Favorite Finds In The Northwest Corner-Must Visit Antiques,Thrift And Collectable Shops

On the way home from a client meeting this fine Friday afternoon I decided to stop by a few places I've passed many times while driving up route 7 in the Northwestern part of Connecticut. As much as I like being out shopping with friends, there is nothing like  poking around by yourself with no place to be and no time restrictions!

Hepatica: A herbaceous perennial in the Buttercup family

This seams to be a fitting name for the quaint shop I've passed many times just north of New Milford in Gaylordsville.  The wicker furniture and pretty flower garden caught my eye as I drove by and I made a mental note to come back this way for a closer look.  With two rooms chock full of vintage fabulous, this small shop has something for every collector and budget!

The next stop is a salvaged barn that dates back to the 1800s and was moved to this location in the 70s.

The interior post a beam construction takes you back in time.  The place has been home to many establishments over the years including a restaurant.  The entrance planters and garden beckons you into the present two story shop that is full of new and vintage early American and folk art finds.  The space is open and airy so you can see everything with ease.  

My third stop, at Carters Trading post, is a multi vendor establishment that is a potpourri of antique and original art as well as wood carved sculptures.  If you so desire, you can take home Sasquatch or an Indian carving! And yes, take notice of where they placed the price tag!  There is something for everyone, from the bizzare to the refined collector.  Be sure to visit the back yard space… don't fret… buy from Brett…you won't regret!

Here's my take homes from the treasure hunt today. A few small, but simply perfect items to add to my collection!

Have you been to any of these places or have a favorite place you've found…?  Tell me about it. I'd love to hear.

Until next time!

Tina

Friday Faves-Mirror Mirror On The Wall…

Who's the fairest of them all…

I couldn't resist the photo of this cute kitten looking inquisitively at itself in the mirror!  Mirrors offer an interesting reflection of our surroundings.  Mirrors can be used as functional elements or can be used to create focal points and add a bit of glitz and glamour to a space.  The most functional use of mirrors is to reflect light within a room and they can also give the illusion of more space if properly placed. 

Here's some interesting and creative uses for mirrors…

Placed as a grouping or as a collection of vintage mirrors they add visual interest as well as reflecting light. 

        

Simple and inexpensive, full length closet mirrors hung horizontally make a great statement as does the grouping below.  No art needed!

The use of mirrored walls goes back a long way in interior design history and gives a formal and dramatic ambience to any space

This layered mirror design not only adds interest but also reflects the light even more from the sconces.

As the next few photos show, adding mirrored panels to doors is functional as well a beautiful.  This can easily be done to existing closet doors or any plain Jane door!

Oversized mirrors are my favorite, although they can be pricey I think they give a simple elegance to any space.  No fuss, no muss, no clutter!

This oversized mirror is used as a room divider, hung from the ceiling with the reflective side as the headboard, fabulous!

Even in the garden!

So, if you want to add some bling, reflect some light, make a space feel larger or you just want to look at how pretty you are…

More Friday Faves as well as photo sources can be seen on my Pinterest board here.

Until next time!

Tina

Spring Has Sprung…Time To Add Some Curb Appeal!

"Spring has sprung …the grass has riz…I wonder where the flowers is!"

This may not be grammatically correct, but it is a little poem I can remember my mother saying to me as a child and I've recited the same jingle to my grandkids over the years!

I am so thankful for the springtime and new life unfolding before my eyes!  As a gardener and overall outdoor enthusiast I relish the felling of finally getting out and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine after a long winter.  This winter was not so bad here in the Northeast, however I am glad I can finally put away the coats and boots! Today was a typical spring day, warm sunshine gave way to a rain shower, followed by more sun…..now, as I write this there is a gentle rain falling that I can hear from the opened window in my office.  With the warm weather now is the time to spruce up the curb appeal a bit outside.  With a few simple projects you can create an inviting "Welcome" for your friends and visitors.

Here are a few of my favorites that I've saved on my Pinterest board "welcome home". check it out!  Here's hoping you get some great inspiration for your curb appeal.

Adding some simple potted flowers and accessories to the front entrance will make a welcoming feel.

An inviting and comfy place to sit is an easy project.  A simple bench and pillows is all you need.

Planters and a wreath make this a curb appeal hit!

And of course….color is key to adding the pizzaz!

 The red door and accents make this porch entrance really POP!

 Just look at the drama this upper window planter creates! I'm swooning over this one!

 Symmetry is a way to give the entrance a formal feel.

Flowers and more flowers I say….one mass planting is all you need to make a big impact!  Even if neither of your thumbs are green you could pull this one off!

My hubby and I did this project last summer to improve the front entry of out home and we are happy with the result!

So, roll up your sleeves and get started on your curb appeal project!  I'd love to see pictures!  You can post them to the Facebook page! If you're not sure what to do or where to begin contact me, I'd be happy to help get you started!

Until next time!

Tina