Add Northern European Charm with Antiques

Although this is a French Country decor blog,
I do appreciate styles from other countries such as Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
Many of these pieces mix well with French Country like the fabulous Mora clocks,
natural wooden tables and white-painted cupboards.



So, if you're ready to go north, wrap up in a warm throw, grab a cup of hot chocolate
and join me as we visit Northern Europe.

Northern European decor is actually a mix of several styles but they all have a few things in 

common -- an appreciation of natural wood and nature, pure simplicity of form and function, 

and a welcoming ambiance that evokes a sense of antiquity.
These attributes all help create a charming home with European grace. 

I recently visited a beautiful store called Scandinavian Antiques in Denver. 

Henrik and Mary, the owners, graciously allowed me to photograph the antiques in their store. 

Here's a link to their fabulous store:  Scandinavian Antiques  Enjoy!

Although this post is more about Northern European style, the southern countries of Italy, 

Spain and the south of France certainly have their own special style that I also adore. 

French style, in particular, has greatly influenced many other countries' decor,

making these antiques easily adaptable to various looks from fancy to rustic. 

One of my favorite pieces of furniture to come out of the Nordic countries, 

specifically Sweden, is the Mora clock. 

The name was derived from the town of Mora, Sweden 

where the clock was built in the late 18th and 19th centuries. 

Its timeless appeal makes it a dramatic focal point in any setting. 

I love its elegantly feminine shape.

European countries are much older than the U.S., so their antiques proudly show their age 

with a bit of soft wear and tear. While German pieces are often intricately painted,

Scandinavian antiques are often either bare wood or painted in neutral colors 

of pale blue, cool gray, white or cream.

This style projects a unique combination of gracious warmth and formality that makes 

you feel like you're a guest in a grand old European estate. 

With a roaring fire in a massive fireplace or a smaller stuccoed one built into a corner,
the feeling is warm and cozy. 

Because northern Europe's skies offer little sunlight during a long winter, people try to capture 

as much light as possible in their homes with white walls and lots of bare windows. 

Painting floors white also makes rooms feel open, light and airy. 

White linen curtains allow light to pass through.

Textured walls and fabrics complement the natural feeling while  

pillows, rugs and paintings provide bright accents that keep the mood fresh and lively. 

This large reproduction clock has that European flavor,

providing a good example of how antiques and reproductions, new and old, mix well. 

This French Country corner cabinet, my favorite piece, would look great

in any home (especially mine!)

It's easy to enjoy the warmth and charm of Northern European antiques in your home.
So think about how you might incorporate a few Nordic pieces into your decor.
Skal!

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Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life,
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21 Rosemary Lane, Petite Haus, French Country Cottage

Look What I Won !!!

Hi Friends, I can't wait to tell you what I won!

Something that sure brought back a lot of memories. 

Remember when we typed on manual typewriters, forcefully striking the keys, untangling them 

when two keys got stuck together, returning the carriage when the little bell dinged, 

and starting over when we made a mistake?

Computers have certainly made typing a lot easier but you just can't beat 

the old vintage typewriters for charm.

Yep, I ended up with a real beauty and here's the whole story of how I won it.

At a recent vintage market in Colorado Springs, 

I entered my name in a give-away and pretty much forgot about it. 

Then, one day a week or so later, I received a phone call saying I'd won a gift certificate 

at my favorite antique mall in the Springs. Yay!

Colorado Springs is only about an hour from Denver so Ron and I
hit the road in search of bargains. 

After a couple of days of snow, we had a perfect Rocky Mountain day 

with sunshine, blue skies and 55 degree weather.

Something at this mall had caught my eye the last time I was there -- a vintage typewriter.  

I wasn't sure where it would fit and it was a little more than I wanted to pay but, with my gift card burning a whole in my wallet, I decided to go back to the mall and see if they still had it.

The Sweet William Antique Mall lies on the edge of a historic district
called Old Colorado City on Route 24. I love this mall.
The salesperson really gets into the spirit of days gone by with an amazing period outfit
and a wavy bob. Isn't she adorable?

Plus all of the booths are fantastic with a varied selection.

I was looking for an old typewriter for my office. 

I'd seen a couple previously but, sadly, they were both gone this time around. 

So we kept looking.

Guess it was meant to be.

I found a 1920s Underwood typewriter that was perfect. Not too big, case included and those wonderful shiny keys trimmed in silver metal. The carriage bell even dinged!

I happened to meet the owner of that booth and asked her if it was her best price. 

It had already been marked down $10 and I didn't expect a discount. Still, never hurts to ask. 

She was such a sweetheart and reduced the price another $15.

That and my gift card and I said, "I'll take it!"

Before we began our return trip to Denver, we drove a few blocks to Old Colorado City
and walked around the 1800s streets, oohing and ahhing at the gorgeous architecture.

Pikes Peak, a massive 14er, dominates the sky and seems to rear up right from the sidewalk.

We found an amazing restaurant called Paravicini's Italian Bistro and enjoyed our lunch

in an old renovated building. If you go, I recommend the eggplant rollatini. Yum! 

We're already planning a return trip this summer
when we can sit on their patio and admire Pikes Peak.

We learned that Old Colorado City was founded in 1859 as a supply hub for the new gold mines.

The town boomed in 1891 when two more gold strikes in Cripple Creek and Victor
created additional demand for supplies.

Back home, I knew my vintage typewriter would fit on a shelf in my office 

but I thought it would be more visible on a retro metal stand I had.

I decided to style the stand with a few office accessories.

I love the feel of this early typewriter and the images it evokes.
I wonder about the women who used it almost one hundred years ago.

And today, it still works.
As the words on the top of the typewriter say, it's a real Champion.

So, a beautiful Colorado day, a fantastic lunch with my sweetie, antiquing and a gift certificate.
My kind of perfect day!

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Linking with:
Shabby Art Boutique, Blue Willow House, Little Farmstead, Dwellings, The Dedicated House,
Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life,
Savvy Southern Style, Designthusiasm, A Delightsome Life, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,
21 Rosemary Lane, Petite Haus, French Country Cottage

A French Country Christmas Living Room

In my last post I'd decided not to have a tree this Christmas. Wait! What?
(If you missed that post, you can read it by clicking this link.)

A French Country Christmas Dining Room

Instead, I thought I'd decorate my living and dining rooms with vintage pieces,
while giving these rooms a little French Country flair.

So, let's start in the foyer. 

Welcome to my French Country Christmas!

This old nativity scene is actually Italian so it has that European feel.
I love the blue and red together.
The angel wreath always hung in my mother's kitchen window when I was growing up

and my sister hand painted the three sheep.

Come on in to the living room.

The mantel is always the focal point in holiday decor.
I love to use lots of candles and a few bottlebrush trees.

Cozy up to the fireplace.
An ironstone pitcher holds a stash of white candles on the console table behind the couch. 

A few baubles on a vintage wire tree and a candle bring sparkle to the living room . . .

and a French market basket, filled with holiday goodies, adds a bit of French soul.

An urn laden with holly, pine cones and antlers is a simple natural touch,
an important element in French Country design. 

Of course, I think everyone should decorate with whatever makes them happy.
But I've decided I'm content with how our house looks this year (without a tree).

So enjoyed hearing all your comments and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

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If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.
Just subscribe (it's FREE) in the upper right column of this page.
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.
Thank you!

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Linking with:
Shabby Art Boutique, Blue Willow House, Little Farmstead, Dwellings, The Dedicated House,
Between Naps on the Porch , Coastal Charm, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life,
Savvy Southern Style, Designthusiasm, A Delightsome Life, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,
21 Rosemary Lane, Petite Haus, French Country Cottage

Get the European Look

Looking for European inspiration for your home?
Well, check out these three Colorado stores that are
"Bringing French Country Home" 

with their unique vintage goodies and European-style gifts. 

Inspired by a Simpler Time of Life

At Farmhouse & Co. in south Denver you'll find a brand new shop filled with
wonderful treasures for the home like this French apron. 

You know me, if it's got a chicken or rooster on it, I'm in love.

These white pie plates are so pretty and even have a crimped edge. 

Lots of hand-poured candles in cool jars to choose from too.

This small space is decorated so creatively, you won't want to leave.

This little piggy sure caught my eye.

There's even an organic herbal apothecary.

Check out Chelsea's web site at www.farmhousedenver.com for more information.

New Owner New Look

The Tended Thicket on Old Gaylord Street in Denver has been around for years
but recently had a major makeover under new management.
With an exciting new look, you'll find lots of European items
such as French hand cremes, English garden pots and fresh flowers.

The first thing you see is this beautiful room that makes you feel like you're in France.

The decor is elegant and tempts you to slow down and notice all the special little touches.

The back room has been transformed into a flowering patio complete with a fountain
and fresh bouquets that remind me of an outdoor French flower market.

For more information, check out www.thetendedthicket.com.


Antiques and Special Shoppes in The Barn

Take a thirty-minute drive south of Denver to a small town called Castle Rock
and you'll find a unique store called The Barn.
Inside it's filled to the rafters with specialty items for the home.

More than 100 years old, this huge building was once home to horse and buggy rigs
and now houses more than twenty amazing shops.

This beautiful bedroom is sure to inspire you.

Feeling like you're in Europe?
Love that basket.

You thought I was kidding about the rafters!
Every inch in this old horse barn is overflowing with goodies.

Step outside and enjoy a yard full of metal arches, gates and garden ornaments
while another old barn across the way sets the tone.

So, are you ready to go shopping with me yet?

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No Matchy-Matchy -- Live With What You Love

When I was a young woman just starting out,
I dreamed of buying a matching living room suit, 

matching bedroom furniture and matching dishes and flatware. 

I think the curtains, pillows, and rugs were probably matching sets too!

How things have changed, huh?

Today, we don't want that "matchy-matchy" look.
Instead we live with what we love.

It doesn't have to match as long as it "goes."

I'm using two mismatched chairs at my farm table.
Their wood tones and farm style go together nicely.

My couch and chair don't match but their textures and colors complement each other. 

Accessories are one-of-a-kind finds and my coffee table is an old farm table 

with the legs trimmed down to the right height.

I think mixing things up is more interesting than if everything matches
and it feels more like it's been collected over time.
French Country and Farmhouse styles lend themselves easily to this look
as things are often passed down in the family.

Be brave! Mix it up!
You can put together a blended look by repeating design elements such as
color, finishes, themes, shapes or architectural details.
Keep your room from becoming too busy by painting the walls a neutral color.

In my kitchen, I have several different patterns of dishes (all from Goodwill).

My faves are the big red rooster plates, the simple white scalloped plates 

and the buffalo china bowls. 

I like to mix and match them for a casual feel. 

The unifying element of my dishware is white with a touch of red.

My cups are a mix of white Pottery Barn and Chris Madden mugs that look pretty together.

And my flatware is vintage Grosvenor Community design . . .

with a mix of other styles thrown in as needed
(bakelite forks, battered old ladles, family hand-me-down spoons.)

Do they match? Nope. Do they go together? Yep.
Do they make me happy? Definitely.

In the dining room, my ironstone collection and my mother's "good" china
blend nicely and make me smile.

The mirrors are all different and add charm and impact to the space

and the white accents pull it all together.
The natural wood furniture helps to ground the lighter colors in the room.

My point is: if it makes you smile when you come into the room, if it holds a special memory, 

or if it causes you to dream about the future, it's the right choice for you.

It may not match but it goes.
So, live with what you love!

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If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.

Just subscribe (it's FREE) in the top right column of this page.
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see my favorite photos.
Thank you!!

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Linking with: 

Little Farmstead, Dwellings, Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Cedar Hill Farmhouse,
A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern Style,A Delightsome Life, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,
21 Rosemary Lane, Adirondack Girl at Heart, French Country Cottage