Where Did We Go?

Oh hello!

We moved!  Come and visit us at www.anothurdecor-blog.com

Good day
--David Charles

When Pigs Fly

Oh hello!

I was recently visiting my dear sister Jane.  In her apartment I noticed two ceramic pigs on the floor.  I found this interesting considering my sister is bit of a city girl. When I inquired, I discovered my sister has a new collection...pigs! 

On a visit to an antique mall Jane saw a cute little ceramic pig "squealing" her name! She fell in-love.  Jane thought that the pig looked happy and loved the pink little snout! However she hadn't decided if pigs were the way to go that day.    Over the next couple weeks Jane kept  thinking of the little piglet and her found memories of visiting our grandfather on the farm.  Jane has vivid memories of pigs when she was just a little girl;  she remembers all the good times on the farm and she can still hear my grandfather calling  to the pigs..."souie! souie!"

Well, my other sister Sheila decided to get some "brownie" points and surprised Jane with the pig! That was Jane's first little piggy in her collection.  Her second pig unfortunately didn't have a pink snout; so Sheila painted the snout with pink finger nail polish!  Well, this has now become the trend...the pigs must have a pink snout.  Jane looks and collects only happy pigs...she believes you can tell it the pig is happy by the way it stands and expresses itself.

Many folks collect items that remind them of their past.  Do you have a special collection that reflects your life story? If so send me some pics!

"Every girl should be two things: Classy & Fabulous" Coco Chanel.  
Words to live by according the Jane.

Good Day

--D. Charles

A Vintage Safari...Pack your Bags!

Oh hello!

I love being on the "hunt" for treasures.  My Safari for this weekend led me deep into the jungles of two great antiques stores in my neighborhood.

My adventure began in the amazing Broken Buckle Antique store in the lower level of the Landmark.  I love visiting my friends at the Broken Buckle.  Always welcoming me with a smile and a sincere "How are you?"   For this Safari they played tour guide and showed me and my friend one of their new finds they just added to their inventory.

Quickly walking through the store, only slowing down a few times to allow my eyes to hunt, they showed us the prize of the day, well...prizes!  An amazing set of vintage luggage was set before us...saying "Lets go!!"  These three pieces were wonderful.  The condition was good and ideas of what I could do with them danced in my head.  One of them had a surprise inside for me!  The largest piece had clothes hangers inside for your shirts/dresses! It also included the original tissue paper (to wrap your garments) and the original brochure!  The silk liner was in perfect condition as well!


After a little price negotiation my friend and I had luggage in hand heading to the apartment.  Originally I thought of using them as a side table, however while entering the foyer I had a great idea!  The three pieces now set in the entry way! I added a vintage New York map, added some flowers and now I have an entry way vignette to welcome guests.  I'm tempted for the my next trip to actually use this amazing luggage!

The second half of my weekend Safari led me to the "Flea Market" style of Brownstone Antiques.  This store is truly a jungle of vintage furniture, paintings, accessories and clothes. Down every path through the merchandise my eyes searched for the perfect piece.  I discovered a great little school desk that I just fell in love with.  It needs some cleaning and sanding, but after a make over this will be a great piece for the home. Do you have any ideas?  Should I paint it a funky color or stain it a beautiful dark mahogany?  Hmm... decisions!  

Good day!
--D. Charles

Step Back in Time at the Vintage Bazaar

Oh hello!

The Ballroom in the Aragon.

My adventure back in time began with walking into the grand foyer of the  Aragon Entertainment Center http://aragon.com in the Chicago neighborhood of Uptown. The Aragon was originally built in 1926 with a Spanish palace courtyard style.  This building is amazing!  Every surface is painted and adorned.  In the midst of the building lays a beautiful ballroom were an approximate 50 million people have danced through the years spanning the 20s to the 40s! Now-a-days the space is used for special events, dances and concerts.

The pleasant and cordial Rose.

On the day I visited it was hosting the Vintage Bazaar http://www.thevintagebazaar.com. The Vintage Bazaar is a blog as well as a Pop-Up market focusing on vintage decor, fashion, and accessories. June's event was no exception to amazing finds and interesting characters. It was inspiring to see folks so excited about decor, fashion and relics of the past and giving them a new homes.  The event was so large, in addition to the dozen venders inside, there was 90 more outside! This was a great event.  Folks were buying, negotiating and bargaining.  While leaving I saw several cars packed full to the point of stuff hanging out of the windows and trunk!

Visiting the Vintage Bazaar was great!  I got to see a great space, visit with folks and get inspired!  The next Vintage Bazaar will be July 8th!  Will I see you there?    

A great little vignette setup by Karen Cooper.

Vintage Edison...Jim Ligon creates amazing lighting units using
recycled wine & liquor boxes and bottles!
Check him out at  www.vintageedison.com 

Chair and Pillow by our friend Nara!

Good Day

--D. Charles

NeoCon...Think Big...and they did!

Oh hello!

What do you get when you put hundreds of furniture venders, thousands of designers and decor enthusiasts together  under one roof? NeoCon 2012  (www.neocon.com)  of course!

This year's theme was "Think Big." This was my first year to attend and I was drained after leaving!  This is a three day event packed full of venders, presentations and seminars.

NeoCon is a mecca, a destination - the largest exposition and conference for commercial interiors in North America.

 So what did I get from this year's NeoCon?  A few things...

Trending

• Bright colors (not excluding White)  bright Green and/or Orange seem to be most popular
• Sleek, clean design focusing on functionality and ergonomics.
• Customization of work-spaces
• Floor covering panels
• High-back chairs
• Oh yes...and men's bow ties!

Couple Points of Interest


--Moving Murals www.movingmurals.com
These amazing LED murals move in "True Definition."  I was blown away with the detail and realism of these murals.  You need to check this out! Oh...and there is audio as well!


--Miliken Floor Covering www.millikencarpet.com
As mentioned above floor covering is a "happening" product to have.  Miliken takes it to another level by incorporating Design and Color through their new Color Wash.  

Color Wash is the latest collection that highlights Milliken’s contemporary and advanced methods of reimagining the floor plane, while illustrating large scale, continuous and seamless gradation with nuanced color change.


Good day!
--D. Charles

We are NOT art "collectors"...

Oh Hello!

I recently had the privilege to visit some friends in their unique and neclectic home.  From the outside the house is a beautiful ranch style, however once entering the home you soon find and whole new world to discover!

Walking up to the front door I knew I was in for a treat! After being warmly welcomed, my eyes began to dance around the house trying to soak in all that was to be seen.  My friends offered me a glass of water, however I almost forgot to take any sips because of the spectacles in the room.

These folks have been "collecting" for many years from literally around the world. They don't consider themselves collectors."

“We have chosen the things we have (and enjoy) because they inspire us, lift our spirits, or evoke memories of people and places we love.”

How wonderful!  I love this...they collect because it brings joy...they don't collect for monetary or social clout. Each piece has story, emotion or person attached to it.  It was awe inspiring to see my friend's faces light up while sharing their stories. Many of their pieces are hand-crafted from local artisans.

While having great conversation...somebody decided to add his two cents!  It was Chip their parrot!  What a treat! Chip had so much to say about everything (however he was a bit repetitive..LOL...don't tell him I said that!).  I think I learned a thing or two.  The other family member,Wally the dog, had retired to his private chambers (he gets a little to excited when company arrives.)

Please enjoy the pictures below. These are just a "tasting" of their "collections." I can not do justice to their personal stories and excitement for each piece.

"Story Teller Violin"

Hand crafted chairs.  No nails were used in producing these amazing chairs!

 

Egyptian Hieroglyphics.   

Lithography rubbing copies of Petroglyphs from New Mexico.

Wall of amazing art!

Good Day!

--D. Charles

 

Out and About...Mike Manning

Oh hello!

While walking through the historic streets of Springfield, Illinois I came across an artist painting a decorative guitar.  I was intrigued!  I introduced myself and before I knew it I was adventuring through his studio!  He has a great storefront in the Old State Capital Plaza. This gallery is an amazing collection of art! The store features the works of the renown Springfield Artist Mike Manning! His playful approach to his art and life makes him an amazing artist.  Mike has be doing professional art for 23 years and Springfield folks have enjoyed his work and playful character.  He can be seen out and about with his easel and/or paper and pencil creating art.

It was a pleasure to spend some time with this artisan.  If you are interested in his work please email me and I will convey the message.  Below are just a few pictures of his collection, however they barely scratch the surface!

Good day!
--D. Charles

Bringing Old Discarded Metal to Life!

Oh Hello!

Re-use and re-purpose are hot topics in today's culture.  I love the concept and principle of using items over again and giving them a new "purposeful life." One of my friends is doing that exact thing, however she is making art!

From the tin of old barns artisan Jennifer Rouston of Metal Girl is creating one-of-kind pieces for the home and lawn. She has been creating these pieces of art for only year, but she is already in high demand! Folks are going wild over her hand-painted designs.

After a shape and size is determined by Jennifer and/or her customer; she then gets out her paint and brushes.   Vivid colors, stripes and polka-dots are diligently hand-painted onto what some would consider as simply an old piece of metal.  Suddenly a design unfolds and a unique, fun inspired piece is created!

I love her whimsical designs and aesthetics.  It is amazing to see a piece of old discarded tin made into a piece of art that everyone enjoys!

Please have a look at the following pictures and be inspired.  If you would like to inquire with Jennifer regarding her creations for your home decor or yard please contact her at jen.metalgirl@yahoo.com.

Each piece begins as raw metal from barns.

After an undercoat application the piece is ready for color!

Good day,
--D. Charles

Discussion: Douglas Herman...Decor, Life & Design

Oh Hello,

I recently had the privilege to spend an evening with my friend Douglas.  I have always admired Douglas' sense of design, style and artistic eye. We spent the evening talking, laughing and discussing home decor.

From Douglas' humble beginnings grew a desire to obtain a life of design, art and a true sense of happiness. As a young man Douglas had limited means, however this was instrumental for him to learn to be resourceful and gain a passion to change his world. Even as a young man he had an appreciation of beauty and design.

Douglas loves and appreciate all styles of home design...as long as it is done well.  His personal style is one made of "mixing things up."  He merges and incorporates design styles and makes them harmonize into a home of comfort, style and happiness.  He believes that it all balances on the ability to properly arrange items so that they produce a conducive energy in the space.  When one has this energy in the home it can highly effect that person's outlook, feelings and daily life.

Douglas is open to counsaltation; if you have any questions or a trouble area in your home decor contact Douglas at dwdesigns@gmail.com

 

Good Day

--D. Charles