Table Top Inspiration

I've been searching nearly a year now for a suitable dining table for my open plan living area. My area is not very spacious and I envisioned a table I could place against the wall  to display some nice items  while not in use. You might think it easy to find a suitable table but it proved harder than I thought.  The only table that would work for me was a drop leaf but most of the vintage ones had ugly legs or they were too low, and modern drop leaf tables seem to be a little elusive.  NZ is a small country of only 4 million in population (yes we do have 50 million sheep), but sometimes were not as fortunate as my USA and UK readers in our choice of places to shop.  Last week however,  I was lucky enough to find the perfect table, well almost perfect, it's antique pine,  circular, seats 6 people and drops down to stand against the wall. The not so perfect part is the turned legs have been scratched and gnawed at by some animal, I was told a cat but looks more like "Jaws" to me :(. I am currently working on repairing this and plan to paint the legs and skirting  in a French style similar to the table below.  I will be posting my makeover and the look I am putting together soon.  Meanwhile I am looking for ideas to display on my table top when I'm not entertaining.

Oval drop leaf table from Layla Grayce - US$1,338 (I wish Layla Grayce were in NZ as this table would have been perfect for me).

Some Table Top Inspiration

 click on the arrow to scroll through the slideshow - created through Houzz

My little pup is begging for attention so have to dash...

Lee x

Browse Outdoor Products on Houzz- For Example:

Fencing · Hammocks · Irrigation Equipment · Bird Feeders · Doormats · Outdoor Swingsets · Outdoor Stools And Benches · Outdoor Tables ·

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Shabby Chic Inspired

Rachel Ashwell is the creative mind behind Shabby Chic.  When we hear the word "Shabby Chic" the pictures that come to mind are time worn furnishing, ruffles, romance, roses and soft pastel colours. "Shabby Chic" a widely used word to describe a distinct style. After talking to a friend recently I realised that not everyone knows the term "Shabby Chic"is the branding of Rachel Ashwell who founded Shabby Chic in 1989 on the philosophy of beauty, comfort and function.  Rachel's brand was built around comfort, the beauty of imperfections, the allure of time-worn objects and the appeal of simple practical living. Rachel's latest book launched in late September is a beautiful book called Shabby Chic Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces.  Rachel's book is full of gorgeous photos of homes depicting her style both in the USA and the UK. From houseboat to town house to a centuries old manor house and Rachel's own London apartment. The book is available through Amazon, a link can be found on my sidebar.

Rachel's Shabby Chic empire extends 4 brands with Shabby Chic Couture flagship stores in Los Angeles, New York and London. You can read more about her brands "here".  What I love about Rachel is that although she has gone on to bigger things from her early beginnings, there is still a "personal" feeling about the brand, her website and her devotion to Shabby Chic. Rachel also has an inspiring blog, you can peruse over when you have time.

Today I am sharing my Shabby Chic finds from around the world.

Rachel's latest book - below a peek inside

Rachel Ashwell's Manoir Chandelier - US$1,595.00 This would have been perfect for my French/Mediterranean dining style post earlier this week.

Rachel Ashwell's Carmine Cabinet - US$2,600

The products above are available from Laura Ashley.  The prices quoted are from their Australian online store.

Products from Layla Grace, their "one of a kind" page. These would work great as headboards, see my previous post on inspiring headboards and the shutters I used in my French Cottage bedroom makeover.

Shabby Chic with a touch of seaside - image from bhg - This is a great idea for your beach house bathroom or any bathroom for that matter.

Romantic and truly... Shabby.. Chic - image from Country Homes



Image via Shabby Chic Decor 

Couldn't resist these pj's, they are perfectly shabby Chic colours! - La Redoute 3 piece pyjama 28.41 Euro's 

Just so you can spend some more time in the shabby chic world, this gorgeous photo is from a shabby inspired blog, Shabby Chic Girls "Simply Me". There are some really beautiful vignettes on this delightful blog so I encourage you to visit. 

Hope you got some shabby chic inspiration

Lee x