A Vintage Cottage Dining Set

About a month ago I picked up a china hutch, sideboard, and dining set down in Norwich. I immediately refinished the sideboard to be my tv console in the upstairs. Now I've just completed the dining set and hutch in a fun and casual cottage style.
Check out the before and afters below!
Also, spring has finally sprung in East Hampton. I picked this crocus in the center of town during my job yesterday.

Color Crush: Lemon Yellow

The wind has died down, which is a great relief. Sadly, it still feels nothing like spring here. Looking at the ten day forecast, we will see milder temps soon enough, if that is, you consider 50 to be mild. So who's ready for a little dose of cheer and sun? Lemon yellow feels spot on at the moment. I think I might go out and get myself a lemon yellow sweater.
Here are some pretty things to look at.
Happy Thursday!
I have a long weekend starting tomorrow, so all the better!

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Charming Antique Inspired Kitchens

In my humble opinion, there are few things as boring as a standard build kitchen. There's no room for creativity, imagination, or personality. The vintage kitchen in my 1923 cottage was one of the biggest selling points for me. The cabinets date to probably the 1940s. They're so adorable and unique. After about a year of living in the house we knocked down a wall that separated the teensy kitchen and a teensy back bedroom, doubling the size of the kitchen. It's now one of my favorite rooms in the house.
Here's some pretty vintage kitchens and a few shots of my kitchen.
      We dodged the snow bullet this time, not even getting a dusting here in Central Connecticut. It's still bitterly cold though, and not a single sign of spring. I'm started to get both depressed and desperate. Perhaps spring will never come :(

A row of antique scoops make a great bit of minimalist art for this kitchen.

Love the creamy gray color of these cabinets. Outstanding.

Typical of an early 20th century kitchen, there are no real cabinets, just narrow built-in shelves, and a center table as an island/work station. 

Who doesn't adore a nice collection of antique bowls!

This kitchen is absolutely spectacular. It gives me serious kitchen envy.

The combination of brick, stainless steel, and mint green is unexpected and very effective here. 

I think I've shared this picture before, but it's one of my all time favorite kitchens. 

And here's what my kitchen looked like late last summer. I might put the ducks back up soon.
They're so delightfully cheeky.

I would love to score something like this baker's cabinet for my kitchen. Even though I have no spot for it, I'd have to buy one if I found it. 

It takes courage to go so bold on the flooring. That bravery paid off big time for this homeowner.
This space is gorgeous!

And finally another neat painting showing an early 20th century kitchen. I think this space is stunning. 

Highlight Tour from the Connecticut Spring Show

Ok, first off, I apologize for the low quality of these pictures. I took them with my rather crappy iPhone 3. I wanted to get to the show early to take pictures with my real camera, but the flea market was before the show and I had to devote my full attention to that. So here are some less than spectacular pictures, but I think the objects are good enough to speak for themselves.

These 19th century architectural ornaments were spectacular.

A stunning hooked rug from 1881 and a terrific trade sign!

This giant zinc key is a 19th century locksmith's trade sign.

That sign along the wall says "Painters and Decorators" So so cool.

Wouldn't this cheerful yellow table be great in a country kitchen.

A fabulous banner weathervane with central spinning component. 

carved 19th century sheep, so sculptural and beautiful. 

This bit of 18th century crewel work embroidery came from a skirt border. Isn't it lovely!

More amazing architectural elements.

I really want to get some of these antique blue green glass storage jars this year.

This is called a 'confidence decoy' meant to attract birds flying high above it. It was taller than me!

A super folky painted tin wall sconce.

I'd love to get a decorative wrought iron row of hooks like this one for my kitchen!

More glass storage jars- such a saturated hue on these.

My favorite thing on the floor. Oh how I wish I had enough in my piggy bank to buy this antique sign for the studio.

A magnificent and HUUUGE hooked rug.

With two great lanterns and a long narrow bench below.

And finally, a wonderful horse and sulky weathervane of the finest form.