Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Acquisitions



I have been acquiring some things opportunistically here and there for our new house since August. I thought I'd share a few of them, in no particular order.  Here is a vintage Federal mirror that I found at an antique store nearby. 


The toile wing back chair, also found at an antique store. 


An original Federal hall mirror, woefully under appreciated at auction. 


A gilt pier mirror, also acquired at auction. 


A Sheraton settee, at auction (auction photo). 


Here's an Italian gilt mirror, from a local antique store. 

A full size bed, which we found at Restore. 


An old Damask slipcovered wing back, that I found at a nearby antique store. 

Brass pulls, found at Restore. 


A pair of twin Cannon Ball antique beds, which were found on Craigslist. 

Antique brass fender, found at auction (auction photo). 

Another antique brass fender, from same auction (auction photo). 


A full sized antique Cannon Ball bed (restored), found through Craigslist (foot board is on the other side of the room). 


A queen vintage four poster bed, found at a nearby antique store. 

Here we are at one of our local auctions. I called ahead of time to be sure that a double stroller could be accommodated (down the aisles), and generally welcomed overall. They were quite welcoming, it was wonderful. 

It's not the perfect time to be buying because we really don't have a place to put things. The storage unit is still full from our move east nearly two years ago.  The new house is under construction. So they end up here and there throughout the rental house and above the barn in the new house. 

But I've learned that it's better to acquire things over time rather than to try and have to find them all at once. Especially when we come across great deals, such as all of these items were.

Things on my wish list: 

A new sofa (or two)
A kitchen table 
Kitchen chairs
Dining room chairs
Large gilt mirrors 
Dressers 
Desk 
Federal sideboard for dining room 
Antique light fixtures 
Rugs
Etc. 

I'm laughing as I run down my list - wish list.  


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33 comments:

  1. LisaFebruary 10, 2015 at 10:20 AM

    Your homes are the most beautiful golden mirror museums. I look forward to every addition to your collection. Thank you for sharing your wonderful taste!

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    Everything is so beautiful and I cannot wait to see all of it in your lovely new home. I am hoping one day you write about how you select what you purchase- is there some sort of method- do you have an item in mind- are you looking for particular things? You have a great eye and it would be interesting to hear about your selection process. Looking forward to seeing the transformation of your new "old" home.

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    1. CatherineFebruary 10, 2015 at 11:06 AM

      I have a fairly strong vision of what I'm thinking of for our new house. I organize those thoughts in a three ring binder, divided by rooms. I am interested in filling the house (over time) with period appropriate pieces. Not because I think it's necessary to stay period to a house with furnishings, but because I really love the Federal period and its beautiful designs. I'll share my notebook in a future post.

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  3. Notes From ABroadFebruary 10, 2015 at 10:53 AM

    We used to almost always come home from an auction with a mirror .. the biggest being about 4 ft by 5 ft .. and we drove a sports car lol .. I haven't been to an auction since coming back to the US .. I look forward to finding some this summer. I love all the mirrors, you really found some goodies !

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  4. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2015 at 11:08 AM

    I'm really looking forward to see where you put all these treasures in your new home! Love everything you've picked up. Linda R (phila burbs)

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2015 at 11:33 AM

    OK, totally in love with the Sheraton Settee _ I have been reading about him and Duncan Phyfe on line and the amazing pieces of furniture they made. You have such a good eye cannot wait to see them in their new home.

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  6. Stephanie @ La Dolce VitaFebruary 10, 2015 at 11:35 AM

    Some really great finds! Love the mirrors!

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  7. Burlap LuxeFebruary 10, 2015 at 12:02 PM

    Wonderful choices adding all the right kind of rightness.

    Looking forward to the beauty you add to your newly constructed home where each piece will have its own voice one not competing with the other.
    Love that gilt mirror, the italian one! I am so on the hunt for a petite mirror for ofer the head of my bead adding to the iron bed. In fact I could actually shop from your home :)

    See you soon, and looking so forward to the reveal.

    Xx
    Dore

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  8. Anita DiazFebruary 10, 2015 at 12:05 PM

    I LOVE everything and cannot wait to see it all in the "new" house!!

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  9. RueFebruary 10, 2015 at 12:20 PM

    I'm impressed at what you found at your restore. I never seem to find anything that wonderful here. All your finds are gorgeous :)

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  10. LanaFebruary 10, 2015 at 1:18 PM

    I love all your finds...I think the reason you find things is that you have decided completely your style and know what to look for when you go...I am like Rue, I go and my friend goes with me...she sees everything standing right next to me....but I am getting there!

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  11. angieFebruary 10, 2015 at 1:38 PM

    what beautiful pictures !!!
    I wish you a great week !!! love all of angie from Germany

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  12. Elizabeth @ The Little Black DoorFebruary 10, 2015 at 1:43 PM

    What beautiful things. I love a good auction - so many deals to be had! And I completely agree, acquiring things over time is the best way to go.

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  13. MelodeeFebruary 10, 2015 at 4:06 PM

    I never tired of looking at photos of your Oregon home, then was just as impressed with what you have done with your rental. Getting a sneak preview of some of the items that will be going into the new home tells me it will be just as lovely as everything else you have done. I know it will be amazing!

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  14. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2015 at 4:44 PM

    This was such a great post! I especially like the mirrors and your wing back chair. We love to travel around Maine and discover new (to us!) antique stores. Could you please share the names of the stores you like to frequent? Thank you!

    Danielle

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  15. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2015 at 6:39 PM

    Oh my goodness, they are all so gorgeous! We currently live in Las Vegas and don't have that great of luck finding old, quality pieces. We were lucky to land a completely refurbished 1900s player piano on Craigslist, only because the owners didn't know anything about it or that it was refurbished! We're hoping to move back to Texas in a couple of years and find some quality pieces there.

    Thank you for the constant inspiration!

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    1. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2015 at 10:41 AM

      We have a piano tuning and repair business. Actually any piano that was built from 1900 to current day is called a modern day piano. In the piano world,pianos (with or without player mechanisms) have to be built prior to 1850 to be considered antique. You have a vintage piano...but it's not antique. However, if you love it, that's what matters. :-)

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    2. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2015 at 8:12 PM

      Good to know, thank you!! We definitely love it. We've had a couple of people out to work on it (a regular tuning and to examine the player mechanism), and we have been told it's a stencil piano. It's labeled as Bowen, but they weren't the actual manufacturer. Since there is no serial number, it's assumed to be an early 1920s. It's such a great conversation piece, and a joy to play.

      Thanks for the insight!

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  16. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2015 at 11:30 PM

    Such wonderful finds! I'm very curious as to the auction that welcomed your children (I live in Maine). It has never occurred to me that I might be able to bring mine.

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  17. MaritimerFebruary 11, 2015 at 7:06 AM

    You have certainly found some treasures. Would you be willing to share the names of the antique stores and auctions that you frequent? I understand if you want to keep your sources private - but thought I would ask. Your taste is impeccable and I love your blog.

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  18. lyndaFebruary 11, 2015 at 7:36 AM

    You have a lot oft absolutely terrific things that add instant character! So much better than going to a store and buying new off the floor...not as well made, no character, and much more expensive! I love seeing the progress on your home!

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  19. CatherineFebruary 11, 2015 at 8:13 AM

    My best source for auctions is auctionzip.com. It will tell you of all the auctions in your area, and also, let you know which auctions are online. I actually don't attend most of the auctions. I preview them (while Mike waits in the car with the children) and then leave absentee bids. This has worked out very well for a mommy with two little ones. xo

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  20. osageacresfarmFebruary 11, 2015 at 8:24 AM

    Doesn't feel good make an acquisition that you love and fits the budget!!! Thank you for sharing your story and information. I feel so inspired after every post! Now, I am off to check out auctionzip.com!

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  21. Ann MarieFebruary 11, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    I love the bed you bought at Restore. Had no idea they had such nice items.. I must head down to one in NH and check ours out.. It's a 45 minute drive, but looks like it's well worth it..

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  22. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2015 at 10:39 AM

    All such gorgeous items! Three years ago we were selling and getting ready to move into a different house. My husband said "Now don't go buying anything before we move! Then we'll just have more to store before the move." "But honey, how can I resist deals on things we need for the new house?" says I with a coy smile ;-) Of course we did buy some wonderful things ahead of time (all thrift store and some actually free from personal sellers) that worked perfectly in our new home. When you have a vision, it's easy to know what to purchase. I can't wait to see your new home. The rental is fabulous too!

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  23. designchicFebruary 11, 2015 at 11:00 PM

    So many wonderful items - adore the gilt pier mirror and the brass pulls…fabulous!!

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  24. AnonymousFebruary 12, 2015 at 1:30 PM

    Holy cow! Didn't you keep any furniture from your previous house? LOL What fun it must be to plan and purchase beautiful things for your new house. I can't wait to see it all once finished.

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  25. Papered HouseFebruary 13, 2015 at 6:49 AM

    What a wonderful collection of finds! I especially love the two wingback chairs - the fabric on each is gorgeous!

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  26. The Blue FarmhouseFebruary 13, 2015 at 10:44 AM

    I too love acquiring things over time!

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  27. emilyFebruary 13, 2015 at 9:40 PM

    you have the best eye for acquiring pieces with the prettiest lines and patina. can't wait to see you put them all to use.

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  28. Marian RiveraFebruary 14, 2015 at 2:14 AM

    These antique items always add beauty to the house. But, little care should be taken to arrange these items properly. Otherwise, we will not get the feelings of goodness or positive energy to our home.

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  29. He Who Loves an Old HouseFebruary 15, 2015 at 11:22 PM

    Oh, Catherine! These are some lovely acquisitions! I envy those beautiful mirrors! I'm excited to see these "new" items in your new home, as well as some of those from your previous home, and how they blend together in your new, and beautiful space! Thank you so much for sharing!

    Tim

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  30. mary bethFebruary 23, 2015 at 6:52 AM

    Those are beautiful items. I too shop-and-store for items while renovating. I love when the remodel is complete and cleaned up and then just pulling item after item out and arranging. VOILA! It does save a lot of money too. Although my decorating aesthetic is different than yours, I love your blog.

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine