Last weekend I decided to leave my usual Brussels (thrift) hunting grounds and explore the Dutch-speaking part of the country.
Aaah Antwerpen ! Not for nothing the fashion and design capital of Belgium.
As you can see, once you step off the train you're immediately greeted by that particular Antwerpen aptitude to turn anything into pure coolness. Case in point, this stylish - and I thought very successful - renovation of the classic 19th century Central station.
Ok that's it for the sightseeing part ! Let's talk vintage.
The winter edition of the Dubieus Design market was what mostly drew my attention. Obviously...
OMG, so many amazing things to choose from...
...ceramic heaven...
... like this stunning Amphora Perignem ceramic bull. I didn't even dare look at the price tag on this one. Hhmm maybe I should have ?!
... and a fantastic example of West German "fat lava" pottry...
Oooh and if I hadn't already overdosed on vintage bliss, I also had to check this fabulous retro shop in the Kloosterstraat area.
Of course I didn't come home empty-handed...
And now to your calendars. If you're looking for an excuse to discover Antwerpen, Dubieus Design is also holding a summer edition of its retro and design market at the end of June. I'm told it's even bigger, better and more tempting.
As mentioned in my previous post, the thrift gods have been smiling on me lately and I managed to bring home some super cute additions to my ceramic collection(s).
First off, this retro handle-less Waechtersbach mug, found for 1 eur, and now keeping in check some of my office supplies.
Red seems to be the colour of the moment. As is the 1 eur price tag... This famous Arabia Finland jam pot was also mine for that whopping amount.
This merits a bit of a wider view of the growing Scandinavian collection.
Speaking of Arabia Finland. Say hello to my newest find, which also came home for - you've guessed it ! - 1 eur.
This unmarked ceramic wall plate however was an outrageous 2.64 eur, haggled down from 6 eur with my favourite technique. A large smile and getting the seller to accept the spare change left in your wallet. In this case 2.64 eur.
Overview.
Pffffff, that's a lot of collecting.
And last but not least, a classic - "weniger aber besser" - Braun design. This 12-cup coffee maker was mine for 3 eur, required some moderate cleaning, and is in perfect working condition.
Of course since taking these pictures over a week ago, I've already acquired more wonderful finds. For which I totally blame this weekend's trip to trendy Antwerpen - and this morning's fleamarket visit...
A few recent flea market expeditions have proven very fruitful. I was able to add to my Scandinavian and German (and anonymous) ceramic collections. More about that in a future post.
Let's start with my most eyecatching find.
In situ smartphone picture.
And hard to miss. This astonishing 1950s tapestry. That thing is HUGE ! I circled the booth a couple of times, shot a few photos and was consequently utterly unable to hide my excitement when I tried to haggle with the vendor... who is probably still laughing that somebody was willing to pay 30 eur for a "dusty and musty eyesore". I'm quoting my Mum here.
Well, you know what they say. One person's trash is is another's treasure.
See what I mean ? Isn't it perfect for over my bed ?
Based on the signature and authenticity certificate, I did some googling and discovered a series of French tapestry studios who attempted to update and bring tapestry back in style after World War II.
As you can see, they did limited editions of their designs. Which btw go for a lot more than 30 eur on ebay and various auctions sites.
Ok. I'm not quite sure about the mix going on on that side. Hhmm, coral lamp shade and KMK (Kupfermühle Keramik) ceramic wall plate. Maybe it's all a bit too much ?
But I'm definitely in love with that tapestry !
First off, apologies for these very grainy and weirdly angled photos.
But (a) Brussels is still under gray, cloudy and dark weather (stupid, annoying clouds !!!)
and (b) this is the loo which is an irritatingly long and narrow space and thus quite difficult to photograph.
And
yes, I'm one of those annoying, silly people who looooooove to decorate
even the most mundane rooms of my home. Thus this post about... my
toilet. Lucky you !
Let's start with some before & after pictures.
About two years ago. Everything was still bright orange. And messy. But at least I'd already managed to thrift that amazing mirror (if I may say so myself).
And then by summer 2011, it all looked so much better in a light Farrow & Ball gray. Plus I firmly believe that Tomado shelves make everything better !
Notice the budding glass collection...
Back to the current situation.
The old single glazed window was replaced a few months back with a fancy schmancy version, that is not only super insulating, but also features a neat off-centred handle that I can actually reach without having to climb on the toilet seat. So less daily exercice, but so much more comfort.
Of course, the glass collection is now out of control.
But most notably, I took down the Tomados (Fear not, they are being put to good use elsewhere !) and downsized the amount of knick knacks catching dust in here. I'm also very happy to have finally found a use for that 1950s bookshelf. It belonged to my Mum and is one of the rare survivors of her childhood bedroom.
WGP. What else ?
The peace lily is hanging on by a thread. Ashley Goldberg bearded men prints and different bits and bobs.
Watch out for the feisty horned menace.
And on the other side - because how could I ever leave a single wall empty - a retro still life print, dug up a couple of years back at a Penzance thrift store.
You wouldn't think it possible, but after seven years in my place, I still manage to find new arrangements for my furniture and numerous other belongings. Yes, I'm unstoppable in that way.
Making the most out of the last few (quiet) days of 2012 and inspired by this wonderful decorating book, I've been rethinking the living room layout. And then went relentlessly to work.
Basically, what I did do is switch out the sideboard and the bookcases (check out the old set-up here and here).
Sounds easy enough, but required some serious schlepping and finagling of cumbersome furniture in a small space. I still can't believe I managed to do most of it in just one evening. Like I said I'm relentless. My poor neighbours must think me totally demented, dragging furniture around and knocking nails in the walls in the middle of the night... But then again, they're crazy junkies, badly tripping, screaming and fighting at 6 am on Christmas morning. Let's call us even.
Anyhow. The Nathan sideboard now lives along the side wall, making the whole room feel less enclosed and a lot lighter. While incidentally enhancing the sprawling WGP collection.
The bookcases now sit against the black wall. And they look stunning against it.
Also Flo and June love sleeping on top of them. They probably think they're camouflaged.
The sharp observers amongst you will already have noticed. I also lowered the shelves and cabinets of the Cadovius system a few notches, making the whole thing less overwhelming.
I confess. I also tried to find a new arrangement for all the elements, but after several failed attempts and growing increasingly annoyed with it, I just left it as it was.
And finally I took Dan's recent post on styling his mantle to heart and tried out a more minimal vignette, including a fabulous teak mirror that I found in the UK last August for a mere fiver. Ha ! I like it.
Now I only wish the weather would improve, and I could take more photos of all the other bits and bobs I changed aound here recently.
That being said, I think 2013 is off to a good start, decorating wise !
Hope you all have a wonderful new year, full of inspiring thrift finds and decor ideas. I know I'm looking forward to reading up on them all !
Posts
