Shopping at Vintage - Etc

Hello to the faithful readers of my blog and welcome to any newcomers! I am still thinking about my next alphabet post....but I'm pleased to report that I'm a few steps closer to an idea for "X" thanks to some of my very creative readers, so don't give up on me!

In the meanwhile, I thought I thought I would address the topic of shopping. I get numerous emails from readers about where they can find the various items of furniture they see in the beautiful homes I feature on my blog. As these homes are from all over the world and I often have no idea where the owners have done their shopping, I can't always provide the info you want, but I can help by letting you in on some of my shopping hotspots!

One of my favourite places for finding those items that fit into the Roses and Rust style is a Cape-Town based shop called Vintage-Etc. 

They have a great selection of furniture and accessories for almost any room in your home.

 Let's start with the heart of the home, the kitchen.

I had this picture on my blog sometime back and a number of readers commented on the island. If you are looking for an island along these lines....this is what you could find at Vintage -Etc.

Mmmm...very nice.............and well-priced!

How about some kitchen storage something like this...



...or this....



....look no further.... This is what Vintage - Etc can offer.

Perhaps you would prefer a French inspired kitchen like the Garnier one below....

Vintage - Etc have this beauty available....

Perhaps you are thinking about updating your bathroom.... these are some of the bathrooms I have featured previously...

.....you would need to look no further than Vintage - Etc for these gorgeous vanity units

....and this cupboard would be great for storage in your bathroom....the prettier things in the top half and the less attractive items in the bottom half....perfect!

For these and other fantastic buys, both furniture and accessories, visit Vintage - Etc in their new premises at  The Building Centre, Platinum Drive, Northgate Estate, Ysterplaat, Cape Town or visit  their website. The link is also on my sidebar.

Have a happy week further and some good shopping. My next post will definitely be "X" is for .......... after which some more shopping tips might be in order while I think about "Y". 

Till next time

x Sharon

A wonderful break, now I'm back

With my family in Covent Garden, London

I won't bore you holiday stories or photos, but I do want to congratulate my American and British blog friends and readers on your wonderful countries. My family and I had such a fantastic time in both countries and everyone we came across was so friendly and helpful. My 15 year old son is having a hard time deciding if he wants to live in London or New York one day!

I actually got back more than a week ago, but have been having a bit of trouble getting my blogging "groove" back. Has this ever happened to you?  I am going to need some time to think of new ideas for posts this year. My brain is definitely still in holiday mode! But I have to start somewhere so in this post I'm just going to show you some random ideas that I like and perhaps you will like too. 

This is such a great look. It is perfect for hiding a less than attractive table and if you are short of storage, a basket placed underneath can hold all those things you don't want in the public eye. A very elegant and budget beating option, in my opinion.

This arrangement is the perfect solution for a guest room. If your guests require two single beds, instead of a double, you can just move them apart and put the table between them. Definitely more versatile that a double bed. 

The lack of any overhead cupboards make this kitchen feel far more spacious than it actually is. The demi-lune table flanked by 2 chairs works very well in this fairly narrow space - the perfect spot for a cup of tea or a chat with a friend.

I thought that this was such a clever idea, all you need are some glass vases and different sizes of rope and voila! Another budget beater too.

I love these overstuffed ottomans placed at the bottom of the bed. I can imagine having a cup of coffee here, a chat with my husband, the ideal place for the dogs to have a nap and if I need extra seating anywhere else in the house for an occasion, I could use these. Perfection!

I love, love, love this idea of using factory style doors and windows for a shower enclosure. It has so much more character than the more common plain glass shower surround.

And finally, what a great way to use that vintage silver tea set that has been gathering dust - to house your bathroom essentials - of course!

In closing, a big welcome to my new followers, and wishing you and all my regular (and irregular) readers a  New Year alive with possibilities!


Till next time

Sharon x

Image source: 1. Roses and Rust, 2 Tunmblr   3.  Tumblr  4. L'Ambience, 5. Tumblr 6. Tessa Proudfoot 7. via Providence Ltd, 8. Tumblr

Monday Musings - Captivating Kitchens

Did you know that I collect kitchens? I used to keep scrapbooks of pictures of kitchens which I still look at  from time to time and it's quite interesting to see how kitchens have changed over the years. 

Apparently the biggest change in kitchens arose because of a change in our perceptions of cooking. When cooking started being seen as a creative, and sometimes social act instead of work, there was a trend towards integrating kitchens with living areas. Families welcomed the trend towards open kitchens, as it made it easier for the parents to supervise the children while cooking. For people who love entertaining, the open kitchen has the advantage that they can be with their guests while cooking, and for the "creative cooks" it might even become a stage for their cooking performance. 

There is also a huge trend towards very sleek, modern kitchens, with completely empty surfaces, integrated appliances and state of the art equipment. You know the kind I mean - they look like no actual cooking ever happens in them. But, don't worry, you won't find pictures of them on the pages of this blog.

I like kitchens that look like people cook in them, families live in them, the appliances are used, the cutting boards are weathered and worn, the surfaces might be a bit battle-scarred and they are warm and inviting. 

But, having said all of that, I don't like kitchens that are too cluttered, and that are so functional that no thought has been spared on aesthetics. I think you need to pay as much attention to your kitchen decor as you do on any other room in the house. 

These are some kitchens that I have in my collection that are my current favourites. No more commentary ... just pictures. 

What appeals to you in a kitchen? Did any of these push your buttons? I would love to hear.

Till next time

Sharon x

Images: 1. Pinterest  2. David Michael Miller  3. Kevin Harris Architects  4. Mary Evelyn Interiors  5, 6, 7, 8. Tumblr 9. Coastal Living 10. Decorare 11. Crush cul de Sac 12. Elegant Interiors 13. Georgiana Design 14. Mike Hammersmith  15. Indulge Decor Blog 16. Pinterest - Brooke Gianetti  17. Inspiring Interiors

Skirting Around The Issue

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To skirt or not to skirt - that is the question.... and I need your advice.

When we renovated (actually rebuilt) our house and 2+ years ago, I needed to be very mindful of our budget so instead of  built-in kitchen cabinets on either side of our range cooker,  I used  standard carpenter's workbenches, slightly modified, with the idea of replacing them in a few years. They are, in fact, working so well, that I don't think I will bother changing them, but I am toying with the idea of adding skirts to them. This is where you come in.

"It's Complicated" movie site

 

I have been collecting images of kitchens with skirted counters for a while and I do find them very appealing.



Via Velvet and Linen

While I find my open shelves to be very convenient, especially as there is not a lot of space between them and the island, for opening and closing cupboard doors, I do wonder if adding a skirt would make my kitchen look a bit more streamlined?

My kids use these glasses 50 times a day and I know they will get irritated at having to push aside a curtain to get to them....

 


Pinterest



But in my home, I'm ashamed to say, aesthetics always wins over practicality, and they should know that by now!



Via thekitchn.com



If I went ahead, I would have a skirt that is easily removable for washing...

... but I don't want to have to wash it every week



Via The Little Corner on Tumblr



My island is tall and wide so tends to obscure the view of the open shelves from the family room.


Pinterest



So my internal debate rages on.... should I add a skirt or not?



Via The Paper Mulberry



I do like the look of them, but don't know if they will start to become an irritation.

I tend to put things on these shelves that I use daily or, at least very regularly, so gathering dust is not really an issue.



Pinterest



I like my kitchen to have a lived in look, but not cluttered. There is a fine line!



Via Segreto



But since I have open shelves above these workbenches and on either end of my island, I am wondering if that is not enough of my stuff on display.

If I add a skirt, I can use the shelving for things that are not for public view.



Via Green like Bathwater on Tumblr



But will my boys' grubby fingers opening and reopening the curtains, make them look tatty in no time at all?



Via House and Leisure Mag



As you can see, I have lots of questions going through my mind!

 

So, please tell me what you think. Have you had experience in this area, or do you just have an opinion one way or another? I would love to hear from you.



Via Daisy Pink Cupcake Blog



Till next time

Sharon x