New Acquisitions

So here are the treasures that I bought at the flea market on Sunday. It wasn't terrifically plentiful, but I was also being quite picky. I bought myself a pretty antique seltzer bottle for $12 that perfectly matches one that I got as a gift. They're often $30-50 each, so I think I got a pretty good deal. I also got a sweet antique ironstone pitcher for $5. I'd love to do all ironstone on the shelves of my new step back cupboard. So far I have two pieces, so I have a ways to go. Still, it's fun to have something new to collect!
I also got this gorgeous antique pine dresser. I may re-paint it, or I might just leave it with this stunning patina. It will be available for purchase so let me know if you're interested!

Dining Sets with Benches

I'm going to be starting a new project tomorrow that should be pretty spiffy. A month or so ago I picked up a solid oak double pedestal dining table with three matching chairs. The dining set has two leaves, and the table is already 6ft without the leaves. Three chairs were just not enough. I've been getting a lot of requests lately for dining sets with benches, and this set is the perfect opportunity to integrate a bench. I've been on the look out for a matching bench and finally found one that I'm picking up tonight. If I had a bigger dining room I would almost certainly marry a bench to my current dining table. Benches with dining sets have a relaxed elegance that perfectly captures that modern farmhouse vibe. I'm hoping to have the set done within a week, and I'll share pictures then. In the mean time, here are some other wonderful dining sets with benches.
Happy Tuesday!

Such a funky and unique take on the bench dining here.

I absolutely love this room. What a stunning combination of interesting elements!

This is very similar to the bench I'll be using and what the style of the my dining set will be.  Classic and handsome!

Proof that a gorgeous dining set doesn't need to be matchy-matchy. This beautiful bench compliments the set so well, but obviously didn't start life with it.

Another lovely dining set. I like how formal the set is, and how rustic the bench is. The contrast is incredible.

The chunky proportions on this set are fabulous. 

I'd really like to try doing a dining set in this driftwood color sometime. It feels fresh without being too modern.

The rustic dining set is great, but what really catches my attention is the wall color. I love that color.

Perfect for an eat-in kitchen, this relaxed dining set looks like a great spot to sip coffee and read Country Living.

Brought to you from the crazy world where people have formal dinners in barns with bales of hay in the background... But still, it's a wicked cool dining set. 

Garth's Americana Auction- My top picks

Garth's is one of my favorite auction houses. Though from time to time they have really formal, high level antiques, for the most part their offerings are bold, colorful, and very folk art oriented. Formal just isn't my taste, so Garth's suits me just fine. When Garth's has an Americana auction, I like to set aside some me-time to pour through the catalog and enjoy all the beautiful things they've amassed for sale. Basically the only requisite for making my top picks list is if it's something I'd want to put in my house. Feel free to check out the entire auction catalog- there's many beautiful things that didn't make the list too! You can view it here.

I love how bright and charming this parrot is.

Just a sweet little bandbox. The faded colors are soft and pleasant.

I'm quite certain I need a gilded mirror with a dragon on top.

Two lovely blown glass pitchers.

Like an instant ray of sunshine- this creamy yellow corner cupboard would bring life into any space.

The star sconce is so pretty.

I'm a sucker for these mid 19th century appliqué quilts.

Beautiful pair of 19th century folk landscapes.

A tremendous 19th century sawbuck table. 

Gorgeous little antique hand mirror

The bright colors on this 19th century oil still life are as vibrant as the day it was painted!

An antique cupboard with punched tin bottom panel and a soft white paint surface.

Another pretty painting of parrots. I think I might start collecting parrot paintings.

I'd love to fill my new antique stepback cupboard with antique ironstone. I bought one piece today that I'll show you pictures of tonight!

An especially well done 19th century sampler. This one dates to 1838- the very end of the era when young ladies completed these at school.

An exceptional folk art cupboard. The white paint on the backboard really highlights the funky carving.

A very handsome antique pie safe.

Great folk art landscape.

They have a set of six matching whimsical paint decorated chairs. In an otherwise simple and muted room, these would be dynamite.

I absolutely love this painting. It takes my breath away every time I look at it. So stunning.

Perhaps my favorite thing at the auction. I really want one of these antique hanging lanterns for  the vaulted ceiling in the guest room.

The perfect organization solution. If I were a crafter, I would snatch this up in a heartbeat and then neatly sort all my scissors and crayons and whatever else crafters use.

Just imagine this in a front hall!

An Oak Pedestal Dining Set

These lovely antique oak Queen Anne chairs were one of the last things I bought at the flea market last fall. I've hung onto them since then waiting for perfect table to pair them with. I wanted something that was also solid oak, and also dated to about 1900-1920 (as these chairs do). I finally found the perfect table last week at the flea market. It's match made in heaven. I painted the chairs and the table base in a classic black. I refinished the table top and the top of the leaf.  The table is 42 inches in diameter with an additional 18 inch leaf. It's such a handsome set, and everything is so sturdy and well built. This one is available, so let me know if you're interested. Kateaverydesign@yahoo.com

*Chairs Before*

*Table Before*

*Chairs After*

*Table After*