Tuesday, March 23, 2010

A Mantel Makeover at 5th


Since this space is used by numerous adults during the shows, we need ample seating and space for everyone to be comfortable. Although, I do believe that little Santos on the mantel got the best seat in the house! Seating was a challenge in this 13' x 16'  living room, but as you will soon see in planned upcoming posts, I think we did it.  I utilized every possible area I could for seating and the fireplace was no exception.


This mantel previously had a Victorian style top with small cubbies, it was a bit "too cutsey" for me. So, I replaced it with a mirror that I painted the same color that we painted the mantel.  They look like they've been together forever!

We refurbished many of these antique mining carts last year and have sold several of them at the Shoppe  I painted the top of this particular cart white and was using it as a coffee table.  But, with Spring upon us and Summer around the corner, we rolled it in front of the fireplace and added a couple of heavily piped cushions for seating.  I love the vintage industrial feel they bring to the space.   (We currently have two of these antique carts available for sale). 

The boxes (pictured to the left in the photo below) are antique boxes from a Drug Store long since gone.  Amazingly, they are filled with old prescription books from the 1950s.  They are interesting to thumb through and have been quite a hit at the Shoppe.  In December, a husband and wife bought a set of these as a Christmas gift for their future son-in-law.....he had just become a Pharmacist.  Isn't that sweet?  Such a thoughtful gift. I love getting to visit with our customers.

 I love the Santos dolls, they are keeping a watchful eye over the room from their perch.

Don't you love old bottles?  I love the labels on these.


For as long as I can remember I've had a thing for scales....just can't get enough of them!





20 comments:

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Laurie, I love the mantel, it looks great!!! Love all the things you have decorated it with, especially those vintage bottles. Just wondering if you're going to Warrington

Brea said...

Wow, I am just drooling over the mining cart with cushions! Stunning mantel! I hope we get to see the rest of the room!

Blissful Endings said...

So pretty, I love it!

Classic.....with a twist said...

We are remodeling an old house and I am always on the internet looking for inspiration. So, I am loving all the remodeling photos! Your blog is wonderful inspiration, thanks for sharing it with us!

Elsie said...

I don't know about Tina smiling ,
but I am. That looks great. Love
the mining cart as seating. The
mantle/mantel looks so good with
all you sell in your shop. I can't
wait to come shopping there again.
:O)

Blue Creek Home said...

I love what you did! The seating is amazing!

red.neck chic said...

I hope that Tina is smiling - 'cause there is certainly reason to!!! Laurie Anna - that is gorgeous!!! I love the cart - but the drug store boxes are FANTASTIC!!! Wait, what am I saying? ALL of it is fantastic!!!

;-) robelyn

unique unique design said...

Your mantel looks GREAT! Wonderful items you used for display. And, I really love the carts you did for seating.
marcie

Tanna said...

That mining cart seating is amazing! Love it! Wish I could make it to the shop this Saturday, but we are having our Historic Home Tour... so, I'll be working myself. Have a great day, LauriAnna!

jmac said...

Love it!! SO much. and I have loads of questions....as usual!
The lights? are they hanging from ceiling?? wired in? and can you show a pic of the cart minus cushions? I can't see what it looks like. and the dolls?? Oh my!
I want them with all my heart....
sigh~ does this mean yet one more trip to canton??? (oh boy!)

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

Janie, the lights are hanging as swags from the ceiling, we ran the wire around the mirror so you can't see it. I will post a pic of the cart minus the cushions. I have two available, one with a wood top (not painted) and one with a glass top....they are the real thing and just amazing! And, the Santos dolls are new arrivals and will be available at the Shoppe this next show. You know that we will also be open this Saturday the 28th! Hope to see you soon! ~LaurieAnna

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

Daphne, we may go for a couple of days to buy, but we're not setting up.

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

P.S. Janie, we removed the wood plank top and added the glass....thought I should clarify. The finished result is wonderful!

Ashley Schott said...

I'm in love with it all! That cart is sooo cool:) Your blog is awesome:)

awal.ny said...

Alaina, said....I love the style.

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

so very pretty & inspiring...love the old bottles!

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

Oops...Janie it's Saturday, March 27th...not the 28th!

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

What a beautiful post! Your photos are breathtaking. I love the Santos dolls, the bottles with the old labels and the chandeliers hanging over all.

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie Anna - thank you for your visit!

I love the mantel! It makes me wish I had a fireplace :)

The old bottles and hourglasses are my favorite.

suzeeez said...

The mantel looks perfect,love your taste in decorating!
:o) Sue