Sunday, January 24, 2010

Vintage linens, not just for a bedroom



I have a little obsession with vintage linens. There is something about them that is so special. They can have a beautiful monogram, or no monogram at all. They come in all different textures and many different shades of white. A lot of the time there is a seam down the middle of the sheet where they were hand sewn together. I just love it when they are like that. They can be used for about anything. They have so many more uses then just in a bedroom.



The chair here with the red blanket on it, I got a great deal on this chair and thought I could just take it home and reupholster it myself. Turns out it is harder then I thought. At least for me. So in the meantime I wrapped it up with a vintage sheet. It has the monogram MC on it. This was given to me as a gift from my mother. I love it. Even when I am able to get this chair reupholstered, I will probably still wrap it in this sheet. Something upholstered makes me nervous anyway. I don't like the idea of not being able to throw it in the wash.



This little stool came with the chair. I think it is so cute. I took the green fabric off of it, and right now I kind of like it how it is. I will eventually cover it with vintage linens, but I am kind of liking it not looking perfect.


The pillow that is on the chair is made from a vintage french sheet. I love the big monogram. I wish I could say that I made this pillow, but no, I can't sew for the life of me. I learned how to, but do not have the patience and have never had any success. I am so envious of all of you that can sew.



I added a few extra pictures for the fun of it.







Now this chair I put a vintage euro sham over it, and tied a bow around it. Then I put a tea towel on the seat. Of course the boxwood is just there to add color.



Another view


I use these sheets on my sofa as well. My sofa is slip covered, but these are so easy to throw in the wash, then I only have to wash the slip covers once a year. I also think it helps make the overall look even more approachable. The smaller pillows were made by my sisters. (I am fortunate enough to have sisters who will sew for me! Thank you Monica and Teresa!) They are all made from vintage linens.



This is a close up of the sheet that is on the couch. It has a beautiful monogram, and you can also see the hand sewn seam down the middle of it.



Here are two places you can get some really great linens

http://www.whiteflowerfarmhouse.com/


http://www.redchair-antiques.com/


Here is a before picture of the chairs. Hopefully someday I can get them reupholstered. I want to use vintage linens. That will be for a later post. Until then they will wear those sheets and nobody has to know what is underneath, except for you!



70 comments:

Rose Garden Romantic said...

Welcome to Blogland! Love your gorgeous home!!!
Michelle

Robin said...

I use sheets as well on my furniture! It's so easy to keep a supply on hand and throw the others in the wash! Even if I had slipcovers I think I would be too lazy to take them off and wash them!
Beautiful photos again!

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

I love vintage linens as well. I bought several this weekend at an estate sale. Can I ask what brand of sofa you have? I've really enjoyed your blog and your style is just amazing! Hope you have a great week, Theresa

Unknown said...

Well, you have made a stir in blogland! I can't wait to spend time here. Welcome to blogland.

Petie said...

We should start a club, "The girls who have no patience to sew club". I am so envious of people who can sew. I blame it on my Home Ec teacher in grade school. She had no patience with me. So in turn, I hated sewing. Love the chairs!

savvycityfarmer said...

hello from the midwest ... right now I'm on gramma duty ... but in my off season, i design, redesign and sew ...
I'd love to chat ...
my home isn't all white, but it is creamy and dreamy ...

nice to find you over at tracey's ( whom I will get to meet really soon at a blogger girl party) I can't wait

Zita said...

Hello from Montreal, Maria. Just love your fabulous style and your photos are wonderful with that bright California light. Boy do I now regret not stocking up on monogrammed French linens when I lived in France for three years in the 90's!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful, cozy idea! I like how they add a look of comfort! You're so lucky your sisters sew! I have a bench downstairs that is still awaiting a cushion. I think I should learn to sew! And I saw you have like 180 some followers in a week? I think you found your calling! :)

Stephanie said...

So sweet tied up with the ribbon on the chair! Love it =)

Erin Lang Norris said...

hello! i just found out about your great style over at frugal farmhouse design. i found myself wishing that you had a blog and then i somehow came across this page the next day! i was like "hey, this looks like...wait, it IS her blog!"

anyway, welcome to the lovely world of blogging. i can't wait to visit again.

Val said...

I like the way you use colors in your white world,that's very beautiful and I enjoyed the visit!
Val

julie said...

You have a very lovely blog. I love all your linens. Can't wait to visit again. Welcome to the world of blogging...julie

Unknown said...

Maria ~

I could spend all day looking at your gorgeous home!!! I just can't get over how much I love your style! Pure brilliance to throw the vintage sheet over that chair instead of fretting about reupholstering it right away (love how it looks). I can't sew either...so wish I could!

When I was linking to your blog this morning, I saw that you had a new post up and I could hardly wait to find a minute to come back and spend some time drooling over your photos!!!

Happy Monday ~

:) T

Gail said...

Welcome! Love your new blog and your decorating style...it's how my home would look if it were just me making the decorating decisions!

Shannon said...

Wow, I never would have thought that something so easy would make chairs look so comfortable and beautiful!

sweetpea said...

I love the little stool as is. I am also a vintage linen addict. I have a nice collection but have them stacked in a cupboard for now. I did use two large sheets for curtains in my guest room but I cheated with fusible webbing to make the rod pocket at the top. I own a sewing machine but live in fear of having to load the bobbin, so it rarely sees the light of day. I had such good intentions when I bought it...

Hugs,

Shelley

Anne Lorys said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anne Lorys said...

Welcome to blogging! I see that you have a brand new, baby blog and it's just lovely!

I so agree with your take on old doors and faux mantles! I believe that there is a practicality in what many (ie :my husband, LOL!) deem to be impractical...I say that if it speaks to your soul and makes your world a little more beautiful, then it is a true necessity.

Anyway, Tracey sent me over, so I owe her thanks. I'll be back. :-)

So very nice to meet you!
Anne

Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~ said...

What an amazing idea .... and oh-so perfect - I have been fretting, wondering what to do with my dining room chairs. I love their silhouette, but haven't found the perfect fabric to cover them.

UNTIL NOW! Maria - i just love your eye, and am oh-so inspired by you! Tracey is so fabulous to feature you, today - I bet you'll get that a lot 'round blogland....!!!

Hugs & Happy Monday ~

The Joy of Nesting said...

Welcome to our little Bloglandia family!!!

I noticed you have a couple of Scandinavian blogs you like to visit. There are some absolutely amazing women blogging in Sweden, Denmark, France, and Norway. They decorate in the Danish/French country look. So beautiful!! They are gifted photographers, writers and stylist. A number of them either contribute to Scandinavian magazines like Jeanne de Arc Living or have had their homes featured. I think you might have a wonderful time visiting these Bloglandian Sisters!!! If you have time stop by my little casa and on the right side I have my blog links listed. Check out the Beautiful Visual Noise list. But I'm warning you, fix yourself a nice big cup of tea and plan on being "gone ah visitin" for awhile!!!

Have a wonderful today creating a bit of art!
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mexico

Barbara said...

Beautiful blog. Congratulations and welcome to blogland. Tracey sent me over; she's a doll, isn't she?

I'm a foodie crossover...but loved visiting. I'll be back.

Anne Marie said...

I love collecting antique linens - the texture and quality cannot be equalled.
~Anne Marie

Anonymous said...

Maria, you are going to be such a star in Blogland! I am just in awe of your amazing style and talent, and with a husband and five children in tow! Your photos are so serene and beautiful; they could easily come from the pages of a magazine or home decor book. I am so looking forward to seeing what you have to show all of us. I think it is especially meaningful how you have achieved this with hard work, patience and a limited budget. That means a lot to us mere mortals!

white flower farmhouse said...

I just pulled one of those french linen sheets out of the shop today and threw it on my sofa. You inspired me, and guess what? It looks so much softer, I love it. Thanks for the inspiration & the link to the store. All the best, Lori

Myrna said...

Hiya! Found you by way of Garden Antiques..welcome to Blogland!! You are off to a great start with a BEAUTIFUL blog!! I will be back to visit often!
Blessings!
Myrna

Rumour has it said...

I love the coloured spots here and there in your home. All white is very beautiful, but some colour adds ´pepper & salt´ :)
My favourite address for linens is: Parna.co.uk!
Best greetings,
Marjolijn

Amy Kinser said...

Simply elegant. Your home is so beautiful.

Cheryl said...

What an awesome idea!!!!! Only YOU could come up with this and make it look so elegant. I was thrilled to see your new post. Keep up the GRRREEAAATTTT blogging.

Unknown said...

Welcome! Found via Tracey @ French Larkspur! Love your aesthetic. I too l.o.v.e. old Euro linens! Always gravitate to them and have used them for pillows and slipcovers too! Stop by and visit me when you have a chance! I started blogging just over a year ago and it has been such a fabulous experience that has brought so much unexpected joy to my life.
Cheers!
Jill

Draffin Bears said...

Welcome to blogland Maria.
It was great to discover your wonderful blog, via Tracey's. Your home is really beautiful.

Enjoy your week
Hugs
Carolyn

June said...

I love those beautiful chairs. The stool is to die for just the way it is. I love to use vintage linens in my decor as well .I love anything that has had a previous life. Your photos are just gorgeous.

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Hello from Canada!!! O.k. so I just found your blog(thanks to Tracey)and I was thinking I could move in with you,sounds to me like one more person wouldn't hurt...I LOVE YOUR HOUSE!!!!!STUNNING is the only word that comes to mind,oh and thanks,cause now I HATE my house!!! All the best,Chrissy

Anita said...

I anm loving the little stool that came with the chair...i would leave it just like that. It reminds me of how you find them in the Paris Flea market- stripped and ready for you to upholster...and sometimes, I love that look better than a new upholstered piece.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!
I'm a new follower!

Celeste said...

Wow! Your blog is amazing! I definitely am going to follow.

mommyholly said...

Your house is simply AMAZINGLY beautiful!!! The whites look so luxurious and I am loving your new blog! Welcome to blog-land and I will definitely be following you!!
xoxox Holly

Anonymous said...

I think I have just found my new favorie blog....love your whites~

Ticking and Toile said...

Love what you did w/ the linens! It sounds so effortless and looks amazing!! I agree....I think somebody better call Country Living right away!! :o)

The chairs & stool are to die for also.....

Shellagh

Ormolulu said...

Lova-lova-lova your blog! What is it about the power of white? The punches of color really pop--you have a gift, that's for sure. Come visit Ormolulu . . . Bellingham, Washington. Welcome to this beautiful community of blogger-heaven-on-earth!

Debi

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Just wanted to say welcome to blogland. Your home is beautiful. There's a lot of talk going on right now about your blog and for good reason! Have a great week.

The Old Painted Cottage said...

I just discovered your blog, and I'm so glad I did. Your home and photos are just beautiful.

oxox
Jennifer

Room to Inspire said...

I just came over from My Sweet Savannah. Your blog is beautiful!

Chelsea

Cottage Dreamers said...

LoVe it!

Paint Me White said...

Just found your blog and it has blown me away. Not sure where to look first. Just beautiful. Sandy x

Lilla Blanka said...

Hi!
Came here from French Larkspur :)

Your blog is very beautiful!!!
I love your furniture, and especially the table in the banner...(I have almost got an obsession with tables haha)

I´ll be back soon..

Big hug
Mia, Sweden

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

only one word: amazing!

Jeanne Oliver said...

I love vintage linens also. I love how you have used them in your gorgeous home! I think that stool is so beautiful and the pop of red on the chair is so fun!

Jamie said...

I just found your blog. Where have I been? Oh my, your home is beautiful!

mimi charmante said...

seriously, stunning!
so happy I found your blog,
xx

the wild raspberry said...

your home is gorgeous.

Everyday Sparkles said...

I popped right over from French Larkspur and I'm so happy I did. You are already a favorite and I must also tell my Mom about you. We both paint everything white too. Love your style.

Wishing you a wonderful day and welcome to this fun world of blogging.

Stephanie said...

I adore your blog! I'm so happy Anne Marie told me about you. I can't wait to read and see more.

Stephanie

Ashley said...

Just came across your blog. You've created quite a stir in blogland.... LOVE LOVE LOVE your style!! So simple, comfortable, and clutter free. I love all the light you get in your living room and the pops of color! Beautiful!

Lisa said...

Tracey from French Larkspur, sent me this way, and she was right. You've done a very good job. And the chair, it won't be hard once you put your mind to it. I do them all the time. I used to have a re-style shop, but I still do them for certain clients. I must catch up on your posts, Thanks for the inspiring photos.

Lisa

Lisa said...

Lisa,
I also came via Tracey. Love it all but I feel like a decorating slacker. I have 3 kids, smelly dog & a (cowboy) husband too. I love white and the same design style but I'm buried in lego's and skates. How do you do it? Is there a secret basement filled with stinky gym socks & Miley posters? I'm hooked & adding you to my blogroll. Lisa

Katy said...

Beautiful beautiful home!!! Bright and cheery and your kiddos look so cute on the fence rail. Fun blog so far, welcome to blogland my friend!

Kacey said...

Just found your blog for the second time (this time, via My Sweet Savannah). What a fabulous job you've done putting everything together! I love what you've done with the vintage linens. Inspiring!

p.s. LOVE the stool. I think it's lovely as is!

DustyLu said...

ok I just love your rachel sectional..i think i commented twice on your blog..but, i just love it! i two have a set of rachel sweep sofas and just love them! your house is stunning! we just moved into ours and iam in the process of painting it! so excited you shared your colors! thank you! lulu

Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~ said...

Maria - I just can't stop thinking about using the vintage linens as a chair cover. I'm going to hunt out some great pieces at the flea and use them in my dining room. LOVE your brain....!!!

Hasn't the response been amazing to you and your blog!? I'm so excited you're now a blogger. Keep up the good work - just doing what you do! It is inspiring!

Hugs ~

LuLu said...

Can you see me dancing around my computer so excited about using vintage linens! Love the euro shame over the chair back.... giddy!!
happy day to YOU,
xo,
LuLu

BELLE BLANC said...

Had a nice time while visiting here... Love vintage linens too, greetings, Mira!

Country French Antiques said...

Geez, I guess I'm late to the party again!
What a fabulous blog! Love It. I know where I'll be spending the day tomorrow.

Dawn said...

You have a beautiful home. Welcome to the blog community...you are right, it's such a supportive, encouraging lot of people on here, it's amazing!
Looking forward to following you...oh, and I LOVE those blue bottles in all that white and grey, what a lovely touch.
xo country girl

Katie said...

Love your style and am so happy to have found your blog...
~Katie

C.J. said...

I am so close to re doing all of my furniture in white, I love the look, it's so romantic, and fresh. I like your blog and welcome to blog world! LOL

http://wwwbeenblogged.blogspot.com/

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

A beautiful dream room with your furniture and dreamy vintage linens. The inspiration is delicious, thank you!

la maison LaFortune said...

Beautiful! I just love the hat stand. And you're already there as far as being a designer. It all looks so serene. Your home is at peace with itself-how lucky for you and your family. Thanks for sharing your talent.

Anonymous said...

I just adore living in white! Just made a blog with some nice pictures myself.

Thnx for your inspirational pictures

Amanda said...

Gorgeous photos! You should be a magazine stylist :) Your home looks lovely - love your style x

Anonymous said...

I also use vintage linens as covers for my furniture, tablecloths and even as canopys when we lounge by the pool :)