*under construction*


24 April 2009

Treasure Hunting....

While we still are working over here on the exterior (albeit at a snail's pace these days) I'm getting more and more easily distracted with painting and furnishing (much more fun) the inside of the Muse Shack. I find myself taking little detours on my way home from dropping boywonder off at school, or during some errand I'm supposed to be running - and somehow I end up parked in front of some random choice of one of my many local haunts for treasure hunting. Now how did that happen, I wonder? Autopilot, I think ... at least that's what I'm telling myself. It's my story and I'm sticking to it. Pffft.
I'm just hooked on treasure hunting, what can I say?

So... on a recent treasure hunting expedition, I spied with my little eye this great 1930s chandelier ... pretty isn't it?



I thought it would be perfect for the outdoor dining space under the pergola out back (that still needs painting... la la la I didn't hear that...hee hee)


I made a crucial mistake - I didn't strike while the proverbial fire was hot. I didn't buy it right then and there, instead ... I waited ... and ... now ...there is a new rectangular tag hanging from the chandelier! Much to my extreme dismay, scribbled onto that tag, in fresh black ink are the devastating letters ... S-O-L-D.
UGH UGH UGH!
Shaking my head in disbelief at my slip in treasure hunting 101, the little armoire just beyond caught my attention ....

Not precisely what I'm looking for ... I wish my bathroom were larger, because it would work for holding linens, soaps, and the likes....



It's sort of sweet, and it's growing on me-- look at the detailing ... I decided to think on it and do some measuring back at the house ... after all, I didn't really plan on a shopping trip and I won't be heartbroken if someone else grabs it up ... and then that fabulous panel next to the armoire caught my eye .... gah, I'm so bad - I'm supposed to be painting, not shopping. It also flashed a SOLD tag ... striiiiike two!

Someone stop me.
...please.



Well, there is a happy ending to this post. While I can be an airhead when my dreams overtake my thoughts ... I do learn from my mistakes.

There are so many treasures that I am currently on the hunt for - my list is huge, and there really is no method to the madness other than keeping a good eye out ***and when you see something you love and the price is right don't wait!! Grrr. It's going to take me a while to get over losing that inexpensive and beautiful chandelier...

Anyway ... back to the good news. This John Saladino living room (that we all know and love) is one of the many photos pinned to my bulletin board - I just love the sunwashed hues, and I've been eyeing those rugs for a while now..


Lo and behold -- when I wasn't even looking, I stumbled across the perfect and huge antique rug!!! And, yes, I snatched it up immediately. I am so excited. My wounds from the earlier misses started to ease .. a little. The rug really is PERFECT for the main house living room and as an added bonus, look how close it is in looks to the rug in the Saladino room (click on the photo below to enlarge it and tell me what you think)



So as it were, it did end up being a successful treasure hunt after all ... well I suppose that really depends on whom you ask - me, my husband or my wallet - but speaking for myself, I can say, hands down, that *I* am VERY pleased. One more thing to cross off the list, and a room closer to being finished in this never-ending project!
YAY!
Now ... to the next spot to see if they have any chandeliers hanging around today ...

Have a wonderful weekend!

Want to see what other bloggers are hooked on today? Head over to Julia's "Hooked on Friday" party on her lovely blog, "Hooked on Houses"

25 comments:

vicki archer said...

Treasure hunting 101 is a difficult subject and not always easy to pass first time. I am sure with lots of study and practical work you will find yourself making the grade!

Isa - love your rug and that is indeed a find and disappointing about the chandelier - it was adorable - but one thing I have learnt with treasure hunting is that it is a now or never concept. Great post, xv

Fabulously French said...

I love the rug, I too have learnt the hard way by thinking that I will go back to buy something only to find that it is gone. Infact it happened to me yesterday and I was so mad that I did not buy it in the first place that I sulked all the way home - I was mad at myself.

Fate, it was not meant to be.

L x

Tessa said...

Oh gorgeous - I'm gagging with envy! I've collected 'tresures' from all over the place on my travels and our house is filled to the brim. So much so, that dear Bwana has put his foot down and said THAT'S IT! Sigh. He's right, I guess. Instead of things to delight the eye, I now haunt 2nd hand bookshops and find teasures to delight the mind instead.

I absolutely LOVE that rug, and the room from which you took your inspiration. And the armoire is a delight!

Tessa said...

See? Can't even spell treasures anymore I'm so upset! Sorry!

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Ooooh you did good Isa! That rug is spot on...I HATE when I see something and then go back and it is gone...then think about it for like ever.

I'm kinda liking that little daybed in the corner of the pic too.

Have a beautiful and productive weekend.

donna baker said...

The things that got away haunt me more than the ones that didn't. The things you had and then sold, then wondered what you were thinking are the worst. Carpet looks so close to what you were looking for, it uncanny.

Helen said...

Oh, Oh & Oh! The area rug is just PERFECT!!!! Good job ... I give you an A++.

About that chandelier ... would you have hung it from a tree branch or had you planned on wiring it for light?

You have made me thirst for a 'little shopping' expedition.

DesignTies said...

I've made the same mistake more times than I care to remember -- I see something I like, don't nab it right away, and then it's gone. The worst was when we lost my DREAM HOUSE because we went away for the weekend instead of staying in town and putting in an offer. Hubby was in the doghouse for a long time after that!! But then we found the house we live in now, and it's even better than the one we lost out on :-)

Congrats on the new carpet -- it's really close to the one in your inspiration picture. Don't you love it when things work out like that?? :-)

Kelly @ DesignTies

niartist said...

You know how big of a bad influence I am when it comes to shopping. I say buy that armoire! :)Love the rug, but you knew that - and I am just heartbroken over that chandelier! :( I remember when you told me about it - but I didn't think it was that kind. Gorgeous! Lets go to that shop and wait for the buyer to come out and then run up on them in our all black and face masks and yell: "GIMME THAT IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS FINE DESIGN!" and I'll grab it, you spray them with some air freshener, and we'll make a break for it! Sound good?

Rue said...

Beautiful treasures! I'm sorry about the chandelier. I know how horrible it is to want something and then go back to find it gone... antiques can make a person go nuts, not that I am or anything ;)

rue

Decor To Adore said...

Here's hoping you will find another chandelier that is even better!

Please stop by my blog. I am hosting a 200th post giveaway.

judy aldridge said...

I love the rug--I wish I could have more in my home, but my pooches are devils! judy

Velvet and Linen said...

Enjoy that beautiful rug, Isa.
I love hunting for the perfect treasure.
I have learned that if something makes my heart beat faster and I feel like I can't leave without it, I buy it!
Fortunately, I now have a shop to buy for as well!
Happy Saturday.

xo
Brooke

Brenda Kula said...

You have to grab it, girl! My neighbor, I tell her the same thing. If we leave and ponder it over, it may be gone. If you love it, grab it up while you can!
Brenda

Velvet and Linen said...

Hi Isa.

Just wanted to congratulate you.
You won one of my candles.
Can you e-mail me your address?

xo
Brooke

Jeanne Oliver said...

That is so sad about the chandelier...I have been there.

the wild raspberry said...

oh man...i just found your blog and it is full of the most delicious photos! i love your taste and style.
have a great day.
chasity

jerseygirl211 said...

Good Morning Isa,

The rug is perfect. As for the chandelier, maybe it wasn't meant to be and you'll find another one that you'll like more.

Our weather here is finally allowing DH to get back to painting yesterday, he was able to put the primer on the garage and shed in a few hours with the Wagner Spray Painter, that he was so against me buying. Now he has nothing but praises for it. He's outside right now getting ready to put the first coat of the YELLOW on. Best of luck with your projects.

Hugs
'D'

Willow Decor said...

I LOVE the rug! Perfect Perfect! I have been looking for the RIGHT rug for so long now, I just had given up! But, you have given me new hope!! I am going to try again- because of you I am inspired!!
xx-Gina

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Fabulous rug! And sorry about the other items. It is soooo frustrating when that happens.

I have a wonderful antique chandelier that hangs inside my magnolia tree over an old dining table and chairs. I can't tell you how much I love sitting inside that old tree eating my lunch!!

Windlost said...

Isa, some beautiful treasures and I love that rug. I agree, the chandelier is beautiful, but it wasn't meant to be. Sometimes there is the one that gets away which makes us pay more attention next time. I still think of a ring I didn't buy when I was 16 (and didn't have $200). : )

Happy decorating. Love the music on your blog always..!

niartist said...

HEY HEY! I put the renderings on my blog today. Stop by and see how it all flows together ... again! LOL! :)

Naz said...

As an owner of my grandparents oriental rug which is almost 60 years old, it's a treasure you will never regret having.

The chandelier was a beauty. Hopefully you will find something even better. If you do, buy it quickly.

The Stylish House said...

Hi Isa,
This is my first visit to your lovely site! I love treasure hunting but have also been heart broken a few times by the one’s that got away. ~Cathy~

Courtney said...

That chandelier does look like it was perfect, and I know and hate that feeling of missing out on a wonderful find! At least your rug somewhat makes up for it-- it looks beautiful! Have a great weekend, Isa. xo