Monday, July 28, 2008

finders keepers

cover of "Found Style"
Look at what I found for only $1.00 at a Antique Fair while we were at the North Fork last weekend.  I am loving this book, chock full of inspirational vintage ideas for modern living.

image from inside "Found Style"
Over the years, I have found many items to create my space and this book, "Found Style" - immediately spoke to me and gives some guidelines to follow as you like,
1.  Use restraint with the objects of desire.
2.  Blend old and new.
3.  Create a keynote. (or one focus, be it a wall of portraits, or the color of the room)
4.  Buy pieces with a purpose.
5.  Don't fret.  (allow yourself time and energy to let your look happen - great advice!)




I looked closely and yes folks, none other than the dynamic duo of David and Amy Butler who own and operate Art of the Midwest, a design studio in the small town of Granville, Ohio.  I really love the logo.  I also am a fan of Amy Butler and really love her textile designs.
image from inside "Found Style"
Look at this lovely girlie portrait, the palest shade of pink hangs as the keynote, with a neutral stage of seagrass and a hip chair to sit and peruse some books or the next best thing, the floor and a soft pillow.  Style is truly where you find it and not something that can easily happen too fast.
One must let their own style evolve over time and find it along the way.  How have your found your style?  Care to leave a comment, please share.

14 comments:

ArchitectDesign™ said...

so was that beautiful portrait found or did they paint it, do you think? It really makes that room! How glamorous!

pve design said...

did you notice that the chair is a vintage beauty salon hair dryer chair! yes, wonder what was found first.

heidi said...

style finds me, I think. Rather than vice-versa. More importantly... tell us all about the North Fork! Food? Wine? Pretty scenery?

pve design said...

heidi -
north fork was lovely, nice time away, lovely wine tasting, wonderful b & b, nice dinners, slept late... antiqued, brought back fresh corn, berries and my hubby found some fun things too. we loved every minute. nice change of scenery!
patricia

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Individuality is the charm!

Mary-Laure said...

Great style guidelines...

Unknown said...

such good style reminders, esp as I pick up where i left off on my house...love that pink painting, just gorgeous!

littlebyrd said...

Ahhhh! This is my all time favorite design book - totally inspires my sense of style. I can't believe you found it for $1! You know, it isnt published any longer and sometimes fetches quite a bit of $$$ on used amazon. But don't part with it.

Kirsten said...

Love this book!! $1?????? nice!

simply seleta said...

A $1 book such as this is a true treasure.

Style is everywhere. In the most unexpected places. And often the most simple.

Tonight I spotted a green tree frog with the offspring on our way home from a sunset bike ride. I couldn't take my eyes off of that frog, who was unaware that he matched the green in the metal outdoor lights of our neighborhood. It was beautiful.

pve design said...

Seleta,
I scanned a print design that I did of a "froggie" and you will love him. Funny when we slow down, how much we see. Bikes rides are great for that!
My $1 book, I found on Amazon fetching up to $199.
My Mr. loved that story!

Mrs.French said...

Definitely one of my favorites! This post makes me want to get it out and peruse it all over again and again!

Miss Cavendish said...

I've used a number of Amy's prints in my quilts--they're so very pretty!

As for house style, I like deep, saturated colors in some rooms, with piles of textiles, and bleached, spare Scandinavian colors and furnishings in others. Multiple styles rather than just one!

pve design said...

miss cavendish-
a girl after my own heart. as much as I love neutrals and softness, I crave color texture and a mix of old and new!
pve