I haven't moved into the "lazy, hazy, crazy" days of summer yet. There have been too many things to do and too many happenings. (Okay...maybe we're into the "crazy" part.)
Meanwhile around the house (the house that is waiting for my attention in every nook and cranny)...
Meanwhile around the house (the house that is waiting for my attention in every nook and cranny)...
Can you believe that I bought more Blue Willow dishes? (You probably can.) When Ron brought home the dinner plates and platter in April, I was thrilled! I gave away a set of red plates to make room for them in my china closet and all was well. But...on a little antiquing excursion a few weeks ago, we came across a small pile of Blue Willow. Hmmm...a few cups and saucers would be nice. We couldn't find a price on them. In fact, we could only find one price anywhere near the pile. It was unbelievably low, so we knew it couldn't be the for the whole collection of various and sundry pieces. Ron went to the proprietor to inquire the price of the cups and saucers...and, lo and behold, the entire group was $19.00! Sold!! So now I have five cups, six saucers, six dessert plates (four old, two new), five luncheon/salad plates, four bowls, a creamer, and a sugar bowl sans lid. Most of the pieces are old and have some crazing, which I love!
Hi, my name is Cheryl and I'm addicted to dishes. (But they were only $19.00!)
The new tea towel was free (to me), as I purchased a set of two with a Marshalls gift card. It brings a touch of summer freshness to the kitchen.
I decorated the dining room mantel for summer...light and airy and my favorite topiaries.
And then there's this. The beautiful highboy that had belonged to my Aunt Lynn. You may recall my discussing it when I shared our Changes in the Living Room.
It had sat in Ron's mom's garage since late December, but last night we brought it home. I want to live with it for a few days so that I can make some decisions.
- Do I keep it here in the living room? Is it too formal for my space? Is the old cabinet a better "fit"? Or does it add an elegant air to my colonial farmhouse look? (If it doesn't stay in the living room, I could use it in my bedroom.)
- If I keep it in the living room, do I paint it black as was my original plan? Or do I leave it as it is? (It is cherry, but the Windsor chair and my Shaker-style table are pine. I'm not sure what the old trunk/coffee table is, but it is rather dark.)
Everyone in my house has an opinion! But I'd welcome yours!
Feel free to join in the discussion! Tell me what you'd do with the highboy...or tell me what you're doing to freshen up your house for summer! (I loved reading about what Deanna is doing!)
Of course I'm trying not to be jealous with your willow find. Your cup and saucer sets are different than what came with my set but I have a couple of those too. Inspires me to head to antique shops; when you are looking for something it makes it a little more interesting. As far as the highboy as much as I hate to think of painting over cherry, I do think black would look good if you left it in your living room,and maybe paint the hardware like I did for my buffet (?) but if it's to go in the bedroom it could stay as it is. Certainly lots of storage there!
ReplyDeleteRight now the craze is to paint everything. When that passes I believe we will be glad there are some things we didn't. If that was my beautiful highboy in such fine condition I wouldn't. The previous owners of this house left a partial set of willow on the plate rail around the dining room. It isn't my style but it has remained there for 20 years except when it gets washed which isn't nearly often enough. I'm not good at making quick decisions! :D If you lived closer I'd be glad to give it to you. Your decor is lovely.
ReplyDeletePaint cherry? Are you crazy? How's that for an opinion? =D What a beautiful piece of furniture!
ReplyDeleteLOL, Vee! I probably wouldn't either for the reason Debbie gave...but what about painting just the chair black instead?? Love those dishes!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I am aways hesitant to give my opinion about decorating as it is so personal. But, since you asked, I could never paint that lovely highboy! I had to laugh and agree with Vee on this matter. I love traditional furniture and you have a handsome piece there. Your mantle sure looks peaceful. And is that a rosemary wreath I spy in your kitchen window? I need to go outside and gather the makings for one.♥
ReplyDeleteThe highboy is beautiful! I would leave it as is and move it to a diferent room if necessary. I think all I have seen of your decorating on the blog is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteDianne L
I am loving reading your responses; keep them coming! (Even if you do think I'm crazy! Lol!) :D
ReplyDeleteYour home is so warm and inviting, Cheryl! I'm not sure if I'd paint that highboy. Oh, is it beautiful! As for the addiction, it's the same reason I could never have open shelving in my kitchen. LOL Great buy on those cups and saucers! And they look like they're nice to drink from too. BTW, that dining room mantel is just lovely! I need to pack away some(more) stuff. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love it just as it is. I was looking through my house recently and found I actually have come to enjoy the different kinds of wood as well as the mixing of styles. I used to be more of a purist but I'm living what I preached to my daughter (if you love it then it all will fit together!).
ReplyDeleteNow speaking of my daughter, she paints everything that isn't moving!
{whispers) paint it... :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a steal that Blue Willow was! Glad you bought it. That highboy is so fabulous. I think it would be nice either the way it is or painted. Love your mantel with the pewter.
ReplyDeleteI think the highboy would look great painted, but it is lovely just how it is. Love your dishes and new towel. It inspired me to buy two new dish towels today, in a soft yellow and white. It's the small things that can be so exciting!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
Oh I love discussions like this! lol. Everyone is paint happy these days....and while it DOES look good, and this probably would too, I don't think I would touch it. it's beautiful as it is. And I too LOVE those dishes. Such a find.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh that highboy is beautiful and I would NOT paint it. It has it's natural patina and so many beautiful old pieces are being ruined by being painted. It devalues them. I do love some of the painted pieces I've seen, but I cringe when paint is put to classy antiques.
ReplyDeleteI am partial to beautiful woods anyway, always have been.
FlowerLady
Hi, my name is Jean, and I am addicted to dishes. :D No, Cheryl, you could NOT pass those up!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, if you paint that highboy I will personally turn up on your doorstep to slap you silly! :D
ReplyDeleteMy father always said about mixing different woods in your home. "Trees of maple, cherry, pine, walnut, and others all grow together in a forest, so why not in a home. Personal choice, however, reigns.
ReplyDeleteMy father always said about mixing different woods in your home. "Trees of maple, cherry, pine, walnut, and others all grow together in a forest, so why not in a home. Personal choice, however, reigns.
ReplyDeleteI would have a very hard time painting that beautiful highboy if it were mine, but it's yours and if you would like to see it another color, then that is what you should do! I've always loved golden oak and most everything in my house is oak, but lately I've pondered painting a piece or two just for a change. Pondering is about as far as I get these days, but if I do have a burst of energy, the paint is awaiting!
ReplyDeleteThe Blue Willow was a great find...enjoy!
I have many, many pieces of blue willow patterned dishes. Most are mismatched. I think you got a great deal on yours. Re. the highboy, it definitely would NOT get painted at my house .
ReplyDeleteWow, what fun to read, first your delightful post than the comments...:)) I'm sure you're totally clear now. Lol. My opinion was first to paint as I love light french country chippy look, but on second thought and I astound myself I say leave it, I always say wood has a place and I think this may be one of those times.
ReplyDeleteSuch animosity for painters of wood! Haha! :-) :-) :-)
ReplyDeleteI have loved painted wood since before it was hip! Does that make me a painted wood hipster? ! :-)
I say paint it! :-) It would look amazing black!
I call it being a lonely dish rescuer, not a collector. It sounds more noble! :-) What a great find!
Hope your having a lovely Monday!
What a fabulous find, those Blue Willow Dishes! I'm happy you swooped them up :)
ReplyDeleteI would have a hard time painting that beautiful highboy. I rather like the eclectic look.
Whatever you decide, it'll be perfect - your home shows that special touch you have, so go for whatever your instinct tells you!