Friday, January 15, 2010

The Black Bureau

Decanter1
Hi everyone! I realized I never did a post about goals and projects for this year and maybe I’ll do it another time. I can share that my Number One Project for this year is to organize my clothes closet which has become a catch all for all sorts of overflow!  I have a bookcase in there, a plastic storage bin filled with dishes, pillows, a round glass table topper….I could go on! I’ll be sure to show you the before when I’m all done with it. It's a mess!

One of the many items I’ve been storing in my closet are all my vintage table linens and my regular tablecloths. I really had to find a new home for these items.
Placematdrawer
I’ve been looking for just the perfect piece for my dining room that could store all those linens but not take up too much space in that small room. I finally found this black bureau for $40 (although it cost me another $30 for new handles).
Checkerboard

It has this great shallow drawer on top which may have been for jewelry? I thought it would be a good place to store my monogrammed/vintage silverware.I’m going to line all the drawers (just something I like to do). I put some black and white checkerboard contact paper in this one.
 silverware
I also took down the white mirror that was there and hung a new one. I got this mirror at Goodwill for $6. It was white but I spent a very cold hour painting it in my garage  and I used a blow dryer to dry the paint.  I’ll be glad when it’s warm enough to spray paint again!
Bureau

I’m now very glad that I painted my dining room chairs black instead of white! The bureau was already black (apparently at one time it was also blue as some of that color shows through on the worn edges).
DRChair

candlesticks

I found three vintage brooches at Goodwill last week and got the idea to use them on my decanters from Julie at EAB Designs. She makes the most marvelous things and often uses vintage jewelry in her designs. I swiped this idea from an apothecary jar in her header that she had altered.
candelabra
The candelabra was a $5 thriftstore  find. The decanters are also from Goodwill.
MGdecanter

This is a Mercury Glass decanter which I got at TJ Maxx last year and have never used!
mirror
I’m so happy to have found that bureau and can’t wait to get all my linens out of  my closet and into those drawers. It’ll be so much more convenient having everything in the room it’s going to be used in!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!


napkinrings

70 comments:

Angie said...

That is going to be so great to have a cute piece like that for your table linens and silverware. Love it, the chairs, and the mirror in black!

Anonymous said...

Just wanted you to know how much i love your blog! I am fairly new to the world of blogging and am very excited to see all the talented people that share their ideas so we all can benefit. Anyway, i loved the decanters and what you did with the brooches. But where in the world did you get the beautiful candles??? I have to get some like it.

The Tattered Cottage said...

Hi Manuela -
Again I am in awe of your beautiful home! I love the new piece and your dining room chairs and of course I lust after your mirrors :) I wish you lived closer to me so you can come over and make my home beautiful too :)
Toni

Julie Harward said...

YOU ARE SO CLEVER AND SO TALENTED AND YOU HAVE A GOOD EYE..TO SEE THE BEAUTY AND THE POSSIBILITY IN THINGS! GREAT JOB HERE..VERY PRETTY! IT'S NICE HOW IT ALL BLENDED TOGETHER! COME SAY HI :D

Sammy Girl said...

Hi, Manuella!
Just three quick things ...
#1 ... I didn't know they had black and white contact paper ... WOW! definitely on my list!
#2 ... love old silver ... honestly, WHO could resist? Or want to???
#3 ... did I totally miss (or forget) how you found or did your FAB candles??
You are the best and these pics will surely lead to sweet dreams tonight!
Hugs ...
Betty :)

Dawn said...

Hi Manuela! Just stumbled upon your blog, and WOW, your use of black and Goodwill items floored me. The whole set-up looks beautiful!
I'm a blog-happy homemaker too, and would love to follow your posts.
Have a great day!
countr girl

Anonymous said...

The bureau looks so wonderful and perfect in that space! I love the silverware too! The "M"s are great.
Everything co-ordinates so well together with the new coats of paint, and boy how glad I will be when it's warm enough here to spray paint as well.
Great job as usual!

Anonymous said...

Hi Manuella

Your piece is lovely. I love the black and your chairs go perfect. I have to say though that the glass and silverware set it off beautifully.

Take care

Shilo said...

Those candles are fabulous! And I like the new vignette with the decanters too! You never fail to inspire!
Have a great weekend!
Shilo

Darlene said...

Everything looks so beautiful! Great dresser for storing your linens, silverware and all your beauties. Love the candelabra, candles and the decanters.....well, actually EVERYTHING! BEAUTIFUL. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.♥

Suzann said...

Such lovely photos. Love the black. Really do.

Oh that silver is just pure eye candy.

Ally's Corner said...

I'm working on a post about organizing your closet . It will post on Saturday. I'm giving some easy simple ways to get it organized, since organizing is what I do best. I thought why am I not sharing.

Kathleen Grace said...

Very nice! I had a bookshelf in the dining room for the past few years and I moved it into the office for extra storage when we cleared out the DR for the plasterers. Now I need to find a buffet or hutch for the dining room. All my linens are in plastic storage containers under my bed and I would love to have them stored where they belong. Just let me say, toile candles!?!?!??! LOVE!!! This corner of the dining room looks beautiful (as always) Manuela. You are a constant source of decorating inspiration!

Heather said...

great idea! love the contact paper idea for the drawers and those brooches are beautiful!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What luck with that chest! Even at $70.00 I think you got a good deal. I love the way you're using it and the top is accessorized so nicely. I love the brooch idea. I'm going to Goodwill tomorrow, so I hope I can find some goodies!

Betsy Brock said...

What a great idea...more organized and efficient, too!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

That chest is just perfect! I love that you lined the drawers in harlequin too. You find such great buys at your Goodwill. Where did you get those great candles???? Did you make them?
xo
Penny

Rue said...

Good morning Manuel :)

That chest is perfect! I love the checkerboard liner you used.

Love your indoor garden too :)

xoxo,
rue

Rue said...

Manuela... You'd think I would know better than to push publish without checking my spelling LOL

Kim said...

Everything is just beautiful. You always know how to make everything you touch perfectly elegant.

Mary Ellen said...

Everything is so beautiful. But I'm intrigued by the candles as well!

julie - eab designs said...

Your decanters looks beautiful! I also have an old dresser in my living room that I first painted with a coat of cranberry red, and then black and before it dried wiped away some of the black along the edges to reveal the red color underneath. It's great for storing candles, charges, etc. Speaking of candles, yours are wonderful. Have a super weekend Manuela! - Julie

southerninspiration said...

Gorgeous, Manuela!!! Love it! And that mirror is so nice!

Suzanne

Unknown said...

I love it! Love the way it all works together.

Beth said...

That will be a great place to store your linens. I, too, can't wait for it to warm up so I can get back to spray painting! LOL I love what you did with those vintage brooches :)

Jennifer said...

It sounds like you are quite successful with your goals for the year. The little bureau looks great and all of the silver on top just sparkles. It is such a great addition to the dining room. I fo have to know where you found those great candles. Love them!
We are on the same page with organizing closets. Mine has everything from clothes to golf & tennis equipment. I just finish a desk which will allow me to clean out a few things.

dana said...

I LOVE the bureau and mirror combo AND the gorgeous vignette of decanters and candelabra on top! I especially love it that you put it together with fabulous finds! Love your vintage silverware, too!

Hope you have a great weekend! Dana

Mary said...

I absolutely love your mirror and that black bureau is going to be a great place to store your linens.

Enjoyed seeing all of your beautiful things. Thanks for sharing.

Blessings,
Mary

Stacey said...

How beautiful, Manuela! Using brooches is an excellent idea. I love how it adds some sparkly! I also love the toile candles...very pretty!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Oh lovely!

And oh the Toile!

Oh the Toile!

Oh the Toile!

A Southern Rose said...

You have really inspired me once again! I love your chairs painted black and I love the dresser to store your linens in. The mirror is beautiful painted black and your vignette of decanters and candlelabras is gorgeous. It looks so elegant. I love it all. Thanks for the inspiration today!

Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Megan said...

I just stumbled across your blog a few days ago--and I have to say you are very inspiring. I love your dining room--I also have lots of black accents. The candles are amazing--I haven't seen any like them before. I love vintage silverware also--mine is from my grandmother and great-grandmother.
Looking forward to many visits with you.

Carla said...

Looks great. Where did you find those cool toile candles?!?!

Anonymous said...

Love love love everything! You have such a great eye for decorating. Oh, if we could just spend the day together shopping I'd spring for lunch! :)

Anonymous said...

Amazing!

Seriously you never cease to amaze me with your creativity!

elizabethrae said...

I came across your blog a few weeks ago and it's so inspiring! Thanks for sharing all your great projects and ideas.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Manuela, this is Stunning and looks perfect in this room!! Of course, you have accessorized it beautifully!!

Love that silverware!! I think I would just wear it for jewelry so I could admire it all day long! lol

Have a great weekend!

Lou Cinda

Julie said...

I'm so glad you did the chairs black and not white they just look so good. Will I'm off to make pillows thanks for all the idea's from your pillow blog.

Rachel @Life in #3 said...

Your posts and pictures are always so inspiring and beautiful!

Kelley said...

I just love the coziness of this room. What versatile furniture piece! Just lovely

Donna said...

Love your "new" piece of furniture ... great for storage. I love the toile candles. Please let us know where you found them.
Blessings,
Donna

Stephanie said...

Just found you via The Nester ... and gotta say LOVE you already!

Toile is one of my all-time favorite things, and it's so wonderful to see you how beautifully you've used it in your home!

Molly Anne said...

Stunning and elegant home you have! I love that you were even able to find toile candles. :)

vintage girl at heart said...

Fabulous as always!!!
Love the pop that the black gives the mercury glass and glassware too.
Where did you find those toile candles.. oh my goodness they scream your name!!!!
Happy Friday sweetie!!

Treasia Stepp said...

It's just beautiful. I have to ask, where did you get those tapered candles? I love those.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey! I'm behind as usual. Love, love your new cabinet for your linens. It's so pretty. I've got a painting project that I need to do too, but at least it's not spray painting. Brrrr!

Love all your bulbs you are forcing. I thought my paperwhites from last year were going to work, they all sent some pretty green shoots up, but NO flowers! Boooo! I really need to start thinking earlier about forcing bulbs, I loved it last year. Yours are beautiful.

DId you talk about those toile candles? Those are so pretty!

Nadine said...

It looks so lovely in there - such an elegant look!
I too would like it to warm-up, I have several items I want to repaint, but it is too cold and damp!

Blessings!
~Nadine

brokeintrovert said...

I love your style! Looks amazing! Those candlesticks are awesome.

Brenda Pruitt said...

It turned out for the best about those chairs you were pondering over! Isn't it nice when that happens? Manuela, you have just about the coziest style I have ever had the honor of meeting. Truly.
Brenda

Connie said...

Beautiful! It all comes together in a creative, elegant way!

kathy said...

Where did you get those candles? They're fabulous!!! Love the black dresser too.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

You have been busy! Looks great! Thanks for sharing everything with us. I decorated an old perfume bottle back a few years ago, and had good intentions of doing more that sit on my bathroom vanity, but never got around to them. I needed to get motivated.

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Be-YOU-tiful!

GlorV1 said...

That is the key all right. Organization! That's exactly what I need to do. Thanks for sharing all your goodies. Have a great weekend.

Donna, The Decorated House said...

Hi Manuela~
What a great storage piece! And it does look perfect with your chairs.
Hope you have a great weekend,
Donna

Oliva Ohlson said...

I always learn something new when I visit your blog which I find so much inspiration. Thank you for sharing!!!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Manuela! What a great post. I just love that black piece! I read that every room should have a little black in it! Yours looks wonderful. I love your little touches of black here and there...it always looks great. Hope you are doing great.
Blessings,
Debbie

Sue said...

Yes Manuela...where in the world did you get those cool candles? My daughter would love those....and your vintage monogramed silver is beautiful....Have you decided if you'll be coming to Joyce's tea? I hope so!!!

Unknown said...

ok where did u get the toile candles.?? love them.mishelle

Melissa Miller said...

Manuela the bureau is so beautiful! I have been really liking black accent pieces of furniture lately and yours is no exception.

It looks so nice with your newly painted chairs. The storage is wonderful! :)

Rebekah said...

I love to see the way you put things together, Manuela. And that candelabra... WOW! What a find! I love the elegant curved arms.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Manuela, I just love to come see what you'll do next! So many fabulous ideas in this post! Of course, as a "nuts about toile" gal, I am loving all of your toile, but where in the world did you find those toile candles? I have just got to get some of those! Love the use of the broaches. That is so pretty, and I'm going to be looking for a way to copy that idea. Your black bureau is perfect in this room, and you are one savy shopper to get storage space at that price. Also loved seeing your vintage flatware. It's stunning. Have a great weekend. laurie

Recycled Rita said...

Where did you get your toile candles? I love those! karen...

Anonymous said...

The candles, the candles! Tell us about the candles!!! LOL

Love the chest - the new mirror looks great with it. You were right to do the chairs in black!

I love the brooch idea too!

tina

Erin said...

I will say it again...you have the best goodwill. no way i'd ever find anything remotely like what you find. ours is the total pits!
like what've you done...like what you do ALWAYS!
and, it's always a pleasure to visit your blog and get INSPIRED.
hugs

philben5 said...

Your pictures are amazing! Also love the candles and can't wait to try some of my own.
Blessings
Roxanne

Anonymous said...

The candles look pretty. Years ago my mother had a friend that did this with candles. I have one of those candles with a pretty spring look. In which she used napkins and my mother never remembered how this friend made them, I am glad to find it here because I am not really an experience craft person but have wanted to know how to make these.

Erika

Dena said...

You have created such a beautiful space and I love the way the black looks in that room and those toile candles are so beautiful!

Hugs,
Dena

Room to Inspire said...

Everything looks beautiful. And I LOVE what you did with the brooches.

Chelsea

The Inspired Nest said...

You have some amazing ideas! I have to know where did you find checkerboard contact paper?
Lacy