Products I'm Loving Right Now

Here are a few things I have had my eye on lately and as usual my tastes are all over the map.  What can I say?!  See if you can find anything you can't live without.  :)

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Everything Ethnic - Part I

Today I bring you a bit of ethnic design that has been grabbing my attention lately.  I know this isn't for everyone, and even for me it can go over the top.  However...I do think a touch* of ethnic additions to a space can really spice it up and make it a more interesting, unique room...sometimes I like it best in a very traditional space.  I guess it's similar to adding abstract art - that element of surprise.

*as in, determined by the homeowner/designer...kind of like "salt to taste" :)

Let's take a look at a few of my faves that I have come across lately.  I'll follow up in a week or two with a second post with some other inspirations:

That's a pretty cool piece on the wall, don't you think?

Happy Wednesday!

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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!

Decorating with Greek Key

Greek Key is one of my favorite design elements because it is timeless, yet stylish, and can be modern or traditional.  Here are some images that show greek key in its many beautiful forms.  See if you find a favorite of your own: 

Not sure if this is officially greek key, but it's along the same lines... 

I love the look of a roman shade to soften a kitchen...adding some greek key trim makes it even better!



I wouldn't think to put ikat and greek key together, but wow!!

Notice the greek key detailing along the top of the wall...



Greek key and monograms together - two of my faves.

Geek goes greek.  Haha!  :)

I'm really liking this idea too - greek key detailing on the edges of the pillows...divine.

 

I thought this was a very cool idea.  What a transformation!

So...have I sold you on greek key?  Were you already sold?  Or is it not your thing? 

Whatever the answer, I'd love to hear.

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