So, I sort of broke my own shopping rule over the weekend. This year I am trying to be more conscious about my spending; only buying items that I really, really love for specific projects that I am currently working on. (You know, none of that frivolous spending just because something is on sale or it might work some day.)
I've also been trying to shop my own home before spending money on décor.
And, then I found this painting at an indoor flea market. It wasn't anything I needed and it wasn't for a specific project, but can you say love? You totally know how you can't dwell on items in places like that because they move so fast. I did, however, think about it long and hard (while clutching it) before I bought it.
The painting is from the 1950s, I paid $35 for it and I totally love it. It's now above our mantel, replacing a large mirror we've had forever. It is a perfect accent for the room, brings in a lot of color and is age appropriate for our home. This is the view from sitting on the couch...
Because the painting makes such a statement, I kept the rest of the mantel and fireplace super simple.
And, then I found this painting at an indoor flea market. It wasn't anything I needed and it wasn't for a specific project, but can you say love? You totally know how you can't dwell on items in places like that because they move so fast. I did, however, think about it long and hard (while clutching it) before I bought it.
The painting is from the 1950s, I paid $35 for it and I totally love it. It's now above our mantel, replacing a large mirror we've had forever. It is a perfect accent for the room, brings in a lot of color and is age appropriate for our home. This is the view from sitting on the couch...
Because the painting makes such a statement, I kept the rest of the mantel and fireplace super simple.
I bet your wondering how this new addition is going over with the family? Not well. So. Not. Well. My youngest keeps telling me to get rid of it. (Apparently she has creepy eyes and he has major issues with eyes. Not kidding, he is 10 and can just now look at the Grinch.) And my 12 year old jumped on the band wagon and made some rude 12 year old comment. My husband was better with it once I hung it up and styled the space.
P.S. Apparently I have a thing for vintage oil paintings of women. (We've had Drew, (aptly named because my husband things she looks like Drew Barrymore) for close to two years in our dining room.
A couple of final thoughts. I think that my decorating style has definitely changed this year. I've been noticing the shift for a while now. I find myself being super selective in what I display (and keeping items to a minimum). Also, I find myself gravitating towards pieces that can remain up throughout the year rather than decorating seasonally. I can't wait to see how this evolves!
And....exciting news! I am being featured over at Primitive & Proper today in Cassie's It's Eclectic, Boogie Oogie Oogie Series! Head on over there and show me some love!
Also, I've been nominated for a Homie over at Apartment Therapy! Please cast your vote for your favorite blogs here!
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Linking to...
DIY Showoff Between Naps on the Porch Mod Vintage Life Cozy Little House The Scoop Elizabeth and Co. My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia 52 Mantels Embracing Change A Delightsome Life French Country Cottage Common Ground Jennifer Rizzo From My Front Porch To Yours No Minimalist Here Savvy Southern Style Miss Mustard Seed A Stroll Through Life Frugal, Crafty Home Redoux The Winthrop Chronicles Inspiration Exchange The Inspiration Gallery Boogieboard Cottage Amaze Me Monday Give me the Goods Monday
I have a thing for these types of oil paintings too. And one day I will hopefully have my great grandmother hanging somewhere but I know my kids won't like it either. Saw you on P&P and of course loved it
ReplyDeleteOh I love it, I am a huge fan or portraits and this one is fabulous. Looks wonderful on the mantel. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteI love that painting. Sorry it bothers your child.
ReplyDeleteAngela, I love it - boys, what do they know ;) Can't wait to pop over to Cassie's and see you tour!!! And congrats on the nomination! So much big news for you!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy first thought on the painting......She could be your grandmother. Has anyone else noticed the resemblance?
ReplyDeletei love that painting! it is so you- i love vintage paintings, too!
ReplyDeleteand thank you so much for sharing your home today!
I love your new painting-and what a deal! It looks perfect in its new home!
ReplyDeleteAlison
Nancherrow
I love your new painting Angela...it looks great on your mantel!
ReplyDeleteLove the painting! My rule for thrifting is I have to either really need something OR really love something to bring it home...that's the kind of find you'd regret passing up, I bet :). LOL about your boys' reaction...she does kind of look like the kind of woman it'd be hard to get away with anything with if she were watching you ;)
ReplyDeleteHaha. I love how the family reacts to your new finds. I sometimes forget that my husband is not in my crazy designer mind. By the time I actually start something, especially for my blog I realize I have not run by my plans with him. Of course to me, I have been thinking about these things for weeks maybe even months so it's nothing new to me. "Oh so you are going to paint the room navy?" Oops. Maybe I should have run that one by him. Thank goodness he goes with the flow.
ReplyDeleteJaneane
www.designwithj9.wordpress.com
She's beautiful and looks so stately looking over your fireplace. I say keep her :). Perfect accessories to compliment and not compete too.
ReplyDeleteI have put myself on a "shop home" budget this year (I think there's a lot of that going around) but is totally would not have been able to pass this by either.
Kelly @ http://babioledewindsor.blogspot.com
I like it... but perhaps you can paint on some sun glasses? (ok, just joking...)
ReplyDeleteIt caught my eye...no pun intended. I like it, but paintings like these are perhaps an acquired taste. :) Maybe you need to let your son name her, too!
ReplyDeleteLove this painting. Paintings like these used to freak me out too when I was young.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
I always have a painting or portrait of a "fake " ancestor around the house. I think faces are very interesting. Love this one and would have certainly bought it. My mother painted portraits of herself as a series of clowns when my brothers and I were young. Talk about being freaked out! I now despise clowns - they are creepy.
ReplyDeleteI really like it!
ReplyDeleteBoth of your paintings are wonderful pieces of art. You can't go wrong with good art gracing the walls of your home.
ReplyDeleteI like her. If she lived with me, by now she'd have an assortment of Dorothy Parker quotes in dialogue balloons and a Post It Martini glass. She would definitely encourage me to not take life, or myself too seriously. I think her eyes are sardonic... they would seem world weary to me if I were melancholy. The fact that her eyes seem 'creepy' to the 10 yr old says he is sensitive to art, and obviously intelligent... He is just to young to understand the broad spectrum of emotions that fall under 'creepy' to a 10 yr old. You know what IS creepy? Those faceless crying kids in the corner dolls that were in fashion years ago. THEY were creepy. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful! I came very close to having an amazing one of a child! Love yours!! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
ReplyDeleteKathy