Western Springs Living Room

For awhile now, I’ve mentioned on and off about working on my sister’s living room. Her home is in the Chicago ‘burbs and by chance I have a dear friend from high school who lives there as well and just happens to be an amazing photographer- Tricia from TriciaLee Photography. Score! A chance to have the first professional photos done of one of my spaces. So now is the time I get to share them with you, along with some insight on one of the most fun jobs I’ve ever worked on.

The room started out with a mish-mash of furniture from a partial overhaul a few years ago on a tight budget. Toss in an antique Duncan Phyfe sofa (can you say uncomfortable?), a giant television armoire, and some dark walls and you had a room screaming for mercy.

The job began with my sister making a quick trip to my studio in Dayton for some preliminary planning and scouting, and before we knew it, she had decided to take the plunge on a real statement piece- an amazing indigo sofa/chaise sectional. From there I was lucky and privileged enough to have them say, “We just want you to do it.” Sometimes those can be a designer’s favorite words, and sometimes they can be a nightmare. Thankfully, with my sister, they were an honor and she really meant it. I had pretty much full reign to do whatever I wanted. Of course being a professional, I took the wants and needs of the client first and foremost. Comfortable seating, privacy, and their three animals all were big factors, as well as I knew they wanted to lighten it up and have a fun, casual space.

First things first; my brother-in-law wanted a wall mounted television. I told him to shop for it first and we’d work around it- boys will be boys you know. I didn’t have to work hard to sell him on the idea of a vintage piece to house the A/V equipment. Our original idea was to use an old radio/turntable console, but after striking out there a few times, we headed over to one of my favorite shops, White Attic in Andersonville. Bingo! We found the perfect-sized mid century credenza and quickly brought it home with us.

Back to that statement piece- the sofa. We chose a substantial well-made custom sofa, although the scale of the piece doesn’t read oversized. The fabric is Crypton™ microfiber, able to withstand Dave and the animals; and bonus- it was reasonably priced. The pillows are a mix of custom (sticker shock for my sister), TJ Maxx bargains, and vintage needlework.

The only existing piece we used in the space was the leather club chair. It had just started getting to that wonderful aged leather point and I didn’t want to toss it. Instead we updated it with the sheepskin ottoman and the darling throw.

We lightened up the room by using Ballet White by Ben Moore on the walls and using a bright and fun thomaspaul fabric for the window panels. The inside mount roman shades provide privacy without darkening the room. The zig zag rug from West Elm grounds the room without being too dark; it’s probably one of my favorite things in the space.

And finally, no outfit is complete without jewelry, and that’s how I look at the accessories of a room. An original oil hangs over the fireplace flanked by inexpensive glass pieces. The subway art is original as well- no reproductions here- they’re from New York probably dating to the 30’s. Vintage miniature bowling pins are such a fun addition to the large coffee table. My sister found them years ago at Sandwich Flea Market. The fresh flowers are from her back yard, quickly picked that morning right before the shoot. Nice, huh?

The finished product is something that they are very happy with and I’m proud of, as well as a little jealous, too. It’s true what they say about the cobbler’s children: they’re the ones without shoes. Shhhh, don't tell anyone; my living room is unfinished.

photo credits: 1,3-7: TriciaLee Photography; 2: designer's own

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I think I'll Pass

Every time we go to a flea market, we usually pick up on a "the theme of the day". Now most of the time the theme is something good; like we'll see travel related items or lots of mirrors, -something we notice as a trend. However, on a recent scouting venture, the trend was a bit odd- actually, more than a bit odd. These are the things from that trip that really made us go "hmmmm".

Yes, this photo is evidence the Scouts got up early for this flea market; it's still dark outside. So it was a little scary when the first vendor we see has this crazy mannequin. Great place for the price sticker on her cheek.

I googled Linda Sengpiel. She really is the self-proclaimed First Lady of Yo. Does Ronald McDonald really need riot gear?

A lovely homemade etigere, complete with fake pigeons that have landed on it.

Love this track trophy. Need I give it a description? And secretly I really wanted it.

No, this isn't Jean's new cell phone. Someone's idea of combining Asian and French design. Maybe we should have gotten this for the shop phone?

World's biggest and freakiest Colonel Sanders wannabe puppet.

We usually love taxidermy, but these guys were odd. We first saw the little raccoon with the bucket and soon realized he was bummed he missed the boat.

Maybe they were just trying to get away from the freaky dead something below.

Taxidermy is an art when done properly, and so sad and scary when it's not.

No idea what this giant head cup thing is. Maybe it's for time outs. Note to self: be good.

Speaking of time outs. Time out dolls. Some lady really liked them when I was shooting this pic. I wonder if she bought them.

Another freaky mannequin.

No comment.

Really? This would be perfect in a haunted house. I hope we didn't scare you too much. We promise the things we came back with were much better. Stop by and see some of our cool vintage finds or check out our Etsy shop where we list some of them as well.

Thank You!

I can't believe it's been a week since our French Flea Market. Thanks to all who joined us. We love seeing our loyal customers and making new friends, too. For the third year running, the weather was perfect- sun shining and fall in the air.

This year we had lots of travel themed items. The stickers on this old steamer trunk are spectacular. The Cavallini Vintage Travel calendar fit the motif well, as did the vintage globe collection. We still have a few of them left.

You can always count on the Scouts to have vintage silverplate pieces. Perfect for serving and displays. You know that trophy bowl flew out the door quickly!

Our favorite SoyVey candles took on a French theme for the day. These candles are poured in recycled wine bottles and are 100% soy wax with no preservatives. The scents are divine- lavender, provence, fig, lemon verbena, olive blossom, and french pear. And they make the best gifts at only $22 each. You can't start moving into fall without pumpkins! We've still got a wagonful left, so if you feel like autumn hasn't gotten here yet with the heat, swing by and pick up some and you'll be raking leaves before you know it.

We've got more pictures posted on our Facebook page, so stop by there and see all the fun we had celebrating our 5th anniversary. Thanks again everyone! Fondly, The Scouts

The Countdown is on

It's that time of year, y'all... Vintage Scout's French Flea Market. For the third year in a row, we'll celebrate our anniversary with food, friends, and frivolity. Make plans to join us this Saturday, September 18th starting at 10am. We'll have a tent pitched outside and the Scouts have been scouring the countryside for fun and unique finds to bring you. Stay tuned this week for sneak peeks of some of the things you'll find this Saturday at Vintage Scout. For more information about our French Flea Market, email us at info@vintagescout.com

Happy Labor Day Weekend

The Scouts will be taking a break and the Studio will be closed Saturday, September 4th through Monday, September 6th. We will return as normal Tuesday morning at 10am, rested, and ready to roll. And bonus; Dana will be back from Italy! Make sure you stop by and hear all about her adventures. Have a safe and fun weekend everyone! What are your plans?