some of my favourite pieces in store

Here are some of my favourite pieces that are in the store at the moment. This bowl I believe to be French, it is really quite large (as you may be able to tell from the pumpkins). It has a lovely glaze on the inside.

This ladder is the best one we have ever had. I love the unusual construction. I can see it in a large library.

This birdcage is huge! It is so whimsical, it draws my eyes to it whenever I am in the store.

Four panel French screen with chinoiserie decoration. I love this piece, particularly the colours. And the fact it is all hand painted.

flowers in vintage cups

Image via www.mysparrowblog.com

Images via www.brabournefarm.blogspot.com

Image source unknown

Who needs tea when you can have flowers? I am looking around at our vintage tea cups in store with a whole new light! My favourite image is the first one, I think it is because of the plainness of the cup against the berries...

amazing white interiors

(Images via house of atmosphere www.houseofatmosphere.blogspot.com)

This room is really beautiful. I normally can't imagine living in an all white interior, but then again, if it looked like this I may be able to make an exception. I love the Gustavian dining chairs and the plate racks on the wall filled with vintage plates and platters. (Images via my http://www.myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/) Well, there may be another exception. For those who have never visited http://www.myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/, it really is amazing. It makes one believe dreams can come true! Imagine sleeping in that loft...

the humble candlestick

(Image via min lilla veranda www.minlillaveranda.blogspot.com)

(Image via house of atmosphere www.houseofatmosphere.blogspot.com)

(Image via French Larkspur www.frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com)

(Images via min lilla veranda www.minlillaveranda.blogspot.com)

I was very taken with these images from some a blog I found recently www.minlillaveranda.blogspot.com (which means my little veranda). I love the grouping of various candlesticks, as well as the soft warmth of the metal and pewter.

(Image source unknown)

Here is a collection of shinier candlesticks. I am not sure whether they are silver or brass or both, but don't they look really good together?

This is a pair of Italian silvered candlesticks that we have in the store. They are actually carved wood and date to the 18th century. I would love to have them in my bathroom (if it is ever finished!) on a table beside the bath. How lovely would that be?

hand embroidered linen cushions

My mum made these gorgeous linen cushions for my birthday. I nearly cried with delight, and at the thought of how many hours she must have put into them! The first has the words "Wabi Sabi" - the Japanese aesthetic centred on the acceptance of transience. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent and incomplete" (Wikepedia). Or, as Mum stitched it - perfect imperfection!

The next cushion reads "A touch of whimsy is something every home should have", a line I read in a magazine recently. This concept struck a cord with me. Mum remembered and embroidered it onto a cushion.

And the last cushion "Je ne sais quoi - a certain panache" speaks of an intangible quality that makes something distinctive or attractive. I love all these cushions, I cannot really pick a favourite. They will be something I will treasure forever.

heavenly deck chairs

Deck chair and stool (Image from www.icietla.com.au)

Colourful deck chairs with arm rests (Image from http://www.mondocherry.blogspot.com/)

Vintage deck chair, nice weathered patina. This deck chair has a lovely combination stripe canvas (Image from www.remodelista.com) Colourful deck chairs lined up in a park (Image from www.quelobjet.com) Vintage deck chairs out the front of our store. The timber frames have been rubbed back and finished with our beeswax polish to help protect the timber. Head cushions to come!

mid spring gardening

It is a beautiful Spring day here in Tasmania. And I am at work in the store. Sigh. But as I am photographing items for our website I feel bubbles of excitement about gardening, mostly vegetable gardening. Mostly because I am photographing in my favourite room, the garden room. I love old garden tools (the are made better), trugs (very useful for gathering the harvest), pots (just cute) and old watering cans (they spray better). I am tempted to buy one of our English Haw's watering cans to keep my French one at home company. Haw's cans are really well made and have a great shape. Plus I love the brass spraying rose and maker's label that each can has.

I am also tempted with these French garden edging tiles for some of my more permanent vegetable beds with artichokes, rhubarb etc). But we have just had some other unusual French garden tiles come into the store, so now I can't decide which tiles I want! Both types are beautiful. Does anyone else have a thing for old garden objects?

inspiring (and mostly white) kitchens

Image via decor de provence http://decordeprovence.blogspot.com/ I really like the white floors and the contrasting darker island bench in this kitchen - plus of course the industrial lighting. It all looks very functional.

I was inspired by the oak timber flooring against the white cupboards in this kitchen. And that stove is amazing - it was definitely not fitting into my budget though! Also note the French tripod cheese block and windsor chair - nice antique pieces which add character to the kitchen. We have had a French cheese block like this in our store previously, but not at the moment. We will look out for one on our next buying trip. I love bridge faucet taps and butler's sinks. Imagine having two sinks! Above 7 images from Colour Me Happy http://colourmehappyblog.blogspot.com/ Image via delight by design www.delightbydesign.blogspot.com

Image via The Stamford Wife www.thestamfordwife.blogspot.com

Huge kitchens with room for big island benches. I don't mind my smaller one which I have had for at least 10 years, and it was second hand when I bought it. I recycled it by painting the pine and adding the marble top.

Image via Decor de Provence http://decordeprovence.blogspot.com/

I love the industrial stools and the shop sign.

Images via Decor de Provence www.decordeprovence.blogspot.com

We chose similar handles for our drawers. They just feel good.

Image source unknown

French glass cloche plus white china. Also the white enamel bread bin. Very useful objects.

Image via Decor de Provence www.decordeprovence.blogspot.com

I have posted this image recently to point out the functional ladder. But I would also like to draw attention to the collection of pewter chargers and plates above the stove. Pewter suits the industrial feel to the kitchen but adds interest and warmth. I have a few in my kitchen, but no where near this many! Oh, and I love the pendant lights.

These are not all the kitchens that inspired my kitchen design, but a few that I could remember. More kitchen images to come!