Adkins Architectural Antiques

In the shade of a giant oak tree in downtown Houston, is one of the best architectural salvage resources in the country, Adkins Architectural Antiques . Since I had a "free pass" on Mother's Day last weekend, I asked my family to join me on a downtown adventure that included my camera and Adkins.

Every inch of this lovely old house from 1912 and warehouse, is filled with garden elements, architectural salvage, hardware, lighting, mantels, doors, tubs, shutters and a third floor attic that you should only brave during cooler months.  

This is just a small peek at their huge inventory. You're sure to find that special vintage element to add to your home at Adkins. Their garden inventory is wonderful with many affordable pieces as well as high end European one of a kinds. They also have a woodshop on the premises and can repair or create almost anything you can imagine. If you've never been, I know you'll love it as much as I do.

Gray Rug Love

The right rug can make a room sing. This one is making a beautiful noise in a client's family room.

Estate Sale Finds

A friend and I went to an epic estate sale today. One of those rare old skool sales where the prices are just right, there's still tons of stuff to dig through in the afternoon and you wish you had bought more when you left. My hands were too full to take many pictures, however, this is the hallway of the small house that stored the life of an 86 year old woman that died last year. 

She led a very full creative life as a ballerina and dance teacher. And, sadly, she was a hoarder. It was like a time capsule with newspapers, books, pictures...too much. The house had been closed up so it was filthy. I hoped she hadn't been living there in the state it was in.

I found some wonderful old glass bottles, and some wicker wrapped bottles. And a sailors hat, which I love.

The  moldy garage was filled with trunks and boxes of ballet costumes. Hand sewn, sweat stained from hours of wear. Her name printed on a custom tag on the inside. It was beautiful and almost overwhelming to see. I was told that she was taken from the house 3 years ago kicking and screaming she was so sad to leave her home and her things. I say good for her. Go out fighting. Rest in peace Delores. I will treasure your pretty little bottles.

A Little Bird

Seems like the perfect time for a little birdcage collection to happen.  Like this:

Via my favorite Pin board

Vintage Revamped

A couple of months ago I was contacted by one of the producers of "Deals", a show about living well for less on the LiveWell Network, and was invited to do a segment for them. Since the show is about living well for less, we decided to feature vintage items that most people have in their homes that might be tucked away in a closet or buffet waiting to be used in a fresh way.  You can watch the Vintage Revamped segment  here:  

Getting crafty for Deals

Some of the items I used in the segment were loaned to me by my mom, who is an antique dealer and collector in Southeast Texas. You can read more about her here.  She's a great resource for American antiques as well as a huge inventory of Victorian, shabby and garden/cottage antiques. Dealers love working with her because she loves to wholesale large quantities to fill up your shops! She also sells to decorators as well so if you're looking for something specific for a client, let me know and I'll put you in touch with her. 

Some of the Revamped Vintage ideas for Deals

It was such a fun experience to work with the awesome Andrea, one of the show's producers, and Reggie, who is not only a camera man, but an expert at lighting and editing. Many thanks to them for making me comfortable in front of the camera.
Deals airs locally in Houston on Saturday mornings at 8am on the Hallmark channel, Comcast channel 315. Click here for showtimes where you live. 

Also, thanks to Holly Mathis who had a hand in making this happen. Holly will be set up this weekend at Urban Market with what I am sure will be the cutest booth ever, so go say "Hi"  I hope to stop by myself so maybe I'll see you there!

Bottles I Love

Hello pretty blue bottles from West Elm that can hold all my favorite fern and flower clippings this summer all the while looking like sea glass.  I am coming to get you!

Neutralized

Black, white and warm wood.  The lack of bold color brings every interesting detail into focus. This color palette feels timeless and fresh with a light suggestion of spring.  I'm impressed by the chalkboard art below. What a work of art.

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Love this idea for a studio or desk top.  Little touches like this are so easy to put together and make for a happy work space.