Vintage Wallpaper

First up- let’s talk about this vintage wallpaper.

I spotted this vintage wallpaper on the shelf at the Re-Store mixed in with other wallpapers and knew it was a keeper. Neutral tones of browns, beiges, grays and yellows kind of bring to mind the 70’s a bit I suppose- but the ticking stripes florals made it feel classic and romantic and I absolutely loved it. And I was born in the 70’s so I guess that makes it appropriate too haha. It was just $2.00 and not quite full but a fairly good size roll. I figured the paste wasn’t going to be good any longer but I planned to just use tacks for a quick and easy change. Of course, you can always buy wallpaper paste and add that to old wallpaper or even use double sided tape as well if you would like it. I kept it simple.

Ready to see where it went?

Vintage Wallpaper & an Antique cupboard

Remember this cutie? This was Free along with another piece and a mirror- and it came with a whole lot of ‘free’ beetles eating the wood. I blogged about these pieces and beetles in this post HERE if you want to read more.

I instantly thought of this cupboard for the wallpaper. And here is how it turned out.

Tacking the vintage wallpaper inside

I didn’t want to do anything that was more of a permanent change- I do like the wood backing & want to be able to change the look on a whim. So messy paste or tapes were out. I decided to simply tack the wallpaper to the inside of the cupboard. First issue I ran into? I could not remove the shelves for anything. I have no idea how we got the shelves out before and then got them back in- there must be a way but it was not happening and I was impatient to get the paper in. So, what I did was lift the backs of the shelves up and shimmy the wallpaper up behind them.

Side note: I didn’t style the cupboard for this as you can see- I simply grabbed a few of my white dishes that were in the cupboard & a vase of roses from the garden for a few quick iPhone snaps before heading out this morning. So I will share more about styling a wallpaper lined cupboard in a separate post.

Using Tacks

I used gold tacks at the top and bottom since that was what I had on hand. Something that is clear would be better but I am not too worried about it for now and can easily change the tacks whenever I get those.

It took 2 sections of paper to cover the back. I am contemplating covering the sides and the top ‘ceiling’ area. But I also want to conserve the rest of the wallpaper for another project. So for now, I kept it minimal in the amount of cut pieces of paper used.

I love how it turned out- and now, I think every single cupboard and armoire will be getting a little sprinkle of vintage wallpaper love.

What do you think of this quick and easy 5 minute vintage update?

For a similar wallpaper look- you can click the photos to shop the look below though note the scale – it is likely much larger than the vintage. *affiliate links

Happy Monday everyone.

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Garden Glory

Our wisteria is honestly a hit or miss bloom. We often have a late freeze just about the time the wisteria is almost ready to bloom-and though we have gotten pretty nimble and creative with setting up chairs around plants for tarps to go over and laying tarps over the tender wisteria on the greenhouse- it always seems that those wisteria blooms are affected even so. So when she blooms and they are blooming – I am loving them and grabbing all the photos.

Aside from the wisteria starting to open up this week, there are buds on the climbing roses and the peonies have sprouted and grown quite a bit already. It will be a little bit before they bloom- but you know I will share all the photos when they do.

What we are planting right now

Foxgloves. Foxgloves. And more foxgloves. You know I am obsessed with foxgloves and absolutely love having them in the garden in many layers. My husband starts bringing them home when he finds them and we have already gotten the greenhouse garden path planted with about a dozen new plants. You might remember that foxgloves don’t bloom each year so you need to plant them several years in a row to get that full look. Aside from that- we have had all those gophers chomping through them and so many of them are missing. We only include the foxgloves in the garden area that is fenced and don’t let our chickens or other animals to roam unsupervised there on the off chance they might decide to nibble on them- they are poisonous so be careful if including in your garden. You can read more about them in my post HERE.

Scabiosa is another plant we are adding in. We most often put them into the window boxes since they add a nice height and dance in the breeze but we do also tuck a few into the garden path.

Lavender is always on repeat here. Last year we planted the window boxes in the front with small gallon size lavender and so those will be moved to the garden to be able to grow bigger and the boxes replanted with small plants again this year. And a couple of these topiaries are poufs in the pots so will give them a little love and hopefully they will bloom soon as well.

Garden Roses are always something I seem to add each year- and this year we are filling in some of the bare spots in the rose garden area around the fountain to make it feel more finished. You can read more about some of my favorite roses in this post HERE.

Other always on repeat favorites are lilac, salvia and sage in various shades, bacopa, along with some herbs like thyme mingling in. We are going to do some shopping at the garden centers this week so of course, new additions to the garden are subject to what catches my eye and inspires me.

Wildflower Seeds

Something else I am planning on doing this year is spreading a whole lot of wildflower seeds in various areas that we like to leave a little bit wild. I am obsessed with flowers in fields and meadows and would like to create a mini one here.

Has anyone tried mixing several different wildflower mixes and spreading them around together? I am wondering if there is any special types of wildflowers that are best to mix or or if you can just go with what you like. Will keep you posted on how that comes together.

Happy Friday everyone!

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From potted plants to dried flowers to a pop of pretty color- today it is all about simple inexpensive ways to decorate for spring.

Inexpensive Spring Decor

Throw Pillows

One of the easiest ways to update your living room or bedroom spaces without breaking the bank is to update your throw pillows. Rather than bringing in all new pillows- think simple and bring in pillow covers. A secret- layer those covers right over the other covers you have to save on storing them also. No one will know but you!

Faux Arrangement

While I absolutely love fresh flowers in a room- they do need to be replaced weekly and so, if you are looking for something that will last- realistic faux works beautifully. They cost a bit more at the front end but being able to be on repeat makes them a cost effective way to decorate.

Dried Arrangment

Another favorite look is to use dried flowers and grasses. One of my all time favorite gathered arrangements was a fall arrangement that was simply dried foliage. For spring- think dried flowers with foliage. Roses, strawflower, lavender, eucalyptus etc. are all beautiful when dried and make a stunning arrangement that you can create and forget about.

Yes, this one is an autumn arrangement but it is just to give you an idea of how beautiful dried florals can be.

Wreath

Simple and quick- hang a wreath on a door, wall, cupboard, peg shelf or anywhere you want to bring in a touch of spring in a snap.

Gathered Bottles & books

This is one of my go-to spring and summer looks- pairing collected bottles with vintage books. I love them on the mantel, on a sideboard or even on the nightstand. They are a simple and charming way to decorate in little bits rather than big.

Thrifted Ironstone

You know those cupboard shelves and open cabinets get a little love in every season. One of the easiest ways to create a backdrop for those seasonal decor changes is to use ironstone. White dishes in all shapes and sizes creates a simple neutral look- for spring think flowers and mossy elements like branches and rocks. Simply tuck them in here and there – or leave the ironstone display unadorned. Always beautiful as is as well.

Potted Plants

Because, fresh potted plants are always pretty and bring a touch of nature to your home. Think ferns or herbs or succulents if that is your favorite look. 6 packs of spring flowers are another pretty look- gather them in pots and place on a table for a centerpiece. I also love to bring in those olive trees and bushes for a garden room feeling.

Lovely Lavender

Because lavender is always a beautiful touch – and in the house or outside it makes a perfect touch of spring and this faux potted plant will last all summer long.

Potted Hydrangeas

I love them on the porch- And I love them in the house. Hydrangeas are just happy flowers aren’t they? Plants and cut blooms do require a bit of work to keep them looking good- plus they are shade lovers so may not always be suitable to plant where you would like to have them. These potted blooms below are faux – so perfect for sunny areas and you don’t have to do a thing but decide where to place them and enjoy.

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Marseille Meadow Wreath (one of my designs exclusive at Balsam Hill)

Outdoor Lavender Pot Filler

Hydrangea Pot Filler

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Cottage style Chair Refresh

You might remember when I brought these charming old chairs home. I found them advertised as ‘log chairs’ on Marketplace up in Truckee and since we were on the way up there – I messaged about them and picked them up. I have just called them our branch chairs but technically they are a willow chair I believe. Once home, I knew I was going to tackle reupholstering the seats and had a lovely floral fabric in mind. But you know how projects go- they go on the back burner sometimes. Recently though, I brought them out for a magic wand refresh.

Tip: Shop marketplace in areas you will be traveling to or through – you might be surprised at what you score!

There were 4 chairs and they all had the same dark green fabric on the seats. Nothing wrong with the fabric other than it was dirty and had a bit of what looked like cat hair on them. Which has since been added too since the neighborhood cats love to plop on these chairs and take a siesta.

The green was simple and charming and I didn’t hate it. But I did have a look in mind that I was after.

Vintage Floral Fabric

I wanted to re-do these with a lovely old vintage floral fabric. And I have a big stash of vintage and new floral fabrics. I brought them out and went back and forth trying to decide which one to go with for a cottage chair refresh- and hesitated to cut into my favorites that I really wanted to use. But then I had a wild hair idea.

Vintage Style Pillow Cases

Another fabric I collect? Vintage and vintage look bed linens. know it is odd. But I love those old florals and the flat sheets are perfect as tablecloths. I thought just.maybe. the pillowcases would fit on the seats. And so I tried them.

Voila.

Instant cottage style charm. No cutting into my favorite vintage fabrics and look how darling these pillowcases look? Even better- these are new vintage look pillowcases and just $10 for a pair so they are not expensive to enjoy outdoors and affordable to replace if they do get ruined.

What do you think of how this turned out? I am in love with the floral fabric seats and in front of the camellia tree in bloom- even more sweet and charming. But a little thing… I only had 1 of these floral pillowcases on hand so I just might have another refresh coming in a different fabric to update them all the same. I will share the whole look when they are all done and styled.

You can see more of these chairs in this post HERE

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Beautiful Needlepoint

Admittedly, I am obsessed with vintage floral needlepoint everything. And when I say everything- I mean- Everything. Bring on the little footstools wearing old threadbare needlepoint fabric. Give me all the old chairs with dainty needlepoint covers and don’t get me started on the amount of those beautiful pillows I feel belong in the house. They just might compete with the amount of needlepoint chairs I feel are necessary. And that is saying a lot.

Really though, those old pieces of needlepoint are like artwork. They bring patterns to life with texture and color and when they are well worn they are merely well loved and even more lovely in my opinion.

I have recently brought home a couple of new to me vintage chairs wearing delightful needlepoint fabrics for a project I am working on (more on that coming your way) and I must say, I don’t think I have met a needlepoint covered chair I didn’t like.

Blush, navy blue, apple green, yellow, – you name the color- those chairs are delightful.

Needlepoint Chairs

Where do you place a needlepoint chair? Anywhere. While some of the chairs may not be usable due to fragile fabrics- they make a beautiful vignette and accent in a room either way. And the ones that are usable- well, enjoy them anywhere you would like them.

Needlepoint Stools

If you don’t have the space for a chair- an old charming stool covered in needlepoint can be perfect. I love little footstools and ottomans because they are usually covered in charming carvings or a sweet little shape and when you add in an old needlepoint covering- they are even more delightful. Plus, they are small and so easy to tuck under a coffee table when not using.

Needlepoint Pillows

Something I am always falling for because you can plop a pillow anywhere and call it good. These pillows are also usually in the form of a cover- which I love because it makes design changes and storing pieces so easy. A bonus with the pillows- they make quite a few reproductions that are lovely like an antique if you are looking for instant charm.

Get the Look

Shopping vintage is always such a fun way to sort through and find treasures. Stop at your local thrift stores and take a closer look at the pillow section. I also have picked up several vintage single chairs with at the thrift stores and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. You can also check marketplace and other online shopping avenues.

For new get the look options- I was able to find some beautiful pillow options- click the photos below to shop. *affiliate links

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The super bloom happens in California when we have a bunch of winter water to encourage all those dainty little flowers to grow like wildfires- and they are showing up this year with a whole lot of pep. You may be familiar with some of the Southern California super blooms – places like the Carizzo Plain and flower fields near San Diego always get coverage. But northern California has some beautiful spots as well- Yosemite has super bloom flowers, Mt. Diablo is a beautiful hike among the flowers, there are several trails near the coast, to mention a few. Today, I am sharing one that is in Butte County-just a couple hour drive from the SF Bay Area and blooming as we speak.

We hopped in the car and took a trip up to the Butte County countryside to do a little hiking among the flowers in a spring superbloom.

It was crazy packed with folks who come from all over to see the fields and mountains covered in flowers – lots of instagram snaps and more going on in the main areas of the path.

So we chose the road less traveled and wandered in a different direction.

Loved walking by the cows and seeing the beautiful waterfalls- and the snow capped mountain ranges in the distance were a bonus.

Currently blooming are all these little yellow cuties, California poppies and several different dainty purples. The mix and mingle is perfection.

If you don’t want to see the waterfalls and follow the usual trails- you can venture out past those areas and find your way to the edge of the plateau and overlook the view to the Sutter Butte mountains.

And if you meander through the groves of oaks- it opens up to a water filled valley that is beautiful as well.

If you are local and would like to take a run over to see the blooms- map to North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve in Oroville for directions and more details.

The post Weekend View- Beautiful Super Bloom Hike appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Today I am breaking down a few tips for doing just that- and the best part is that it is so easy to do and to set up early-which means you can take your time rather than running around at the last minute

Table Tips

From pretty cloths to pretty place settings to the perfect centerpiece that is no fuss- setting a special table is always fun to do. And I have a few tried and true tips along with some secret weapons that I am sharing today.

Location, location, location

It isn’t just about real estate folks. Location matters when setting the stage for a table full of ambiance. For this one- it is set out on the lower patio under the oak tree. Just beyond in all directions is grassy meadow areas, a backdrop of trees and dappled sunlight so it is a perfect place for soaking up a bit of natural ambiance.

A simple Cloth and Garland Centerpiece

This is such a pretty way to enjoy a table that has a whole lot of lovely patina while also bringing out some of your favorite linens. Use a smaller or square cloth on a rectangle table for a similar look to this. Simply place it in the center of the table and add your place settings near the edges.

For a no-fuss centerpiece- layer a faux floral garland down the center of the table and tuck in a few taper candles. For a little extra drama- let the garland fall the the ground and puddle.

Add Ambiance

String lights, candles, lanterns- choose what speaks to you and layer it in your setting. On the table, overhead, in the background, etc.

Think outside the table

Remember when I said we were on a wine barrel mission? I was able to pick up some beautiful barrels to use as tables on the patio. I placed them in the corners and layered flowers on them for a pretty touch. The best part of these flowers? They will last all.summer.long. without any care. These are outdoor safe faux florals from Balsam Hill.

Create a special floral arrangement: These are so easy to create using faux flowers. I used a wreath as a base on the top of the barrel and then placed a hanging basket inside. Fluff and arrange and voila!

Simple Beauty

I kept the place setting simple- white plates, lilac napkins, silver flatware and etched goblets. Of course you can razzle dazzle with place setting elements too- it is all about personal style.

For more – you can see our bold and beautiful table here.

Get the Look

Shop the Balsam Hill sale right now (up to 30% off side-wide)

1. Enchanted Garden Garland
2. Enchanted Garden Hanging Basket
3. Enchanted Garden Wreath

Happy Entertaining everyone!

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I am a wee bit obsessed with farm tables, I will admit. They are simple and sweet and full of character and are charming everywhere you place them. Design wise- they speak quietly. They don’t command attention or take center stage- they play a supporting role in the room but that doesn’t mean that they are wallflowers. Antique farm tables covered in patina or an unusual paint color can definitely stand out all on their own even with the simplest leg style or wonky table top.

I never shy away from any piece that has an abundance of patina – to me that is an abundance of character and is literally what speaks the loudest to me. I have several farm tables here at the house- some are mostly used for photography settings- others are used and appreciated every day. Though I definitely do not *need* any more of them- I will admit that I just brought another wee one home a few weeks ago. I could.not.resist the charm it had – or the price.

What I look for in an antique farm table: Patina. Character. Unusual or unique elements like the paint color, level of old chippyness, leg and apron carvings and details and the overall size.

You might remember this antique farm table with that luscious green paint and rubbed top- I bought it home a couple of years ago and it is an absolute favorite. You can read more about it here: Antique Farm Table

It lives outside most of the year but has been inside the greenhouse for the winter to protect that delicious original patina. It has turned legs and drawers and some beautiful unique markings on the tabletop.

A recent marketplace find- this simple and sweet charming blue farmhouse table was an instant ‘get in my truck’ find.

I was looking for something different- but it popped up in my feed and I instantly messaged about it and sent a deposit for it. It was $40. It has simple utilitarian type construction and lines and is such a sweet little table covered in old chipping paint and the most perfect color. I have used it for several photography projects already and it will be on repeat.

The farm table in our dining room is a special one. It was built by my husband and sons using reclaimed wood. It is over 9′ long and I absolutely love all the wonky that comes along with using old elements to create something new. It has uneven boards on the table top and layers of old paint on the legs and frame. It is usually in front of the long cupboard that we have in the dining room- sometimes though, it moves for a photo by the fireplace.

You might also remember this wee farm table. The fun story behind it is that it was a thrift store find that landed on the cover of my second book Inspired Gatherings. It has simple fluted legs, a wobbly construction and peeling veneer in areas- but the charm and character stand out the most.

Another photography table that now lives on the back patio by the fireplace- this gorgeous beauty that also appeared in Inspired Gatherings. Funny thing when working on a book- you collect random things for using in them to show different looks and styles. For Inspired Gatherings, I collected tables and entertaining elements. So, that is why I have a *few* farmhouse tables (and sets of dishes) and the obsession continues.

For secondhand vintage and antique (and vintage styles) tables- I recommend local shops, thrift stores, marketplace and favorite online sources like Eloquence Antiques & Bella Cottage. Click the pictures to shop the looks below as well.

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It is hard to believe that Easter is just around the corner. It seems like just yesterday I was taking down Christmas and here we are talking rabbits and chocolate eggs and all kinds of Easter whimsy and fun.

Even if your Easter celebrations are on the small side- you can set a pretty table, add a touch of whimsy and charm and enjoy a lovely at home celebration. And today it is all about a round up of on the table ideas- from flowers to place setting touches to a few tried and true nibbles that are always on repeat.

Inspired Centerpieces

A pretty centerpiece on the table is always a good thing- and for Easter- that can involve chocolate rabbits, pretty pastel colored eggs and even something with a bit of whimsy. A few ideas?

GARLAND: Use a garland for instant impact. This is a faux eucalyptus garland that I added a few blooms- you can use fresh or faux here – and also use safe fresh flowers – or faux flowers – on the plates for a pretty touch as well.

CABBAGE: One of my favorite things to do is to bring out the cabbages- and create cabbage flower centerpieces. You can use green or purple cabbage- and whatever flowers and greens you have on hand or that you find available. Side Note: Stay tuned for a new cabbage flower arrangement coming your way next week too.

FLOWERS: A few larger bouquets with scattered greens underneath is always pretty as well. Something to note- use hydrangeas in the arrangements to fill them in nicely and mix similar colors of blooms for a more monochromatic look. This arrangement has white ranunculus, blush roses and green hydrangeas – you can also use snowball viburnum for a similar look.

JARS IN SEVERAL SIZES: Jars of blooms gathered in the center create a lovely look- use a bouquet or two of seasonal flowers in several size jars. Since I can’t get enough of ranunculus during ranunculus season- I mixed several different size & height arrangements.

BRANCHES: Clip a few seasonal branches from a tree and bring them indoors for a lovely touch. Think spring blossoms for a simple look.

SMALL TREE BLOOMS: Or something smaller like camellia blooms and branches.

Outside the box

Want to get a little more untraditional with centerpieces? Think Outside the box- and outside. Bring some of those potted plants in for a unique and charming look. You can see the secret to these flowers HERE

PATIO BLOOMS: These are on the patio-but you can easily bring them in and place them in the center of the table for a pretty look.

OLIVE: I also love olive – and in an antique metal bucket- even better. Add a bowl of pretty almond eggs or a scattering of foil wrapped chocolates for an easter touch.

Place Setting Pretties

What about something to decorate those place settings? A simple little touch adds a whole lot of charm.

CHOCOLATE RABBITS: Always sweet to use in the center of the plates-

BLOOMS: A sprig of pretty spring blooms is always a lovely touch.

CHOCOLATE EGGS: Chocolate Eggs or almonds are another fun way to decorate a place setting- placed in a pretty glass- they are so sweet & delicious. You can also see more chocolate rabbit ideas here

Nibbles

Of course, pretty table settings and softly colored eggs are always on the agenda for Easter- but the food might be something to think about too. For me, food always comes after the decor, flowers and setting. Anyone else the same way?

Here are a couple favorite and so simple to make recipes that will dazzle your guests. I just made this blackberry brie a couple weeks ago when my dad was here for a visit and it was gobbled up in about 5 minutes.

Pecan and Blackberry Brie en Croute

Simple and a bit savory- this is such an easy recipe to make and the presentation on the table is so lovely.

Spinach and mushroom braided appetizer

A cheese board- always a good idea and always a hit. Here are some essentials.

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The post 15 Beautiful Easter Table & Entertaining Ideas appeared first on French Country Cottage.

No Maintenance Porch

I am obsessed with lavender. We have lavender in the garden beds all around the house and even in our window boxes. And so, of course some lavender on the porch for a spring styling was perfect. And the secret to these pots of lavender? They will last all season long without any watering & maintenance of any kind – they are realistic faux.

Which means you can style your spring porch and forget about upkeep but enjoy it all spring and even summer long. The hydrangea wreaths & pots are realistic faux as well- perfect to mix and mingle. Stay tuned for another look with these pots also.

Wood Bins & Bushels of Lavender on the porch

I got out the bushel baskets and some wood bins for this look. I wanted to keep it simple and natural and the wood was just talking to me. I love the mingle of the lavender with the tone of the wood- so pretty.

The two tall wood containers by the front door are old nail baskets/bins that I picked up at a yard sale. They were perfect for adding some height by the door and coordinating with smaller wood bins and bushels on the steps. I simply placed the lavender right inside.

On the door

I was going to use a lavender wreath on the front door- but I wanted to share this new purple hydrangea wreath and love the fullness it has as well and so, for this styling – here it is.

I shared this in white in the Weekend View post yesterday- and it is just as lovely in those saturated purple and blue shades too. I think this wreath would be perfect for Easter stylings- indoors and outdoors.

Stay tuned for a peek inside the living room coming your way.

Shop the Look

• Purple Hydrangea Wreath
• White Hydrangea Wreath
• Pots of Lavender Set of 2
• Pots of purple Hydrangeas
• Pots of White Hydrangeas

For more spring porch inspiration with lavender – you can find that HERE

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