I’m dreaming of…

Hi there. How’s life treating you? We are back into the swing of school around here and I’m trying to get organized and make the most of each day. Not easy. I often find myself being pulled in so many directions that I get overwhelmed. So, I retreat into my own little daydreams. Highly productive. Not.

We have been renting a beautiful home in a fabulous neighborhood but it’s been three years and I’m getting itchy feet! Growing up, I lived in 10 different houses and two countries (the U.S. & Australia). When Chris and I got together, we moved 5 times in 4 years. Finally, we settled in Portland and have lived here for almost 11 years. No wonder I’m getting wanderlust!

Moving is in my blood and I’m totally dreaming of us buying a large piece of land and building a sweet farmhouse. I want a big porch, an old barn for my art studio, chickens (why not?) and a large, white kitchen, where I would bake bread and make delicious meals. Realistic? Probably not, I don’t even bake – but wow, does it sound good to me right now. I’m being drawn to wide open spaces, quiet, solitude, a slower pace. A place to focus and create. Sometimes life just feels so noisy. Know what I mean?

So in my procrastination, I pulled my favorite farmhouse images from my Pinterest board to share my vision with you…

Okay…I think I got that out of my system. Now back to the laundry…ugh.

Have a beautiful afternoon.

xo,

Ivy

* For sources and more dreamy Farmhouse images see my Pinterest board.*

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Inspired Spaces: Swedish style

Hello there! Okay I’m back with a sweet interior to share with you! I adore Swedish style and this home has such a beautiful blend of charm and elegance…

I love all those neutrals with subtle accents of pattern, texture and soft color. It’s somewhat formal but approachable at the same time.

I will own a clock like this one day!

Great mix of fabrics used here. Color ties them all together, making the look successful.

A classic Swedish fireplace done in Delft tiles…so lovely!

Such a gorgeous home! Hope you enjoyed the little tour.

Have a wonderful day!

xo,

Images via Skona Hem

Guest Post: Vintage Dressers & Chests

Hello, everyone! It’s Mari here from Arcadian Home blog, a wonderful place to find lots of decorating inspirations, including all kinds of lovely lighting fixtures from ornate torchiere lamps to massive crystal chandeliers. I am so happy to have the opportunity to visit Grace & Ivy with a guest post about appealing vignettes that show off the beauty of vintage dressers and chests.

Today, I’ve brought along eight images to inspire you to continue to explore the possibilities of giving new life to one or more of the many vintage chests and dressers just waiting to be discovered at a local garage sales, flea markets or in family attics and basements. Please enjoy!

Our first vignette is the focal point of this all-white bath up under the rafters. This antique piece has been transformed with a glossy white paint finish and deep contemporary vessel sinks. It’s quite charming with a vintage floor mirror and cherub pendant light.

An ornate bombe chest gets a new life with coats of chalky white paint from those cute little feet to the swirly metal drawer pulls. What a perfect baby shower vignette that includes a charming collection of DIY cake stands and gorgeous dessert offerings!

Even a broken vintage dresser can get a second chance at life in a guest bedroom. The “shelf” left behind by a missing drawer becomes open storage for extra towels. Lots of table decor (read found objects) add to the dresser’s worn charm.

A small vintage vignette atop a distressed gray chest fits in beautifully with a charming wall gallery and metal pendant lights at the top of the stairs in this country home.

A beautiful focal point is created in this farmhouse kitchen by pairing a vintage chest turned marble-topped work island with a glorious crystal chandelier. It seems even Mr. Dog appreciates great design.

A vintage chest stripped down to its bare wood, lovely little arm chair and interesting side table create a stunning corner vignette. I am a big fan of contemporary lamps, but have never seen one quite like this tabletop beauty I’m quite smitten by its unique design.

Quirky little “decorative accessories” add a sense of fun to this vintage vignette. How cool is the look of an oversize swing arm floor lamp as it appears to inspect the sprouting bulbs atop the repurposed map chest?

Even a distressed chest deserves one last chance to shine. This aging beauty with peeling paint is perfect in an appealing outdoor vignette. What a pleasure it is to see vintage pieces that have served well for many years still being enjoyed well past their prime!

What do you think of these vintage dressers and chests? Leave us your thoughts below and be sure to stop by our website for more home decor, lighting, and inspirations!

Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Around the House: Holiday Sparkle

Hi friends! How are you? It’s been quite some time since I’ve had the opportunity to share something with you! As usual, life’s been crazy but I’m happy to report that we are all getting a little more sleep (most nights) and it has greatly improved the general mood in the Newport house. Plus, it’s hard to be grumpy with all the Christmas decorations up. I do love this time of year! So let me take you on a tour of our house…who doesn’t love some holiday sparkle?

First off…welcome to our living room where we place our prized, live, Grand Fir Christmas tree. Isn’t she a beauty? I usually do this tree in soft gold, silver and touch of light blue. I crown her with sparkling branches in stead of the traditional star.

I love using my vintage items in my decorating so this antique, turquoise seltzer bottle takes center stage on the coffee table.

A frost covered forest was my inspiration for the greenery…

This beautiful, old clock dates back to the 1890’s and was found on one of my many treasure hunting trips.

Strung from the mantel with a piece of twine, hangs vintage postcards featuring birds and antique European letters.

Come through to the dining room where the winter forest theme continues…

 

A vintage printers tray is displayed on one wall filled with glimmering bits and pieces and antique French postcards…

On the kitchen table, I have featured a vintage silver bowl filled with budding paper-whites. I have always wanted to do these! Can’t wait to see them in full bloom!

A lovely, antique confiture jar from Paris holds miniature white roses. This gorgeous, rare jar is currently listed in my Etsy shop.

I may have overdone the roses…but in my opinion, you can’t have enough and they pair so well with the tarnished silver, don’t you think?

Look who couldn’t resist jumping up on the table to get into my shot – none other, than my ever curious cat – Toby…

Thanks for coming along and checking out my holiday decor. I had a blast putting everything up (with the help of the hubby)! My family gets here this week, so I may not be posting much until after Christmas. I wish you all the very best for the holidays! Thank you for all your wonderful comments and loving support! I will see you in the New Year!

xo,

The Nursery

Hello! How is everyone doing so far this week? I had a rough go at it yesterday with 5 hours of annoying “practice” contractions…ugh. Wiped me out. Luckily, I rented a wide angle lens that morning and did the nursery photo-shoot before my uterus decided to do a workout. As promised…here is Claire’s room…

As many of you know, this room is inspired by my recent trip to Paris. I have incorporated French antiques, sweet French bunnies and a color palette of soft petal pink, ivory and shades of French gray. My dear hubby built the cornice box above the crib and installed sheer panels for the canopy. The walls are painted “Atlantic Winter” by Miller Paint.

I added touches of wrought iron since you see so much of it in Paris and it contrasts nicely with all the light tones. The iron crystal lantern is from Pottery Barn and the vintage candle sconces I got from this Etsy shop.

I found this beautiful, antique French print at a local antique store. She looks so elegant in a white and gold vintage frame…

Creating these digital collages for the room was an absolute blast! I got them printed on canvas and up they went. The translation is “I love Paris in the Springtime, when hope blooms.” And of course, I had to have a photo of big sis up on Claire’s shelves…

Okay…well there you have it. The room is all ready for Baby Claire…now we just have to see when she arrives.

I will probably be taking a break from the blog for a little while…not sure when exactly but if I suddenly disappear for a bit – you will know why! I promise I won’t be too long and you know I’m gonna be all over an attempt at newborn photography!

Thank you for your continued love, support and encouragement!

xo,

Around the house…

Happy Friday everyone. Hope you all had a fabulous week. I’ve been feeling pretty exhausted and anxious about the arrival of little Miss Claire but I do have little bursts of energy. A couple of days ago, one struck and I felt compelled to appreciate my home and all the lovely objects that I get to share my space with. So I waddled around my space taking a few shots…I thought I would share them with you. This first batch is from my studio…

One of my favorite things about being an antique shop owner is that I get to enjoy the old treasures that I find…even if for a short time…before I send them to a new home.

You can see in the background here that I just got my copy of “this i know” by Susannah Conway. If you don’t already have it…go get it.  It’s truly beautiful.

This past week, Chris brought me 20 stems of pink Peonies. I have adored them. They graced our breakfast table among some of my great, great grandmothers silver…

Have a lovely weekend. I think I hear a nap calling my name…

What do you love about your space? Take a picture of it and appreciate the beauty around you.

xo,