Show House 2011

Last night was the Preview Party for the 2011 DPVA Show House. Jean & I hung out and schmoozed with patrons as they toured the house before the public. Let me recap for you: our space- the upstairs hallway. You may be asking yourselves, "Wow, the Scouts had a big master bedroom in last year's show house. How did they end up with a hallway this year?"

A shot of last year's show house space designed by Vintage Scout Interiors

The process for room selection goes like this: designers are lumped in groups based on the number of Dayton show houses they have participated in and then names are drawn in random order. The Scouts find themselves in the "2 to 5 year category" and; surprise, surprise; are the last name drawn. This year the house has fewer spaces, so choices were limited. A discussion took place amongst the Scouts and it was decided that because two of the Scouts have seniors in high school graduating close to the time of the show house, that Vintage Scout should choose an "easy space". Here is the hallway "before", complete with a lovely 80's glossy Waverly wallpaper. And yes, there are two colors of carpet, navy and hunter green.

HA! One thing you have probably figured out about us by now is that we have a "go-big-or-go-home" philosophy. Dana got the inspiration for a gallery wall and in true Scout Style, we ran with it.

We thought you might like know how we hung almost 70 frames. It's actually kind of a funny story. Jean and I were at the house meeting with the photographer whose art we used, and all of us became really flustered about how we were going to pull this off. We headed back to the Studio where Dana was holding down the fort and proceeded to share our frustration with her. It was a true triumph for the redhead over the blondes that day, as her simple reply was "Make templates." DUH! And it wasn't like we didn't know... it was truly, a double blonde moment.

So our faithful intern, Yoko, began the tedious process of cutting out templates in the sizes of all the Ikea Ribba frames. We went with the Ikea frames simply because they look great, come with pre-cut mats and they are inexpensive. If you were doing this look in your own home, you may want to consider custom framing.

We spent several hours laying out our template on the walls (using painters tape so we had no peeling of the fresh paint) and finalizing the number and sizes of the frames we needed.

Then began the process of figuring out which photographs went where and hanging them. Let's just say we got lots of comments from the Peanut Gallery. Our favorite: "Now that's a labor of love." Yes, it was.

So that we weren't constantly having to straighten the frames, we applied sticky to the backs of the frames and made sure they were level once and for all. Our finished space in the Program Book.

The DPVA Show House & Gardens is open to the public today through May 15th. The house has made an incredible transformation and there are some very talented designers showcased. Meet the Designers day is Tuesday, May 3rd from 2 until 7; stop by and say "Hey" to us.

If you are interested in creating a gallery wall in your own home, contact Vintage Scout at 937-312-9461. The Scouts will be happy to help you design one. Or if you don't live in the Dayton/Cinci/Columbus area, email us at info@vintagescout.com and let us help you e-plan your photo gallery.

It's All About the Details

...which is why Vintage Scout Interiors carries more than just furniture and lamps. Every tiny detail in your house says something about you.

NOTE/DISCLAIMER: after writing and rereading the post, I realize it may sound preachy, snotty, and soap-boxy; although unintended. If this will offend you, stop reading now. If you get the jest of how I blog, keep on keepin' on and thanks.

For instance, what smells greet guests when they enter your house? If it's 7pm and you're having a dinner party and it smells like sauteed garlic and onions, that's one thing; but if someone stops by to go over a PTO budget with you at 10 in the morning, maybe not so. And if said dinner party was held last night, it's entirely possible that the wonderful aroma of your creation may still be lingering. So you light a candle. A run-of-the-mill candle (yes I mean your average mall variety candle) or something with a unique scent and clean burning? We recommend choosing a Belle Fleur candle. They come in a floral series and a woods series, so you can choose one that matches your personality and home. Or if you can't find a scent in that candle line, there are plenty of others that fit the bill. Do you have one of those homes where more people use the back door than the front? If so, shouldn't that rug be important too? Then why are you shopping for it at a discount store? Dash & Albert indoor/outdoor rugs are beautiful and super easy to maintain. Most importantly, they have a back door price point! What are you waiting for?

We LOVE our Cucina! Their soaps, lotions, and cleaners are scented as not to conflict with food smells; making them perfect for the kitchen. Think about it; while you are preparing a savory dish, do you want to have a perfumy soap smell around? You've gone to the trouble to pour yourself a lovely glass of wine and the perfect tunes are playing on Pandora in the background; don't ruin it with your kitchen soap. (Corny, I know; but picture it and just roll with it. Because for me, if I'm cooking, I like to make it about the whole process, not just the eating) How are your pictures displayed? If they are important enough to have out for your guests to see, shouldn't the frame have a little thought put into it and match your decor? Vintage Scout has a large selection of photo frames that would suit any home.

You've spent thousands on your new kitchen and poured hours into all the functional details. Don't quit now. The splash of color that the right tea towel can bring is huge. Not to mention the frustration of how an inexpensive towel never seems to dry your dishes right. Nothing says "I care about the details" like LeJacquard Francais linens. They come in bright colors or neutrals; there is something for every season in every kitchen.

I could go on and on with the many details that make up a home, but I think you catch my drift. It's about putting more thought; not necessarily money, into those things and not just knocking it all out with one trip to Tarjay. Not much frustrates me more than going into a really nice home and the one thing that stands out are the completely cheap looking frames they've got on the side table. Or washing my hands somewhere and getting a migraine from the scent of the soap.

If you've read this far, it must mean you read my disclaimer and decided to go for it. I hope you don't regret it and defriend us on Facebook. And now, I'm sure I'll trip as I hop down from my soapbox. Don't worry, I'll be OK.

Jean's Favorite Soap

We've got a new shipment of Savon de Marseille in and now we carry refills. The most amazing lavender soap ever! From wikipedia: Marseille soap or Savon de Marseille is a traditional soap made from vegetable oils that has been made around Marseille, France, for about 600 years, the first documented soapmaker in the area being recorded in about 1370. By 1688, Louis XIV introduced regulations (Edict of Colbert) limiting the use of the name savon de Marseille to soaps made in and around the Marseille area, and only from olive oil. Today this law still applies.

There you have it and now you can take it home with you- stop by Vintage Scout and pick some up today. It would also make a great hostess gift or a part of a wonderful Mothers' Day basket.

Shameless Plug

Just a shout out to our friends- three other local, women-owned businesses who teamed up with us for a recent ad. If you are in the Dayton area, the Scouts highly recommend stopping by and doing a little shopping with them.

Preen Apothecary: Owner Nicole Gianuglou has brought the big city to Dayton with the fabulous make up and accessories she carries. Not only does Preen stock great lines like Nars, but on occassion I have been lucky enough to find jewelry created by local artists. Plus, the staff is wonderful about sharing make up tips and, by appointment, make up application.

Preen Apothecary

2508 Far Hills Ave. Oakwood, Ohio 45419

(937) 293-1818

LaDeDa- le salon : I think you've already heard the Scouts rave about facials at this place. Christine Price is one of the few aestheticians in the country trained to perform the state-of-the-art Remodeling Facial. This procedure uses Biologique Recherche products and we are sold! Christine's latest venture is LaDe SPA, featuring nutrition, yoga, and acupuncture. Make an appointment today, she books up quickly.

LaDeDa-le salon

2311 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood, OH 45419

(937) 293-5700

Gamine. : Although the Scouts terribly miss the convenience of having a boutique upstairs, we have tons of great selections at Gamine. Leigh LeBoeuf has the knack of selecting classic clothes with a little bit of an edge; a style we love! A personal favorite of mine- monogrammed wellies. At Gamine, you can find Tom Ford sunglasses, DVF dresses, Big Buddha bags, and much more.

Gamine.

2504 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood, OH 45419

(937) 294-7463

And as Bartles and James would put it, "Thank you for your support."