Vintage Scout

New Blog Home

2012-01-09T10:37:00.005-05:00

Please take a moment to change your feed or bookmark to reflect our new website and blog.

www.vintagescout.com/blog

Thanks!

Our New Home

2011-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

Imagine our surprise when we came home from High Point and found our new website live! We're so excited and nervous at the same time. We've got an online store there. Yes, you heard that right, and yes, I am yelling, WE'VE GOT AN ONLINE STORE! We've also got a new home for our blog, so if you are reading by subscription or stream, please make sure you change our URL to http://www.vintagescout.com/blog

Please take a minute and jump over to our new site at www.vintagescout.com and check it out. We've got our portfolio there and a little blurb on getting to know us, as well as our new store and blog.

At that, we bid farewell to Blogger. See you at the new place!

These Little Scouts Went To Market

2011-10-29T14:26:00.001-04:00

We're finally home from North Carolina, and barely had a chance to breathe. Here's the last of our market round up and some of our rants and raves about High Point International Home Furnishings Market

Saw this great photograph of Barbie and Ken. The vendor promised to send us more information on the artist. He does a series of these.

Awesome reproduction sign will be in the studio this December. Other signs included "Drive In" and an arrow. We are also getting a lit Eiffel Tower.
What a fabulous swing arm lamp. We visited one of our favorite vendors, Visual Comfort, to see what was new. Not disappointed! Make sure to call us for your lighting needs; we've got the best sources!

This was the feel good story of market. A line called "Goods Made Good". Goodwill industries of Wisconsin employing people to make construct ah-maz-ing textiles from mens shirting and suiting that didn't sell at the Goodwill store. We loved it and ordered some pillows for the shop. We know you will love it too!

On to rants and raves: Snaps to the people that put on the market. It was well run and the transportation was timely and dependable. More snaps to the restaurants both in the market and the outlying areas. We had really good meals. And best of all, we met some really great people. It is always fun to network with designers and reps from other parts of the country. OK, now for our rants. Hotels: the consensus is hotels in the area are overpriced and not so great. Just a thought: there are probably several dozen designers who would barter some work for a stay at market. Our other gripe is vendors and reps who think they are just too good for the people they don't recognize. You have no idea who we are and what we might become someday. Yes, we might write smaller orders than some of the "whoody whos"; but that's today. Treat everyone with respect. Seriously, what's the fun of having a blog if you can't jump on the soap box every now and then?

We are looking forward to new merchandise coming in soon! Stop by soon or if you're not in the area, check out our new online shop

Day Two- High Point Market

2011-10-25T10:30:00.000-04:00

Another fun, successful day, exploring at market. So far, I think this is my favorite find. Acrylic antlers. Hot, hot, hot!

We had a little mini love affair at Bobo. Check out this dining table. Also available in round.

Planters from reclaimed wood, again from Bobo.

We are racking our brains where we can place this sconce from Bobo. It is amazing.

This is the kind of taxidermy Dana approves of. We love the bull. Once again, Bobo.

We found a great new source for some nice priced chandys and tables.

We noticed a trend toward deep seating. Seems every new chair or sofa sat a little deep for shorties like us. Hi Edith Ann!

Removable and repositional temporary wallpaper. Perfect for apartments or those of you afraid to commit.

Lots of antiques to look at here. This vintage train seat was really fun.

As soon as we post this, we hop the shuttle for another day of discovery. We come back to the hotel each night completely exhausted, but there is so much to say about the inspiration we draw just from being here. We're excited to get back to the Store and start designing! Stay tuned...

Our Favorite Market Finds- Day One

2011-10-24T10:54:00.000-04:00

Woo Hoo, We're at High Point this week, home of the largest home furnishings market. Wanted to share some of the fun things we've seen so far.

We love this stone table in the foreground of this picture. Indoors or out. In the background is a large basket with French stenciling. It would be a great laundry hamper. Think we'll be bringing these back to the shop.

Pretty sure you know about our infatuation with Jonathan Adler. Sink your teeth into this shark. Every week can be Shark Week if you had this.

We saw lots of green. And not wimpy green; good green. Like the color of life green. We might be spending some green on some green.

Here's Dana signing our life away on our new pillow line. Seriously, you will love these linen pillows and poofs. You can design your own with different colors of linen, trim and personalize with a monogram.

There was a chorus of angels singing when I saw this fixture. I believe it may be going over an island in a cabin. True Love!

We both immediately thought of Fifi when we saw this moss installation at Natural Curiosites. One of our favorite vendors we saw yesterday.

Finally, after dinner and drinks at our upholstery vendor, Lee, we headed back to catch our shuttle to the hotel. An oldie but goodie was playing at the concert series, so we got to hear Starship (sans Grace Slick- so does that really count?) They sounded good and we jammed to some "Find Your Way Back" before actually finding our way back to our hotel and collapsing for the night. Stay tuned for more of the Vintage Scout Market Experience.

Meet Our Newest Designers

2011-10-12T08:52:00.000-04:00

You've been updated on our new logo and website which we started back in the spring. So here we are, plugging along on these major changes, as well as maintaining our retail store and design jobs. Unexpected in the midst of all this, Jean, one of the original Scouts, got a job offer she couldn't refuse. She broke the news to the other Scouts and although we were desperately sad to see her move, we couldn't help but be ecstatic for her. Next thing you know Dana and Debbie are swamped with reorganizing and thankful at the same time that new and old design clients continue to call. We decided we need help to continue growing. Enter our saving grace: Yoko and Lori.

You all may have heard us mention Yoko before. She was our intern last year and we fell in love with her. Yoko is from Japan and has traveled all over the world in her days as a flight attendant for Japan Airlines. Her worldly view and attention to detail make her a great addition to the Vintage Scout team. She is a recent graduate of design school with fresh ideas and a cheerful disposition.

Lori has been designing independently for 10 years. We approached her since her baby is off to college this year, thinking she may want to do a little more work and we are lucky she was thinking the same thing. Lori has done numerous kitchen renovations among many other projects, so she will fit in perfectly with us since it seems like that's what's happening so often these days at Vintage Scout.

Dana and I were laughing the other day, because as much as the two of us want to be organized at the shop, we are just a bit behind the eight ball and can't get out. Well, Yoko and Lori are super organized and they have already stepped up and jumped in, helping us out tremendously; truly getting initiated at the French Flea Market. It's funny how things work out. These two have taken off as Scouts already have design projects going and are filling in several hours at the Store each week. Stop by and meet them; we know you'll love them as much as we already do.

Look For It

2011-10-11T08:10:00.004-04:00

OK, so last we caught up, the Scouts have come up with a new logo and tagline. We still need our new signage, but we decided if we were going to "get fresh", our website was the next place to move. Let me let you in on a little secret about our website: I made it on a program I bought for $50 and you can probably tell. Our blog is hosted by Blogspot, and our online "store" is Etsy. Nothing wrong with those two sites- although I've had my battles with layout on Blogger (can you hear my frustration???) And I adore Etsy- it's addictive and a great resource.

Some of you may remember when Design*Sponge launched their consulting branch. To start out, they gave away two free consultations.

From: Grace Bonney [mailto:consulting@designsponge.com]
Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 1:56 PM
To: debbie@vintagescout.com
Subject: You've won the Consulting Session!

Hi Debbie,

I'm pleased to inform you that you are the winner of one of the two free Design*Sponge Consulting Sessions.

I can't wait to work with you.

I'll be announcing you as one of the winners to the list later today, but I wanted to let you know that when I say Debbie from Ohio, that yes, I am talking about you.

:)

I'll be emailing you next week to plan and schedule our time together.

Get ready to work!

best,
Grace

Grace and AJ were very organized and professional and had some super advice for me. I HIGHLY recommend contacting them to take your design online presence to the next level- whatever that may be. For us, we're just barely starting out. We're full time interior designers with a retail store. Not a heck of a lot of time for anything else if you know what I mean. I guess that's why we're a full year + forward from that lucky giveaway.

OK, so fast forward and we finally save up enough to contact a local company to help us launch our new site, incorporate lots of D*S Consulting ideas, and an online store. Yes, you heard it right, our online store. We're psyched! But lordy, this process takes time. We were really hoping our new site would be up and running by now, but currently there is an issue with the shopping cart software. Stay tuned for the big debut.

So anyway, that's big reason 2 you haven't seen much of the Scouts online. We have been trying to keep up with quick updates on our Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, so don't miss us there.

Where have those Scouts been?

2011-10-10T08:15:00.002-04:00

Well, where do we start? There's been so much going on at Vintage Scout since spring. I guess we should start filling you in and maybe we can get caught back up.

Last Spring, the Scouts decided to freshen up a few things. We felt our signage and logo needed to reflect our style and joie de vive a little better, so we called our girls at Pink Ink Design Group, to help us out. We didn't want to lose our original brand and concept, so we just made a few changes.

Our old logo:

Our new logo:

Our old tagline:

Our new tagline:

What do you think? We felt the old logo and tagline were a little traditional than we were. We're all about the MIX!

There's been so much going on with us, I think I'll share in several posts as not to bore you. We've missed sharing with you out there in the blogosphere. On that note though, yesterday I finally got caught up on reading all my favorite blogs. The Scouts rely on the inspiration and camaraderie of the designers and home enthusiasts who blog to help us stay in touch with our own creativity and what's going on in the design world. So hats off to ya!

Tomorrow's The Big Day

2011-09-16T06:26:00.000-04:00

Make plans to join the Scouts for our

4th Annual

French Flea Market

Saturday, September 17th

10am until 6pm

This year's anniversary celebration proves to be the best yet!

We've brought in amazing treasures from Europe, new gift items, and as always,

you can expect a healthy dose of Scout hospitality.

60 N. Main Street, Centerville, OH 45459

937.312.9461 www.vintagescout.com

We are located on 48 in Historic Centerville, about a block north of Graeter's Ice Cream.

Tick Tock

2011-08-02T13:05:00.000-04:00

New clocks in the shop now. email info@vintagescout.com . And look for our online store coming soon!

See Jane shop at Vintage Scout

2011-07-20T12:44:00.000-04:00

This is one of the most unique fun things we've run into. You know we couldn't pass them up. Now in the Store:

Dick and Jane Reader dating 1961 teacher’s large size poster pages 19.5” x 20.5”. Each page represents a page in the students’ book so the child could follow along with the teacher or read along out loud. These pages would look great framed. They are double sided which allows you to choose which side to frame. These rare illustrations are not framed or matted to save on shipping and to allow you to choose your own. Or, if you’d like, the Scouts can handle this for you. We have 3 pages including the one shown. Contact the Store at info@vintagescout.com for more information.

This or That

2011-07-15T13:01:00.000-04:00

Would you rather have THIS

Or THAT?

Would you rather have THIS

Or THAT?

Would you rather have THIS

Or THAT? Meow!

Would you rather have THIS

Or THAT?

New Jonathan Adler Vice Canisters in the Store. INDULGE.

Hot wallpapers for a hot day

2011-07-11T16:00:00.000-04:00

There seemes to be a lot of talk about wallpaper coming back in vogue. Well, the Scouts say it never went out of style!

Funny, I was in the middle of composing this post and I got a tweet about Jonathan Adler's new wallpaper line featured in the newest issue of Lonny. See it here. I have to say, they're very bold- would you expect less from Mr. Adler? I approve.

We were recently visited by our Osborne & Little rep and ordered some of their wallpaper memos. I am in L-O-V-E with their wallpaper. Here are some of my favorites:

Aquarium

I almost feel cliche saying this Nina Campbell Aquarium paper would be great at a beach home, but it would! Its not your everyday expected fish.

Best In Show

Best in Show, and I'm not talking the hilarious movie. There is nothing funny about this amazing wallpaper. I know it's made the blogosphere rounds and for good reason. Comes in several colorways and now unflocked as well as flocked.

Clarendon

I have a collection of silhouettes given to me by my Grandmother, so I have an affinity for this O&L paper. Its based on 18th century cameos and named after the forest and ruined palace in Wiltshire. Added bonus: the cameos are flocked!

Dryden

Dryden is an updated and modern damask print. Don't you love the green? This paper has coordinating fabrics.

Du Barry

Must have a good trellis pattern to fall back on. The details say it is washable; I'll take it!

Laguna

Am I crazy or what, but I am seriously considering Laguna for my house! I have the memo hanging in my foyer. Its a happy paper and with a pattern like that, no need to hang anything else on the wall.

Summer Palace

Where wouldn't this Chinoiserie inspired paper look good? It reminds me of a Spode china pattern. It is from one of Osborne & Little's earliest collections of hand prints.

Wilde Chrysanthemum

Trailing chrysanthemums are surface printed on this paper in vivid colorways. This is your paper if you want to make a statement. I see an amazing living room with this in its future. Is it yours? The Scouts can make it happen for you.

Swan Lake

Another Nina Campbell paper, this one appropriately entitled Swan Lake. This one would be stunning in a dining room!

Derwent

Jonathan Adler mentioned he thought powder rooms were great places for "wallpaper virgins" to start. I have to agree and I think this koi print fits the bill. I love the names of some of these papers. This one is named after a river in West Cumbria, UK.

Do you have wallpaper in your home or are you one of those who has spent hours stripping outdated cheap paper only to swear you'll never have wallpaper in another house? Would you ever hang a bold paper in your foyer? Tell us about your wallpaper adventures; we want to know.

Let's go on an art hop, shall we?

2011-06-23T10:55:00.006-04:00

I am super excited; I got a painting for my birthday that I had seen a month or so ago and couldn’t stop thinking about. Most of the others who were with me when we first saw the painting thought the work was a bit “dark”. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it. A young local artist by the name of Ben Norton created something very intriguing to me. It wasn’t unreasonably priced (one of the benis of scouting out new local artists), so when the fam asked me what I might like for my birthday, I just threw it out there. Fast forward to today, and I am taking my baby to the framers!

Blog world, this is Brigette. Brigette, these are my friends.

This led me to consider a designer’s take on art. I have many clients who ask me to select art for them. It’s one of my least favorite things to do. Art to me is personal and I feel a tremendous pressure to find something they’ll love. It’s almost like a test: how well do you know your client. With that said, here are some Vintage Scout thoughts on selecting art for your home.

Collect art that speaks to you. It can commemorate a special trip or event. It can remind you of someone or trigger a fond memory. You can even select art that evokes a mood that you want to create in a space.

Art doesn’t have to be expensive, but buy the best you can afford. You don’t have to rich to collect art. Case in point: Herb & Dorothy Vogel. He was a mailman and she was a librarian. They collected all different kinds of contemporary art and eventually amassed one of the world’s most prized collections.

Local artists are a great source for reasonably priced art. The art community here in Dayton sponsors a “First Friday” every month where galleries stay open late and create a fun social atmosphere. It was at one of these events I found my treasure. If you don’t live close to events like these, many independent artists sell their work on Etsy. I can spend hours browsing that site for art.

Art doesn’t have to be art in the traditional sense. Vintage maps, signs, and posters can be great focal points. I have a vintage German anatomy chart hanging in my living room. Most common comment: “That’s cool.” Think outside the box and don’t be afraid to mix mediums and styles of art.

Old School Map available for sale at Vintage Scout Interiors.

Framing is important when it comes to art. Sometimes the right frame is no frame; but when it’s not, once again remember the rule, “buy the best you can afford”. Archival framing from a shop that knows what they’re doing is important. Selecting the right frame and mat is tough. Do you match the art or the room? Neutral mats tend to work best in most spaces and complement the art without overpowering it. Of course there are exceptions to every rule, so don’t walk into the framing shop claiming, “But Debbie said…” And what can I say about frame selection? I have been known to spend lots of time making sure I have the perfect frame. (my friends at Centerville Framing can attest to this.) This is definitely an area that your designer can help you with, because you have already done the important work yourself- choosing the art. Now that you’ve gotten to this point, it’s time to hang your art. What? Another decision? Hanging your art improperly can negate all the work you’ve done if it goes awry. Sorry to tell you there is no magic formula for how high to hang a piece. Also make sure to consider the association with other things hanging in the room. It’s OK to admit you’ve made a mistake and move your painting. It’s just a nail hole; that’s why they make spackle and you have leftover paint. Still scared to commit? Lucky for people like you, sometimes leaning and layering pieces is just the right answer, especially on a mantle or above a sideboard; but don’t be afraid of just leaning a piece on the floor. Mirrors are great incorporated into groupings like this. Just make sure whatever you lean is secure. Finally, when in doubt, hire a professional. Remember when I confessed selecting art for clients is not my favorite thing to do? Well, there’s a disclaimer to that. I love shopping along with my clients for art. It’s the perfect combination- I can advise them on the design elements of how the piece will work in their home and they can select what they love. I can handle the framing and hanging of the piece. That kind of team work turns out an amazing room.

Now, armed with the knowledge of the Scouts- go, foray into the world of art shopping. Good luck and most importantly, have fun. Report back to us and let us know what you find. Have you ever hung anything really out of the ordinary? Intriguing minds want to know…

Proud Scouts

2011-06-07T17:21:00.003-04:00

We pause this blog for a moment of gratuitous bragging. Two of our baby Scouts graduated from high school last night. Way to go Duke and Hayley! We are so proud of of them and everything they have accomplished so far in their young lives. Duke, voted the most artistic in their class (obviously takes after his mommy), will go on to study music and at Ohio University. Hayley, who was voted most beautiful girl in the class, will study genetics at the University of Georgia. Best of luck Duke and Hayley! Four Scout offspring down, and three to go! We now return you to our regularly scheduled design blog.

In Remembrance

2011-05-28T11:11:00.003-04:00

The Scouts encourage you to take a moment this weekend to remember the reason we have Memorial Day. It's not about the pool opening or the picnics; although those are certainly nice things. It is to honor those before us: the brave men and women in uniform, who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Vintage Scout Interiors will be closed for Memorial Day weekend and will reopen Tuesday at 10:00am.

To all you mothers out there

2011-05-08T14:05:00.000-04:00

Scouting

2011-05-06T17:06:00.009-04:00

We hope we didn't catch anyone off guard with the sign on our door this morning; we were out Scouting! We got a lead from a fun new client about a barn sale about an hour and a half from here, so we decided to go check it out.So glad we did; there were tons of great finds for the Shop. And our bonus: We drove right past one of our guilty pleasures- Der Dutchman Restaurant. Yum... broasted chicken! Sorry we had to tempt you with that.

Back to the sneak peek of some of the things you'll see back at shop. A set of three photographs featuring vintage airplanes. We'll probably send them out for reframing- Scout Style!

Darling little painted tray. Pair of seriously hot creamware lamps. Gotta find some shades for these babies, and when we do, they will not be in the shop long. Gorgeous!

Set of great books- Seeing Europe With Famous Authors. Don't let the little dent in the corner scare you away. This set is perfect for filling a bookshelf; a very pretty bluish-gray. We picked up several other books as well.

Cute cake plate. Light aqua colored depression glass. Call dibs on it now.

And there is more! We apologize if any of you stopped by this morning to find us gone, but we promise, you will not be disappointed with our finds. If you are interested in any of our finds, send us an email at info@vintagescout.com. We'll even be happy to arrange shipping if you don't live in the Dayton/Cinci/Columbus area.

Don't Rock the Boat

2011-05-04T11:30:00.008-04:00

The rain continues to fall here in Dayton and this morning I contemplated building an arc, which lead me to imagine, "How would I design a yacht if I had one?" So, be inspired by some images of lovely yacht interiors.

As I searched for luxury boat interiors, many of them were contemporary designs. I would want my little dingy to be more of who I am, traditional with a modern edge. Who wouldn't want Kelly Wearstler to design their yacht? Hi little lucite stool, you are cute!

With gorgeous water views I guess it is hard to remember that the inside views count as well. I admit, I've never designed a yacht, but I'd like to, so call me Donald Trump.

We hope you all are staying dry and safe. The Scouts' prayers go out to all of you who were affected by the tornados down south.

Show House 2011

2011-04-30T11:29:00.011-04:00

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

2011-04-25T10:00:00.001-04:00

...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

2011-04-21T15:54:00.000-04:00

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

2011-04-18T11:46:00.004-04:00

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."

Complete Saturday Shop Randomness

2011-03-19T13:27:00.010-04:00

Hi everyone, Scout Debbie here. Here in the Studio, we take turns being the shop girl on Saturdays so we can each occasionally enjoy a weekend away from work. I'm sure you have deduced, it's my turn this week. There's been a lot going on at Vintage Scout, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to ramble on and try to fill you in.

Since spring is desperately trying to make it's debut here in Dayton, we thought we'd help it along by doing some spring cleaning. We had an ulterior motive, but more about that later.We even freshened up the paint! So come on sunshine and warm weather- the Scouts are ready for you!

Since we had everything pulled out, we needed to liven our windows as well. We put our intern, Yoko, on that task and she did a wonderful vignette. Kind of Harry Potter inspired, don't you think?Hey, we're ready for the Royal wedding, are you? Well, here's the real reason behind our fluffing up the shop...We had talented photographer, Tracy Abston, in to shoot some photos of our studio for our new website which should hopefully be up and running by May. We met Tracy on our Marie Antoinette photo shoot and were thoroughly impressed by her work. Pictures by Tracy

Some quick photos of the shop in all it's new glory.We took a chance and pulled the vintage Coleman mansion cabinets out of their corners.

A whole table full of our vintage silver and glass. We are excited for flea market season to start to scout for more.

Our ever popular Soy Vey candles- new ones just in. We love displaying them on this stand made from old tobacco lathe strips. It's now 3:00 and time to close the studio for the rest of the weekend. Thank you for putting up with the randomness of this Saturday afternoon blog. Scout Debbie signing off.

Thank You for Being a Stylish Friend

2011-03-14T17:56:00.012-04:00

We Get By--and Inspired--With a Little Help From Our Friends We love our friends: It is often through their lovely homes that we find graceful inspiration and thoughtful arrangements that stay with us long past our social visits. They provide us with the "aha" moment that sends us back to our own homes to edit, rearrange, delete and beautify our own surroundings. For instance, we earnestly applaud Wendy Frederick's earthy chic yet tastefully eclectic style. The home she shares with husband Ted and two sons in Oakwood is a glorious statement to her naturally good eye and world travels. The look is refined yet easy, with the right touch of animal prints, international intrigue and natural fabrics. Undoubtedly, we love the overall look of each room, but it is also the attention to detail Wendy gives each room that we find fascinating. Robin was recently mesmerized by a pair of opera play bill plates by Fornasetti-Milano. She could just imagine being at an Italian opera and soaking in the driving vigor of the music by such artists as Puccini, Verdi or Rossini. Just give her theater binoculars and opera gloves! Thank you, Wendy, for sharing! We love the earthy glam you bring to everyday life and your positive spirit.

Wine (Whine?) and Design

2011-03-12T21:13:00.001-05:00

The Scouts have coined the term "wine and design", an evening dedicated to friendship and fresh ideas, where we all convene at one of our homes for uninhibited design inspiration and brainstorming. The wine and the creative juices both flow oh-so-freely, as we tackle difficult design dilemmas plaguing each of us. You all know the saying "the cobbler's kids don't wear shoes", right? Well, as designers, we are often so busy helping our clients, we neglect keeping our own homes on the cutting edge of interior design, and eventually one of us will whine about it. That's when a night of "wine and design" is called to order...whining not allowed. Good things always transpire during these sessions, and while the hostess (the one who was whining to begin with) benefits from a new outlook on her home, the other Scouts enjoy the chance to be collectively creative (and enjoy their favorite wine and hopefully a whine-free work environment...at least for awhile).

Enjoy some more literal interpretations of "wine and design" and let us know your thoughts:

This tablescape is beautifully executed and the clear bottles allow for good views and conversation with the dinner mate across from you. I love the different candle heights too!

Above: Elle Decor photo via Happy Mundane.

Yet another way to use a wine bottle as a candle holder...cut down to size:

Above: Design Sponge photo Or as beautiful vases... Above photo from Green Wine Bottles by David Guilfoose "Wine and Design" always has a good end-result, whether we simply polish off a perfect Pinot Noir or perfect a pleasing color palette (or both). Cheers! And lastly, a favorite quote:

"What contemptible scoundrel stole the cork from my lunch?"

- W.C. Fields

Can Spring please be just around the corner?

2011-03-10T17:03:00.003-05:00

The change to Daylight Saving Time has snuck up on us! Its a reminder to switch out your heavy winter bedding for the lighter fabrics of spring. Stop by Vintage Scout Interiors and let the Scouts help you choose new sheets from Pine Cone Hill. Annie Selke has created a wonderful line at reasonable prices. We're happy to help you customize a look of your own with quilts, pillows, the works!

Show House Sneak Peek

2011-03-07T14:42:00.009-05:00

Well, the cat, err, the horse, is out of the bag on Vintage Scout's design for the 2011 Dayton Philharmonic Show House & Gardens. The "Bare Bones" party was held this past Saturday, where patrons get a look at the house in it's "before" state, and see the designers' design boards for what it will look like "after".

Here's some shots of our space "before". We have the upstairs hallway.All the wallpaper will be stripped and the walls will be painted Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige.

Yep, it's just a long narrow hallway with a bunch of doors. What's a Scout to do?

Phenomenal gallery wall, that's what!

With that in mind, the Scouts always create a "client" for their Show House projects. This year we imagine our client is a chic woman who has a passion for horses and riding. We have a whole story about her in our heads.

One of the difficulties that arises from doing a series of personal photographs in an application like this, is how to make it seem like someone lives there without being too personal. Does that make sense? As cool as our "client" is; she is make-believe after all. Our dilemma was solved when we met Jennifer Muncy. She is a professional photographer who perfectly captures the excitement of the equestrian world. We are thrilled she agreed to let us display her work.

Make plans to attend the Dayton Philharmonic Show House and Gardens opening May 1st to see the finished Scout space in all its glory. Want a fabulous gallery wall in your own home, but don't know where to start? Call Vintage Scout Interiors at 937-312-9461 and make an appointment for one of the Scouts to come out and help you figure it out.

Remember us?

2011-02-28T12:52:00.005-05:00

Hi. Wow. Yes, it's been awhile. I can't believe our last blog post was about Valentine's Day. Imagine us with our fingers in the shape of an "L" on our forehead.

I can't promise you it won't happen again. But here's what we can do... how about three other ways to keep up with what the Scouts are doing?

You can hardly call us Social Media Mavens, but we do our best. We've got a little presence on the two big sites, plus another one you're gonna love.

Almost everyone these days is on Facebook, and the Scouts are no exception. Our FB page is the best place to find out on a day-to-day basis what's up at the Studio. Your bonus for "liking" us on Facebook- impromtu specials only advertised on Facebook. So scoot on over to our page, like us, and pretty soon there'll be something in it for you.

Technically, all the Scouts have Twitter pages. Some tweet more than others, so we'll link you to one and you can go from there. Twitter is a way to get to know the Scouts on a more personal level. Many of our tweets are about design, but here and there you'll get those other tidbits about random things we like or want to rant about.

Our newest online passion is Pinterest. Have you all heard about it? If not, get on the bandwagon- it's awesome! Pinterest is a place to collect all those inspiration photos you love, but don't know how to keep track of them. Kinda like a virtual bulletin board. Currently, Pinterest is by invitation only, so if you'd like an invite, comment that you would on our FB page, and we'll send one off to you. Scouts Dana and Debbie currently have Pinterest boards and we'd love if you'd follow us.

And we'll try to be better about blogging more often. Trust me, we've got good intentions; enough to pave a road to somewhere. While we're at it about blogging, what would you like to see us blog about? Projects we're working on? Stuff in the Studio? Topics other than design? Let us know.

Fondly, Your Friends, The Scouts.

Vintage Valentines

2011-02-14T13:06:00.004-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day! The Scouts have some great ideas for unique Valentine's gifts for whomever your special special might be. When you incorporate a vintage element into your present, the recipient is sure to know you have put a lot of thought and love into your token of affection.A beautiful vintage pressed glass pedestal bowl filled with special conversation hearts, hand selected by you of course, makes a thoughtful present.An old unique box filled with love letters. Aahhhhh amore!Flowers are everywhere on February 14th. Why not place your stems in vintage milk glass for a gift that lasts even after the flowers wilt.

Even if your Valentine is of the four-legged persuasion, there is a gift for Fido as well... select a special breed from the Scouts' infamous kennel.

However you choose to celebrate and whoever you share today with, the Scouts wish you and yours a Happy Valentine's Day, and continued love throughout the year.

She wore...

2011-02-10T14:05:00.005-05:00

Do I even need to say it? Just sing it with me... Blue Velvet. For awhile now, I've been enamoured of all things textural and really deep blue; as evidenced by the sofa I placed in my sister's living room last year. The indigo Crypton microfiber will stand up to anything they dish out. Plus, it's gorgeous (and reasonably priced!) Interior Design by Debbie Basnett, Vintage Scout Interiors. Photography by Tricialee Photography

Since then, I've been clipping photos with wonderful blue velvet (or like) upholstery. I found this one on Material Girls blog. The high gloss walls aren't bad either.

Look at these chairs specified by designer Steven Volpe. I'd cozy up by that fire. (especially today; brrrr it's cold here in Dayton) Sofa by Mitchell Gold. They seem to be fond of the blue velvet look too; I've seen quite a few gorgeous pieces by them. This one's by Room & Board. The four back cushions are a fun touch. Looks like you could stretch out and take a good nap on this one.

Tres chic! The Mercer chair from Canvas.

This one from Lonny Magazine is the perfect backdrop for all those fun pillows, including the Jonathan Adler "Liza". Don't you just know someone fun lives here?

Coordinating chair and chaise in this room have a scrumptious bouillon fringe on them. Photo from House & Home magazine.

OK- this one was for sale over on a UK Craigslist kind of listing! Some lucky Brit's gonna get a steal.

If you're not bold enough to do a major piece of upholstery, try some pillows. Another image from the Lonny archives.

I think the white painted wood makes this one pop! Chic little vignette on the console table behind it. You all know how I feel about foo dogs.

The ever wonderful Shine sells this one. Is there ever such a thing as too much nailhead? I think not.

And finally, if you just can't get that blue velvet out of your mind, why don't you just go to sleep in it. This stunning bed by Mitchell Gold will bring sweet dreams of Bobby Vinton singing you to sleep. You know the song.

Something To Occupy Your Time

2011-02-08T15:49:00.008-05:00

You know, sometimes with weather like this, one can get a little stir crazy. That's where a good DIY project can come in handy. We've got one for you and it involves our beautiful Cavallini papers.For those uninitiated, Cavallini & Co. is a San Francisco company dedicated to producing the finest gift and stationery products. Each piece of beautiful paper is printed in Italy on heavyweight ivory laid paper. Designs are based on historical prints and maps. The obvious use would be gift wrap. They say the presentation is as important as the gift. We probably sell the most for framing. Each piece is a generous 20 x 28. Best of all though, these papers are wonderful for upscale craft projects! Try decoupaging a chest of drawers. Use them for mats on framing. Can someone say "drawer liner"? Each sheet is only $3.75, so why not try lots of different uses. With all the snow that's been falling over most of the country, I think we've all got nothing but a lot of indoor time our our hands.

Stop by the Studio at 60 N. Main Street in Historic Centerville to see our selection of Cavallini papers and let us know what project you have up your sleeve.

Golden Globe Interiors

2011-01-19T14:25:00.001-05:00

I love being an interior designer, but my dream job would have to be a member of the Fashion Police. If you follow me on Twitter, you got my play by play commentary on the Golden Globes . Well, unfortunately, E! is not calling me and I have no choice but to go back the studio and continue designing beautiful spaces for my clients. ‘sigh’- picture some Scarlett O’Hara drama here. So in an effort to indulge my passion for critiquing red carpet looks, yet still stay within my realm of expertise, I will attempt to associate them with an interior design do or don’t.
A big trend of the night was emerald. I say don’t follow this yellow brick road. Emerald reminds me too much of forest green- a favorite of the Waverly trend. Here in Ohio we still have clients who have this color along with some navy and burgundy in their houses and want to keep it. Yes, seriously. So the last thing I want to see is this color when I don’t have to. The Scouts have a wonderful green we use called “Happy Camper”. At first I was on the fence about Anne Hathaway’s dress. But then I decided it reminded me of a decadent lighting fixture. Here’s just a little eye candy for you. If “Horders” were a dress: This is a room that’s not quite finished. Needs accessories. Accessories are the jewelry of a space. If I had to pick a red carpet look from the 2011 Golden Globes that captured the look of my perfect room it would be this: Clean, tailored, classic, and elegant, but still young and fresh.

I could go on and on. There were looks I loved and those where I would be screaming to the stylist “Off with your head!” Seriously though, your closet is a great place to start for inspiration for your interior design. Look for colors that stand out. Do you go for trends or are most pieces in your wardrobe classics? Answers to these questions are great leads if you are looking for ideas to freshen your home. Or as always, you can contact us here at the Studio. If you’re in the Dayton/Cinci/Columbus area, we’re happy to schedule a consultation. Not in Ohio? Send us an email and we can work with you virtually to help you find the look for you.

Here's One For You

2011-01-14T14:33:00.003-05:00

How many designers at Vintage Scout does it take to screw in a light bulb to a new light fixture from Ralph Lauren? All of us! And we can't wait... For information or to purchase, please call the Studio at 937.312.9461 or email at info@vintagescout.com

Adios 2010

2010-12-30T15:51:00.009-05:00

As the Scouts look forward to 2011, we must take a moment to recollect what we’ve enjoyed or been thankful for in 2010.

1. Those of you who made a commitment to shop and support local, independent businesses. We thank you from the bottom of our heart. 2. Our 3rd successful French Flea Market. We have really started to look forward to our annual anniversary celebration and the special things we scout for it. 3. Customers who come in from bigger cities and say they love our shop because it reminds them of, say, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta or Boston. It’s a complement we truly appreciate.

4. Clients who trust us wholeheartedly; with design decisions and alarm codes.

5. Contractors who show up when they’re supposed to, do a good job for a reasonable price, and remain cheerful: the ones we’re proud to associate our name with and trust to be in our clients’ homes. You are few and far between and we would like to clone you. 6. The opportunity to do what we love, with people we love. And our families who support us in doing so.

Thank you all for a wonderful 2010! We look forward to a fun and successful 2011 and dragging you all with us!

The Scouts

Revel...

2010-12-23T14:32:00.005-05:00

in the magic that is Christmas.

Vintage Scout Interiors will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll see you back at the studio Monday, December 27th at 10am.

MERRY CHRISTMAS or as we Scandinavians say, GOD JUL.

Staying Inspired

2010-12-20T11:47:00.004-05:00

It's been almost two years since I first walked in to the lobby of the Gramercy Park Hotel. We were at the NYC Gift Show and our friend, Fifi, wanted to share some of New York's finest design with us.The first thing that struck me was all the amazing art. That should come as no surprise, as Julian Schnabel designed the interiors with Ian Schrager, the master of boutique hotels. Pieces by Schnabel, Warhol, Haring and more are predominantly displayed throughout the public areas of the hotel. A super treat to see works in an environment like this.The sawtooth shark chandelier in the Rose Bar was nothing short of completely cool. The vibe was medieval, yet felt like an exclusive men's club. It was almost a little pompous, although that was probably intentional. Then toss in a Moroccan influence and you have combination that no one would think would work, but is flawlessly pulled off. The unabashed mix of rich, bold colors combined with luxurious finishes is a treat for any designer to experience. Fuse that with the storied history of the hotel and the total package is an intriguing feast to behold. While goofing around with a suit of armor in the lobby, a gentleman chuckled at us. Fifi, not one to be belittled, gave him a look that only Fifi can. He stopped to talk to us and it turned out he was the former owner of the hotel, Steven Weissberg. He talked to us about his family, so candidly that we hardly believed him until we googled it. Read all about it here- NYMagazine

Maybe the Scouts will one day be lucky enough to stay at GPH. Until then, we'll take away inspiration for it's blend of styles, colors, and over-the-top furnishings. Have you ever stayed there? If so, let us know how your experience was.

Belle Fleur is a 2010 Favorite

2010-12-09T13:28:00.002-05:00

We were excited to read that Belle Fleur candles made Elle Decor's list of "What We Loved in 2010- under $100". We agree wholeheartedly! Belle Fleur candles are beautifully packaged and come in the most amazing unique scents. Vintage Scout is proud to carry this line of luxury candles. We can't decide on our favorite scent- Orange Blossom Pomegranate, Figue Noir, Bergamot Cedar... the list goes on.

If you are not familiar with Belle Fleur candles, stop by the Studio and check them out. They make a wonderful hostess gift. Besides the wonderful scent inside- the box they come in is so beautiful, you don't even need to wrap it.

We currently have six scents available at $48, as well as room fragrance sprays. Call or email the Studio for more information. 937-312-9461 or info@vintagescout.com

Come One, Come All

2010-11-29T11:39:00.003-05:00

The Scouts warmly welcome you to celebrate with us at our 2010 Annual Holiday Open House and Sale, Thursday, December 2nd through Saturday, December 4th.

Our gift to you- enjoy 20% off your purchase.

Give Thanks!

2010-11-25T12:08:00.004-05:00

The Scouts are thankful for many things on this day, none more than our wonderful friends and clients.

We hope you enjoy wonderful time with family and some delicious dishes. The Scouts will be taking this weekend off to do the same; the studio will be closed this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We'll reopen as normal Monday morning at 10am.Happy Thanksgiving!

Jean, Dana, Debbie, & Robin

Secret Smiles

2010-11-17T08:25:00.007-05:00

We're half way through our month-long drive to collect towel sets and night lights for the very worthy organization, Secret Smiles. Two things have come to light the last couple of weeks. First: the sheer generosity of our clients and customers. We have had donations sent directly from online vendors from those who can't make it in, or just dropped off with nothing but a "Hello and thanks for what you're doing". And second: not very many of you are aware of what Secret Smiles does. Here is the link to their site SECRET SMILES. In a nutshell, Secret Smiles provides cribs, beds and bedding to families without. The history of the charity is rather sentimental, as one of the New York founders was killed in the 9/11 attacks and the Dayton chapter was founded by her sister in her memory. The group is run by non-paid volunteers and operating costs are minimal. The Scouts are honored to be acquainted with several of the trustees of Secret Smiles Dayton; they are some wonderful, selfless people.

So, during the remainder of November, Vintage Scout Interiors continues to team up with Secret Smiles to collect for their "Dream Big" pillowcases. The pillowcases will include a towel set and nightlight, among other items such as journals, toiletries, etc. and be distributed to needy children. To make it worth your while, when you donate a new towel set or nightlight at Vintage Scout, the Scouts will in turn offer you 30% off one item in the studio.

For more information on our drive or how you can donate, call the studio at 937-312-9461. Vintage Scout in located in Historic Centerville, Ohio at 60 N. Main Street. Store hours are Monday through Friday 10-6, and Saturday 10-3.

Interior Envy- SATC2

2010-11-06T11:00:00.005-04:00

I know I am behind the curve, but I just saw Sex and the City 2 last night. I am spoiled with a comfortable home theater in my lower level, so I infrequently go to the movies; I just wait for them to come out on demand. There’s nothing like snuggling up with a nice glass of wine and some dark chocolate to watch a movie, not to mention my husband can make some good popcorn with REAL butter- sorry Rave Theaters, you can’t compete. Anyway, like I said, I just saw SATC2, and wow, I have interior envy! I just could not keep my eyes off the wonderful sets, even with all those fabulous clothes. Perhaps Carrie said it best, "I've been cheating on fashion with furniture."Before we get to the juicy stuff, let's just touch on Charlotte's kitchen. We didn't get to see much of anyone's apartments besides Carrie and Big's, but this kitchen was so amazing. I wish there would have been some more still shots of it. The gray and white floor is wonderful, more subtle than black and white checker, yet still classic- so Charlotte. I don't think you can ever go wrong with white in your kitchen and this set proves it with all white cabinets, countertops, and backsplash. Carrie and Big's apartment. Can you hear the angels singing? Love! The round entry hall library and the absolutely stunning custom light fixture (it's only like $15,000- pocket change) make me want to come home and put my mail and keys on that table.This living room is the perfect combo of structure and comfy. After all, Big puts his shoes on the sofa (it's a sofa, Carrie, not a couch. I don't like the word "couch". That implies overstuffed cheap pleather to me). I read the chairs are vintage from Bergdorfs. The tray coffee table is super cool and she's got foo dogs. The Scouts love foo dogs. The one thing I don't love in this room though is the rug- the pink seems out of place. I think I know where the designer was going with it, but it didn't quite get there for me.

Hello to-die-for blue felt ottoman by Anne Kyyro! See the details here.

The backlit built-ins in the dining room are nothing short of spectacular. I love that they're not styled for a dining room. The chair shape is not my favorite, but that fabric... how do you spell the kissing noise?

Probably the only thing I really disliked in their apartment was the kitchen tile backsplash. It felt like it was out of place, and for me that's saying a lot. I get eclecticity, trust me, but this wasn't working. I might have tried something slightly smaller scale and maybe a metallic.What can I say about this headboard? It is glorious! So cleverly paired with the Cole and Son wallpaper. Let me design a bed like this for you.I love the draperies in their bedroom. They remind me that I want to put sheers in my living room. The tassel fringe on the panels is perfect detail. And the Scouts have always been enamored with that Hickory Chair secretary. I almost cringed when Big put the TV in it.Before we get to the real eye candy, can I just say, Miranda was never my favorite of the girls, but the dress she wore to the wedding was... I'm out of adjectives, so I'll repeat some of them: to-die-for, amazing, stunning. Me want!You know I would be remiss not to mention what we all know was the real reason to see the movie: Carrie's closet. I thought it was so sweet that it was really like two closets in one and that Big's half was different from Carrie's. They're even lit differently. And I love that Carrie's stuff has spilled over to Big's side. This must be what closets are like in heaven.

Mucho credit to Lydia Marks who created these mouth watering sets for Sex and the City 2. You made my night!

What the Scouts are Wearing

2010-11-04T13:37:00.003-04:00

The Scouts don't take fashion lightly. We believe you should dress yourself as well as your interiors. We thought we might start a new blog series where we occassionally share with you what we're wearing. Catching Jean walking out the door to meet a client, she looks chic as always. Here, she's wearing a timeless Chaiken turtleneck dress with flared sleeves. Black tights and Nine West above-the-knee nylon boots complete the look. The Anteprima bag in elephant embossed leather is a classic . One of the awesome things about owning your own business is wearing what you want to work, so you'll often catch the Scouts in jeans. Dana's sporting a pair of Chip and Pepper jeans here with Nine West cowboy boots. The cute sweater is by Ann Taylor.

We do try to dress accordingly to what we're doing for the day, we promise. So after after meeting with a client, Debbie needs to look for a fabric for the job. She's wearing a Theory dress with an exposed zipper in the back and pleated taffeta skirt. It's already cold here in Ohio so tights are a necessity as is the turtleneck underlayer.

We hope you enjoyed your peek into the Scouts' closet. What are you wearing today?

A little help from friends and then some

2010-11-03T09:26:00.003-04:00

Getting your own house finished is probably one of the biggest challenges for a designer. Either you're so burned out from making selections for your clients or you can't decide because you think something better's out there. Or if you're like me, you're just a procrastinator. So yesterday I called fellow Scout Jean to come over and give me a kick in the butt, I mean some direction, on getting my house finished- at least for the moment (you know a designer's house is never "finished"). We began to tackle the empty wall in my dining room. The large piece in the middle is an enlarged copy of a rejection letter sent by the MOMA to Andy Warhol. The Scouts used it in a dining by design event a few years ago. My family finds it inspirational, however, it was lonely on the wall by itself. Jean suggested I hang some colorful original art around it. Just what it needed. So, to pay Jean for all her design advice, I took her to a new little place in Dayton. Yay for locally owned restaurants!Then I went to vote. How lucky are the Scouts that this is where our polling place is located- a gorgeous old church. That slate roof is to die for.So with the rest of the afternoon ahead of me and not being scheduled in the studio, I decided to go thrift shopping. I scored some awesome things! I did pass up this fur coat, but I couldn't resist showing you all the tag. The Scouts know some people like that. :)

So, besides voting, how did you spend your day? And share some of your best thrift store finds with us.

Happy Halloween from the Scouts!

2010-10-31T14:35:00.005-04:00

picture courtesy of Olde Good Things

and don't worry, we wouldn't place this in your house!

Think Pink

2010-10-26T07:46:00.008-04:00

Pink doesn't have to be sissy. Pink can be bold, sassy; soft and sophisticated; modern; girly if you want it to be; masculine if you try. I agree that pink walls can be intimidating- not for the weak of heart. In design school I was told that a prison study was done on wall color and the outcome was that pink invoked anger the fastest. Could that really be true? If so, maybe that's what up with all our little girls, not hormones. :) Don't let that scare you away from pink, but if you're nervous, start slowly. Why not try adding pink fabric in your home. Start with a pillow and work your way up to a chair or a headboard. Get brave and reupholster a vintage sofa. Yum! So, in honor of breast cancer awareness month and the brave, bold women and men who are fighting it, we have pulled together some of our favorite pink fabrics.

This cane print is actually an indoor/outdoor fabric from Duralee! One of my favorite fabrics of all time.

Gorgeous Kravet silk buffalo check. Can't you picture some beautiful panels flanking your window? We all love this youthful oversized floral print from Duralee.Could this be hotter? Faux croc from Fabricut. I would put this on a traditional Louis IV chair for fun.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend and this one from Duralee doesn't disappoint.

Such a beautiful fabric from Highland House. This pink geometric needlework would make stunning pillows.

Delicious silk stripe from Fabricut. Think outside the box and run it horizontally.

More needlework detail from Highland House's Marrakesh collection. Wingback chair, anyone?

Can you go wrong with a classic toile? No. This Wedgwood toile from Kravet is simply beautiful. I could see it in a completely modern room as an unexpected accent.

Can you do a list of pink fabrics without a floral? I think not. This linen from Lee Industries is sophisticated and updated.

And lastly, but not least; because when is a velvet ever least; a sumptuous pink velvet with a slight texture. Where wouldn't this go?

All of these fabrics are available through Vintage Scout Interiors. Start your project now and you could have it done by the Holidays. And once again in honor of breast cancer awareness month, mention this blog when you order fabric by the yard through the end of October, we will take 20% off your fabric and donate that to the Komen Fund for the Cure. Call us 937-312-9461 or email us info@vintagescout.com at the Studio for details.

What's Your Background?

2010-10-12T08:55:00.005-04:00

Well, what can we say? The Scouts have been busy at the Studio. And we're not complaining! The only bummer is that our blogging has taken a back seat. We wanted to let you know we haven't forgotten you, so I wanted to share my desktop background with you. I admit I pulled it from something online sometime ago, so I don't know who or where it's from - my apologies. (Comment if you know so I can give credit).

But could one image say more?

What's on your computer background? Is it inspirational? Family photo? Blank? And what do you think it says about you? Talk amongst yourselves and share it with us here.

Western Springs Living Room

2010-09-29T10:18:00.011-04:00

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

I think I'll Pass

2010-09-25T10:20:00.006-04:00

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!

2010-09-19T11:52:00.005-04:00

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

2010-09-13T08:04:00.003-04:00

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

2010-09-03T12:00:00.003-04:00

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?

StyleHouse Lives!

2010-08-26T13:00:00.003-04:00

We are SO excited to have clothing back upstairs at Vintage Scout, even if it is only for a week. Scout fans will remember when we had Luxe Boutique upstairs. It was bittersweet when Mary had that darling baby, because we knew our days with her were numbered. Enter our good friend, Lisa Cermele, who contacted us about hosting her Fall Trunk Show for the most amazing clothing line, Etcetera.Needless to say, we jumped at the chance. The Scouts have always been fans of Etcetera, especially the fall collection! This could seriously be dangerous; having all this fashion upstairs for a week. Sorry to our husbands, but, look at that coat! It's fabulous, gotta have it! Lisa's personal attention to your shopping experience insures you are fitted properly and that no one will be wearing the same outfit as you to any event you may be shopping for.

With styles, sizes and colors to please everyone, Etcetera offers quality, stylish clothing at a reasonable price. There are pieces for casual ware, office attire and more formal events. Their coats are to-die-for.

Etcetera is available exclusively through appointments only during trunk shows. You'll shop upstairs with privacy and personal attention. Here's an idea- make a date with some girlfriends and bring a bottle of wine. I can't think of a better way to shop!

For more information or to schedule your appointment, email Lisa at lcermele@gmail.com. Tell her the Scouts sent you. And we'll see you soon!

Think Green

2010-08-21T13:47:00.003-04:00

Or blue, or brown, or red: transferware that is! Forget paper plates at your next dinner al fresco. Go for the real deal. Place vintage plates - and yes, please DO mix and match patterns and colors - in a crate or basket for guests to use at the buffet table. Not only will you be saving a tree, but vintage pieces are the ultimate in recycling. Vintage transferware can be found at lots of places and for reasonable prices: brick and mortar stores, like Vintage Scout; flea markets; Ebay and Etsy. Try adding in vintage glassware and silverplate, too, for a fun and fabulous table.

Dog Days of Summer SALE

2010-08-11T10:57:00.002-04:00

Don't miss out on this rare opportunity- even our tea towels are on sale! We've got to clear out to bring in new fall items. So, if you've had your eye on something, now's the time to jump. Swing by the Shop, sooner rather than later, before what you want is gone. We'll see you soon. Sale applies to in-stock items only.

Dinner at Camp Ridgeway

2010-08-08T12:18:00.004-04:00

We always love getting together with one of the biggest Scout aficionados, our dear friend, Fifi. Her home, Camp Ridgeway, is, in a word, beautiful. AND she is the most amazing hostess. So when she invited us over for a small dinner soiree, we didn't hesitate.

When you drive up the circular peagravel drive at Camp Ridgeway, you are greeted by this:Stunning, right, I know. Well, coincidentally, the Scouts have been asked to join forces with some other local talents on a wedding style board for Style Me Pretty. I think we found the location for our photo shoot!The property is just to-die-for. Fifi had drinks set outside for everyone in a charming arrangement on a 20 foot long table we collaborated on with her.Inside, Fifi's collections serve double duty, both decorative and functioning. Here's her gorgeous collection of flatware and silverware. I love how she displays it on the countertop. The lamp in the background is made from a champagne magnum.We have named this "Fifi Salad". So simple, yet so sophisticated and delicious. Would it be as good if it weren't served so beautifully?Over in her charming breakfast nook, a gourmet selection of olives, breads, pates, and cheeses. She has the coolest antique bread slicer she found up in Michigan.We all dish up and enjoy the spread and a lovely glass of elderberry water.The sister Scouts.

Fifi is always quick to give us credit for designing her living room. It was one of the most fun jobs we've worked on simply because she has the best stuff to start with. Don't you love the mix of the modern acrylic chairs and the traditional silver platters? It's always gratifying to work with people who let you get a little creative.Such a fun evening was had by all. Thanks to our wonderful hostess and friend, Fifi. We always leave Camp Ridgeway inspired and grateful to know such a charming and amazing woman.

Cavallini Wall Calendars

2010-08-07T13:18:00.004-04:00

Cavallini calendars are eagerly anticipated each year by collectors and those who appreciate having these beautiful images grace their walls.

The calendars are finely printed on ivory laid paper stock and perfect for framing.The Scouts have selected four of their favorite styles to bring to you and they have just arrived at the Studio. They don't last long, so don't wait until the end of 2010 to get yours. The calendars measure 13.5" x 19" and at $21.95 for 12 gorgeous images; they are a fantastic value for art.

Come join the fun!

2010-08-06T17:42:00.002-04:00

Calling all creative and entrepreneurial types! The Vintage Scouts have their upstairs space available for rent. The interior design studio has room to spare, so the Scouts are looking for renters who would be a good fit. We're thinking photographers, writers, yoga instructors, artists, designers or fashionistas would find this charming space a fabulous place to operate a business. Utterly charming second-floor space in historic stone building is ideal for a retail boutique or studio. Rent this dynamic space for $10 a square foot. This property features lots of great light and vintage allure with modern conveniences and access to second-story restroom. Wonderful curb appeal and offstreet parking in desirable retail location. Tenant will be responsible for a portion of the utilities and a security deposit. 703-966-4631.

Cute Shops in the Chicago 'burbs

2010-07-31T12:21:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite things about going out of town is checking out the cute local shops and boutiques. When I visit my sister in Chicago, I always like to see what's new at Vintage Charm.

This darling store is located in the western suburb of LaGrange. It reminds me of a cross between our shop and Anthropologie.Bekah and all the girls working there were so sweet and helpful. I bought a cute baby shower gift and a fabulous necklace for myself.

I mentioned in my last blog about going to Oak Park. Kristin, what took you so long to take me there? Love this part of Chicago! We stopped in Fly-Bird and let me tell you, from the minute we walked in, we were either laughing out loud or hollering at each other "Look at this!" She carries a lot of local artisans.She had the most hilarious cards and I got a little housewarming gift for my baby boy when he moves into his first apartment this fall. (He and his roomie are allowing me to decorate!) Just a hint:

My sister bought some cute folk art and they had some great baby items as well. I will definitely stop back in this great shop. Check out their respective websites at http://vintagecharmlagrange.com/ and http://www.fly-bird.net/. Make sure you take time to support local businesses like these (and of course Vintage Scout).

Frank Lloyd Wright

2010-07-27T12:53:00.005-04:00

My sister took me to Oak Park yesterday. What a fun part of Chicago! We decided to detour on our way home and go by a few of Mr. Frank Lloyd Wright's houses. Although I am not a huge fan of this architect, I can appreciate his genius and definitely took away some inspiration. The statue below is perched on his studio. I think it says a lot about FLW. I seriously want to get inside this man's head. That is the architect himself. Some of his works are such a curious combination of Tudor and where he was headed- pure Prarie Style. Next door to the house (the right side of the photo below) is a serious Victorian manse. I wonder what he was trying to say? Not very subtle, was he? This was his first commission in 1895 and in 1922 a fire destroyed a big portion of it. Mr. Wright immediately returned to town to redesign and rebuild it. Already the perfectionist- couldn't even let anyone else touch his work. At this house we actually saw the owner outside. I guess a lot of the residents of these homes are elderly. One of the houses also had a wheelchair lift on it. What does the future hold for them with the real estate market like it is and the cost of upkeep and maintenance?

This house was really remarkable. The turret is all very narrow wood plank siding. What a beautiful work.

It was fun revisiting that portion of my History of Architecture class. FLW was one of those geniuses that you just try to imagine what is going on in his brain and the drama that constantly surrounded him. The inspiration I took away was more about design process. Really looking at what are you trying to say with your work; where are you going in with your ideas- I know, sometimes us designers are a little wacky.

Hair trumps all!

2010-07-19T11:58:00.006-04:00

Sorry Scout fans, its been a while since our last blog, but I've been on a vacation. Now I'm back and reinvigorated and inspired. It's a crazy week here at the Studio and one of the reasons is that the Scouts have an unofficial rule that any beauty-inspired appointment gets priority on the schedule. Now we all know how high maintenance designers can be, right? So you can imagine after one Scout returns from a cruise, another from the beach, and one hobbling around with a stress fracture, there's got to be some upkeep involved in that. We thought we'd share the experience with you. Scout Dana: When it comes to my hair appointment, almost nothing else matters. I go to Mindi at Vanity Hair Studio in Oakwood. My hair is very difficult to cut because it is very curly and twice as thick as a normal human. Mindi has figured out a new way to cut my hair and I love it. First she colors, blow dries and then straightens! She cuts it after it is completely straight (which is no small feat). Then comes my favorite part….”the debulking” as I call it. I walk in there w/crazy curly hair and walk out a different person, literally. It’s so fun to freak people out! Check out the before and after….

Scout Jean: The Scouts have an image to maintain, so treating ourselves to facials and pedicures isn't a frivolity, it's a necessity. When one of the Scouts posts a facial appointment on the calendar, we all adjust our schedules to allow it. How could we possibly face (pun intended) each work day without the luminous complexions we acquire through the skillfully trained hands of our aesthetician, Christine Price, owner of LaDeDa le salon in Oakwood, OH. Christine received her training in Paris and it shows. French women spend far more time caring for their skin than putting on makeup. It makes perfect sense; the better your skin looks, the less makeup you need. Somehow we think our design projects look a little more polished in the glow of our freshly scrubbed cheeks too. But seriously, when you feel good about yourself, it shows in everything you do. Merci beaucoup Christine!

Scout Debbie: There's probably not much I'd rather do than spend a few hours at Square One Salon downtown getting my hair done. I've been a regular since I've moved to Dayton and highly recommend it. Square One is an Aveda concept salon and owners Brent, Josh, and Doug are model business owners. From catering to their clients to giving back to the community, I look to them for inspiration! Anyway, my master stylist, Alan, is amazing. Jean, Robin, and I all look to him to keep our split ends and roots in check.

We're in Victoria!

2010-07-09T10:13:00.004-04:00

Check us out in the current issue of Victoria Magazine. Our Fisher Chair is featured as well as a little blurb about the Studio.

Before and After- The Barrel Ceiling

2010-07-06T16:11:00.008-04:00

One of the most asked questions at the Show House was about the "before" in the Sitting Room. Since the house had at one time been converted to apartments, this was one of the kitchenettes.The barrel ceiling had been drywalled in to create soffits for the cabinets and the lovely folding doors.At least they had left an idea that the ceiling existed. Something else was hid behind the cabinetry on the left- stay tuned.The current homeowner did much of the renovation work himself. He was able to remove the soffit without much damage to the plaster.Enter our magical team of finish experts! After coordinating with the girls at Surface Fusion and the homeowners to find a finish that worked with our design, we came up with a gorgeous Italian plaster the color of the sky on a beautiful day. New light fixtures helped as well. The cabinets were also hiding a small fireplace which the homeowner re-did using marble tiles leftover from the new shower and installing an electric insert. The mantle was found at a local architectural salvage store. A pretty dramatic before and after- wouldn't you say? I think the current homeowners will really enjoy this space. Do you have any renovation projects where something you didn't know was there was uncovered? Leave us a comment and let us know.

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T11:19:00.002-04:00

Here's to Life, Liberty, and today especially, The Pursuit of Happiness! How will you be celebrating Independence Day? One of the Scouts is on a cruise (the lucky red headed one) and the others will be poolside back here in Ohio. It's all family, friends, food, and fun! But don't think for one minute though, that the Scouts aren't mighty thankful for their independence and right to be women business owners! If you don't know, all the Scouts hubbies are retired from the Air Force, so we are aware first-hand of the sacrifice that our brave men and women out there are making. Take some time today to breathe in that lovely freedom and think of them as you celebrate this wonderful all-American day.

Boing Boing Boing

2010-06-27T11:25:00.004-04:00

One of the things I love about the blogs I follow is when I feel like I know the writer. I can hear their voice in my head and I know if we ever met, we'd hit it off immediately! One of these is Jamie from Furbish Studio in Raleigh, NC, and the blog I Suwannee. She recently posted a blog about owning a store and it hit so close to home, I emailed her and asked her if I could share it. I don't know if I could say it any better. So without further ado, but with comments in red from me:

how is it having a store? well. it's wonderful. i am doing WHAT I WANT TO DO. that's pretty remarkable. i have no crazy boss screaming at me and having unprovoked mood swings. Unless you count me or one of the other Scouts i don't have to ask anyone if i need to leave early. i don't have to go on wild goose chases, i'm allowed to tell people if they are being unreasonable, i pick who i want to as co-workers, i determine what i think is fair and i am proud of what i'm offering. i work hard. everyday. i keep working when i get home at night. since what i 'do' is also my biggest hobby now, it never ends. after spending the day looking at fabrics and blogs for inspiration and helping clients and ordering things for the store and painting furniture, i come home and look at magazines and walk around our neighborhood at night time peering in people's windows from the street for inspiration. I am so glad to know someone else does this i search for interesting vintage furniture, i clip out merchandise i want for the store, i meet with design clients at night, i go over numbers again and again to make sure i can pay my taxes and take pictures of what we're eating for dinner so i have something to talk to yal about. and then i paint furniture again. i don't make much money. i'd like to one day. the key is diversifying. retail alone will NOT do it. it's about the store. and the decorating. and the custom furniture. and painting furniture for customers. and the blog. and advertisers. and e-decorating. and selling fabric. and having an online store. and one day, a scent, a china pattern and a line of dog beds. if i had kids, i don't see how i could do this. i also could not do it without a few really important people who i count on each and every day: keila the intern who makes it all happen and buys me kimonos, david the painter/cobbler/lamp maker who thinks he's hamish bowles, my mom who always shows up with a new mirror, my accountant, deanna who brings me lunch and unloads furniture, lauren brings me coffee and funny stories, caroline helps me remember to stay classy, and rowdy who at the very least gets me outside every few hours - but at the very most is dog perfection. and brian meares, who comes in the store every now and then and says, 'wow, furbish is real'. Three of us Scouts have kids and it does make it tricky to balance. However the people we couldn't do it without are each other and the Scout husbands. Hopefully one day, we'll have other staff. it's a risk. every day you have to keep taking them. will people buy this? should i order more? try something different? is this too expensive? is this too cheap? should i paint these chairs blue and cover them in crazy fabric? will people buy them or tell me it's awful? it's not vegas. you can't cash out when you're up. you have to spend money to make money, and that's scary. and then when you make it, you have to pay 37% of it to the gov't. so one day the bank acct is all dolla dolla bill$ and the next day, nada. i get lots of emails from people wanting advice, and for me to share my story. i'm not ignoring you - i just don't physically have the brain power or time to answer every email. i get excited when something sells, or i get a new client, or finish a project i'm proud of, but then you have to go right back to making it all happen. it's a jump. a leap of a faith. every day. boing boing. but it's worth it.

Jamie's store looks so cool, I can't wait to visit it one day. Little does she know, but she's got some Scout stalkers who are inspired by her website and what she offers. Thank you Jamie, for saying what The Scouts and probably many other small design business owners are feeling everyday.

Selecting and Displaying Art in Your Home

2010-06-23T15:48:00.004-04:00

Vintage Scout Interiors is pleased to present “Selecting and Displaying Art in Your Home” as part of the event series at the DPVA 10 Days of Design at the Designers’ Show House & Gardens.

Our presentation will be Thursday, June 24, at 3 p.m. and then again at 6 p.m. In conjunction with our information session, we will be joined by one of our art vendors from 3 to 8 that evening with original paintings for sale. Framing will be available as well, and you can take your treasure home with you that day. Sizes of the paintings range from 8 by 10 inches to 36 by 48 inches. Many different subjects and styles, from traditional landscapes to modern abstracts, will be represented. The Scouts will be available during that time to help you with your selections. Feel free to bring photos of your rooms for design advice. Please call the Studio at 937.312.9461, or email us at info@vintagescout.com for more details.

Scouting in Seattle

2010-06-19T16:12:00.006-04:00

Grunge music. Coffee. Seafood. Yep, we're talking about Seattle. Scouts Dana and Jean jetsetted off to celebrate their birthdays in this city of gorgeous mountain and water views, and in true Scout fashion, discovered some fabulous finds. They scouted out two incredibly eclectic boutiques in the unlikely area of Georgetown, just south of downtown Seattle, that should be on your "must see" list next time you are in this Pacific Northwest city. Don't let the industrial area fool you, these shops are worth the quick taxi ride from the Chinatown-International District. Conveniently located next to one another, Great Stuff and Susan Wheeler Home are both chock full of some of the most interesting vintage finds we have seen in a long time.Gracious shop owner Susan Wheeler opened her boutique last fall and has clients from all over who demand the type of unique and unusual items that she very carefully selects for her shop, Susan Wheeler Home, located at 5515 Airport Way S. Seattle, WA.Great Stuff is right next door at 5517 Airport Way S., where friendly proprietor Kirk H. Albert, jokingly calls his finds "mantiques". They definitely appealed to Scouts Jean and Dana as well! Check them out for yourself at http://www.greatstuffseattle.com/ if you're not heading to Seattle any time soon. You won't be disappointed. You might need a little background on the Scouts to appreciate this photo. Jean and Debbie love taxidermy, while Dana does not enjoy it quite as much as the others. Needless to say, Dana's reflection in the mirror says it all.

More background- Dana has 3 boys at home, plus her hubby. She is definitely outnumbered.

Sneak Peek- Our Designer Showhouse Room

2010-06-12T13:48:00.007-04:00

Our room is loaded in and ready for the Ten Days of Design 2010 DPVA Designer Show House & Gardens, located in the historic Schantz Park area of Oakwood (Dayton), Ohio. The house was built in 1911. It's described in the show house literature as a Colonial Revival. We have the Master Bedroom and Sitting Area.

To come up with our design, we envisioned a sophisticated gentleman who lives in our space. He's a collector and a world traveller. The furnishings are a mix of old and new, modern and traditional. Some of the items are from the shop and others are from our personal collections.It's not a Scout space without a bar. Our client prefers his martinis stirred, not shaken.

We had this pillow made from a vintage Italian wall hanging. It will be for sale, along with many of the other items when the show house closes on Sunday the 27th. A collector of art. He appreciates Jonathan Adler- cool.

A World Traveller. He probably brought this awesome light fixture back from one of his trips.

He's a well read gentleman. Don't know if you can see it, but the team photo was probably his father's from his Cambridge Rugby days.

Don't miss the Ten Days of Design, June 19th through the 27th. For more information, check our website, blog, and Facebook page often, visit the DPVA website, or call Vintage Scout Interiors at 937.312.9461. We'll see you there.

Play These Bongos

2010-06-07T17:43:00.009-04:00

We love these Bongo Stools by Bobby McAlpine for Lee Industries! They can be custom ordered in one of many fabrics or leathers available here at the Studio.

kitchen by Susan Ferrier kitchen by Linda Woods

Don't you just love the nailhead detail that comes standard on them? We could see these in a gorgeous brown weathered leather with antique nailheads or a bright patterned fabric with polished nickel nails. Got kids? Select a Sunbrella fabric. What would work in your house? You even choose the finish on the wood trim. Turn around time on these stools is very quick at the moment, so stop by, call, or email Vintage Scout Interiors today and let us price your custom selection.

2010 DPVA Designers' Show House

2010-06-01T21:03:00.002-04:00

Substance and style will reign supreme June 18 through 27 during the DPVA’s 10 Days of Design, a fitting name for the Designer Show House & Gardens at 201 E. Schantz Ave. in Oakwood’s Schantz Park Historic District. The Scouts have put heart and soul into making the event a success in many ways—from delighting the senses of attendees to raising money in support of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Show house visitors will witness the fabulous master suite, which is filled with distinctive Scout flair, passion and personality. The Scouts’ palette includes Navajo White (a staple wall color from Sherwin Williams), exotic turquoise, rich cocoa and deep red. To make the most of a tour through the Designer Residence, follow these tips: • Have an open mind and challenge your usual approach to decorating. Think of what design elements you can bring into your own home. Be inspired. • Bring a notebook and write down color combinations, lighting ideas, window treatments and furniture styles that grab your attention. In fact, if you’re even a dash artistically inclined, draw quick sketches of looks you love. (Remember: No cameras are allowed in the residence, but the show house program will include professional photos.) • Take your time and let the show house experience soak in. A stroll through this magnificent manse should be thoroughly enjoyed. “Notice the details in vignettes,” suggests Debbie. “This is a great opportunity to learn novel ways to display artwork, memorabilia and collections you might already have. And what better opportunity to check out a designer’s real-time portfolio than to visit his or her show house room or space.” • Keep in mind that many pieces (including artwork, accent pieces and furniture) exhibited in the show house are for sale. On Sunday, June 27, you can shop the designer rooms, boutique and landscaped grounds for bargains and items specifically crafted for the event. • Ask questions and be sure to attend Meet the Designers Day, June 22, as well as presentations the designers will host daily throughout the event. • Bring an appetite. Local restaurants and grocers will supply savory fare at the Dine by Design Bistro. • Don’t forget live music will complement the refined show-house ambience. The performance schedule is listed on the DPVA’s web site. • Above all, make the show house a memorable affair and invite friends and family members to accompany you. Buy tickets in advance, and be sure to wear comfy clothing and sensible shoes as the manor has three stories and is situated on a large lot. You don’t want to miss one note in what the DPVA calls “a symphony for the eyes.”

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-29T16:03:00.005-04:00

Happy Memorial Day to all of you! The Studio will be closed on Monday, May 31st, so that the Scouts can celebrate the unofficial start of summer. The Studio will reopen as usual, Tuesday morning, June 1st at 10am.

thanks to The Graphics Fairy for the great photo

Design Inspiration- Dorothy Draper

2010-05-27T09:40:00.013-04:00

The iconic Dorothy Draper was the first to ever establish an Professional Interior Design Company. As women designers and firm owners, we owe a lot to her trailblazing.She was known for her bold designs and mix of bright colors and florals. You usually notice some graphic elements as well.

"I'll always put in one controversial item. It makes people talk."

Wow- she's my hero! Here's a trivia fact for you: her cousin was a famous designer too- Sister Parish. One of her most famous commissions is The Greenbrier Resort.It's been lovingly preserved by her protege, Carleton Varney. He runs Dorothy Draper & Company now. He's a pretty cool dude in his own right. She was the anti-minimalist; the nemesis of Frank Lloyd Wright. He called her an "inferior desecrator". Ha! What does he know, his roofs leak.

Her floral fabrics are breathtaking. Here is a vintage piece from Renovation Therapy.Recognize this? An iconic Dorothy Draper Hollywood Chest found on 1st Dibs.She published this book. Decorating IS fun, but think about hiring a designer (like Vintage Scout). We see influences of her design in many modern day designers like myself. Think Kelly Wearstler and Miles Redd (my modern day design hero. If you're reading, Miles, call me.)

"Never look back, except for an occasional glance, look ahead and plan for the future. Success is not built on past laurels, but rather on a continuous activity. Keep busy searching out new ideas and, experimentally, keep ahead of the times, or at least up with them." Dorothy Draper

Amy Butler Rugs

2010-05-21T10:41:00.006-04:00

We love Columbus artist and textile designer, Amy Butler. We are proud to be a retailer for her amazing rugs.The graphic designs are perfect for adding a touch of color or playfulness to your home.

Stop by the studio to see what rugs we have in stock. The Scouts are happy to help you select the perfect size and pattern to update your room for summer. Think HAPPY!

Get Lucky at Vintage Scout

2010-05-19T15:08:00.002-04:00

Plantation Shutters

2010-05-12T07:04:00.005-04:00

We love plantation shutters! Always a classic. They look great in colors other than white. Love the gray ones above, and the dark room below- wow- drama!

They work with traditional and modern interiors.

Frank Roop

More color below- are they navy or is it just the lighting? If so, wow!

photo from Rod Mickley

They are a perfect solution for French Doors.And as beautiful as windows over tubs are, many times its not practical from a privacy standpoint. Shutters are a beautiful choice to maintain the lovely, but keep peeping toms out. If you're worried about humidity+wood, they also come in some really good composites that are a smart choice for bathrooms or kitchens.

photo from Rod Mickely

They provide great light control as well because their louvers can be manipulated up or down, so they make great window treatments for bedrooms.

above two photos from House of Turquoise

Best of all, shutters are a great home improvement since they can increase the value of your home. If you are interested in shutters for your home, give us a call at the Studio 937-312-9461. If you are in the Dayton/Cinci/Columbus area, one of the Scouts can come out and take a look and show you lots of possibilities for your windows. Live somewhere else? Shoot us an email and we can let you know about our e-design process.

Happy Mothers Day!

2010-05-08T15:56:00.001-04:00

The Scouts wish all the Moms out there a very Happy Mothers Day! In honor of this most revered day, we share some of our favorite TV moms.

And a special Mothers' Day shout out to Norma Jean, Martha, and Cathy. We love our Moms!

Red Table Top Design Gala- ARC Ohio

2010-04-30T17:38:00.005-04:00

Well, as promised, here are photos of our completed table top for the Red Table Top Design Gala held last weekend at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds Roundhouse to benefit Aids Resource Center Ohio. The fundraiser topped $370,000!

Our theme was "Alice in Wonderland". Jean really researched the book and came up with every possible aspect to create an exciting table design. Everyone is familiar with the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

The black rabbit is the March Hare.We didn't realize how top heavy our centerpiece would be. It was a little precarious, but held it's own throughout the event.Did you know there were lobsters and hedgehogs in the story?We created chair tags for each place by overlaying a copy of the original drawing on a copy of a page of the book. Don't you want to be the Cheshire Cat?Here's Jean working hard putting our table design together.The vintage alarm clocks are from Jean's collection. Don't they add a charming dimension to the table? This pretty much sums it up for Vintage Scout- "We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad." If we weren't, I don't think we'd still be here. Have a great weekend everyone!

Scout Debbie's Eight Must-Haves

2010-04-29T13:54:00.010-04:00

Last, but not least, in the highly anticipated Scout series of Eight Things We Can't Live Without is Debbie.

1. Cucina soap- I first fell in love with Cucina when I was visiting my sister and I thought my brother-in-law had gotten a new cologne. That’s how good it smells!

2. GPS- driving to clients’ houses and scouting for treasures- I can’t live without it.

3. Matelasse coverlets- almost every bed in my house has one. They are the greatest because you can wash them and put them straight back on the bed. And they go with everything.

4. Red Wine & Dark Chocolate- Give me these and I'm in hog heaven.

5. Things passed down from my GG- my most treasured possessions are those things given to me by my maternal grandmother, a style icon. 6. Silver hoop earrings- I guess you could call these part of my uniform.

7. Garden Stool- this is probably one of the greatest pieces of furniture ever created. Mine is next to my le Corbusier until I need it somewhere else- the porch, extra seating, parties, whatever. So versatile.

8. My sissy- my sister is the biggest fan of my design and has been so supportive. Plus, she gives me free reign in her house! Look for pics of her new living room soon.

red- Table Design Gala 2010

2010-04-23T15:30:00.004-04:00

It is a bit quiet here in the studio this Friday afternoon. Jean and Dana are out getting ready to install our table top design for the big party this weekend- the 2010 red Table Design Gala. This event benefits the AIDS Resource Center Ohio; and can you believe it; it was sold out even before the invitations were sent!

Its a big mystery as to how the Scouts' design process evolves. Often times we ourselves don't even comprehend the genius process (tongue in cheek). We started out creating our table based on the poetry of Langston Hughes, only to end up with...Alice in Wonderland! Seriously though, as with most of our projects, we begin creating a montage of what we think might work in the design. It's amazing once you toss it all together, you can really tell what is going to work and what needs to go bye-bye. We thought you might enjoy this peek into what our table will look like. We'll post more photos next week after the event. If you'd like more information on this worthy fundraiser, go to www.arcohio.org

How to Tour a Showhouse

2010-04-22T10:13:00.004-04:00

The Scouts have been working on pulling together all the pieces of the design we are creating for the Master Bedroom of the 2010 Dayton Philharmonic Designer Showhouse. We love participating in this event and really enjoy meeting and talking to all the visitors. This morning BluLabel Bungalow shared some ideas on how to get the most out of touring a showhouse when you can't take photographs. Check out her blog here: BluLabel Bungalow

PS: Are you intrigued by our collage? Stay tuned for more sneak peeks and insights on our space.

Things She Can't Live Without- Jean's Eight

2010-04-17T17:10:00.007-04:00

Hi everyone! This is Jean. Jean, meet everyone.This is Jean's list of eight of the things she can't live without. 1. My iphone - being a technophobe, I never imagined I could fall in love with a cell phone, but I have. It is quite magical. 2. My cheater glasses - I always took my excellent vision for granted, proud not to need reading glasses and go into a panic mode when i can't find my "cheaters". (The other Scouts can vouch for this.) 3. Brooks - I trained for and completed a marathon in these babies without a single blister. I will never wear another athletic shoe. 4. Red wine - for medicinal purposes only...keeps my cholesterol levels healthy! 5. Tervis Tumbler - okay, since Dana already mentioned coffee, I'll mention my favorite coffee receptacle. It keeps my joe nice and hot! 6. Friends and family - can't have a list like this without them (in no particular order)! 7. Alan - my hair stylist extraordinaire! Good hair = Good life (Scout Debbie agrees with this one! We love Alan & and our friends at Square One!) 8. ??? - always have a surprise on the ready; keeps 'em guessing and keeps me young! (er..youngish)

Design Inspiration

2010-04-13T15:45:00.004-04:00

Having lived without all the extras in my house during the kitchen reno, I became complacent and accustomed to the minimalist look. What was I thinking? After all, it was only few days ago that Jean said, "More is more, right?" So this morning I became inspired and started reintroducing my treasures to my home and redecorating. The first things I went to unpack were my "coffee table" books (remember the Seinfeld episode? hee hee). Seriously though, I missed them and how they inspire me; whether I'm perusing through them or just looking at them beautifully stacked. Some of the Scouts' favorite and most inspiring books:

Robin's Eight Essentials

2010-03-31T10:26:00.007-04:00

Next Scout up in our series of the Eight Things We Can't Live Without is Robin. Some of you may know, Robin was our New Mexico Scout, but a few life changes later, we are thrilled to have our girl here in Dayton, home with the other Scouts.

1. Vanilla Lattes with REAL Milk ... no soy or reduced fat for this girl. 2. LBD: Little Black Dress. Need I say more? 3. A Great Novel. 4. My Interior Design Magazines. Yes, they are righteous clutter and are never to be thrown out! 5. My Chi Straightening Iron. Good-bye wavy hair and hello to the chic and sleek 'do. 6. My Fabric Collections. Even if they stay neatly folded in the closet, they are still inspiration and works of art in themselves. 7. My Vintage Paintings. I scour flea markets and thrift markets for floral paintings, and ... surprise ... I collect bird prints as well. 8. My Daily Workouts. Long walks, Pilates, aerobics, you name it ... it's all about de-stressing and keeping that girlish figure!

It's A Mind Game

2010-03-30T09:37:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wanted to get into the head of a designer? How do they work? What's their process? Where do the ideas come from? Here's a sneak peek at one of our works in progress- the master bedroom and sitting area of the 2010 Dayton Philharmonic Showhouse. We tend to toss all the ideas into a literal pile and see what goes and what doesn't. Can you tell the Scouts are ready for some color and layers? Stay tuned for more updates and you won't want to miss touring this wonderful home in Oakwood.

PS: Don't you just love the genie lamp? Black leather and gold lined shade... yummy!

Eight Things Dana Can't Live Without

2010-03-29T10:35:00.006-04:00

The Scouts are constantly on the lookout for inspiration in all aspects of our lives, are you? We thought we might share some of the things that we can’t live without, design oriented or not; that you might motivate some genius. First up in this series- Dana. So without further ado…

Dana’s Eight Things She Can’t Live Without

1. Seattle's Best Coffee

2. My DVR, who's got time to sit through commercials?

3. My SUV, sorry, but I need it to haul kids and fabulous finds!

4. Pasta- it's my favorite food.

5. My soft sheets from Pine Cone Hill.

6. My paint swatches for inspiration.

7. Green olives for my beertinis.

8. My girlfriends!

Camp Ridgeway

2010-03-18T23:41:00.005-04:00

Revel in these shots of our friend Fifi's house, Camp Ridgeway. She has amazing taste and even more amazing treasures, which made staging and fluffing her house effortless. We added some window treatments, reupholstered some classic pieces, edited a few things, and wah la... Enjoy!

A Right Good Time on St Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T08:25:00.002-04:00

Top o' the mornin' to all ye! Or if you prefer, Happy St Paddy's Day! The Scouts love this festive holiday, and just for this one day, the four of us disown our Scandinavian heritage and claim Ireland. To celebrate before the green beer flows, if you stop in the studio, call, or email us, and mention this blog, you will receive 20% off any thing green. Erin Go Bragh!

Thanks to the Graphics Fairy for the jpeg and 20% off does not apply on top of the upholstery sale.

Inspiration

2010-03-16T08:38:00.004-04:00

Scout Debbie blogging here: Most of us check our email each morning. Along with my email, I get several RSS feeds of design blogs I find inspiring. Today was a jackpot! Normally I try to blog something other than what I'm seeing out in the blogosphere or about what's going on in the Studio, but today, I want to share these gems with you. *Blue Label Bungalow- Being from the South, I love reading about other Southerners. I also love being able to justify some of the wacky things about myself.

*Brown Button- Do I need to say anything about this one? Love it!

*Cococozy- Coco and I must be sisters in another universe. What she's loving right now is really fun and right up my alley.

*From The Right Bank- Ally, thank you for letting me know I am not alone in this dilema. I don't know about you, but it needs to be perfect when I unpack it; that's why it's taking so long. At least that's what I'm telling myself.

*Tracery Interiors- The Scouts are always preaching about using vintage silverplate pieces in modern interiors. Doug's sideboard bar is motivating me to buy an orchid.

Thank you fellow bloggers for making my day!

Change Your Clock, Change Your Sheets

2010-03-12T13:53:00.008-05:00

The Scouts are super excited about the impending time change this weekend; it must mean spring is near! In honor of the event, we've embraced a new motto: "Change Your Clock, Change Your Sheets". And no, we don't mean just wash them. Now's the time to freshen your bed by swapping out your duvet for fresh matelasse, switching out your pillow shams, and "changing your sheets". Never fear, the Scouts have you "covered" on this one- Pine Cone Hill just released their 2010 catalog with crisp new styles and fabrics. Vintage Scout can also help you with your Ann Gish bedding and Brahms Mount blanket orders.

Scouts Salute You!

2010-03-08T09:43:00.004-05:00

www.vintagescout.com

60 N. Main Street, Centerville, OH 45459

937.312.9461

info@vintagescout.com

Think Green!

2010-03-06T11:57:00.002-05:00

Good things come in small green packages. Debbie recently brought a shamrock plant to the Studio. Thank you! “It was so refreshing to see that pop of green when the weather is still so dreary and dismal,” Jean said. “I love it.” Indeed, green is the color for the month as we approach St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Bring green —always a classic—into your home with fabrics. Pillows are easy and inexpensive ways to bring color into any room. The studio workroom is full of fabric books that bring green to center stage with élan. Fabricut Chromatics features Lime, Sage and Pistachio, just to name a few colors, in appealing prints and solids. The washable linens from Romo’s Linara collection are heavenly with such exotic names as Greenfinch, Artichoke, Guacamole, Wasabi and Grasshopper. Daring to do more with green? Consider window treatments in dynamic green. Or reupholster your living room furniture. Visit the Scouts and let them guide you through the world of possibilities green offers.

Time to Think Outdoor Furniture

2010-03-03T15:41:00.003-05:00

Spring is thankfully (yes, we are tired of the snow) just around the corner, and now is the time to think about outdoor living and soaking up the sunshine and good design. If your patio furniture needs a revival, then think about reupholstering cushions with one of the fabulous outdoor fabrics we carry at Vintage Scout. Duralee and Lee Industries outdoor fabrics are functional and beautiful. The look and feel are reminiscent of indoor fabrics, and both lines raise the bar for outdoor elegance. In fact, the Duralee Pavilion collection is suitable for both indoors or outdoors. The designs run from classic— stripes, herringbone and plaid—to fun and funky—polka dots, animal prints and geometric shapes. The durability of these easy-to-clean fabrics is fashionably phenomenal. Be sure to stop by the Studio and be inspired for spring and summer outdoor living.

Whiter Shade of Pale

2010-02-23T16:33:00.005-05:00

If you've ever tried to pick out "white paint", we're sure you realize there is no such thing. Getting white right is tricky. The Scouts share with you some of our favorite white paint colors: Robin: "Navajo White, by Sherwin Williams, is one of my favorites. It's incredibly versatile and goes with almost any color palette." (hint: look for it in our space at the 2010 Designer Showhouse) Jean: "I love the color of my English creamware, so I looked for a paint that color for my trim. I found Seltzer Water from Lowes (American Tradition) to be perfect!" Dana: "Vanilla Milkshake by Benjamin Moore. It’s white, not stark, with a hint of soft grey. Think it might be in my living room soon. Unfortunately as soon as I like a color it ends up in Pottery Barn!"

Debbie: "My go-to for white trim is Ultra Pure White by Behr. It's a very clean, crisp, bright white."

Other whites the Scouts often turn to are Dover White by Sherwin Williams- it's actually the color of the Studio downstairs, Alabaster by Sherwin Williams, and Ballet White by Benjamin Moore.

In the Dayton area and need help selecting the perfect white for your space? Give the Studio a call and schedule a personal color consultation with one of the Scouts. Find yourself elsewhere? The Scouts can still help you with your color palette. Send an email to the Studio at info@vintagescout.com letting us know what you need design help with and we'll get back to you with a quote and what you need to send us. (photo credit: Thomas Peasant)

New Seascape Lighting Catalog

2010-02-20T15:55:00.007-05:00

We just received our new Seascape Lamps catalog today; what fun! If you are not familiar with Seascape, their brand offers contemporary and modern interpretations of classic lighting, all at a reasonable price. Highlights of some of our favorites:

This Aquarium pendant fixture makes us swim with joy

Butterscotch pendant lamp- yummy!

Love this thomaspaul Ting Table Lamp in Aqua.

This floor lamp is substantial at 68" tall.

"Hi, I want to be over your island."

Meet Kristen, the crystal pendant.

Sleek and sexy, the Burma Silver Organza pendant would welcome guests in style.

With Seascape Lamps, we can come up with any combination of sizes of shades and materials to create the perfect lamp or light fixture for any room of your home. Stop by the Studio and ask to take a peek at our new catalog!

FEBRUARY LIGHTING SALE

2010-02-04T16:58:00.005-05:00

Feeling bleary-eyed from the dismal lack of sunshine during the winter months? We have good news for you. The Scouts are offering 15 percent off our entire inventory of wall, table, and floor lamps throughout the month of February. Now is the time to light up your world with fantastic savings. Whether you need to add light in a bedroom, living room, or dining room, we have lighting options that are fabulously chic and also functional. Browse through a simply smashing collection of modern, Euro-inspired, traditional and vintage lighting. As Scout Debbie says, one of the most important areas you don't want to skimp on is lighting. So hurry into Vintage Scout Interiors and take advantage of this special sale to make sure your home is properly and perfectly illuminated.

Just a small sampling of what you will find in the studio-

Call the Studio at 937.312.9461 or email us at info@vintagescout.com for more information on any of the lamps shown. The Studio is open Monday through Saturday 10-6.