My Little Sunshine...

This weekend was supposed to be full-on baby preparation.  Meaning, get the crap out of the nursery and organize or else TRASH (I would donate it... don't hate) everything!!  How in the world did we accumulate so much anyways?  Prior to our big move, we donated many items for the sake of not having to haul our junk across the eastern coastline.  Somehow it seems like we have more stuff!  I miss our basement.  At least we could hide our mess.  This is forcing me to become a minimalist. Something I aspire to be, but my parents could potentially be on Hoarders!  Just kidding, Mom.  Well, maybe.  

I decided that the best way to spend this Saturday was to organize the nursery in my head rather than  physically removing our crap from the nursery only to stuff it in some closet somewhere in which would more than likely be moved 15 more times in efforts to "organize."  Sorry for the massive run-on.  

I'm a visual learner.  Just looking at a mess gives me anxiety.  Where to even begin!?  Do you feel me?  For me organizing my ideas on paper, or in this case by creating a mood board, helps me know what steps to take.  Starting with the end in mind really is motivating!  Here's the direction I plan to take: 

Click on the image above for a better view.

Resources: 

Window Treatments - Santa Maria Desert Flower by Waverly

Vintage Lucite Lamps - Thrift store find

Vintage cocktail table - Philly curb alert

Vintage Faux Bamboo chest (not this exact one) - Atlanta Craigslist find

Lambskin rug - Atlanta Craigslist find

"Bee Happy" print - Spread the Love (Etsy store now closed)

Crib sheet - Rosenberry Rooms Petite Dots in Navy

Crib - Jenny Lind DaVinci Crib

Smile pillow - Pillow Talk

Crib skirt - Doodle Stripe Lime / Pure Organic Bright Pink by P. Kaufmann

Craigslist Crawl: Atlanta

As you may know if you've been keeping up with the blog post, I am in search for chairs (again).  My farmhouse table has had many different styles of chairs accompany him over the years.  While in West Philly, Mr. Farmhouse had to spend some hard time in the basement.  He just would not fit in our eat-in-kitchen.  Now that we are back in Atlanta, we are once again trying to find some friendly and sophisticated company to surround him.  I spotted this set on Craigslist for $100!!

Image: Craigslist

I would more than likely paint the backs white and reupholster the seat cushions.  This isn't exactly what I'm looking for, but they do have a few things in their favor: 

1.) Super Affordable - 6 chairs for $100 (table would go in storage or resale)

2.) Faux bamboo backing - hard to find

3.) Mid-Century Modern look - give some balance to my traditional rug.

What do you think?

Brooklyn, Brooklyn, Where've you been?

Lately my Facebook page and Instagram is getting a lot more attention than what started all this madness, my blog.  Blog, you are not a middle child, like myself.  Well, maybe you are, but I will give you the content that your audience craves.  

It's Flea Market Season, Y'all!

Brooklyn Flea came to Philly, and they BROUGHT it!  

Ooooo... I love a pretty bird cage.  I'd throw a terrarium up in that!  The chair was $10.  TEN DOLLARS!!!  A seat cushion is the easiest thing in the world to reupholster and a quick and cheap face-lift.  I would use it as a desk chair.  Should of bought it.  Darn.

Here is some more flea market eye candy... 

 

If I had money falling out of my armpits (did I just say that... I'm going with it), this is what I would buy... 

 

My faves...

 

 

I know your eyes must be glued to that pink and black dress... think again... that's a jumpsuit!  LOVE it, but I am not that brave.  Well, not $130 brave.  Maybe if it was $30 I wouldn't feel so bad purchasing it, knowing that what it would take to convince myself to throw it on before work.  Yes, I'm the crazy girl that would actually wear this to work!  My non-profit agency would not know how to handle all this awesomeness.  Ok, I think you get that I love it.  I won't shut-up about it!

 

Don't skimp on the textiles... 

 

Most vendors at flea markets have prices reduced to wholesale value.  These woven textiles would easily sale for $100 at Pottery Barn.  I can't remember the exact price, but I do remember thinking, "What a steal!"  I couldn't justify buying it for myself, but I think it would be a great house warming gift!

 

Best Advice...

 

Shop with friends!  There's nothing like having a gal pal to keep you laughing as you rummage through vintage goods and imagine how your Great Aunt Sal used to make do with a rotary phone!!  What is that, anyways!?!

Friends can be inspiring also, especially when they kinda do this or are on there way of being artisans / designers for a living!  Having insight other than your own is a wonderful thing!  I love to listen to other peoples ideas on how they would dress-up an item. 

 And don't be intimidated by bringing a babe along.  They're fun and super cute!!

The Brooklyn Flea Market is going to be in Philly every Sunday in Northern Liberties at the Piazza at Schmidt's.  10AM - 5PM.  Rain or shine.

 If you just can't get enough of The Tiny Abode outings and need your daily fix, be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram.  Our favorite design styles are also collected on Pinterest.  I'll admit it, my Pinterest boards ROCK!

Old Man Weather... Go Away!

Uhhh.... hello Spring?  Are you there?  I have been eager to become one with the earth.  I know I  sound like a hippy, but that's what a concrete jungle will do to you after five years!  Here in Philly it's a bit too soon to start filling my window boxes with jubilant perennials, so I have been tending to my succulents and other indoor plants instead.

Photo: The Tiny Abode

These neat Chinoiserie teacups were left behind by one of my previous neighbors.  I'm worried that they may have been part of  his mother's collection.  Yikes!  I couldn't bare to see them get  chunked by the clean-out crew.  Therefore, they have found a happy place in my home as plant containers, and I am quite proud of how they turned out!  If anyone can tell me any information about them you will be my new BFF for the day!  I have searched the internet and have found nothing!

Photo: The Tiny Abode

Like any normal city-slicker in Philadelphia, I head outside the city to Terrain for some much needed inspiration.  I am loving the look of these anemones... so much that I have already purchase a bundle of bulbs from Lowe's.  I'm wondering if I should start them indoors, or wait until April to plant them like the instructions direct. Where do you go when you need inspiration? 

Photo: The Tiny Abode

I foresee a beautiful window box in my future. 

SPRING MEANS BIRTHDAYS!

Despite the frigid weather, spring is a reminder of new life and celebrations.  All of my sisters (I am one of three) have spring birthdays.  My younger sister just recently gave birth to yet another spring baby.  Well technically it's autumn in New Zealand.

Designed by: The Tiny Abode

 We are so excited to have a new baby in our family!  Thank you Brittany and Scott for  giving our parents a grandchild... we owe you big time!  Like any crazed aunt, I am pinning, tweeting, and yes blogging about any amazing deal or cute baby item that I lay eyes on.  One of my favorite places to shop online for great deals is Zulily.  These are all items that I have personally purchased for family and friends.  I am not getting paid to say this.  If you are interested in other online stores, check out the listings on the left of this page.

Designed by:  The Tiny Abode

If you are one of the lucky ones who received one of these gifts, you can vouch for me. Are there any online shops which you love to shop?  I'd love to hear your secrets too. In the meantime, I'm going to continue to birthday shop.  I have lots of nieces and a nephew too.  I'll leave you with this display from the Macy's Flower Show from a recent trip that the hubs and I took to NYC.

Photo: The Tiny Abode

Stealing Orchids is Legit!

One great thing about the dead of winter, is the sales you can find on indoor plants.  Yesterday, while visiting Lowe's (again feeding my fixation), I brought home three orchids for only a dollar each.  THREE!! I couldn't pass it up!  That's a whooping $3.00 or you could just think of it as a very cheap center piece.  It doesn't get any better than that, unless you find some for a quarter each (doubtful).

 

 Don't skimp on indoor plants.  They can really bring any ol' drab room to life!  One of my favorite design bloggers, Emily Henderson (yeah you remember her... she's only the most awesome Design Star winner, EVER), gives tips on styling here.  I plan on taking Emily's advise and re-potting these into something a little bit more interesting, but for now they are definitely helping out my otherwise naked kitchen table.

Here are some interesting ways to decorate with orchids.... 

Eclectic Living Room design by Los Angeles Media And Blogs Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

 Photo: Daily Dream Decor

I'm considering adding my collection of orchids to the mantle.  Pretty predictable, I know, but it is a no brainer. 

Photo: J.K. Place via Villanueva design

 Now that my terrariums have made their way to the window seal, the fireplace needs some jazzing up. I'll let you know how it turns out, but first I need to find an interesting pot!

Lovely, Lovely Lamps

One never really knows what he may stumble upon when entering the organized chaos of a vintage shop or thrift store.  Quite honestly, it can be rather overwhelming without a game plan in mind.  Often I feel like a kid in a candy store with ADD, not really knowing where to start or where to stop for that matter.  Last weekend, however, was different.  I knew what I wanted.

Lighting...

This, my friends, is a Paul Hanson Ginger Jar lamp.   I didn't really know what I was looking at while shopping, but I knew that I liked it.  That's all that really matters anyways. 

Here are some more lamps that I am more than just a little gaga over...

Source: google.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: adaanddarcy.com.au via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: assemblageltd.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: assemblageltd.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Below is a picture of my lamp in it's entirety.  It has some minor damage (See the base?), but overall it's in pretty superb shape.  For fifteen dollars, I couldn't let this piece slip by.  Jason thought I was insane at first, but after introducing him to 1st Dibs and showing him that we could very well have a $1000 lamp in our possession, he changed his mind rather quickly.  That is after we got over his idea of selling it and my cry back, "I want expensive things!"  Just this morning he told me how proud he was with me and my bargain of a deal.

Now, where to find a lamp shade that will fit this giant sucker?  Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!!  

P.S. I'm sure many of you were distracted by the nudity.  That is an original oil painting by Jason Espey, my awesome husband.  He has a facebook page, so you should go like him!  And for fun, you can tell him that I sent you!   If you enjoy reading The Tiny Abode please feel free to follow us on facebook or twitter.  Or you can use our little subscribe linky to the right. 

Happy Chinese New Year!

People around the world today will be celebrating the Chinese New Year welcoming the Year of the Dragon.  I do not know much about the culture and history of the Chinese New Year, but I do have a healthy appreciation for ancient Chinese design.    

I spotted this Foo Dog while shopping at Packards Antiques in Huntsville, Alabama over the Christmas holidays (note the tree).  I thought it was absolutely fabulous!  I wish I would have checked the price!  If I could get it past airport security without it shattering to pieces, it would be guarding my apartment now.

Here's a game you can play when your slumming through your Monday morning blues.  Can you spot the Foo!?!

Kristy Lee Interiors...

Photo: Kristy Lee Interiors

Naomi at Design Manifest...

Photo: Design Manifest

Cullman and Kravis... you just can't miss it! 

Photo: Pretty Pink Tulips via Juba Life  

Miles Redd...

Photo via Sketch 42 Blog

Ruth Summers on the cover of her book... 

Photo via Sweet Chameleon

Decorating with Faux Bamboo

So we are still crushing on some good old fashion faux bamboo!  This look never ceases to please!
 Mary McDonald might as well be known for her keen attraction to faux bamboo.  Oh wait, she is!  Can you  blame the girl? I'm sure alot of you have seen these images before, but for those of you who haven not, feel free to indulge!!  I really can't get enough of her.  My sweet husband even surprised me by purchasing her latest book.  The mail man can't get here soon enough!

All photos: Mary McDonald

So, are you as sold as I am?  I drool at the site of faux bamboo!  Take this 1950s outdoor dinette for example.   I would die to have this set on my back deck.  Doesn't it make you want to chug a pitcher of lemonade!?   It's soo hot!  Hmmm.... now, if I could only get my hands on $6400!!  That's how much it cost to take this baby home, and that's not including tax or shipping!

Photo: 1STDIBS

However, don't fret!  Seriously, stop fretting, and just go to the thrift store already!!  Remember my $10 chair from Impact?

And my coffee / nesting tables from the Philadelphia Flea Market!!  Which come to find out, resale for a pretty penny!  Score!  But I don't think I'll be letting go of them anytime soon.

All of that, just to show you this!  My latest scavenge at yet another thrift store, The Second Mile.  These faux bamboo nesting tables need a good scrub, and I will most likely refinish them.  However, for $15 for all three, I'm happy!  This exact set just sold for $75 on ebay.  Good buy, but $15 is a great buy! 

The obsession must end soon!  I have little room to spare in my one bedroom apartment!!

Flea Market Finds

This weekend I went to the Philadelphia Flea Market.  I'm sooo glad I did!  Here are the items I managed to squeeze into my car.  Steals of deals, really. 

Faux Bamboo Frame - $3

Chippendale Faux Bamboo Tables by Omega - $40 for the set

Owl Plant Hangers - $7

Gilt Frame (Holds 16 x 20 Canvas) - $10

Today we will be highlighting the Hollywood Regency Chippendale tables. The set came from this sweet lady, Loretta.  AKA, my favorite flea market dealer.  We got along great!  It may have to do with the fact that she spent the first ten years of her life in Alabama, where the tea is sweet.

 Photo: Phila Flea Market

New furnishings equal new apartment layout equals freaked out husband.  However, our apartment feels so much more functional.  And that makes me happy! Here are some of my previous Hollywood Regency obsessions.  Those who've done your research know $40/set  for faux bamboo is quite the steal!  I may spray paint them a fun color, but what color?

 Originally, I was going to use the largest of the tables as a coffee table.  That didn't work.  The scale was all wrong, so it moved to the bedroom.  The nesting tables however make a perfect media center.  Before, our entertainment pieces were dispersed across the room, not making a whole lotta sense.  Now, our monitor, keyboard and DVDs (stored in the suitcase, genius I know) are all in one happy corner called togetherness.  Ahhh.

We ditched our coffee table, but no worries. Our new piece is multi-functional.  We like!  The couch also moved, now facing the windows.  Here's what our space looked like before, and before you judge know that we are working with a very difficult room.  Long, narrow, awkward stairs, refrigerator in the living room and all.  As far as the coffee table, Craigslist anyone?

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