Vintage Wooden Chests (with some styling thrown in)

One of the many things I have been on a lookout for is a good sized vintage wooden chest that would serve as a nice piece in an entryway or in a living or dining room.  I figure this won't be too difficult to find and I've been gathering inspirational pictures so when I see the right one I can nab it.

In the image above, I like the flat front drawer panels and the two toned wood.  It doesn't hurt that this one is paired with a gilded louis philippe mirror (another thing I want to get, btw).  

Again, I like the flat front drawer panels and the knobby knobs.  It's rather simple with no observable carvings or details.  I like it.  A rather simple wooden chest that won't mind if the styling steals the show! :) 

Another chest with flat front drawer panels.  I would replace the drawer pulls.  

Perfect - flat front drawer panels with substantial wooden knobs.  Just how I like it!  

This chest has more detailing than the previous ones and gives off a different kind of air - a bit more refined.  I posted it because I love the marble top.  The styling is incredible.  

Have you noticed the contrast between dark and light with most of the styling in the pictures I posted?  A dark chest and a light (either glass or white) table lamp.  Hmmm, I need to make a mental note.

All images via pinterest

I found this at bdantiques which has the look I like.  This is a more of a dresser than a chest (with the two smaller top drawers), but nevertheless I like it.   I hope I am lucky when we're back stateside!  

Rita Konig's Website

Did you know she had a website?  It was by chance I stumbled on it after posting last Wednesday about Domino's comeback.

I love her style and approach to designing.  See a sampling here and here.  And, if you were to ask me to choose one designer to be my mentor (or to work with) it would be her.

So, while perusing through her website, I found these new (to me) images of a NYC apartment she decorated.  It has to be her apartment because they contain so many of her personal belongings!  Let's take a look....

If you don't mind, I'm going to bore you with my observations while I deconstruct her living room.

1. The color palette.  In classic Rita style, it's a light palette with pops of jewel toned colors.  The walls are painted a cool gray.  It could be her signature paint color called 'Rita Says', that she used in her east village apartment, I'm not sure.  But if you look around her room, you'll see pops of amethyst, pink, sapphire blue, and emerald green all against a light pale backdrop.

2. Patterns.  She typically uses one dominating pattern.  Here she uses Kelly Wearstler Groundworks Bengal Baazar fabric on her sofa.  I've noticed she either uses a piece of furniture or the walls to introduce a pattern (on a large scale).

3. Flowers.  Her flower of choice when it comes to styling, I've noticed, is tulips.  If you take a look at her other apartments she had decorated, there are always tulips.

4. Lamp shades and pillows.  In my opinion, she introduces more patterns in this apartment than she has in her other decorated apartments.  It appears that she might have stepped out of her comfort zone of English style sensibilities when decorating this apartment, but even so, it works and she is able to remain true to her understated elegant yet comfortable approach to decorating.  Once again, she uses pillows and lampshades to introduce more patterns.  

5. Tablescape styling.  She is a pro at this and I love looking at all her details.  Her coffee table is styled to perfection.  Here, we see her pink mercury glass match striker and three candy dishes.  I'm surprised we don't see her signature pink ashtray, but I think the candy dishes serve the same purpose.  She likes stacks of books in a pyramid style and the emerald green vase adds another dimension so it doesn't become a horizontal bookcase.

So, what do you think?  Are you a fan of Rita's?  I always get so excited when I see a favorite designer add new images to her/his portfolio.  If you haven't seen her website, go take a look - you won't be disappointed.

All Time Favorite

One of my all time favorite homes is Ashley Putman's, which was published in Lonny April/May 2010.  I recently stumbled on a new blog (at least to me) called, The Semi-Designed Life, where the blogger, Lauren, actually got to tour Ashely Putman's home this past Christmas.  See here.   It's so good....I just had to post.

Lonny

Ashley's courage to use a dark wallpaper in her bedroom is fantastic.  I always lean towards the lighter end of the spectrum when it comes to walls, but, I really like this look.  I also like the contrast of the dark walls with the feminine bedding.

Lauren's photo

It appears that Ashely switched the bedding for Christmas.  Love it and the monogrammed shams.

Lauren's photo

How adorable is the tartan pillow case?  

Lauren's photo

Another example of Ashley's fearless use of dark colors on the walls.  The infamous cobalt blue dining room we all love. 

Lauren's photo

Decorated for Christmas.  

Lauren's photo

A cool shot.  I love the eclectic mix of candlesticks. 

Lauren's photo

 I want to do this - the oversized brandy snifter filled with corks!

Lonny

Perfection.  I don't know where to begin?  Black side door (always wanted to do this in our kitchen).  Hardware.  Kitchen table.  Appliances.  Open shelving.  Brick flooring.  Love it all. 

Lauren's photo

I love open shelving, but I also would need cabinets and I like how Ashley's cabinets are off to the side.

Lonny

Clean lined console and a lovely vignette!

Lauren's photo

Ashley's staircase from Lauren's tour.  Looks like the 'For Like Ever' poster has a new home.  

Lauren's photo

A great combination - tartan, chalkboard paint and wellies!  

Lauren's photo

A house isn't complete without some lacquer!!  Again, more evidence of her courage!

Lonny

Lauren's photo

The Putman's family room.  Chic and kid-friendly.  Love it.  

Lauren's photo

And, this is the room where they place their Christmas tree.  How lovely.

Lauren's photo

And, yes a pool surrounded by grass, my favorite.  This is the view outside of the family room.  

Lonny

In the living room, Ashley opted for lighter walls.  I love how this room is casual and classic.  

Lauren's photo

During Lauren's tour, it appears Ashley has changed the sofa.  

Lonny

Perfection!

I know I went overboard with the images.  However, I hope you enjoyed the new pictures and a special thanks to Lauren from 'The Semi-Designed Life.'  If Ashley's house is in the tour this year, I might just have to fly down to Houston myself to see it in person!!  Happy Weekend!