Attics are often overlooked and designated as a space for storage only, but you can transform your attic into a retreat full of charm and whimsy with just a few simple touches.
Our attic was once such a space. Back then it was nothing but a spot for wayward boxes. But with a bit of work and a touch of storybook magic, a charming spot for childhood relics and daydreaming was created.
The narrow stairs are now covered in a simple white enamel paint that doesn’t mind a scuff or a bit of wear. During the warmer months, they’re dotted with books and jars of blooms. At the top of the stairs, a room with one-plank floors and walls and delicate French style sconces awaits.
An antique French daybed sits in the corner, along with baskets of fabrics just waiting to be reimagined and a childhood dollhouse being renovated bit by bit. The attic is much more than a spot for out-of-season décor and vintage dresses. It is a spot that invites quiet and serves as a getaway from the busyness of the house.
Here are a few elements that bring my attic to life.
Darling Daybed
Covered in floral ticking stripes with a soft color palette and chippy painted finish, the antique daybed is a charming spot for a lazy afternoon. The muted color fits right in with the vintage style of the rest of the room, while adding that French charm I love.
Antique Chair
The old teal velvet-covered chair was a thrift-store find years ago. A bit worn and faded, the velvet is not perfect and neither is the chipping gilded paint on the frame, but I love the simplicity of the style and that it is original.
Romantic Lighting
Curvy and French, the sconces are a simple charming way to light the gabled eaves, and the chandelier light on the nightstand offers extra lighting for reading a book.
Whether you live in a coastal town, love to sink your toes in warm sand at the beach every chance you get or are just inspired by all things seaside, coastal style is fresh and vibrant—much like the sea itself. With saturated blues and greens mingling with crisp whites, fresh slipcovers, weathered woods in abundance, splashes of sunshine and natural textures woven through a room, you can easily create a romantic coastal vibe.
Coastal style is a relaxed, easy style to live with and enjoy—and this month is filled with that beautiful inspiration. From bedrooms designed in classic hues to Shabby Chic rooms filled with sunshine, get inspired to add a bit of fresh coastal style to your home this summer. If you’re looking to refresh your indoor and outdoor spaces, check out our beachy finds, along with plenty of house tours and other looks that can revive your home with a summery flair.
So, sit back and relax as you enjoy the summer season, and embrace the light and airy side of coastal style.
The thrill of the hunt at a flea market is always exhilarating, not knowing just what waits around the next corner. Maybe it’ll be that elusive piece of china or stack of old signs you have been scouring every tag sale for. Or perhaps it’s the treasure you didn’t know you needed but suddenly realized you have to have.
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PHOTO BY COURTNEY ALLISON
Courtney Allison: Treasure Hunting
I love shopping flea markets and tag sales simply to peruse or to search for something specific. And one of my favorite sources is shopped from the comfort of home. I have scored some of my most amazing antiques on Craigslist: the French buffet from the 1800s in the living room, that tall gilded floor mirror and even the French armoire in my bathroom, all found for bargain prices online.
But if you are more hands-on and want to roll up your sleeves and collect items as you go, here are some favorite spots to find the most unique and interesting pieces here in California:
Alameda Point Antiques Faire—Alameda, CA (1st Sunday of the month)
Goat Hill Fair —Santa Cruz, CA (twice a year)
Tumbleweed and Company —Roseville, CA (varies)
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PHOTO BY COURTNEY ALLISON
Courtney Allison: Treasure Hunting
My favorite things to look for are always changing, depending on what I am obsessed with at the moment or what I may need for styling, but there are some things that always repeat no matter what.
Vintage china with intricate and detailed patterns, and simple ironstone.
Anything brass or silver—I’m currently collecting silver trophies for flowers, old dome covers and brass candlesticks for a bigger splash on the fireplace mantel.
Old books without covers, chunky baskets and wood pieces that have weathered away a bit.
Vintage mirrors—The more mottled the glass, the better.
I’ve been going to flea markets since I was a little girl in London. On early mornings before daylight, I would arrive as vendors were setting up with flashlights—their only source of light. There was something magical to me about this world.
My dad dealt in rare illustrated books and my mum in antique dolls, which she painstakingly restored. I wasn’t so much interested in books or dolls, but I learned the tricks of the trade from my parents.
From my dad, I learned how to be focused and a quick walker and thinker. From my mum, I learned patience and being selective (going home empty-handed is preferable to buying things you don’t need), creativity and finding precious bits and bobs to repurpose. Today I frequent flea markets for the purposes of resale, inspiration and occasionally for my home. I just walk up and down most of the aisles and cover most of the shows, or “fields.”
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PHOTO BY AMY NEUSINGER
Rachel Ashwell: Seeking Authenticity
I’m always happy when I can find one-of-a-kind, authentic treasures. When you’re at flea markets, it’s important to know what you’re looking for, or it can be quite overwhelming. Make a wish list, get rough measurements of what you are looking for and keep notes on the clearance measurements for access.
Take along the following:
A tape measure.
A flashlight if going early in the morning.
Layers of clothing, good walking shoes and a hat.
To bring items home, it might be worthwhile renting a pick-up truck, furniture blankets and bungie cords. However, some of the bigger antiques shows have shippers and porters on sight.
If you aren’t taking something home right away, get the phone number of the vendor and pictures of the surrounding area on your phone, or jot down some notes just in case.
Cash is the best tool for negotiating.
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PHOTO BY SARAH PANKOW
Rachel Ashwell: Seeking Authenticity
My favorite flea market finds:
Vintage wallpaper—I use it to line drawers.
Anything floral—I love floral carvings and floral prints on art and fabrics.
Chandeliers and table lamps—Whenever I buy lighting, I always get it checked out for safety.
Rugs of all sizes—I like to layer them, even smaller ones, always in my palette.
My favorite markets:
Los Angeles, CA:
Rose Bowl
Long Beach
Santa Monica
England:
Kempton Park
Ardingly
Shepton Mallett
My favorite of all is The Round Top Antiques Fair in Round Top, Texas, and I particularly love the following:
My love of flea markets started when I was just in high school, when my friends and I one day stumbled across one of the largest flea markets in Florida, and I knew immediately that this was my kind of place!
Since then, I have frequented hundreds of antique and flea markets from small roadside offerings to large-scale special events that draw hundreds of dealers and thousands of buyers from all over the country. These are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way…
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PHOTO BY MARIAN PARSONS
Marian Parsons: Digging for Gems
Marian’s tips and tricks:
Not all flea markets are created equal. You really don’t know what the vibe of a flea market is until you get there. All the merchandise might be garage sale and auction leftovers or you might find high-end antiques (with high-end prices.) Go there knowing it might be a waste of time or it might be a goldmine.
Have a plan. Flea markets can be distracting and overwhelming—there’s so much stuff! A list of things you’re looking for will help you stay focused. It’s also a good idea to have dimensions of your space and a measuring tape, so you don’t buy something that doesn’t fit in your house!
Cash is king, but credit isn’t irrelevant. Cash used to be the only payment method accepted at flea markets, but more and more dealers are accepting credit cards. Cash will usually get you a better deal, though, so it’s still a good idea to have plenty on hand.
Cont…
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PHOTO BY MARIAN PARSONS
Marian Parsons: Digging for Gems
Come prepared. Flea markets can be as exhausting as a day at an amusement park, so it helps to come prepared. Bring a cart, large canvas shopping bag or wagon to carry your purchases. I would also suggest bringing some plastic shopping bags to wrap around pieces that might be rusty or need a good cleaning. Also, bring a water bottle, hand sanitizer and some snacks in your bag to get through the day.
Be realistic. It’s easy to get carried away at a flea market. When you’re assessing a piece to purchase, especially a larger, high-ticket item, take a minute to think through the purchase. Do you love it? Will it work well with your style and in your home? Do you have the perfect spot for it? Is it in good condition? If it needs work, are you capable of doing it? Asking these questions can confirm that the purchase is a good one or help you avoid buyer’s remorse. Also, make sure you can get the piece home. Will it fit in your vehicle? Will you have help to unload it at the other end?
So grab some friends, take out some cash and go hunt for treasure!
I once wandered into an old antiques store sale with a sign on the front door that read, “Enter at Your Own Risk.” I laughed, but once inside, I could see it was a sale where you might have wanted a pair of gloves and a mask. In the basement of the store, there were stacks and stacks of frames leaning against each other. I spotted one that felt heavier than the rest.
Wiping away the years of dirt and dust off a small corner off the “glass,” I was delighted to find it was an old mirror. I hauled it upstairs and purchased it for the major bargain price of $3, not even knowing what it looked like underneath the layers of grunge. Once home, after cleaning it up, I found a charming pale-green paint covering the carved frame and the loveliest mottled finish in the glass. It is now a favorite mirror and one whose story it’s always fun to tell.
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PHOTO BY COURTNEY ALLISON
Courtney Allison: Antique Mirrors
I have a thing for mirrors—all shapes and sizes—and have been known to drag home the tiniest of mirrors for setting on a shelf. The largest of mirrors may require a truck and a few strong folks to help load. My favorite things to look for are that mottled-looking glass, old gilding and chippy patina on the carvings on the frames.
The best thing about mirrors is that they send sunshine and light through your room, and you can enjoy them as they are and appreciate their frames and character, even if they don’t reflect as well as they used to. They are easy to tuck into a corner, lean against a wall or serve as a statement piece almost anywhere.
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PHOTO BY COURTNEY ALLISON
Anne Brink: Beautiful Baskets
My favorite collectibles are baskets. They have a very long history, dating back to at least 7000–8000 BCE. They appear in every country and culture, not to mention folklore and literature. From Moses’ basket bed in the bulrushes to the basket Little Red Riding Hood carried for her grandmother to the brown-and-yellow basket of the jazz standard “A Tisket, a Tasket,” baskets are functional and beautiful. And their uses are without limit.
Whether made of reeds, rattan, cane, wood, wicker, wire, sheet metal or baleen, baskets help us store, gather, organize and transport everything from fabric remnants to papers to jewelry to coffee beans to a picnic lunch.
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PHOTO BY MARK TANNER
Anne Brink: Beautiful Baskets
I love using old baskets in my home as décor. They might be antique, French, early American, African, Brazilian or made by indigenous people from Alaska or anywhere. They come in all sorts of sizes and colors, with handles or not, and with or without lids. I have used baskets to hold rings, mail, receipts, bread, faux flowers, important papers, fruit, laundry, and many other items. A large, handsome basket prominently displayed can be a statement piece in a room. I especially like to show them off as beautiful objects, on their own or as part of a vignette.
I’ve found lovely baskets at flea markets, antiques shops, friends’ attics, garage sales—almost anywhere. Just be sure to take your shopping basket, and happy hunting!
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PHOTO BY JAMIE ITAGAKI
Margie Monin-Dombrowski
I don’t know what it is exactly that draws me to vintage scales. Maybe it’s because there’s a certain nostalgia behind the trustworthy tools of yesteryear that makes them relics. Even with chips and rust stains, these timeworn items can decorate your home like pieces of sculpture.
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PHOTO BY KRIS CHRISTENSEN
Margie Monin-Dombrowski
Modern versions pale in comparison to the charm of vintage kitchen scales. While you can find kitchen scales from the turn of the 20th century, you don’t necessarily have to buy an authentic antique; believable reproductions are readily available as well.
Whether the look you’re creating is industrial, retro, girly-romantic or cute and country, there are many different styles of kitchen scales to choose from. Your best bets for sourcing one could be your local antiques store, an online Etsy shop or a flea market. Proudly display your vintage scale on a shelf, decorated with fresh flowers, in an antique cupboard or on your countertop for all to see and admire.
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PHOTO BY MARK TANNER
Kris Christensen: Old Books
I am more than willing to judge a book by its cover–and also by its spine, interior illustrations and that comforting fragrance wafting from old pages. Out of my assorted collections, I continually find myself investing time, energy and appreciation in my old books. I hunt for them at Friends of the Library sales or antiques shops, I arrange and rearrange them in vignettes throughout my house and, of course, I read them. Usually with a large mug of English breakfast tea.
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PHOTO BY BRET GUM
Kris Christensen: Old Books
When I was growing up, my parents’ house was filled by the volumes handed down from generations of avid readers. When I first picked up Pride and Prejudice or Huckleberry Finn, I was reading a vintage edition with the names of my ancestors inscribed on the front pages.
Some of these family heirlooms moved with me to my own home, but most of my books are strays–picked up here and there for a few dollars–with an occasional splurge when I see a gorgeously gilded cover with fancy lettering.
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PHOTO BY COURTNEY ALLISON
KariAnne Wood: Pretty Plates
I collect white luncheon plates. You know, it’s the mini plate with a place for a cup on one side. These luncheon plates used to be a staple at bridge parties in the 1940s.
My obsession began when I found one at a thrift store for $1.00, and then it became a giant treasure hunt for me. I’d scour estate sales, yard sales and junk shops—all in the hope of finding another elusive luncheon plate. The only rule I had was that I couldn’t pay over $1.00.
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PHOTO BY JICKIE TORRES
KariAnne Wood: Pretty Plates
The collection that started with one plate and one cup is now rounding on 75 sets. The plates are stacked four or five high on the shelves in my butler’s pantry. This is also a collection that we use on a regular basis. I pull them out for every party, graduation, shower and celebration. They’re so much more affordable than paper plates and paper cups. And the best part? When the party is over and the guests leave, I rinse them off, dry them and put them back on the shelf until it’s time to party again.
I believe that a room isn’t truly finished until there is a bouquet of flowers included. From a grand arrangement to a simple floral wreath to an inkwell bottle accented with a single bloom, flowers just add so much romance and ambience.
But what do you do when your favorite flowers are out of season or too expensive to replace every week? A beautiful, realistic faux floral arrangement would be the perfect solution. Here are a few ideas and examples by Balsam Hill.
The Brittany Rose arrangement
1. For a smaller arrangement for your bedside table or tucked into the bathroom, think of something soft and subtle with anemones, roses and ranunculus, and just a few pops of thistle to brighten.
With soft colors and an abundance of farmhouse charm, the Brittany Rose arrangement uses garden roses in a galvanized bucket for a look that is sure to brighten up your day all year long.
The Chantilly Wreath
2. The only problem with fresh-flower wreaths is they don’t last long. But if you love the look, why not bring in a faux flower-covered wreath to warm up your home? On a door or an antique cupboard, the Chantilly wreath adds cottage charm.
3. A wreath made with white ranunculus and pretty pops of purple, like the Marseille Meadow green wreath, is a wonderful choice and can be enjoyed in each season. Add a ribbon to dress it up a bit more–or leave it natural and enjoy.
Rachel Ashwell’s living room is every bit as comfortable as it is cozy. A colorful mix of paintings adds personality to the rough-hewn mantel.
Few homes in southern California have the architectural character or timeless appeal of older homes. If a classic style of home is at the top or your list of must-haves, you often have to search high and low for the right house.
In an old home where built-in storage options are few, a stand-alone closet offers valuable space and fits right in with Rachel’s time-honored aesthetic.The painting above the piano is by artist Laurence Amelie. In the foreground, a Hollywood Regency style tufted bench offers extra seating.
But when Rachel Ashwell, designer and founder of Shabby Chic, stumbled across this Brentwood house eight years ago, she fell in love with its quirks and knew it would be just the place to call home.
“The architectural style is a hodgepodge,” Rachel says. “It has a bit of a Southern feel, but it also has a Spanish, an English and an Irish flair.”
In the main living room, a large brick fireplace is the focal point of the room and sets the warm, comforting tone of the rest of the home. The fireplace is so large you can walk inside of it, Rachel says, which is common in Scottish or Irish houses. “It’s actually what drew me to buy the house to begin with.”
The kitchen and dining area flow from one space to the other for an open layout that is perfect for casual, convivial entertaining.
Building Character
While the home already had many exceptional details, including arched walkways, beautiful balconies, and original doors and hardware, Rachel decided to restore some of the key design aspects to a more classic style.
“As often is the case, the baths and kitchen had been renovated, but in a slick and polished style, so I restored them and put them back to what I consider would have been the authentic style for the house,” Rachel says.
White floating shelves against white tile, along with the farmhouse sink and painted cabinets, create a cozy kitchen space.One of Rachel’s favorite feminine touches, floral wallpaper, adds whimsy to this antique hutch. She stores her collection of mismatched dishes inside.
For the kitchen, she found some white subway tiles from an old Belgian subway that offer just a slight hint of sheen and contribute to the simplicity of the space. Other elements that bring her kitchen together are dainty pendants above the farmhouse sink, simple white floating shelves neatly stacked with plates, and white painted barnwood-style cabinets. “It has the illusion of a funky little kitchen, but it’s a really good, functional one.”
When Rachel moved in, walls separated the kitchen from the main living room; she opened everything up so it’s all one large space. “It feels like New York loft living, and I have a lot of guests stay here, so I wanted it to have a feeling of a lot of space and not lonely with all these closed-off rooms,” Rachel says. Now with multiple seating areas and dining and workshop areas, it’s an ideal multipurpose room for everyday use.
Bedding in Rachel’s signature florals adds a playful pattern to her master bedroom.
Feminine Touches
A big part of the home’s charm—and what Rachel is very well known for—are the many floral designs in fabric prints and small-scale use of wallpaper patterns you’ll find throughout the home. They add a soft and sophisticated touch in her signature Shabby Chic style.
Wallpaper in a lacy blue print adds a touch of elegance to the master bathroom.Rachel layers this bathroom space with mix-and-match floral patterns.
“I like to do the patterned wallpaper in these little nook areas,” Rachel says. “I tend to use vintage wallpaper. Often you can’t find a large quantity of vintage wallpaper, so that’s why it’s confined to one space, but it’s easy to do.”
The blue and white two-tone walls perfectly coordinate with Rachel’s Simply Shabby Chic bedding.
Another design trick for bringing in soft color: Rachel paints the walls white, but from the floor to about 3 feet off the ground, she paints it over with a light gray, pink or blue for a two-tone look. “It [adds] color in an unassuming, subtle way,” she says. “They did that a lot in Morocco, and that’s where I got the idea.” These small but impactful design details give Rachel’s home its personality.
An antique settee with gold trim and blush pink upholstery is an elegant touch.
Flea-Market Flair
Antiques add patina and character, and Rachel looks to flea-market pieces to create the look of timeworn elegance she loves. “Nearly all the cabinets, tables and chairs are flea market-found and refurbished to the point that they’re functional and clean, but I try to hold on to the authentic patinas and textures,” Rachel says.
Rachel’s office is in a nook off the dining area. Though small, the floor-to-ceiling windows ensure an open atmosphere.
She also mixes in a few reproduction furniture pieces from the Rachel Ashwell Furniture collection to achieve the style, scale and function she wants. Many of her antique pieces are recovered in machine-washable fabric for durability since they’re white. Her collections of antique dishes, trays, vases and containers decorate hutches, tabletops and shelves for a cozy, charming look. All the bedding, in fabric patterns or soft hues, is romantic and vintage inspired.
What is the essence of Rachel’s decorating style? “I guess I would call myself a bit boho, but it’s also very classic. I don’t like things that go in and out of style,” Rachel says. “My mantra is ‘beauty, comfort and function.’ Everything in my house needs to be inviting and needs to be useful. That’s where I start.”
The wood mantel is raw and unstained, a natural complement to the painted bricks below. Rachel as styled it with an assortment of her favorite small paintings.
4 Elements of Rachel Ashwell’s Style
Want to emulate Rachel’s signature style? Learn how with her tips.
Soft color: “My palette tends to be on the softer side,” Rachel says. From various pinks and raspberries to teal, the look is fresh and inviting.
Eclectic: “I like things to be eclectic but not chaotic. I might organize it or give it a theme with color. Think expensive mixed with flea market and Target.”
Glamour: “I always like a little bit of glamour.” These bits of bling can be crystal chandeliers or a rug with silver threading through it.
Timeworn: “Embracing the beauty of imperfections and faded grandeur is a big thing for me. I don’t get too neurotic if something gets chipped.
Delicate and detailed, yet inviting and comfortable are the hallmarks of Rachel Ashwell’s signature style. Photo by Sarah Pankow.
Rachel’s signature Shabby Chic style is all about creating perfect imperfection. Here’s how she does it:
First, figure out how the room will be used and what it needs to fulfill that purpose. “The saddest thing is creating a space in a house that is never used,” Rachel says.
An inspiration book, complete with photos and fabric samples. Photo by Sarah Pankow.Two large inspiration boards lean side-by-side against the windows in Rachel’s office nook.
Create an inspiration book or board. Rachel’s book for a project might include something like a picture of a pink blouse or some rose petals that speak to a palette or feeling, items that help tell the full story of what the house could be.
Evaluate what you already have and what can be repurposed.
Start visiting flea markets. Rachel keeps a master list of what she needs to buy for clients. It may take time to find just the right piece, but the end result is worth the time and effort.
Rachel keeps things simple with a soft, monochromatic color palette.
Don’t overcomplicate things. Details are important, but you can get caught up in them and never get anything done.
Less is more. Rachel was inspired by the recent bestseller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. “Get rid of things that you don’t need,” she encourages with the caveat, “but be cautious because you could regret it later. There is a real emotional empowerment in not hanging on to stuff, things that don’t serve a purpose anymore.”
Two-toned walls are one of Rachel’s favorite ways to add color to a space.
When it comes to choosing paint or fabrics, Rachel doesn’t have particular favorites. “It’s how it looks or how it feels,” she says. “Try the paint on the walls to see how it works.” She does recommend avoiding creams or icy white wall paint; instead, Rachel says, “stay with pure, bright white.”
I love to take the time to set an elegant, inspired table for guests to enjoy. So much so, that the menu is often runner-up after the flowers, place settings and ambience. Whether you’re setting a table for two or 20, there are a few things you can do to create an inviting and unforgettable table for your guests. A few sweet touches can make sitting down with company a magical experience!
Low centerpieces, like these arrangements of peonies, will never get in the way of dinner table conversation.Although small, these blossoms make a big impact when paired with neutral napkins.
#1. Flowers
Whether it’s a garland of greens with flowers tucked inside, several small vases running the length of the table or even a single beautiful bouquet, you can’t go wrong. Think about your colors and what flowers are available during that time of year.
#2. Place settings
From delicate and detailed to vintage, create special place settings for each guest. I like to include a small sprig of flowers and herbs tied to a napkin as a welcome.
#3. Ambience
Lighting is key for adding ambience: candles on the table, twinkle lights in trees and LED candles in lanterns to light steps and paths. Add some music in the background, and enjoy a romantic evening.
A plush chair, side table and lamp are comfortably situated in the reading nook. It’s the perfect place to relax with a good book and your hot beverage of choice.
Just south of Santa Cruz along the central coast of California is a charming little beach town called Capitola by the Sea. One of California’s oldest seaside towns, Capitola is known for its row of colorful houses along the water, beautiful weather and the Begonia Festival that has been enchanting visitors since 1952. Capitola is also home to one of my favorite bed-and-breakfasts, the Inn at Depot Hill, which is an ideal escape for a romantic getaway.
History
Located just a short minute walk to the beach, the Inn at Depot Hill was built in 1875 and was a working train depot until 1958, when the train line was discontinued. Over the years, it has changed hands many times and is now a charming and unique B & B that offers 12 rooms, each decorated representing a different destination from around the world.
The Delft Room honors its namesake with a blue and white color palette.The Sissinghurst Room draws inspiration from traditional English gardens. Guests will find one right outside their door!
Amenities
Once you enter the Inn at Depot Hill, the ambience of this B & B will instantly captivate you, from the Delft room with blue-and-white décor and an expansive space that includes a sitting room, fireplace and private patio with hot tub, to the Sissinghurst room that transports you to the English countryside with floral chintz fabrics and a private English garden inspired courtyard.
Elegant, yet cozy, the sitting area is perfect for unwinding after a day out.A plush bed beckons sleepy visitors at the end of the day.
The Paris room, with toile-covered walls and an abundance of Parisian romance, features a sitting area and room that share a fireplace. Don’t forget to check out the library, which has shelves full of books and a small alcove for hiding away for a nap.
No matter which room you decide to stay in, each guest room offers a warm fireplace; some offer private hot tubs and courtyard areas for enjoying the fresh air as well.
For more information on the Inn at Depot Hill and to plan your stay, visit innatdepothill.com.
