.

The way you chose to decorate your home should be a reflection of the way you live, not just what it the hottest trend. On our front porch we have an set of gold gray metal gym lockers. They serve as an interesting focal point, yet are very functional, serving as a catch-all for balls, shoes and book bags. Next to the lockers sits a wicker chair. Believe it or not, the soft wicker warms up the cold tone of the lockers. Its a combination of industrial meets cottage chic, and I adore both pieces. Design doesn't have to fall into one specific style. Mixing and matching styles, textures and colors adds depth and transforms a room into an interesting reflection of the people who live within its walls.

These photos illustrate how to incorporate different styles, making a wonderful statement. So, whats your style??

Banquette

Recently, an article was published on the E News web site. Drew Barrymore was quoted, saying, " If you have an eat-in kitchen, I love a banquette! No matter how inviting I try to make every other room of the house, everyone gravitates to the kitchen banquette."

This set me on a course of googling images of banquette kitchens. I am now in love with this idea, and agree with Drew! If you don't think your kitchen is large enough to be an eat-in kitchen, consider a banquette.

This charming built-in bench not only adds seating, but adds storage and creates an inviting atmosphere. Chose chairs that fit snugly underneath the table to maximize space. This type of seating invites guests to gather and comfortably lounge around the kitchen. The idea of mixing accent pillows is a terrific way to tie in additional colors.

There are many different styles and options, and storage definitely has to be considered when designing a banquette. These photos are a few of my favorites. I can tell you, my next house will feature a kitchen banquette! Enjoy!