As most of you already know
I am in love with pretty florals.
Fresh flowers in a vase
old crackled floral paintings
sweet floral fabrics
and painted furniture
To me, flowers are an essential part of decor in a home.
Whether it’s a bouquet of seasonal blooms on the table or nightstand
or a collection of vintage paintings stacked atop a sideboard
Those romantic blooms bring such charm and warmth to a room
Another certain something I love florals on is furniture.
Sometimes it’s in the fabric… but sometimes it’s in the original painted detail.
A commode or chest of drawers covered in swirly vines and blooms is such a treasure.
This cabinet is covered in old hand painted florals
and signed by the artist who painted it.
It was a craigslist find that almost got away
I swooned when I saw it.
I was in love with it’s charm and vintage painted colors.
It was a little more than I wanted to pay
and the guy selling it wouldn’t budge on price- there was someone else wanting to come see it
and he was sure they would pay full price.
I sighed and said I would think about it.
It haunted me.
Those florals. That drop down desk in the front drawer.
That brassy wire detailing on the doors.
I knew it needed to come home with me
so I called him a couple days later.
He said the lady said she would take it – at full price.
I was crushed. It was sold and it was my fault for not jumping on it
and getting over the price tag.
I kicked myself
and started scouring ebay and other sites to find one just like it.
Not likely and when I did find something similar
we were talking asking in the thousands not hundreds of dollars.
Apparently those signed, hand painted pieces were quite expensive back.in.the.day
and this one dates to around 1930-40 from the research.
Then out of the blue the seller called me.
He asked if I was interested in that old painted china cabinet
that the lady didn’t come get it like she said she would- so it was available
and he would take less for it if I wanted it rather than store it.
My pulse raced.
MY French inspired china cabinet was available
and at a price that agreed with me.
I wasn’t letting it get away again and so I happily brought it home
Even several years later
those curvy details
painted florals
wire doors
and
that little drop down desk
make me smile.
I adore it and haven’t tired of that ‘dated’ floral painted look.
It says ‘granny’ style to some.
But to me, it speaks perfect french country cottage charm.
Yep, I pretty much love it.
sharing at
Unknown says
OHHHH, my. That is stunning!
Vel Criste says
truly see the appeal of this beautiful piece Courtney – floral lover or not, this is a keeper! Thanks for sharing!
Unknown says
Swoons!!!!
I am in luv Courtney. Beautiful piece indeed.
Hugs, Gee
Unknown says
beautiful! Love everything about it. Sometimes those things you really want find a way of getting to you!
Bargain Decorating with Laurie says
Courtney, I've always loved this piece, and it was so much fun to read the story behind your purchase of it. It was definitely meant to come live with you. laurie
Debra@CommonGround says
there are some things that just don't need to be painted. this is one of those beauties!
The Cottager says
So glad this one worked out for you! I love it too. What a great find.
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Gotta love craigslist!! What a find, and good for you!
Nita Stacy says
What a beautiful piece of furniture. I especially love the little desk. What a hidden gem. It was meant to be.
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Oh I love your china cabinet and the painting on it. So pretty and the little desk is perfect. Hugs, Marty
Connie says
A unique and special piece. I see it only increasing in value.
Linda says
Craigslist here in Canada is not as popular as Kijiji!! But I love that piece of furniture.
Great find!!
mariondee-designs says
I just love this cabinet, the shape and style and the painted flowers, which make it so pretty! take care, Maryann
Unknown says
Talk about being lucky Courtney!!!
It's absolutely beautiful – and so YOU…………..
XOX
~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ says
Beautiful as is your collection of tureens. Can I stop over for soup and possibly tea so that I can gaze upon your lovely cabinet. I am working on one now too. Stop by and see. it is a beauty.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Michele says
YAY!!
This is a true love story, indeed.
It is absolutely precious as is – timeless and classic. And yours. Whoooo hooo!
Rustique Restoration says
It's a gorgeous piece!!
Heaven's Walk says
Absolutely beautiful, Courtney! Wow! Love it!!!! Perfect for your country cottage!
xoxo laurie
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
I so love your hutch…and it does not look granny at all!!…it is stunning and I love the desk portion!…Such a treasured piece!…a classic!
PamLuvsPink says
Hi Courtney!!!!
I love your French hutch!!!!
It is absolutely beautiful and having the drop down desk is priceless!!! Not too many hutches have that built in. I find flowers just brighten up a room and the beautiful scent fills the house.
My husband always buys me pink roses that last a very long time. have I told you I love PINK!!!
Enjoy the rest of the week!!!
Pam
xox
Jenny @ Simcoe Street says
Beautiful!
Jenny
http://www.simcoestreet.blogspot.ca
Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com says
It is lovely !:)
Pamela says
That is an amazing piece Courtney! A true treasure for sure. I know my heart would have skipped a beat as well when seeing it.
Stacy's Shabby Shoppe says
Courtney ~ that is a fantastic piece! I have a similar one with a matching dining room table and chairs. It has hand painted florals on it as well. I really love yours because of the little drop down desk. Mine is strictly a china cabinet. Don't ever paint it! 🙂
Patty Rumaker says
Oh, I love it! What a find. Enjoy.
Thanks, Patty
Sarah says
This is definitely WOW material. I love the fact the artist signed each little floral, and the drop down desk feature makes this piece even more special. I'm so glad that it found its way into your home where it is loved and appreciated. ~ Sarah
Burlap Luxe says
a piece that made your home just as happy as you. It looks amazing in your home. I had a dresser in my daughters room much like this era and she tired of it with her friends doing up their rooms with distressed whites she too wanted more whites so I painted off all the pretties.
You made a beautiful wise choice to grab this beauty up!
xx
Dore
Deneen@dreaming-n-color says
Absolutely gorgeous!
Stacy's Shabby Shoppe says
I am totally with you Courtney. Painting over that piece would be an absolute tragedy! It is so perfectly detailed in its original state. Thank for your sharing with us!