At Home with BBEST

Our homes are our castles, our refuges from the hustle and bustle of the world, and our sources of nourishment and relief from stress. They are places where we gather with family and friends to share laughter and create happy memories. It is no wonder that our homes need to be not only physically comfortable, but also filled with colors and textures that are visually pleasing and expressive of our personalities. Does your home reflect who you are? Does the decor soothe your soul, bring you joy, and make you feel rejuvenated? If not, then it may be time to give your home a new look.

Bringing a sense of sanctuary to your home need not be expensive or time-consuming. Here are a few suggestions for simple changes that can bring a new perspective to you and your living area:

• Use color to set the mood. Paint a wall or a cabinet in a new tone; add an accent piece in a favorite hue, or experiment with a new one. Choose colors that appeal to you and that evoke a sense of well-being. Display colorful, translucent items, such as glasses or bottles, in sunlit areas to bring in splashes of color.
• Remove rugs to reveal wood floors, or add colorful scatter rugs to break up large expanses of bare flooring. Layer area rugs over wall-to-wall carpet to give dimension to single-color areas.
• Rearrange existing furniture and accessories; move them into different rooms for a new perspective. Regroup items or remix for a less uniform look. Take furniture from attics and basements and slipcover if needed.
  
• Get a new frame for an existing picture; paint or decoupage an old frame to give it personality.
• Dig into storage and bring out pictures, knick-knacks, and memorabilia that have been locked away.
• Display a collection, or assemble one based on a theme that inspires or soothes you.
  
• Create a sense of light and warmth with candles or additional lamps. Move lights from unused areas to illuminate often used rooms. Give a favorite lamp a new shade to refresh its appearance. Clean glass shades and sconces for sparkle.
  
• Use a variety of textures and shapes when decorating. Table linens, pillows, throws, glassware and pottery add dimension to plain spaces.
  
• Bring nature indoors with fresh flowers or plants, water features, wood accessories, shells, wicker baskets, or patterns reflecting the natural world.
• Banish clutter and clean out the corners. Sort through those piles of papers and magazines that provoke feelings of being overwhelmed. Put away items that are no longer being used or that remind you of negative emotions.
  
• Add handmade or vintage items for a relaxed and personal feel. Accents that have character and individuality speak to us on a deeper level, and kindle positive feelings. 

Whatever changes you make in your home, remember to keep them a reflection of you and your family. Use decorating magazines and books as inspiration, but let your heart guide you in creating a loving and comforting space that will welcome you home each day.

BBEST has many wonderful accents for every room in your home.

Floral accessories and cheerful colors brighten
and bring nature into the bedroom.

Welcome Spring - Original Watercolor of Pansies

by Yankeegirl's Watercolors

Sweet Violets Painted Table

by Herons Treasures

Perfect Pink and Purple Posy Accent Pillow

by ByTheBy

 Pink Cotton Candy Trinket Bowl

by Designs by Christine

Pink Button Yoyo Bouquet with Vase
by Big Island Rose Design

Distinctive lighting, hand painted and vintage accessories
create a delicious dining experience.

Unity Pattern 12 Panel Multi Color Lamp
by Diana's Creations

Vintage Tidbit Tray, Green with Leaf Pattern by USA Pottery
from Sweet Rice

Hand Painted Grape Wine Glasses
by Glitz n Glass

Original Lavender Watercolor
by The Creators Palette

Vintage Fire King Gold-edged Dinner Plates
from By The Wayside


Deep colors, wood tones and eclectic desk accessories
are elements of a soothing office area.

Shawnee River Original Painting Watercolor
by Mystic Silks

Deep Dark Pink Porcelain Vase
by Aquarian Pottery Works

Vintage Fairy Tales Book - Illustrated Hans Christian Andersen
from Vintage Legacy Studio

Prairie Lamp
by Nonnie's Treasures

Vintage Art Deco Clock Hammond Junior Black Bakelite
from Junkyard Gypsy

Fabric-covered Vintage Apron Print Mouse Pad
by Scottie Acres Boutique


Fun and fresh, blue and white in the kitchen 
brings in the colors of the sky and sea.

White Fish Hooked Rug
by Beth Anderson

Maple Leaf Candy Plate
by Artsie Lady

Country Cottage Crocheted Cotton Table Mat
by JN Originals

Stoneware Shaker
by Fehu Stoneware

Blue Koi Silk Painting
by Janine Maves

Bottlescape I Fine Art Print
by Diane Clancy's Art

Old World Charm for a New World Life

This week we've been chatting on the thread quite a bit about the drawbacks of current trends, morals, customer service and products. For about a month now I've been looking for a new can opener that isn't a piece of inferior junk that will drive me crazy. Sadly, nowadays, this is a daunting task. Well, you all know how I feel about fate... So here goes.

Last Thursday morning our Boston Sweethearts walked in our door surprising us beyond belief. They were here for 4 short days. On Saturday we were to travel about an hour away for some famous Barbecue. Unfortunately, I had an infection, needed to go to the after hours clinic which took up Saturday morning and messed up those plans. The half of the family in Georgetown went along. The half at our house couldn't. We did manage to take our clan to the marvelous Top Notch {the burger joint in Dazed and Confused which is still run by the same family} and then Culver's for frozen custard sundaes. On the way home I suggested we drop by the local Restaurant Supply Store. It's a groovy one. You never know what you'll find in there. Well, I spied these can openers and I recognized the Swing-a-Way name from way back when. I haven't seen one of these in forever. I was saddened when I checked the package and saw those three little words which strike fear in the hearts of housewives: Made in China.

I noticed a red handle in back of the line up. So much groovier than black. I sighed. Then I noticed something else. The packages in back were different from those in front. Sure enough, lo and behold, we read the fine print and there it was: Made in U.S.A. Score! Evan compared them and, you guessed it, there is a distinct difference in the construction and quality between the two models. So for the high end price of $7.15 I am now the ecstatic owner of a can opener that works like a breeze and I am sure will bring me smiles for the next umpteen years.

I rarely get this lucky, but occasionally we do find these old stock treasures {my sewing needles come to mind} in funky, locally owned hardware or 5 & 10 Stores. But there's a much easier way to find quality household items and these have something more. That something is not easily described, but quite readily felt. It's called soul. When you find that, you've found lightning in a bottle. Personality and charm are not only found in oddments. Everyday, useful items from the past are unique and bring that rare quality you will never find in Costco, Wal Mart or Target ~ simple happiness. Try it. You'll love it.

The holiday season is before us and while we think about handmade when we think of etsy ~ and that's fantastic ~ remember the good old days are here as well. So today I am featuring a few of our BBEST members who join me and offer vintage goods. There are always people in our friend or family circle who may not fit the handmade gift category. You can still save the earth, support your etsy friends and delight those you love with unique and useful gifts with heart.

I feature here just a few household items from a sampling of our members, but there are many more surprises in our shops ~ jewelry, clothing, ephemera & more. Simply search vintage or supplies adding the bbest team label. Or, click on one of the links below and take off from there. I hope you enjoy this small journey.
So....

NiceOldStuff

Sit yourself down with a lovely
cup of tea and start your
browsing right here...

Junkyard Gypsy

Old Sewing Supplies and Notions

A Treasure Trove of hard-to-find items
all in their own tin.

Vintage Legacy Studio

Groovy Hand Mixer ~ Channel Julia Child!

Nonnie's Treasures

California Pottery

This is where it's at, isn't it?
How perfect for the holidays.

sweetrice

salt& pepper shaker set

And will you ever buy something new
with this kind of personality & history?
You save the earth and so much more
when you support your BBEST friends'
Vintage & Supply Shops.
Useful, pretty, unusual, character ...
oh, and the items have all that too!

By The Wayside

1970s Fanciful Trivet

Until next time...

Meow.