A Rustic Garden Blog

Out on a buying trip this weekend I found 6 antique mantels. I usually have one or two around but really 6 in once purchase is  a bit much. Architectural and country furniture are the antiques that I love to seek out. 

I just could not pass them  by. Two of them are identical in old white paint. A couple more have unique trims that I liked. My favorite however was plain one with the original black surface.

This simple mantel was salvaged from a mid 1800’s brick home in eastern Missouri. The mantel was removed from the maids quarters located above the kitchen. Fireplaces would have been the main source of heat at the time the home was built.

Certainly the mantels throughout this historical home would have been much more elaborate but the owner would not have waisted even pennies on the maids accommodations.

Sometimes getting started is the biggest problem. Whether you are designing an outdoor patio, garden or even revamping your living spaces inside your home, the hard part is the deciding what to do first. 

My sister needed to decorate her lake house large bedroom. Furniture was not the problem we have lots of antique cabinets to choose from. Color was the obstacle. The room was carpeted in a neutral color so we looked at area rugs to place on top the carpet to add color and she picked a design that fit her style. I would advise you to pick your accent that has at least 3 colors. Her rug was cream, golden brown and blue. The area rug’s brown color succeeded in tying the country furniture’s wood tone as well the curtains. There was a touch of blue in the rug that helped her choose accent colors for the bedding  which created unique home decor throughout. 

Since the room was large she picked a small 5’ x 7’ rug to be placed adjacent to the bed to form a new sitting area. The entire plan came from one rug. 

Your garden plan might begin with a fountain, statue or the color of your favorite flower. Whether you are working in your home or garden it will all come together once you find the first point of interest.

Last fall my family purchased a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Fun, fun, fun. It still does not seem real yet but I have so many country  antiques throughout that is is starting to get comfortable.  I live with antiques.

Early painted furniture and original country store collectibles are some of my favorite purchases. I stopped on I70 near Colombia Mo at Artichoke Annie’s Antique Mall and found a wonderful 1800’s trade sign. It read Perkins Horse and Carriage Dealer on a 18″ wide 7′ board all hand painted with green paint over cream. Did I over describe this? Well maybe but I just love antiques and you could say I decorate with unique home decor.

Antiques are always a great investment and make unique home decor. I have been collecting early  antique cupboards for 30 years. Every few months I find  pieces of furniture that is extra special and wish I could keep them but know that to do so would mean that I have to take something out of my home to make the space.

This Fall I found 4 cupboards made of cherry and walnut and they were constructed during the middle 1800’s. Each piece was made by hand by an expert cabinet maker with style that will be loved by many more generations. I guess I will have to sell them….