home decor | The Chartreuse Life

Posts Tagged ‘home decor’

Mid-century Modern Farmhouse

Posted in Inspiration, Tag Sale Updates, tagged antique, apartment style, barn sale, before & after, buckeystown, chairs, chartreuse, chartreuse & co, chartreuse and co, decor, decorating, decorating ideas, farrow & ball, farrow and ball, home, home decor, home furnishings, mid-century, occasional sale, paint color, renovation, tag sale, vintage, vintage furniture on February 16, 2015| 3 Comments »

The Farmhouse is getting a facelift!

Yes, that adorable little (heated) house has new residents: Barefoot Dwelling. These girls had a vision immediately. And what has inspired me so about this is that their vision was totally different from what mine had been.

I don’t know about you, but someone with a fabulous vision, totally outside my usual style, inspires me like little else can. It’s what invigorates me every time I travel, and to have such a vision unfold right here in front of me is exciting!

So here’s a little BEFORE & AFTER fun for you:

BEFORE, Room 1: Let’s start in the first room, which was the kitchen. You may recall how it looked when we first took possession of it in July 2012:

After removing the contact paper ‘wallpaper’ and vinyl ‘parquet’ floors:

Two and a half years ago, after applying Farrow & Ball’s Pavilion Grey :

Now, with a fresh vision comes fresh color! Using Farrow & Ball’s fabulous paint, Lisa and Mary, owners of Barefoot Dwelling, chose pure white, with contrast, feature walls.

AFTER, Room 1: In this first room, the color grabs you right away, it’s Farrow & Ball’s Charlotte’s Locks. Such a great punch with the fabulous mid-century pallet they’ve collected.

BEFORE, Room 2: Then on to the second room, as we found it 2 1/2 years ago:

After removing the rest of the contact paper covering the wanescoating, and more of the vinyl ‘parquet’ floor:

Then, after a fresh paint job (Farrow & Ball Pavilion Grey) in 2012:

AFTER, Room 2: Now with a a fresh white facelift, complemented by a contrast wall of Farrow & Ball’s Churlish Green (yes, that’s a paint name, don’t you just love it??!!)

And check out the sleek mid-century aesthetic.

This room has NEVER been so cool!

More great stuff is being added through the week, and you’re all invited to come take a look this weekend, February 20-22, Fri/Sat 9am-4pm, Sun noon-4pm. I hope you’ll find it as fresh, original, and inspiring as I do!

Thanks for reading,

Virginia

Read Full Post »

New Windsor, Maryland – an architectural treasure

Posted in Inspiration, tagged 19thcentury architecture, antique, architecture, AtleeHouse, chartreuse, chartreuse & co, chartreuse and co, decorating, exterior paint, home decor, NewWindsor, renovation, vintage on February 13, 2015| 3 Comments »

I have long loved New Windsor, Maryland for its exceptional collection of early 19th century homes. I first discovered it during my college years – my then-boyfriend (now husband), Chip, attended college in Westminster, Maryland, and the best route there from Frederick was Rt. 26 to Liberytown, and then a left onto Rt 31 (which has some beautiful homes. Have someone else drive so you don’t miss any of them!). Rt 31 takes you right into the small, but charming town of New Windsor. Take a look:

And all these houses are just along the first couple of blocks as you come into town.

On this particular occasion, a friend of mine, Mary Ford-Naill, had told me about an extraordinary house she was listing on the market and thought I may enjoy seeing. When she told me it was in New Windsor, I was immediately interested. And when she showed me the pictures of it, I couldn’t resist.

Because I know so many of you are as keen on architecture as I am, I asked Mary and the home-owners, if I could share it with you on my blog. So here’s the Atlee House, New Windsor, Maryland, as I saw it just last week:

The Atlees were the founders of New Windsor. They first New Windsor Atlee was the second son of a prosperous Lancaster, Pennsylvania family. And being a second son, he had to go make his own way. He traveled into Maryland, found the rolling, Carroll County plat listed on the maps as New Windsor, bought it and settled in. The house is dated to 1800. The current owners, who run it as a B&B, have some pictures of it from history:

This one is my favorite! The girl’s name is Bessie Roop, and her dog is Shep. I just love that the dog made the picture, and his name was noted for posterity.

This was from the mid 20th century, when it was painted white.

This view from above, shows the old barn (which burned), and the town of New Windsor rising on the hillside beyond.

At some point during the latter half of the 20th century, it was used as a boarding house, with the boarders fed from the produce of the once-extensive gardens.

I’ll take you inside the house in my next post, where you’ll see the deep windows, the old built-ins, the brick walls, and spectacular attic and basement. (Not to mention the full commercial kitchen – yes, I’m lusting after their stove and huge fridge!). The Atlee House and several others in New Windsor are available for sale. Click here for more information.

Thanks for reading!

Virginia

Read Full Post »

And the winner is . . .

Posted in Inspiration, Tag Sale Updates, tagged architecture, barn, before & after, chartreuse & co, chartreuse and co, cornforth white, decorating ideas, exterior paint, farrow & ball, farrow and ball, home decor, paint color, railings, renovation on August 12, 2014| 2 Comments »

Yes, I’ve finally committed to a paint color for the Chartreuse & co barns! The winner is: Railings for the window and door frames, Cornforth White for the mullions – both from Farrow & Ball.

And here’s the really cool thing: As I stood there, staring at the face of the barn, trying desperately to envision it painted grey, charcoal, anything, Rosanna (owner of Bella Villa shop in Aldie) approached me and asked what I was doing. I explained my agony:

“See those silos and how they’ve weathered? I love those colors and want that pallet for the barn . . . but how ?”

Rosanna, gifted stylist that she is, offered this suggestion: “Why not just sand it and seal it. Keep the weathered look you love, and just freshen the paint on the trim?”

I could have kissed her!

So where you see the dark green paint now, we’ll have the Farrow & Ball Railings. The mullions (the inside dividers of the windows) will be Farrow & Ball Cornforth White, plus, because it’s an awesome part of the barn structure, the upper barn door (partially open in this picture), as well as it’s hardware and track, will be painting the Railings, too. All the rest will be simply power washed, lightly sanded, and sealed to preserve that beautiful, natural aged, gray and white wooden appearance. Can’t wait to see it complete!

So we lined up the paint, the painter, and a block of sunny days. But, of course, nothing goes as planned. As work began we realized that all the old wood framing around the windows was completely gone. And by gone, I mean you could push your hand into it and pull out wood pulp! I couldn’t believe it! But as luck would have it, Rob, who was doing the painting, is also a gifted carpenter. He is actually recreating the window frames exactly, to match the circa 1920s pieces. Some of the painting is complete, but the whole project will be ongoing into fall.

NEWS FLASH!!!

Beginning with our August event (August 15-17), Farrow & Ball paint is available at Chartreuse & co! Yes, that fabulous, best-in-the-world paint that I’ve been gushing over for years (Bedroom Redux, Color Happy, Before & After, Laundry Room Blues) We’re working with Patrick Street Interiors, the local stockist for the paint. You’ll find a seasonally edited selection of the 750ml cans (approximately a quart) to try on your furniture, or, as I have done, all over your walls! Be forewarned: Farrow & Ball paint spoils you for all other paints.

Thanks for reading!
Virginia

Read Full Post »

In a Garden State of Mind

Posted in Inspiration, Tag Sale Updates, tagged buckeystown, chartreuse & co, decor, garden, home decor, patio, renovation, vintage on May 17, 2013| 2 Comments »

I’m totally in a garden state of mind. Our new landscaping is coming into full bloom, and it’s just been decorated with some great vintage treasures. Here’s few of my favorite images of it:

These sweet little chairs take on an sculptural appeal in the garden. The green chest adds just the right punch of color.

In the little spring house, which the new landscaping surrounds, has a fresh look, too. This pie chest and its topiaries are just the right balance for the weathered door and walls of this beautiful space.

Vintage trellis growing out of our boxwoods – which we planted in an old, concrete water trough.

I love how this vintage bottle reflects the soft light of the stone house

This exceptional, hybrid wisteria was just planted in March. It’s been trained to grow along the ‘new’ stone and brick wall – created as a ruin from salvaged, vintage materials.

These ‘ruins’ are brand new – just constructed in March. They comprise the main structure of our new patio area. This wall continues to the left to our outdoor fireplace.

Looking back at the stone house from the fireplace area, these vintage furnishings invite you to linger a while.

And yes, I just had to share this image one my time. I just love the magnolia playing off the rough, old silo.

Hope you enjoyed this look into our garden. What part is your favorite?

Thanks for reading,
Virginia

Read Full Post »

Getting Ready for May’s Opening!

Posted in Tag Sale Updates, tagged antique, barn sale, buckeystown, chairs, charteruse, chartreuse & co, chartreuse and co, decor, home decor, home furnishings, mid-century, occasional sale, shopping, tag sale, vintage, vintage furniture on May 11, 2013| 4 Comments »

At last it’s warming up and flowers are blooming. Our new landscaping is showing us something different every day – our latest: wisteria will be in full bloom for our opening next week.

We’re getting ready, and so many fabulous things are already coming in. We have 2 new dealers to introduce: Squirrel Hill Designs (upstairs in the Main Barn) and The Spring House (in, you guessed it, the Spring House – with the water wheel).

And here’s some pictures of what’s already going on in and around the barns, as we get ready for you May 17-19:

I just loved these darling little 1920s shoes. They’re the perfect shade of sea shell pink.

Set of 4 Danish modern chairs – straight out of one of Leona Helmsley’s hotels. Love the fresh paint job.

Heather Grey Decor has an entire set of these vintage office clocks. This one was custom made for IBM.

The ultimate locker room chair, huh?

The perfect island/table for your beach-house crowd!

LOVE suitcases with their original tags.

Great selection of old metal globes this month.

Oh, that color!

Don’t you just love the contrast of the gilded glasses and the industrial bar cart?

Some great vintage concrete throughout the Chartreuse & co right now

This large cabinet is the perfect size for your mudroom supplies.

A couple of really cool, vintage, toy boats upstairs this month.

Jennifer, owner of Squirrel Hill Designs, just brought this armoir in – still has the hauling rope around it!

This pair of caned chairs is comfortable, and summer-ready.

Perfect softball accessories.

German Favorite Antiques and Bella Villa have moved from the Garden House into the upstairs of the main barn – under THE chandelier.

Love this magnolia against the rough silos.

I’d love to know which picture/item is your favorite so far . . .

Thanks for reading,

Virginia

Read Full Post »

Great pictures of temporary dealers here this weekend –

Posted in Tag Sale Updates, tagged antique, barn sale, buckeystown, chartreuse, chartreuse & co, chartreuse and co, decor, flea market, home decor, home furnishings, market days, occasional sale, tag sale, vintage, vintage furniture on April 6, 2013| 2 Comments »

I just love the tent city that crops up here every Spring and Fall. Imagine how much fun you would have if the best vintage dealers you could find, all agreed to come to your house and put on a show? The BEST, right?

I had a blast today chatting with everyone and oohing and aahing over their great stuff. Here are some of my favorites:

Read Full Post »

Spatial Relations 101

Posted in Musings, Tag Sale Updates, tagged antique, barn sale, buckeystown, cha, chartreuse, chartreuse & co, furniture, home decor, home depot, occasional sale, tag sale, vintage on January 10, 2013| 7 Comments »

I understand that many women are not good at spatial relations, that is, understanding how objects fit in and move through space. I offer myself as a case study:

Two days ago I made plans to pick up a large hutch that the owner told me was in two pieces, the larger of which was 5’3″ x 4’11” x 18″ deep. She didn’t think it would fit in my Suburban. “Of course it will,” I thought blithely.

But I was wrong.

So yesterday, upon returning without the hutch from her home, I ordered a rental truck from Home Depot. “I’ve got a 16-footer for you, mam,” replied the nice young man on the phone. “Oh, no. I just need a cargo van; I don’t want a box truck!”

Later that day, we made our second trip to pick up the hutch. It took engineering and muscle power that, honestly, neither the homeowner, my daughter, nor I had just to get the thing out of the house and to the back of the waiting van. With my dear daughter on one end, the very kind furniture-owner on the other, and me at the end, we realized that, in fact, I needed a box truck.

So, back to Home Depot we went. I would like to publicly acknowledge my gratitude to the young man who helped us. He was very efficient, and didn’t once say, “I told you so.”

On our third attempt to retrieve this hulking, impossibly heavy piece of furniture from it’s former residence, we finally succeeded. Plus, into that great big truck went an oak chest, a drop-leaf pedestal table, 3 wicker chairs, a desk, a vase and a can of paint.

Next time I’ll start with the box truck.

Here are some photos of what’s at Chartreuse & co right now (including the infamous hutch).

Thanks for reading,
Virginia

Read Full Post »

Barnstormers and Yard Sales

Posted in Musings, Tag Sale Updates, tagged barn, barn sale, chartreuse & co, french chair, home decor, vintage, yard sale on June 13, 2012| 1 Comment »

‘Tis the season for yard saling. And for barnstorming. And this month I’ve been up to both.

Artists, history and architecture enthusiasts toured barns throughout the Buckeystown area last weekend.

Our barns were included on the tour, and our visitors embraced the opportunity to learn and enjoy.

Barns are beautiful.

At the reception afterwards, we were able to purchase this delightful oil painting, by Courtney Lee, of our beautiful barns.

And then on to this weekend’s fun: Yard saling! Chartreuse & co’s annual Yard Sale is this weekend, and we’ve all been rummaging through all our treasures, projects, and finds, marking them at irresistible yard sale prices.

Plus, we’re always bringing in fabulous new finds. Here’s a look at my favorites this month:

Silverware chimes. So simple and pretty.

This pretty french chair is one of a pair.

There’s a number of exceptional vintage cameras in the barn now. This one has to be my favorite.

Aren’t these just the cutest little owls, ever?

I just had to include this one. After years of struggling and coaxing, my hydrangea is finally not just surviving, but flourishing! I’m sooo happy!!!

That just-right shade of tangerine. And a matching pair, too!

If I had a beach house, this arrangement would be there.

I love everything about this console table. The bow-front. The carved details. The spot-on color. It’s just perfect.

These lamps (there’s a pair of them) are that perfect bottle green. And I love that the bottoms are open, so you can create vignettes inside them, and change them so easily.

And I’ve finally gotten some serious work done on my laundry room. Result? Tons of yard sale-priced vintage linens that I just can’t fit in my newly organized space.

I’ll be posting pictures -before and after – when the room is finally complete (I ran out of paint part way through . . .)

Thanks for reading,
Virginia

Read Full Post »

The Power of Paint

Posted in Inspiration, Musings, tagged apartment style, before & after, chartreuse & co, decor, decorating, home decor, renovation, style on April 30, 2012| 7 Comments »

I’ve been a bit paint crazy lately. The barn, the girls’ apartment, my bedroom, my laundry room. Chip, my husband, just doesn’t get why I’m so into it (or see the value of $85/gallon paint vs. $30/gallon paint). But, frankly, I’ve become obsessed.

It should also be noted that we live in a 1898 farmhouse with some pretty spectacular wood trim that I’ve been itching to paint for 10 years. Chip is completely opposed. So I offer the following evidence of the positive power of paint. (from CuriousDetails.com blog)

BEFORE: an efficient, if uninteresting office.

AFTER: Add a little paint, and you've got WOW! I particularly love the contrast of the deep, rich blue doors against the clean white office space beyond. An inspired choice.

BEFORE: the broader view of the office space

AFTER: The amazing power of simple white paint. Wouldn't you love entering this office space each day?
Also note that by using the built-ins within arms' reach of the desk, a smaller desk became practical - allowing for the comfort of the pair of chairs in the room.

I hope this gives you some inspiration (it gave me loads!), and perhaps some ammunition as you carry on the to-paint-or-not-to-paint debate with your other half.

Thanks for reading!

Virginia

Read Full Post »

Market Days Redux

Posted in Inspiration, Tag Sale Updates, tagged antique, barn sale, chartreuse, chartreuse and co, flea market, home decor, market days, tag sale, vintage on April 3, 2012| 2 Comments »

Wow, what a great weekend we had! The weather was perfect (if a little chilly on Saturday when the wind blew . . .), the offerings we sooo great, and everyone had such a good time.

In case you couldn’t make (or in case you want to relive it a little), here’s some pictures of what went on:

Here’s Hunt & Gather’s eclectic take on vintage.

Asia meets Europe, right here in Buckeystown.

The Green Cottage filled the yard with bright color and stunning original artwork.

Love this vignette of vintage bottles.

Bella Villa was here with bells on! Mixed with Favorite German Antiques, the space was stunning.

So many great finds – original and vintage – that everyone found that perfect something.

Yup, I scored that fabulous french settee! I promise that I waited till Sunday evening – I always give you dibs on the finds.

Carly Simonds of Peanut & Scoot enjoying Market Days!

Gatehouse Designs brought some stunning finds. This matching pair of twin headboards were that perfect shade of almost green, almost blue, very french gray.

And so many beautiful things . . .

These darling bunnies are real, and were so tame that Monica’s daughter sat with them and pet them through the day. Adorable!

Robin, of The Robin’s Nest, was loving the opportunity to shop right here on the grounds!

And Bella Villa was rocking the surroundings. I just love the way Rosanna intermingled her European antiques with the natural surroundings.

I loved this vessel nested into the mulberry tree. If it weren’t for my passion for the French settee, this wonderful vignette would have stayed right where it was.