Thursday, February 25, 2016

Throwback Thursday: Spode 101

It is the 200th Anniversary of Spode's Blue and White BLUE ITALIAN Collection. One Kings Lane is celebrating with a 24 hour sale of some incredible Spode  pieces, both old and new. 




But for a little bit of a history lesson, here is a quick primer on SPODE on this Throwback Thursday!


Dinner Plate in the Blue Room Garden Collection(mixed Color) pattern by Spode China
Spode, "Jasmine, Turquoise and Black"

Spode is a brand of ceramics and fine bone china based in Stoke on Trent, England, founded in 1767. That means, yes, Grandmas have been collecting Spode since the mid to late 1700s.  Josiah Spode was renowned for his technique of blue transferware, underglaze pottery.  My mother and grandmother both LOVED the Blue Willow Spode pattern, possibly the most well known and most popular of them all. They have countless patterns, popular for the past 250 years.
But I think there is a SPODE pattern for just about anyone.  There are countless colors, patterns and motifs of SPODE china. The originals are sought after, but they have new reproductions as well as new patterns. Interestingly, SPODE today is owned by the Portmerion Group (Portmerion being the manufacturer of another example of highly collected pottery).

Some collectible notes: Anything after 1833 is considered "Late SPODE".  The company changed hands at this time and for collectors that is a designation.  You can find old and new SPODE just about anywhere; it is typically at flea markets and antique shops, yard sales, ebay.  Its popularity has continued through the ages, so popular still that it is currently sold at Amazon, Macy's, Nieman Marcus, Horchow and don't be surprised if you see a SPODE Christmas pattern even at TJ Maxx.

If you love a pattern and see it at TJ Maxx, good for you, you have a special piece and you can call it an heirloom.  If you're thinking of collecting SPODE check out this little SPODE starter roundup. The new "Archive Collection" is a series of reproductions of popular antique patterns.  The back of the place will clearly state is an "Archive Collection" piece. Therefore, if you are buying ANYTHING on line, you should always ask to have a picture of the back of the plate for reference.  This could make a difference of paying $35 for an Archive Collection set as apposed to $200+ for an original set. (see below for examples).

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Wednesday Inspiration {Sherwin Williams Raindrop}


Paint in Raindrop - Seen on HGTV Smart Home 2013 (SH13-Garage Exterior) at Sherwin-Williams:
Not quite aqua, not quite turquoise. Sherwin Williams Raindrop is a soft, powdery blue. It packs a punch of rich color, but is still subtle. 

via

The Best Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams: 10 Best Anything-but-the-Blues | Apartment Therapy:
via
We'll be using this as Laundry Room Cabinetry color in the View Cove House Project! Can't wait to share how it's tuning out! 

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Splurge or steal {Navy Border Jute Rug}






Serena and Lily vs World Market


Painted Borders on Sisals are popping up in high end shops like Serena and Lily. 
If you can't SPLURGE, get the look for a STEAL from World Market. I'm positive there is a quality difference, with the Serena and Lily rug being a tighter, heavier weave, AND the Serena and Lily Runner is 2 feet longer, however, if you're just looking for the look and not wanting to invest $$$, the World Market rug is an excellent substitute to achieve this natural, textural look.

Navy Border Jute Runner
Serena & Lily
$250


Navy Border Jute Runner
World Market
$79
Check out the price differential on the other sizes offered! If you're looking for an 8x10, the difference is a $395 savings. 


Monday, February 1, 2016

Window Shopping {Black & White Abstract Art}

CrossRoads
$295
Christie Adelle


$279
WISTERIA
$20-$300+
Minted
$299
Z Gallerie