Home Tour | Interior Designer Jessica Buckley

April 12, 2017

I was scrolling through the Apartment Therapy site and stumbled across a home tour they featured in Edinburgh, Scotland. The home, owned by interior designer Jessica Buckley has to be one of the prettiest homes I’ve seen in a long time.

Jessica’s style is fresh and modern with classic elements and just the right amount of feminine details. With an apparent love for color you can see that she has used color on the walls as a way to define each room within her home. The blue grass cloth on the walls in the living room is dramatic but not overwhelming. I love the depth and texture it has against all of the white mouldings and trim work. Another fun aspect to Jessica’s home is her use of patterns and how expertly she has mixed and matched them. The paring of black and white with a bold floral in the kitchen is an ideal accent for the soft pink walls. And the fabric drape over the guest bed is stately but modern.

Jessica is definitely one to watch and be inspired by.

HOME TOUR | JESSICA BUCKLEY

You can view Jessica’s design portfolio here. And check out her delightful blog here.

all images via Apartment Therapy

What I Bought At The Round Top Antiques Market (and a few other places too)!

April 7, 2017

Happy Friday friends. As you read this the hubs and I are headed back to Atlanta with my mom in tow. She’ll be visiting us for a week or so before heading back to Oklahoma.

I wish you could see our car….it’s loaded to the gills with luggage and the vintage finds I picked up at the Round Top Antiques Market and beyond. If you’re wondering what I mean by beyond, here’s the scope. In addition to shopping Round Top, my travel buddies and I, Marsha, Wanda and Sherry also stopped at antique stores, flea markets and Goodwill stores during our road trip. It was a thrifters dream.

Before I show you some of what I purchased, I wanted to share a bit more about our trip.

We left Dallas at 6:30 am on Saturday morning and made the trek to Round Top. Dallas to Round Top is a 3 hour drive so we had time to chat and plan our shopping strategy for the day.

Once we made it to Round Top we spent the day shopping then drove to Saledo, TX where we were staying the night. We stayed at the Inn On The Creek which is an adorable bed and breakfast. I share more about the inn next week but here’s a little glimpse of this charming spot.

On Sunday morning we left Saledo and headed to Waco for more shopping and finally made our way back to Dallas last Sunday evening.

Two days….lots of shopping and a whole lot of fun!

Now let’s get to the really fun stuff…what I bought.

If you remember from my previous posts, I had a list of items I was shopping for including ironstone, blue and white pottery, old design books and vintage jewelry. Although I wasn’t able to find everything on my list, I did find some plus a few things I didn’t have on my list.

WHAT I BOUGHT IN AND AROUND THE ROUND TOP ANTIQUES MARKET…

I had pretty good luck in the ironstone category. I found this pretty ironstone pitcher at a thrift store in Waco and it is in great condition.

I’ve sold several ironstone gravy boats/creamers in my Etsy store recently and was hoping to find some new pieces to add to the shop. This one has a pretty leaf and vine design on it and it was only $5.00.

This 3-piece English ironstone sugar/creamer set was a great find at a Goodwill we stopped at. And you won’t believe the prices–$5.49 for all three pieces.

I found this large ironstone bowl at Round Top and love the softly scalloped edge. It’s a great bowl for fruit or serving salads or pasta.

Another Goodwill score was a set of Federalist Ironstone cups and saucers. I’ve never come across this brand of ironstone before but couldn’t pass up the set which was priced at $5.49.

There were two of these blue and white gravy boats but one had a chip so I only bought the one. And it was less than $6.00!

My friend Marsha grabbed this blue and white vase but offered it up to me. #goodfriendssharetheirthriftingfinds

I found these blue and white bread plates at another thrift store for just $1.99 each. They are English transferware from Lochs of Scotland.

One of the booths I stumbled upon a t Round Top had bins of vintage lace for $1.00 per bundle. You know I had to add a few to my collection.

I was excited to come across a dealer at Round Top that was selling design books for 50% off the marked price. The books I purchased, were published between 1993 and 2008 and cost $6.00 each.

I spotted this beautiful silver-plated bowl in an antique store in Waco but it didn’t have a price tag on it. When I took it up to the counter to check the price I was expecting them to say something like $48. I was surprised and thrilled that it was only $12! #winning

One of my favorite finds was this cute elephant planter/vase. There were people around me when I spotted it so I played it cool and grabbed it when they weren’t looking.

Thrifting tip: be ruthless in the pursuit of a unique treasures

This cute plaid ice bucket and glass set (6 glasses) was a find at an antique store outside Ft. Worth. What a fun set for someone to use for summer entertaining.

These are just a few of the items I purchased on the trip. I’m coming home with tree boxes full of goodies, most of which I’m planning on putting my Etsy shop. I’ll be sure to let you know when the items are available. If you see something you’re interested in, just leave me a comment and I’ll email you the price.

Before I sign off, I did want to share an unexpected find.

Last night we stopped by my cousins’ house. I’ve been in her house many times but didn’t realized she was a blue and white collector. She has some beautiful vases, ginger jars and a full set of Blue Willow Dinnerware. When I spotted it, I commented how I’ve been looking for Blue Willow chins. Then she said something I didn’t expect…she said I could have it.

I’m happy to say that I am now a proud owner of a full set of Churchill Blue Willow dinnerware.

As I pointed out in yesterday’s blog post, it pays to go off the beaten path when antique shopping in and around Round Top.

Until next time…

5 Tips For Shopping Round Top Antique Market {and a few gems I spotted}

April 6, 2017

If you’ve been following me on Instagram you know I was at the Round Top Antiques Market last week. And boy was it a blast.

I know you’re dying to see what I purchased but that will have to wait until tomorrow. I’ll show you what I bought along with more highlights from my trip.

Today I want to share some tips I have for shopping the mega Round Top market in case you ever want to attend.

If you’re never been to the Round Top before let me give you a few market stats…

The Round Top Antiques Market has been going on for 20+ years.
The show originally started in a single barn facility and now spans miles and miles over several towns.
The population of Round Top is just 99 but during the market season the number of people in town swells in to the 1000’s.
There are over 350 dealers at Round Top (actually, it feels like more than that).
Dealers comes from all across the US and the world. And some dealers even bring containers full of European goods to sell.
Several venues charge a fee to get in (usually $10 or less) but the majority of shopping sites are free. Parking is free in most cases as well.
The market is set up to accommodate cars, vans, trailers and even small trucks and buses.
Shipping services are available if you happen to find a furniture piece that won’t fit in the back of your car 🙂
Lots of the items are Round Top are EXPENSIVE but don’t let that scare you off because there are tons of affordable items too. There really is something for everyone.

SHOPPING ROUND TOP ANITQUES MARKET

#1. Plan To Spend Multiple Days Shopping. There are two major Round Top Antiques Market shows each year, one in spring and one in the fall. Each show last 5 days with many of the vendors actually setting up shop and selling a week or two before the official opening date.

The show spans over several miles with venues set up all along the main route and off the side roads.

Because the number of dealers is so large, the range of items that you’ll find for sale is beyond the imagination. There is literally something for everyone and items are every price-point.

In order to see all that Round Top has to offer, you need to plan for 2 to 3 days of shopping. Map out the areas you want to visit ahead of time based on the kinds of items you’re shopping for.

#2. Know What You’re Looking For. Everyone that attends Round Top has their own shopping list in mind. While many people are looking for large furniture pieces others like me are looking for smaller collectibles.

To keep me focused on what I’m shopping for, I’ve found it helpful to make a visual shopping list with photos.

When you make your shopping list, take time to study the types of items you’re looking for. If you’re a real collector, you want to know the real thing from a reproduction. And even though many of the dealers are selling authentic vintage and antique items you will run across reproductions, found objects and even a few ‘garage sale’ type finds.

#3. Wheel and Deal. If you’re not a natural born negotiator, make sure you have someone with’you that is. Like all flea markets and antique shops, the dealers are ready and prepared to negotiate price. So as not to offend a seller, you always want to ask for a better price in a polite way. I’ve found that asking the question, “what’s the best price you can do” always gets some type of discount. If the price still isn’t what you want to pay, throw out a price and see if the dealer bites.

Tip: If you see multiple items at one dealer that you are interested in, ask the dealer what discount they could offer if you purchased them all. Typically dealers will knock 10% to 20% off the price.

#4. Go Off The Beaten Path. One of the things we discovered last year headed to Round Top is that there are lots of great antique shops in the small towns outside the main market area. Most of the shops had a great selection of small items like collectibles, tabletop items and small furniture pieces. And the prices were more reasonable than the what you find at Round Top.

** Favorite local shop: Whistle Stop Antiques in Giddings, Texas

#5. Plan To Have Lots Of Fun. There is a lot to see and do in Round Top so a fun time is guaranteed. In addition to shopping, make sure to visit the ‘city center’ where Royers restaurant and pie shop are located. And keep you camera handy to snap photos of the beautiful farmhouses and churches as you pass through the city.

I’m already looking forward to attending Round Top again next year because there’s still so much to see and experience.

all images by ConfettiStyle

Favorites Of The Week {Spring Inspiration}

April 1, 2017

Happy weekend! Here’s my favorite links from the week.

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FAVORITE POSTS

How to find you niche and get paid for it.

These just might be the cutest garden markers I’ve ever seen.

Now this is a bathroom makeover! #gorgeous

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FAVORITE PINS

The wallpaper and mirror in this bathroom are just stunning.

How stinking’ cute and creative is this spring door arrangement?!

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

I need these monogrammed gift tags in my life STAT!!! And these and these.

The pattern and colors on this geometric clutch are so fun.

This might be my new favorite spring candle. The White Camellia scent is heavenly!

I’ll see you back here next week. Until then, have an amazing weekend!

My Round Top Antiques Market Shopping List

March 30, 2017

If all goes according to plan I’ll be shopping up at storm at the Round Top Antiques Market in just a few days.

I attended Round Top for the first time last year. Even though I had an idea of what I hoped to find, the magnitude of the show (and the cold weather) stopped me from doing my best shopping. This year it’s going to be a different story. The weather is going to be warm, I’ve been brushing up on my vintage shopping skills and I’ve got a LIST!

Over the years I’ve found that shopping with a list when I go to a flea market or antique store keeps me focused and yields better results. So when I hit Round Top this year not only will I be shopping with a written list but I’ll also have photos to serve as inspiration. Want a peek at what’s on my shopping list…check it out below.

Since I love all things chinoiserie, I’ll be on the hunt for anything in that genre. I’m hoping to luck upon some Staffordshire dogs in white both for me and my Etsy shop.

I’ll also be looking for vintage fashion books. I may have mentioned this before but I have a degree in fashion merchandising and spent most of my corporate career as a buyer and merchandising executive. My love for fashion runs deep!

Right up there with my love of fashion is my love of vintage jewelry. I love finding pieces that I can use to make my own custom jewelry and anything tassel and bejeweled is what I’m looking for.

One of the things I sell a lot of in my Etsy shop is vintage toast racks. I show them as a desk accessory holding stationery and notecards which is such a fun way to use these days. I found a couple last year and Round Top and hope to find some unique pieces this market.

One of things on my personal shopping list is vintage dinnerware. Even though I can find pieces locally, I hoping to find a few unique designs to add to my collection.

Two items that I think I might not have luck finding are vintage wallpaper rolls and Asian art brushes. I don’t often see these items when out shopping but I’m hoping that Round Top will deliver.

Also on the chinoiserie list is a monkey bowl and a pair of bamboo stools. I lucked upon a blue and white monkey last year and posted a photo on Instagram. One of my followers wanted to purchase it so I sold it to her. Now I’m on the hunt for another one which I will be keeping.

Bamboo stools….wish me luck!

So there you have it, a look at my Round Top shopping list. And in case you were wondering, I’ll have my eyes open for other items as well like ironstone, blue and white pottery and brass pieces.

You can check out last years trip to Round Top here.

MY ROUND TOP ANTIQUE MARKET SHOPPING LIST

p.s. In route to Round Top we’ll be stopping in Jackson, Mississippi so if there are any great antique stores or flea markets in that area leave me a comment and let me know.

Under Glass | Decorating with Glass Cloches

March 29, 2017

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When I was cleaning house the other day I realized that I own 5 glass cloches, 11 if you count the small ones I use with small cake pedestals for desserts.

I’ve always loved the look of cloches and have fun decorating with them seasonally like fall and Christmas but I often struggle with how to use them for everyday decor.

If you own a glass cloche or two and struggle with decorating ideas, I’ve rounded up a few that I think will inspire you.

As you go about decorating keep in mind that a cloche is a great place to display collectibles, art, vintage jewelry, plants and flowers.

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DECORATING WITH GLASS CLOCHES

The idea of nesting small globes under glass is really great for a home office, study or kids play room. This is a simple and eclectic design statements that looks really expensive. World Market sells small world globes perfect for recreating this look.

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For more traditional decor, this idea of a stack of small leather books with a decorative object on top works. You can find a types of leather books on Etsy.

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Here’s a fun idea using a vintage scale. You can place just about anything under a cloche on a scale and it would look amazing. I think it would be fun to put colorful spools of thread under one cloche and a collection of thimbles under the other.

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In the past I’ve rolled old book pages and put them under one of my cloches’ and I love the way it looks. This is a fun idea at Christmas using rolled music sheets and small ornaments.

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My friend Marsha will love this idea because she is a tea cup collector. This is a fun way to showcase special tea cups. I can envision three of these down the center of a table as the centerpiece for a tea party. Shop your local thrift store or flea market for unique tea cups and don’t be afraid to mix and match the cups and saucers.

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I have a love for sea shells and think this idea is so beautiful. If you collect shells during your vacations to the beach this would be a fun way to display them.

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Have I got you inspired to decorate with cloches?

SHOP MY FAVORITE CLOCHES

one // two // three // four // five // six

DIY Easter Candy Jars {Easter Gift Idea}

March 28, 2017

Welcome to part 2 of the Spring Thyme Recipes & Style Blog Hop hosted by my friend Tamyra at Positively Southern. If you’re coming over from Swirls of Flavor, welcome! I know you enjoyed Gwynn’s post as much as I did. Along with the other participating bloggers, we’re bringing you more spring and Easter inspiration today. I’ve listed all of the bloggers at the end of the post so make sure to stop by each blog and see what everyone is sharing.

Today I’ve got a fun and simple Easter gift idea for you.

One of the things you might not know about me is that I like to take the road less traveled. And when it comes to creative projects, I like to put my own twist on things. Take for instant Easter baskets. This year when it came time to make Easter baskets I wanted them to be unique. An ordinary woven Easter basket wasn’t going to cut it. This year I decided to create Easter Candy Jars instead of a traditional basket!

Medium Jar with Rope Handle {also available in small and large size} // Pink Stripe Ribbon // Green Dot Ribbon

Aren’t these the cutest candy jars ever? And boy are the easy to make.

Once the idea of Easter jars struck me, I headed to Hobby Lobby for glass jars. There were a lot of styles to choose from but these jars with a rope handle caught my eye. The jars come in three sizes and with my 40% off coupon the largest jar was less than $7.

sale alert: next week all the jars will be 50% off.

I filled each jar with Easter grass, a chocolate bunny and candy. And once that was done I tied a pretty ribbon on the handle.

Just think of all the ways you can customize an Easter Candy Jar by using different candies, ribbons and grass. And once the holiday is over the gift recipient can use the jar to hold a candle, pencils or whatever they want. #twogiftsinone

Part of the fun in creating unique gifts is giving them out. I can’t wait to deliver my Easter jars to friends and family so they can enjoy their special treat.

DIY EASTER CANDY JARS

Thanks for stopping by today and sharing in my ‘Spring Thyme’ fun. Next on the blog hop train is Tamyra at Positively Southern so head over and see how she’s bring spring style into her home.

Clutter Cafe (read part 1 here)
Viva La Vintage For Your Home (read part 1 here)
Swirls of Flavor (read part 1 here)
Confetti Style (read part 1 here)
Positively Southern (read part 1 here)
Totally Tailgates (read part 1 here)
M. Jones Style (read part 1 here)
Life at Lydia’s House (read part 1 here)
LindaG Loving Home (read part 1 here)

Furniture Fave: Acrylic Console Tables

March 27, 2017

Cheers to a new week! Did everyone have a great weekend? I started the weekend working with a client and then spent the rest of Saturday running errands and trying to get my desk organized. I spent a good part of Sunday working, doing laundry and getting ready for our road trip. We’ll be hitting the road on Thursday morning headed to Texas and the RoundTop Antique Market. I’m beyond excited to shop RoundTop again, spend time with friends and make our pilgrimage to the Silos in Waco. I’ll be sharing my adventures on Instagram so hop over and follow me if you don’t already.

The goal for the next few days is to see just how much time I can squeeze out of the day and get checked off my to-do list! Wish me luck.

Today I wanted to share a little about one of my favorite furniture pieces–acrylic console tables. I’ve been a fan of acrylic furniture for some time and love the clean, crisp look a piece of acrylic adds to a room. In the process of researching an acrylic console tables for a client, I’ve come across several style options and a range of prices. In general, acrylic can be expensive because the price of plastic has risen over the last few years. But, I’ve found the best deal at CB2, the sister company to Crate and Barrel.

The Peekaboo Console Table is available in two sizes–38″ which sells for $379 and the 56″ which retails for $699. In addition to the price, I love the thick molded acrylic and the waterfall design.

Acrylic console tables work perfectly in a large room with lots of furniture. The clear material adds dimension without creating additional visual clutter. And the waterfall design adds a modern touch.

For my clients project, we’re planning to nest a couple of upholstered stools underneath which will provide additional seating and visual interest.

Here are a few other ways you can decorate with acrylic tables…