Summer Beauty

Hello everyone!

I brought out my collection of shells to display in the foyer on my pine chest.

This time of year, when the weather starts warming up, I'm always looking for things that bring a summery feel into my home other than flowers and white slipcovers.

Shells always seem to be the perfect addition.

I filled my cement urn with miscellaneous shells, abalone, starfish, coral and a sea fan. I love the different shades of white and texture it brings to the room.

I also brought my dough bowl in here from the coffee table.  I like the book bundles mixed with the shells.  It has a vintage feel to it.

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Kelly ~

Linking to:  Open House Party Thursdays
Inspiration Friday
Feathered Nest Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday

Texture and Patina on the Mantel

Hello everyone!

I changed up my mantel decor this weekend after getting some inspiration from a new magazine that I received recently.  I've enjoyed reading it since I've been cooped up in the house due to the rain.  It has been so ugly outside.  So, what's a girl to do with all that time on her hands?  Why decorate of course!

I added some old books and a shoe mold to one side of the mantel.  I like the aged patina that it adds.

On the other side, I added some sea fans for texture.

Of course, I kept my feathers since I still love them.

I'm liking the new look! 

The magazine that I received is this one.

It really embodies the look that I'm going for on my lower level.

One of the reasons that I wanted this particular issue is because of Caroline Verschoor's home being featured.  I have followed her for a while and love her style.

  If you want this magazine, it has to be ordered online.  It is not available in stores.  I bought mine from French Larkspur.  Tracy has a wonderful blog and shop.   Tracy included a little french book page and sepia colored french postcard with my order too.  I love when someone adds those extra little touches!

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Kelly ~

I'm linking to the following:

Met Monday



Ode to the Hounds

I've been doing a little early birthday shopping lately and wanted to share a few of my goodies.

I found these two french hound pictures at one of my favorite local home interior stores. So I placed them over the chest in my family room where I could enjoy them often.

Here is a better look at them.

The frames are made of wood and painted black and distressed.  There is french writing below each print describing the breed. 

After placing them above the chest, I decided to change up the vignette just a bit.

I added some sea fans.  One is black and the other is actually painted white!  I love the mix.  Also, I found the concrete candle holder as well and really loved the texture and color it brought to the mix.

Here is a better overall pic.

I found this old encyclopedia written in a foreign language too.

 

I was curious to see the date that it was written and found it to be 1904!

Does anyone know what language this is?

Finally, I added this wonderful scented candle to the coffee table.  It's perfect for the Fall season and when it burns down, I can place another candle in it.

I wish you could smell it!

These are the new goodies for my family room.  In an upcoming post, I'll share a few new things I have in my kitchen.

One day, I'm going to take my camera with me to the store, that these items came from, and let you shop with me.  They have so many neat things!

Hope you had a great weekend.  My kids are getting much better.  So far, I'm not sick, nor my husband.  Hopefully, we'll stay that way too.

~ Kelly ~

Linking to the following party:

Metamorphisis Monday

The Project Queen