Play These Bongos

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

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!

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

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

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

Plantation Shutters

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.