Holiday Gift Giving: Find Me At The Enchanted Home!

Hi Everyone!  Are you getting in the holiday spirit yet???  I definitely am, as we look forward to our first holiday season in our new home.  :)  

Today I'm thrilled to be part of a guest post on The Enchanted Home, where several of Tina's blogging friends are talking about their favorite gifts for the holidays. 

via

I'm highlighting a few special things from Linen Haus, along with many other treasures from several talented ladies, so head on over there to check it out!

Announcing...

I am excited to finally formally announce the latest evolution of my creative pursuits, a full service design business, called Linen Haus Design.  I have been doing this informally for a while, but it's time to make it official.  :)  As of today, I will be offering the following services:

Full Service Design...

creative services if you'd like to re-define a whole room, or more!

Hourly Consultations...

if you'd like to brainstorm ideas, tackle tough design challenges, etc.

Styling/Re-Design Services...

for using the beautiful things you already have, but in a whole new way.

Design Boards...

to capture the creative combinations that will make your space truly special.

Real Estate Staging...

when you're selling your home, make it look its best.

Remote Design Services...

even if you're not in the Seattle area, we can still work together!

Shopping/Sourcing Trips...

to local sources, The Seattle Design Center & other hidden gems.

Please contact me at hausdesign@hotmail.com if you're interested!

Many of you have followed me - and supported and encouraged me - on this journey from the beginning of my blog, then the opening of Linen Haus, and now the lead up to this.  

Many, many heartfelt thanks!!!  :)

A Newborn Photography Prop: Who Knew?

Hi Everyone!  Hope you're having a great Thursday.  We are winding down with Summer and I must say I am ready to get into a routine again.  We'll see if I change my tune come October when it's dark and rainy and I just want to stay in bed and snuggle.  :)

A new customer from Linen Haus just emailed me with a whole new way to use one of my products from the shop, and I thought it would be fun to share her idea!  Angee Alvis from Angee's Originals recently purchased a Chinese Water Well Bucket.  She is using it as a prop for her newborn photography - I never would have thought of that, but look at this oh-so-cute picture! 

 

 Adorable!  

I spent some time looking at her creations today and she is SO talented.  I enjoyed seeing her creative approaches to capturing beautiful family moments, especially the babies.  :) Pop over there and take a look here.

Thanks so much Angee!

New Listings At Linen Haus!

Hi Everyone,

Summer has gotten away from me and I hadn't yet listed all of my inventory at Linen Haus, my online boutique, full of vintage and antique finds from European markets.  However, I added some beautiful items today so I thought I'd share them with all of you.  

A very unique etched glass vase in a beautiful sea blue.  It's hard to appreciate its beauty in photographs but trust me - it's a special piece.

A spanish flask makes a great gift for the man in your life, or part of an earthy vignette.

A vintage school house map of North and Central America in pristine condition!

Don't hate me for saying this but Christmas will be here before we know it!  

These hand-blown German glass ornaments are so delicate and pretty in this icy lavender color and would make a beautiful addition to your tree, mantel or as a unique gift.  I love to tie them on to a bottle of wine or other gift for a hostess or special friend.

More luxurious linens with potential for so many decor pursuits...just lovely.

More lovely antique books too!

You can see details on each item here.  Any favorites?

BTW, I am happy to report that the shop has been going well and I'll be doing a shopping trip fairly soon.  Let me know what you're interested in so I can try to find some special gems just for you!.

New Items At Linen Haus

Hi Everybody!  It's Friday and I'm ready.  The weather is supposed to be great all weekend and we have plans to get out and enjoy it while we can!  We will be grilling both days, ignoring our huge to do list enjoying the sunshine and some new Seattle friends. 

I have added some things to the shop that I thought you all might like to see.  Here is a sampling of what's new:

The linens that inspired it all...rescued from an old castle in Bavaria, with a gorgeous sheen and lovely french ticking in a variety of colors (more coming soon).  These tablecloths are  ideal for everything from long, elegant dining tables to casual provence style outdoor settings.  Or, if you'd rather use them in a creative direction, they'd make beautiful fabric for pillows, throws and other decor.

Vintage books - in amazing condition!  Ideal for beautiful vignettes.

Vintage Botanicals on a large scale with vibrant colors.

Someone had better snap these up quick.  I am very tempted to frame them in a grouping above the bed in our master!

Monogrammed vintage tea towels with a lovely damask design.

A variety of Hungarian Seltzer Bottles - they add great character to a kitchen.

Stop by and take a look if you  have a minute. 

I'll be adding more in the next few weeks so there is more to come!

Have a great weekend!

Linen Haus Is Live!

Happy Monday Everyone!  Hope you all had a great weekend.  It was gorgeous weather in Seattle.  I went for a run this morning (long overdue) and enjoyed some beautiful views of Lake Washington and the Olympic Mountains.  What a stunning view!   

I also did some prep work on setting up Linen Haus on etsy.  It was long overdue and I am so excited to finally make it a reality. 

I am pleased to announce that Linen Haus, my online boutique, is live! 

LinenHaus

I have more tweaking to do but I just couldn't wait any longer!  Many more products will be added in the next couple of weeks, but here is a sampling of what is already on the site:

Please stop by and take a look when you have a minute.  I'd love your feedback!

Eight Things, Doughnuts & Bruce Willis

Funny title for a post, huh?  This is a random post, and I was in a silly kind of mood, so that's what popped out!  

The roofers are starting to put our new roof on our future home today, so I'm about to dash off to bring them doughnuts.  Everyone loves a doughnut, right?  I thought it couldn't hurt to be nice to those guys.  We move in next week and we are all sooooo ready - two months in limbo is enough for all of us!  Come to think of it, maybe I deserve a doughnut.  ;)

Anyway, before I do, I wanted to let you know that today I am lucky enough to be included in a fun series over at The Treasured Home:  "Eight Things You Might Not Know About Me".  This blog is authored by another Barbara and she always has fresh ideas for traditional spaces with a beautiful twist. 



So, just in case you'd like to know a little more about me - including about the time I met Bruce Willis - head over there. I think you'll really enjoy looking around her blog!

Updates on Linen Haus and More...

Hi Everyone!  Thanks for bearing with me on my non-design related posts the last couple of days...big changes are afoot so I wanted to share them with you all...I promise we'll get back to (fun) business here starting tomorrow - but today a few miscellaneous topics:

HausDesign

You all have been so patient and supportive of my upcoming opening of Linen Haus -- thank you!  As some of you know I had originally planned to open my online boutique in November; however, I'm putting that on hold until we are settled.  I'm excited to get started but when I open I want to give it "my all", so doing it after we are stateside makes more sense.  You can view most of the inventory here for now: 

http://pinterest.com/hausdesign/linen-haus-online-boutique/

More on that upon my return to the US!

I'm so glad you are all enjoying the Design In Five series!

It has been so fun to see what each contributor comes up with and the creativity has been outstanding...what talented bloggers you are!  :) 

You can see the posts so far here, here, here , here and here...with one more planned for next week. 

Let me know if you're interested in participating - I'd love to have you!

sundayinbed.tumblr.com

We plan to completely "unplug" during our vacation in Asia, so that means absolutely *no* (gasp) blogging!  If you're interested in guest posting during that time please let me know...

Otherwise it will just have to wait until late February...

I hope you all will come back when I return -- I promise to return with all kinds of new design inspirations, travel stories, etc.!

via citified.blogspot.com

That's all for now. Wishing you all a wonderful day in a beautiful space like this one!
Thanks so much for reading.

Linen Haus Updates and More...

Happy Monday Everyone!  Even though it's Monday, it's the beginning of a very special week leading up to Christmas, so how bad can it be, right??!?  :) 

First up, I have gotten some inquiries about Linen Haus.  I'm thrilled that there is interest!  I know I am overdue in opening (absolutely not my style to be late, by the way) but for some very positive reasons I can't explain quite yet, I am waiting a bit longer to officially open the store on etsy.  However, I am happy to help anyone with individual requests in the meantime!  I have a page on pinterest here where you can find most of my current inventory.  And, if you're looking for something in particular, I may be able to find it for you at the markets.  Please feel free to email me with any inquiries! 

Speaking of Linen Haus, I am so excited to share that I have already made my first sale!  A wonderful woman emailed me asking about my dough bowls.  We had a nice exchange via email, talking about what she was looking for and how she wanted to find a family heirloom to be passed on.  It makes me so happy that it has found a good home.  :)  She recently emailed me a picture of how she is using it for Christmas.  She said she chose this decor specifically for her Grandson's enjoyment - I love that.  Take a look - I think she did a beautiful job!

Since we're talking about Linen Haus, I thought sharing a few pictures of the fabric that inspired it all would be nice.  Here are a few pictures of linen in decor that I think are just beautiful:

 This rooms looks so cozy and "lived in" (in a good way).  Linen only gets better with time!

Love this upholstered chair in the romantic french script linen...

This tailored linen sofa is such a great base for all of these interesting patterns!

As a lovely headboard and bench lend a timeless feel...

A gorgeous table runner that can be dressed up or down...

Why not have all of your lovely linens on display?

One more thing:  Today is the 1 year anniversary of when I started my blog, and what a year it has been!
I have been blown away by the incredibly supportive following that has sprung up over the last 12 months.  The comments & emails from readers and fellow bloggers, as well as thoughtful mentions on other blogs, truly make this worth doing. 
I have learned so much, been inspired so often and also have had so much FUN!!! 


Thank you to all of you who read & follow my blog!

The Latest From Linen Haus

As you might have read earlier this week, we ended up coming back a day early from our trip to Slovenia.  That meant missing the market in Lubljana on Sunday, which was disappointing.  However, the upside was that I could visit some of my favorite contacts (and discover new ones) at our monthly local antiques market here in Munich.  I found a few things to round out the Linen Haus inventory:

A beautiful set of appetizer/dessert plates from Villeroy and Boch.

Set of six, each with a different fruit motif and french writing.

Almond colored, vintage damask tea towels with crimson monogramming.

Set of two, but will be sold separately. 

Crisp white set of eight napkins with a subtle art deco gemetric pattern. 

 Antique German leather bound book with gorgeous textured paper front and back

and beautiful illustrations throughout.

Vintage Tea Towel with Art Nouveau design, monogram and beautiful sheen.
These are quite long so they also make a beautiful table runner.

Two vintage German grain sacks with indigo striping.  

Ideal for pillows or upholstering seat covers!

Antique latin linguistics book from Vienna, 1844.

This book had a nice surprise inside:  I found an invitation addressed to the "Hochgeboren" - ie those of "high birth" - introducing the start of "the season"...I'm thinking probably for the debutante coming out season at that time.  I thought that was a pretty cool, and unexpected, piece of history.  I might have to frame it.

And, last but certainly not least, four more beautiful tablecloths. 

I sorted through many, many linens with stains, holes, etc. and brought home only those without flaws. 

More good news:  I have decided to go ahead and open up Linen Haus this month! 
I'm putting the finishing touches on the photos and descriptions.  An announcement is coming soon so stay tuned!

Linen Haus Update: Beautiful Antique Books

I was at one of our local antiques markets today, looking for some old books I had (regrettably) passed up last weekend that I hoped to find again.  I didn't find them so I was starting to get discouraged.  Then, I came across these antique books that I think are really special.   Fate is funny that way, isn't it?  

I am just thrilled to add these to my Linen Haus collection!  As you probably know already, I only buy things that I would love to have in my own home (it's part of my mental checklist when deciding to buy)...I'm going to have a hard time parting with these beauties!

These are all of the books combined and below is a breakdown:

French, 1924, cognac-colored leather binding with gorgeous marbling.

I love those gilt fleur de lys down the spine too... 

A set of German books from 1924. 

The leather binding is a beautiful espresso finish with the gold design. 

A very old German book in remarkable condition, from 1895.

I love the design that wraps all the way round - it looks even better in person! 

I also came across another beautiful dough bowl from Hungary.

It was in such good shape I knew it had to come home with me.

Hope you're all having a great weekend!

I'll be back on Monday...

I've Been Busy...

...at the antiques markets lately!  I'm very excited to share with you all my latest finds for Linen Haus.  I'm still working on the inventory, but if you're interested in any of these products before the shop officially opens, please contact me!

And, in case you want inspiration on how you might use these products, I have also included (where available) posts that provide ideas.  :)

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

Twelve volumes of "Lessing's Works" from 1890.

They are in remarkably beautiful condition with gilded printing and marbled covers. 
Lovely!
Ideas for decorating with books can be found here.

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

A little detour into Asia...an antique, restored Water Well Bucket.

This would be ideal for storing blankets by a fireplace, holding pinecones or something else from nature in a corner, magazines next to a couch or towels in a bathroom...there are so many possibilities!

Asian Decorating Ideas can be found here.

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

I bought this linen fabric because it's so versatile and beautiful.

I think it could fit well into a neutral traditional setting, a playful modern setting or even as an oversized oblong bolster on a tween girl's bed. 

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

 More gorgeous dough bowls...and HUGE.

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

A venetian-style, hand painted tray with gilded detailing on a deep scarlett background. 

Perfect for vignettes and bookshelf styling...even holiday decor.

 

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

A burlap monogrammed runner - ideal for setting a rustic Fall table!

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

More seltzer bottles in aqua and emerald green that look great in a bathroom or kitchen. 
I love the unique shape of these!

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

Hand made, blown glass German Christmas tree ornaments in a very pale silvery-lavendar hue.

I like to use ornaments like these attached to a beautiful package, at each place setting at a holiday table, or attached to a bottle of wine as a holiday hostess gift for a special touch...

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

A gorgeous, gilded vintage French-style mirror.

You may remember this gilded mirror that I already bought for Linen Haus.

This one is similar, but much larger.

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

More of the beautiful botanicals from Austria...

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

Another seltzer bottle - notice the cool writing that claims Bucarest as its original home.

Photography and Styling by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler, Haus Design

Something about this vase just kept drawing me back.  I think it's the unique etching, gorgeous sea-inspired blue color and the generous size.  I envision it in a Phoebe Howard type space such as this one below.  Too see more beautiful blue spaces look here.



Phoebe Howard

I'd love your feedback on these additions to my inventory (constructive criticism is also welcome:)) so please leave a comment and let me know what you think!