Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So here’s a shop list for those of you #yyj mid century loving decoristas who want to create this Em Henderson look locally for…ehem…ALLOT less. See below for the thrifty shop list (cause that’s how I roll) and a single shot of the inspiration pic again cause it’s just that cool..
Shop List
- Blue Couch – Full House Modern
- Gold Cocktail Table – West Elm
- Colourful Assortment of pillows – Etsy
- A La Plage, A La Piscine collection by – The House of Gray
- Antique Brass Bar Cart – Crate and Barrel
- Flying Pig – Urban Barn
- MCM Leather chair – Used Victoria
- MCM Dining chairs – Used Victoria
- Blue Lamp – Target (or a can of spray paint)
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree – Garden Centre
- Leather Pouff – The Cross
- Light Fixture - CB2
- Ben Ourain Rug – West Elm - or see my DIY tutorial here
Inspiration: Emily Henderson’s recent LA Project.
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If you like to spend time in your basement, lighting is a key to maximum enjoyment. I should qualify that and say lighting on A DIMMER is key! I am working on a lighting plan for my own basement project and I’m working with what I’ve got in terms of junction boxes and outlets, No electrician required. These antique brass fixtures I have sourced are fun and, of course, local! Flush-mount: Rona, Picture Light: Home Depot and Torch Light: Chintz & Co.
Basement Lighting Tips:
- In a large room you should try to use fixtures that have 2 or more bulbs in them…this way when you want it bright, you can actually achieve the level you desire;
- In a large room like a basement you might need two or three fixtures so cost is important! Save your splurge for furniture or art if you can;
- Know your clearance? We are tall folks around here so a flush-mount in the basement is necessary..always keep your clearances in mind;
- Illuminate what you love (books or art etc) and try to achieve balanced lighting with a mix of lamps and sconces in addition to ceiling fixtures;
- Install a dimmer for the ceiling lights.
These options I have chosen are on trend with antique brass and a little retro vibe, but the rest of my pieces are classic. Adding inexpensive details like these that have a bit of funk is an easy swap if I get tired of it later on.
If you want some help making the place you live a place you love, contact me, I can help!
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I’m supposed to be writing… but I had to take a break to source some lights for a pretty Paris inspired home office project I’m working on. Undaunted by a tight budget I knew overstock.com would come through…and boy did they. Check out these lovelies dancing around the $200 limit. Sometimes I soooo wish I was a girly girl.
If you need help making the place you live a place you love Contact me…I can help!
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I’ve been looking for two light fixtures for my basement and got totally distracted by these glamorous Harlow beauties at local lighting mecca McLaren Lighting… I don’t have the ceiling height down there for the chandeliers but the sconces are definitely going to be part of the design. LOVE [Pics are the links as usual]
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I picked one up last summer…a cloche, that is.
I Didn’t know what to really do with the thing and since I’m not exactly the gardening type it sat pretty on a shelf until this past Christmas when I filled it with lights like this.
Not too terribly creative…but hey I was busy. So now the lights are packed away until next year and I am left asking..what do I do with this thing? As with all conundrums I asked the internet and here’s what it told me…
cloche /klōSH/ Noun 1. A small translucent cover for protecting or forcing outdoor plants. Or 2. A woman’s close-fitting, bell-shaped hat.
As I suspected, it has its origins in science, botany to be exact, and I admit that there were a couple heated discussions around our holiday table this year as to whether it was a terrarium, or not, and what the hell its purpose was…mystery solved.
…The internet also showed me that you can put one thing in, or allot…(note how I am totally ignoring plant material as an option.)
They are well suited to seasonal applications…
And, incidentally I just saw a medium and large cloche at the vintage store on Goldstream near the cinema. I think they were $6 and $8 bucks if you’re in the market. My pal Sheila wrote a great post on Cloche’s too. Check her out.
I loved the way the cloche looked illuminated at Christmas so I think that is the direction for me. I should note though that without some venting you should not use regular light bulbs as it heats up quickly and would likely explode…so be smart if you’re DIY’ing it peeps. I’m totally smitten with some amazing examples of vintage cloche lamps and design darling cb2 has a lamp out now too!
When I mentioned to my husband tonight that I was thinking about transforming it into a lamp he said two things….”so you’re basically thinking about building a bomb” and second….”in this instance, I think you should go buy one”
He’s on the record!
Do you have one? What’s in it? I’d love to know!:)
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As it happens I have three projects that require a floor lamp…and since each space is completely different you would think I’d be looking at very different specimens…not so. In fact, I’m suggesting a really similar set of options to the Glam Downtown Apartment, the Eclectic Living Dining Room and the travel inspired Media Room. Who knew!
Here’s a look at the versatile lamps that I’m loving lately…And of course, I have to mention that I am a deal Hunter…if you hire me I won’t stop till I find the best piece at the best price. I promise:)
Lots of warm metals and similar styling…at least I’m consistent right!?!
What do you think of this pharmacy style lighting?
Contact me if you want some help making the place you live a place you love!
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My dear readers, I know you’re wondering where’s tUSEDay VICTORIA? It’s here, just a little ways down, mixed into all this vintage industrial chic. Stay with me. It’s cool.
You’ve all heard about Pop-Up shops right? It’s a temporary shop that pops up to sell a discrete collection of goods for a short period of time. Victoria’s newest, and arguably coolest, pop-up shop is located inside the Trade Roots Home Decor and Furniture store on Herald Street in the Design District. The shop is curated by the mysterious and worldly Marco who has a true passion for industrial vintage and a great eye for styling and interior design.
I had an opportunity recently to talk to Marco about the shop and all his STUFF. This is what he had to say…
- I wanted to know (and I’m sure you do too) where he get’s all this great stuff… he told me most of it is from summer road trips in his VW bus into the states, some is from trips overseas and a significant, and increasing, amount is sourced locally. I forgave him right away for not divulging all his secret sources…he’s charming like that…grrrr….I guess we just let him do the leg work and buy stuff in his shop. Solved:) One tip he gave is that he’s going to shop the American heartland next. That’s a pretty big area but a tip nonetheless. BTW his VW Bus trips are chronicled here.
- Finding vintage industrial pieces in working order is tricky, but Marco is very handy and works on every piece whether it be simply polishing, to full scale repair. He aims to sell only goods that are ready to use or display and offers custom solutions and installations for clients who want it.
- Obviously, he’s a collector and he hinted at the treasure trove in his private home. Oy! Can you imagine:) The pop up shop features a great cross section of his collection of industrial vintage signs, lighting, boxes, books and vessels. Cool accessories too, such as antlers, globes, maps, telephones and the like. You can spend awhile in this tiny space just taking it all in.
- Although it’s totally mean and horrible to make a collector choose a favourite piece…I did….and he pointed to this large tin enamel sign for Three Stars. The product advertised is unknown (we both think it was a Chicago tobacco company) but the graphic image, the size and beautifully preserved colours make it an easy choice for a fave! I love it!
- If you are looking for a cool pendant light or lamp that is an authentic vintage piece… This is your chance. I love hearing the provenance of vintage decor and Marco has the stories for each great item.
- I asked him if he had any advice for people scouting for their own vintage treasures. He said be “open minded, be eclectic in tastes, and if you love it, buy it without question now to avoid disappointment later.” Amen.
- You should come down and see what the shop has in store. Marco himself is there on Saturdays and you can usually catch him there during the week working on projects in the back. Store hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10:30-5pm and Sunday 11-4. Located at 545 Herald St.
These are two of the pendants Marco has for sale online. Click the Images below for links to Used Victoria.
- What’s Next for Marco? Well, this Renaissance man has resisted opening a shop or online store because he is a traveler to the core and doesn’t want to be tied down. However, he has committed to additional pop up shops in Victoria, Vancouver and Washington next summer and seems to be making the gradual shift from collecting to selling. Wherever his future shop lands is a lucky place!
- I’m sure we will all be hearing more from Marco in the future as this local boy makes it big. His latest project, a school bus conversion…yes yellow school bus, is so fantastic it is being featured in Australia’s Vogue Living Magazine….yes Vogue.
Neat guy, great vintage industrial collection! Check it out
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This tUSEDay I spotted a designer light for sale on Used Victoria. It’s a beauty by Designer Tom Dixon. If you’re looking for a light for your entryway, a powder room etc. This would be a great choice. It does retail for $641 + tax locally so it is a bargain if it is in good condition. Check it out!
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So here’s the thing. My husband is an amazing wonderful supportive guy. He’s my driver, my navigator, my assistant, my manager and my biggest fan. We drove all around town yesterday just so I could get these two Foo Dog Lamps. Loved Them for a project I’m working on!
Upon arriving home, and while the Mister fumbled with his keys at the door…the unthinkable happened. Yep. The lamp separated at the point he was holding it and crashed to the ground. Broken.
Sad. Back to the drawing board…Of course I’ll try to fix it…I actually think I can…but this is the first installment in my Design Disaster Tag series. Help me feel better and tell me one of your disaster stories!!
This is the awesome ecard he just sent me….He knows about Chinoiserie!!
Hope you’re having a better day!
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