Vintage is the new black.

I have a confession to make. There are some Saturdays when I pop out of bed before the sun rises. Blasphemy, I know that's what your thinking (particularly if you are my husband who has the chore of getting me up in the morning.) Several years ago I was bitten by the estate sale bug and it's worth a few hours of sleep for the thrill of the hunt. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you loose ... but you always have a good story! 

Has the picking bug bitten you? Would you be interested in purchasing any of my recent finds? Have a burning question? Leave a comment or send me an email! hello {at} katenisbetdesigns {dot} com

I've been on the hunt for aqua ball mason jars for years. I recent came across 4 that date from 1900 to 1911. One makes the perfect casual accent vase or pencil cup on your desk!

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...or could you imagine taking a grouping and creating a one-of-a-kind chandelier?

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...or add a little wire and a votive candle for a fabulous glowing lantern.

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Hankies are just for sniffles anymore. Why not take a collection and frame them for unique artwork.

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A fellow early bird apparently had their eye on this and I got it first. Vintage Billy Baldwin book. Fabulosity, squared.

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I spotted one and pondered it. I even walked away at first. It stayed on my mind and was still there so it came home. Vintage demijohn's & carboys make fabulous large statement accent pieces. Could you picture it as a chandelier as above? Simply stunning!

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Source: google.com via Kate on Pinterest

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Classic with a Twist.

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What do you get when you take a classic pattern seen throughout history and explode it's size? A fantastic twist. I love the re-emergence of blown-up-gingham and buffalo check. It's fresh and fun and could be worked seamlessly into any style interior. Bold and bright or soft and serene I have a crush on this pattern!

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Have you been itching for some La Fiorentina in your life?

It could make the perfect bedskirt!

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I'm going to try something a little new on the blog today and see how it goes! 

I have 2 yards of the iconic Groundworks Fabrics pattern "La Fiorentina," green on creme for sale. 

This fabric retails for $118/yard.

I'll sell it for $59/yard.

Any takers? Email me at hello@katenisbetdesigns.com

Or pair of pillows!

Source: etsy.com via Kate on Pinterest

I love the idea of using it for a skirted table.

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If this was yours how would you use it?

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a tropical getaway on your tabletop.

 Me: "It's so cold and misty today!"

Husband: "It's January."

Me: "Oh, right."

We've had a unseasonably mild winter thus far in NC with many a day where my coat can be left in the closet. We'll have a day or two of a cold snap, then the temperature will quickly rebound and hit the highs of the weather roller coaster. Despite the lack of winter bundling and frozen stuff, it's still easy to get caught up with wintertime blues. Little "happy projects" help keep my spirits up. The act of creating something out of a random assortment of supplies really leads to a sense of accomplishment, and can add a little pep in your step! My latest creation? A terrarium. A tiny tropical rain forest to sit atop a table.

Here's what you'll need:

• A glass container of any size. I used an apothecary jar I've had sitting around the house.

• Rocks, pebbles, etc. This aids in drainage. You can hunt them out if you have a rocky driveway or purchase a bag at Lowes for about $4
• Charcoal. You can find this at a garden center or pet store. We happened to have some "competition" charcoal sans all the chemicals of your grocery store version so I crushed and used that.
• Plants. I picked up one house plant at an estate sale this weekend and bought one at Lowes. Be sure you choose a plant that works with the placement of your terrarium in terms of lighting. I went for low light versions.
• Moss. You can forage this if you live in a mossy climate, or can always turn to the great interwebs.
• Spoon or other digging device & a spray bottle for watering

 1. Place a layer of rocks in the bottom of your container.

 2. Sprinkle a layer of charcoal on top of your rocks. This is messy. You don't need a lot, just cover about 1/2". This helps prevent stagnation and filters the water.

 3. Add 2" - 3" of potting soil. 

 4. Now the fun part, add the plants!

 5. After the plants went in I decided I really wanted some moss. Pete and I went foraging and found a nice little patch to scoop up. Pat the moss into the soil, then water all of your new plantings.

 

 The finished product! I added a little critter I had around the house. I think I'll keep an eye out for a tiny gnome to add to the party. Keep an eye on it and make sure it stays damp, water a couple times a week or so. Then you are all set to enjoy a tropical oasis on your tabletop!

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A message from Pete.

In case you missed it ... here's a teaser for VW's super bowl commercial. Pete approves with 2 paws up.

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A day in the life.

If there is one quality in an interior designer that I think is most important, beside being super creative & able to stay in a budget, is the ability to multi-task. This job takes me to all sorts of places and spaces in any given day and I love it. Click on the collage above for a little snippet of my day! I've been to stone yards to search for the perfect Soapstone, Marble, & Granites ... I've installed a tailored and elegant silk drapery panels in a dining room...I'm researching this classic sofa for a friend, and have been spending time in the trade showrooms finding the perfect soft goods to cozy up a clients family room ... I've even hit some of my favorite shops to pull together a welcoming vignette in an office. 

I wonder where today will take me?

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White Space.

In my honest opinion, the perfect white is the most difficult paint color to achieve. You want a color that is a subtle and crisp accent ... a springboard for color and artwork in the room.  White is never just white. You have to look into the soft undertones to find cream, beige, grey, green, or blue. Something that is not too cream, or not grey, not too this this, not too that. It may take a few trial-and-error-session but you'll find it, and you'll have your go to. I think the latest (and most fabulous) white I've found thus far comes in the form of Benjamin Moore's "Winter White." 

{Benjamin Moore | Winter White | OC 21}

I was excited to see it on a test wall with the trim painted in a clients home. This sophisticated and versatile color has just the perfect tinge of dove grey while remaining bright, airy, and not too cold. I can say confidently that it is "the one!"

{Kate Nisbet Designs}

Wall Color: Benjamin Moore "Winter White", OC-21

Trim Color: Benjamin Moore "Super White"

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