Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Industrial Cabinets

What is it about industrial cabinets that makes my heart go pitter patter? Is it form meets function? Their stout but streamlined style? It could be the interesting patina of a well worn piece or maybe the unique look of a piece stripped to the bare metal. I'm not sure, but I sure do like them. Let's take a look at the wide array of these unique and interesting cabinets.

Selectism
This is where that patina thing comes into play. Rustic items on top show off these desk top drawers. But for more function you could add an industrial tape holder and lamp.

Midcentury Modern Finds
Even though the paint is wearing on this blue cabinet, it has not lost it's charm. Totally functional, it can hold a lot of supplies nearby.

eHow
Who could say no to this snazzy little cabinet? Small but mighty, it could hold a lot of supplies.

Antique Helper
This dental cabinet has many possibilities. It would be great in a bathroom for towels, soaps etc.

Design For Men
First off, this credenza is the cat's meow. Store your stuff in high style. Nuff said.

rico
Here's an example of the stripped metal that I mentioned. These old doctor's cabinets could work in so many places - bathroom, kitchen, living room, dining room. What a great coffee table! Pieces like these break up that too much wood look and add a lot of interest.

The Estate Store
This streamlined cabinet could be jazzed up - spray paint a bright color, add a new formica top in a interesting pattern, then add a great lamp & maybe a vintage radio or other accessories.

The beauty of this piece is undeniable. Using it as a display cabinet for vintage cameras is a great idea. I like the orange tool box on top with the black/white photo. Perfect!

Antiquaire
This industrial cabinet with a wood top fits well in it's surroundings. The ornate mirror above and alligator on top give it an eclectic look.

oodle
This little piece is hard to resist with it's jaunty legs and attractive green color. It could hold printer paper in an office space. A plant on top would look nice too, yes?

Selectism
This German display unit has a timeless contemporary design, but it's age also gives it an industrial appeal.

Under a Paper Moon
This large cabinet could be a real work horse. A collection of vintage globes on top would look great or some plants to soften the look.

Hello Friend
This machinist cabinet would be great for holding small items and has a lot of style. Like that stool next to it too.

Hello Friend
These matching drawers could work as night stands. The red chair shows how a punch of color can really make industrial items sing.

collective_ballard
This old mechanics cabinet has an artful presence. It would look spectacular surrounded by great artwork, sculptures etc. I think it would work well with Asian items.

POLYVORE
Put some glass shelves in this baby for a bar cabinet, towel cabinet or stereo stand, just to name a few.

THE NEW COLLECTOR
I'm not sure if the wood drawer is original to this old medical cabinet, but it sure looks nice and is a good example of how wood can warm up a metal cabinet.

Design For Men
Endless possibilities with metal carts like these, printer cart, plant stand and bar car are a few that come to mind.

apartment therapy
These metal kitchen cabinets were cleverly built in with the kitchen cabinets. I think they look really sharp and add a lot of interest to the space.

LASSCO
I like the style and patina on this olive green cabinet - it's color is neutral and would work in many places.

Design For Men
This french credenza with perforated doors could be used in an office space, a dining room or as a tv stand. 

Design For Men
I don't know what the original use of this steel perforated chest was, but me likey. What a great statement piece!

SunDial Powder Coatings
No one would miss this red barrister bookcase, but it could be painted any color. I have a pair of barrister bookcases very similar to the above but mine are gray. I drove to Missouri to get them after I purchased them through a university surplus auction. I looked long and hard to find a pair in my budget. A university surplus ended being the way to go - even with the cost of gas and a 16+ hour round trip drive, I saved 40-50% of what it would have cost to buy them off of eBay or from an antique dealer.

goyohidalgo
Wow, wow, wow - love it. This walnut and steel credenza was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the early 1960's.


Selectism
Words fail me. Let's just say that this French Steel and Brass Atelier cabinet has a lot of presence and some serious storage.

Rehab Vintage Interiors
Again, here is form meeting function. A steel hutch like this could be used for many different purposes.

Hudson Goods
Here's a steel and reclaimed wood credenza, this one has a rustic feel to it too.

BROOKLYN retro
How sweet and practical are these turquoise colored drawers? They would look great on a desk top.


It's a little hard to see with the lavender background, but the green drawers fit inside stripped metal frames, a nice contrast.

Rockett St. George
I'm not sure what this cabinet was originally intended for,perhaps a medical cabinet, but it has an interesting design.

Rehab Vintage Interiors
This cream medical cabinet has the look of designer Norman Bel Geddes. I know the hardware is original, but different door pulls could add a new look to it, not to mention a different color.

houzz
Yellow is a happy color and these filing cabinets would add a big punch of cheer to an office space.


For a smaller punch of color, this mid century medical cabinet would do the job nicely.


This post is linked to:


Very Merry Vintage Style
Handy Man, Crafty Woman
Blue Cricket Design
Faded Charm

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Cloisonne

...love Maegan

One of the thrills of thrifting is finding items that are unique and collectible. Chinese Cloisonne is one such item that I have found in my travels and collected over time. The best source for Cloisonne for me has been eBay, and after that estate sales and thrift stores. Although not plentiful at garage sales and stores, it can be found especially if you thrift regularly.

The Chinese enamelware called Cloisonne dates back to the 12th century. Malleable copper wire is placed onto an object, such as a vase, formed and hammered into a design and soldered. Colored pigments are ground into a powder and mixed with alkaline, boric acid and saltpeter. The pigments are added by hand then the object goes through a several step process of being fired and polished.  Cloisonne originated in China, but other countries have their unique take on it, such as Japan, Russia and France. To read more about Cloisonne, click here.

So without further adieu, let's take a look at some different examples of Chinese Cloisonne.


This cloisonne vase has a beautiful design.


This vase is very striking with it's simple design and red color


This pair of vases are simply gorgeous with their blue on blue color scheme


This set looks more modern because of the lime background

Brockstone
Cloisonne beads on a necklace

SpectraNova
These Cloisonne pendants are miniature pieces of art


Cloisonne "Creatures"


Small cloisonne plates such are not too difficult to find. Measuring 3" - 5" in diameter, a grouping of them can be quite lovely.

DelicateCreations (first egg)

Cloisonne eggs are charming and look pretty on their little stands or in a bowl


A bowl such as this could be used for displaying cloisonne eggs or used on its own


The small boxes on the right are for matches and the larger ones perhaps are for ciga-rettes, but they could be used for small trinkets or just for display.


The variety of designs and colors makes Cloisonne well worth collecting


Pair of Cloisonne Jars


Cloisonne Napkin Rings are not easy to find. The best source that I have found is eBay.
Wouldn't these look great with green or brown plates? White would really set them off.
I don't own any, but would like to buy a set sometime. I would use them for family holiday dinners or special occasions.

Stan Zimney (bottom)wintersoul1 (top)
Close up of some of the beautiful details that can be found in Cloisonne pieces

If you're interested in Cloisonne, keep your eyes open, it may turn up in unexpected places. Finding it at a thrift store or garage sale will be the most economical option, but not as common. Estate sales can yield surprises and bargains can be found on eBay. If you're looking for a specific piece, especially one that is in demand, expect to pay more. Designs that are more elaborate or that have elements that are not as common, such as birds or the color yellow, are more costly and sought after.

On a separate note, my postings will be sparse the rest of the summer as I go back and forth to be with my dad as he recovers from serious illness.

This post is linked to:

The Shabby Creek Cottage, Transformation Thursday
Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell Linking Party

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Out of Town

Hi -

Just want to let everyone know I have been out of town all week, as my father is seriously ill. Not sure when I will be returning, but I will be back when time permits.