Incorporating vintage finds

A couple of months ago I competed in an IKEA living room design competition filmed and edited into 3 short episodes for Babelgum.com.  Four designers were asked to come up with a creative concept showcasing IKEA products.  My plan was to mix in some thrift store purchases with the modern and sleek IKEA furnishings to inject a little personality and history into the space.  I think the trick to combine new and old furnishings is creating a perfect balance.  Without any interesting finds or heirlooms your space may look like a lifeless furniture showroom, but too many may make your living room seem like a museum.  Mixing items from different eras creates a unified timeless aesthetic and a space that is unique to you.

My friend Laura and I did some hunting at the Meeker Avenue Flea Market in Williamsburg, and photographed some interesting furniture and accessories to include in the design presentation.

Here is a selection of curiosities we found with a similar patina that we thought would look
great on top of a modern IKEA media console.   

 

I thought this dress form would be fun on a dressing table to loop jewelry and
scarves around.   The vintage fan caught my eye too! 

This nook in my apartment, photographed by Kelly Turso, is an example of mixing old and new.  I hung antique milk glass plates as wall art and stacked pieces of pretty vintage china to create this feminine vignette on a simple parsons table.

Trend Spot: Metallic Furniture

I am working on decorating a living room for a couple here in Hoboken who asked me to find some furniture pieces to compliment their existing ebony stained wood furniture.  Many homeowners tend to believe all of the furniture finishes should match exactly, but actually choosing pieces in new and exciting finishes that contrast what you already have can be really beautiful.  A great option that you can integrate with any wood tone is a painted metallic finish.  While looking for the perfect piece, I was surprised by how many amazing options there are out there in the market! My favorite look is silver leaf, which looks like it falls somewhere between gold and silver and works well with both warm and cool metal accents.  Check out some of my favorites below.

The bold design on this piece would add visual interest to an entry way or bedroom.

 Antique Gold Leaf Chest with Eglomise Glass

I absolutely love this glam set of silver leaf nesting tables, and I think it would be perfect next to a sofa to rest a cocktail on.              

This Sanctuary Chest I what I choose for my client.  I can't wait to see it in their space!  Will keep you updated when I install it!

This Silver leaf leather headboard would normally be too ornate for my taste, but combined with modern side tables with clean lines it would be a perfect pop of opulence.   

While I was searching online, I found this impressive DIY tutorial on Little Green Notebook Blog about applying silver leaf to a pair of HomeGoods side tables.  

Gift idea for a Top Chef Fanatic!

My boyfriend tries to turn every dinner attempt into a "quickfire challenge" so I used the hit Bravo show as a theme for his gifts this holiday season.  The Brooklyn Kitchen in Williamsburg regularly offers a knife skills class that is highly recommended.  We are going on January 9th so I will keep you posted!  In addition I bought him a Wusthof Classic 8 inch chef's knife and sharpening steel so he can dice, chop, and julienne in style.  Lastly I bought him the show's latest cookbook, How To Cook Like A Top Chef, Chronicle Books, July 2010.

The beauty of this is it's a gift that keeps on giving, since he is going to want to try out all of the mouthwatering recipes inside, and I will be around to sample!

Farewell Fall

I can't believe the winter is rapidly approaching!  I had to dig out my heavy winter coat today.  As usual, autumn comes and goes too fast.  This year we celebrated the fall by inviting 16 of our closest friends to a harvest inspired dinner party.  We took care of the main dishes and sides (a beautiful butterflied pork loin rolled with goat cheese, spinach, and sun dried tomato, my favorite tangy beef brisket recipe, and a few sides including a new recipe we tried, Giada De Laurentiis' Butternut Squash and Vanilla Risotto.  This dish was so hearty, warming, and fragrant.  I highly recommend it!  We followed the recipe, but stirred in a little cayenne for a kick at the end.  Delish!
Giada's Butternut Squash and Vanilla Risotto

I wanted to do something interesting with my lone pumpkin on the dining table and found this great DIY pumpkin etching tutorial at Southernliving.com complete with printable templates.

from Southernliving.com

 The directions suggest using a paring knife, but I found using a linoleum carving tool worked much better.  Once you etch away the skin, wash the pumpkin well with antibacterial soap and coat the carved area with some petroleum jelly to keep it from rotting.  Below is my attempt at etching a branch design into my pumpkin.  This will last for about a month, then you can still cut it open and toast the seeds!

My dinner table

My first post!

Hello friends,
Welcome to my new blog, dedicated to all things I am passionate about including interior design, entertaining, and lifestyle.  Follow me as I launch my new venture, Shana Ecker: Home Stylist,  and I search for beautiful, purposeful, and exciting design solutions for my clients and for my own home.  Please visit my website at www.shanaecker.com for more information and a complete list of interior design services.  I look forward to sharing my thoughts and ideas with you, and I value your feedback and opinions!  

My Hoboken kitchen, photographed by Kelly Turso.