UNIQUE ANTIQUE DISPLAY ITEMS

As I mentioned yesterday – this wooden antique cabinet might be something that came from a hotel – it's got numbered boxes where items can be stored. I've used some unique, small accessories in the compartments. Here are a few of my favourite little trinkets. In this picture, you can see the numbers, and an old key my grandmother gave me many years ago. It's a large, heavy key! Also some shells in the background.

An old book of matches from the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax, a friend gave me these because she thought I'd like something with NELSON on it – and of course I do!

A fave whale clip – made of brass. I like that it looks like this guy is smiling!

And here is the cabinet again and the post about it is here http://www.debnelsondesign.com/?p=2676:

ANTIQUE DISPLAY CABINET

This antique cabinet is a great place to display small objects. Possibly this is a piece from an old hotel – each box is numbered, so could have been where the key to each room was kept.  Now makes a great place to show off some small, unique antique accessories. I'll be sharing more on those tomorrow!

SIMPLE HOLIDAY DECORE WITH BRANCHES

I like the look of large branches in vases through all seasons, but during the holidays you can easily create a festive centrepiece or display using a few decorations. The image above from House & Home magazine shows how easy it can be. You can DIY a simple display by getting some branches (maybe even in your own backyard like I do!) and find a few decorations to put on them. You can also do a vase with a red bow tied around it. Lot of different options!

I've also done my own version of wool wrapped branches, this is a fave of mine from Domino magazine many years ago. When I made this I wrapped individual branches in cream wool – very easy.

Images: House & Home magazine (top 3) Domino magazine

DESIGN INSPIRATION: COMFY SLIPCOVERED CHAIRS

I've always been a fan of white slipcovered chairs. I find the white cover is easier to keep clean than other colours because you can always add a touch of bleach when washing, if you need to. I have several white slipcovered chairs around, and recently I've seen a few that are slipcovered and have a swivel feature. I have two chairs in a sitting area off my kitchen, there's an amazing ocean view out the window here. The picture above is a close up of the chairs and here is the shot of me sitting in one.

These chairs above are from Ikea and I had the seat cushions filled with down instead of the foam that came with them. This improvement really changed the chairs and made them a lot more comfortable.

Here are a couple of other chairs that I like – with slip covers and they swivel. For this area I have my eye on chairs that swivel since then you can easily face the view out the window or spin around and chat with people in the kitchen. These are a couple I'm looking at.

This is from the Pottery Barn but it's too big for my space.

And these are both options that swivel, from Crate & Barrel.

ANTIQUE ACCESSORIES

In my own home, I like to use a lot of unique antique accessories to add character to rooms. I love going to antique shops and hunting around for small things that catch my eye. The old NS sign above was one of my favourite finds. It's an old sign that was used to indicate picnic table locations. I have quite a few favourites, but these are a few others!

Some kitchen items.

A wooden trug and old croquet set.

A giant old shell and basket.

My fave whale bone and antique Quebec farmhouse painting.