Impress your guests with fab finds from Aberfoyle

I finally made it to the Aberfoyle Antique Market for the first time this year a couple of weeks ago and I was NOT disappointed.  The weather has been fantastic for searching out hidden treasures and people are buying! 

This is good news all round - for the environment, the dealers, the reputation of the market itself and especially for the attendees.  When the market gets lots of traffic it means that the vendors are tuning in to what people want and are offering various sought after items at fair prices.

Aberfoyle Market - All photos by Claire Jefford

TAKE A SEAT....

While touring the market I saw plenty of chairs, benches & stools that definitely grabbed my attention.  I found a good mix of seating options that would work well with  current decor trends.  Check out some of these stools and chairs with vibrant splashes of colour - such a fabulous way to incorporate bold hues into a living area or kitchen.

Sexy red vinyl pops on these black stools with brass coloured tipped legs.

When assessing furniture requirements within a main living space, many times we require the option of having extra seating. Gathering with family and friends for special occasions can be a great opportunity to show your guests that you are anything but ordinary. Why not make a statement with your choice of seating? 

Orange tops with chrome legs

This blue is fresh and the seat covers were in great shape. 

When looking at items covered with vinyl, make sure there are no tears in the fabric.  Unless you are prepared to mend a seat cushion or are experienced with reupholstering, the 'bargain of the buy' may be lost in the work required to fix it up.  To get an idea of the work involved to repair torn vinyl, watch this video.

Cantilever chairs (pictured below) are making a huge comeback. 

Although they are not my personal style, I appreciate their design and love their sleek look. 

So sharp in yellow and black.

Helpful Hint- use a chrome cleaner with steel wool to remove any dirt or rust from chrome furniture. Once this has been done, use a flannel rag to wipe clean and see it shine!

BENCH MARKING

Great for entryways; propped up against a wall; or as an alternative to chairs at a dining table, benches can be fun and functional.  Add cushions and switch them up when the seasons change to keep your look fresh.

Scrolled arms and other curved details soften the look of this bench

So cute for the garden! 

If you are taking furnishings outdoors be sure to properly treat and look after items so they are able to withstand the change in weather conditions.  For soft furnishings, choose fabrics that are durable.  Outdoor furniture retailers sell cushions and rugs that can be left to the elements and come in various patterns and colours. 

Want to see more of Aberfoyle?  Plan a visit soon, inventory changes weekly!  The market is open every Sunday from 8am - 4pm now until the end of October.  http://www.aberfoyle-antiques.com/

Past postings on Aberfoyle:

Read this before venturing out to a Local Antique Market

Antique Market Season is upon us, Rejoice!

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Antique Market Season is upon us, rejoice!

Wow, where does the time go?  This Sunday, April 29th is the opening weekend of one of my absolute favourite places in the world.  Aberfoyle Antique Market is located just off Highway 6 heading towards Guelph and is definitely worth the trip.  If the thought of hunting for unique treasures and fab finds gets your adrenaline pumping then I have good news for you...the wait is over!

My parents booth last year at the market.  So many goodies just waiting to be had.

 The Aberfoyle market is open every Sunday now until October 28th and there are also 2 special Saturday shows throughout the season.  Check out their website for more information.

These old laundry tubs were picked up last year by a couple who wanted to use them when entertaining friends.  The tubs would be the 'drinks station' and hold ice, beer, wine and champagne.  Sounds like a fun place to be,  I wish I was invited!

A definite conversation piece and functional too. Bonus!

Fenton Milk glass (with or without hobnails) are still popular and make great little accent items for a vignette.

I love digging through s a hodge podge of items such as these to see what I can find

Empire, French Provincial and Victorian furniture are always prevalent as many people still like the beauty and quality of this curved, classic furniture.  However, I am curious to see how today's modern trends will affect the styles of furnishings we will see at the market this year.

Country living inspired furniture is always a hit at Aberfoyle too

If you missed my post last year about 'What to know before Venturing out to your local Antique Market' , click here and you may find some helpful hints to make your experience more enjoyable. 

I have already had a sneak peak of some of the items my parents are taking up and I can't wait to see more from other vendors.  Let the season of searching for unusual and one of a kind items in home decor begin!!  (Can ya tell I'm excited?!!) 

Call me if you are looking for something specific or have something to sell.  My new cell number is 905-599-2588.

Living Room Makeover - Part 2

When embarking on a new project it is often the case that you may already possess items that you want to incorporate into your rooms' decor.  Or while on your travels in search for inspiration you come across an accessory, fabric or picture that becomes your 'jumping off point' for the room.

When I began to source fabrics for Dorothy and Geoffrey's living room Maxwell Fabrics had just launched a new line that I thought would be worth showing them samples of.  We had already discussed ideas for a colour scheme based on hues they were drawn to so I had a good idea of what to look for. 

This is the fabric sample, but the picture really does it no justice.

You need to touch and hold this fabric to truly appreciate it's beauty.  The colours are rich, yet soft and the extra layer of fabric over top the background gives it added texture.  It was decided that this fabric would be used for the draperies and as the inspiration piece for the room. 

The colour you don't really notice from the picture above is the lavish plum that is used for the colouring of the florals with the green and gold.  I suggested that the lead edge of the draperies should be this colour to compliment the purple hue within the pattern. 

 Tiebacks will be added to gently pull the curtains to the sides to allow for maximum light

The draperies were made with 6" pinch pleated goblets and come just to the floor.  When choosing fabrics for custom window treatments it is important to show a sample to your workroom or seamstress so they can confirm that the material is suitable for the application you have in mind.  This fabric is quite thick, therefore once hung they were very full bodied which enables you to admire the beauty of the entire pattern.

These 2 carved walnut Victorian parlour chairs were in unbelievably good condition considering they must be from the late 1800's.   It was agreed however, that they were ready for an updated look. 

The curves of the hip rails and cabriole legs add to this chairs delicate appearance.

This is the 'Mama' chair re-upholstered in plum velvet.

Lillian August offers some of the most exquisite fabrics and this plum velvet was no exception.  We used this 'Dewitt Plum' on the front of the chairs and for accent cushions on the sofa. I suggested using the same Maxwell fabric on the back of the chairs that had been used for the draperies to give it a special touch and additional flow to the room's overall design.

If I'd added throw cushions in this same fabric it would have been too 'matchy matchy'.

Their wing back chair was re-upholstered in a Robert Allen striped fabric.   The colours are more muted but still carry the similar tones of the draperies, minus the plum.  This chair was originally in my client's bedroom and when I saw it I asked if they would consider moving it into the living room.  Always look at what can be re-worked or upcycled from other areas of your home before purchasing new items.  You may just be surprised at what you find!

The camel back sofa with a skirted bottom was a custom purchase that quietly fits in with the style of the room.  The throw  cushions compliment the rooms' colour scheme and the pattern of the golden cushions  bring a more modern feel without being too 'loud'.

Finishing touches have yet to be added.   Photographs were taken by me, please excuse the angle, lighting etc.

I love mixing old and new pieces together to give a one of a kind look.  If you have antiques don't be afraid to include them into your decor, but be sure you have other antique items to support your eclectic style so that they don't look out of place. 

If you want to know a great place to buy older pieces of furniture, check out Aberfoyle Antique Market (one of my fab finds!) when it opens again this spring.  Be sure to read this prior to your visit and you will be better prepared for what to expect and how to shop with confidence.

If you like this living room makeover and are considering a renovation or decorating project of your own, please e-mail me at claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com. I will be more than happy to help make your dreams for your home a reality. 

Living Room Makeover - Part 1

When I first meet with clients I ask them why their current space is not fulfilling their needs.  We discuss function, colour & style preferences as well as how they would like to 'feel' when they enter that particular room.  Like anything in life it is important to understand why you want to change something before you look at initiating that change. To see more about questions asked during the consulting stages,  click here to read my post about 'Where to Start'.  

When I first met with Dorothy and Geoffrey their living room was painted a dark green tone & there was no fixed lighting in the room.  They wanted the room to be brighter & wished to update the decor by using some of their  beautiful antique items and introducing modern furnishings as well.  

We discussed what furniture was staying, what could be re-worked and what was going to need replacing.

A large tree outside their window blocks a lot of natural light from entering the room.

We discussed how many people they typically entertain for so as to clarify what seating was required.  To address the lighting issue I suggested placing sconces on the wall by the fireplace and adding secondary lighting with floor and table lamps, as drilling into the ceiling was not an option. 

The fireplace had hand painted floral Portuguese tiles and if they were to stay, they would have limited and dictated the style and colours for the room.  It really was essential to replace these tiles to update this room and give it the face lift my client's desired.

Carrara Marble Tiles with the brass insert gives this fireplace a clean, classic and polished look. 

The floor had some damage to it so it was sanded down and re-stained with a natural look finish.  An area rug is a great way to add softness to a room and will help ground the space.  However, until one has been chosen, my client's are enjoying their gorgeous hardwood floors! 

Prior to finalising the paint colour I recommended painting 18" x 18" samples with the 2 colours that they liked best and place then on a larger white background on the wall for 48 hours.  It is important (and surprising) to see how colours change throughout the day and into the evening, so I always encourage this exercise prior to applying the paint.  I know people say 'It's only paint' but by doing this and getting it right in the first place saves a lot of time and headaches in the long run.

  Paint - Benjamin Moore- HC99 - Abingdon Putty.  Still to come -wall art, a rug, coffee table & accessories.

As you can see, the room has been totally transformed and looks stunning.  My client's are thrilled with the way it is coming along and so am I.  We started work on this project in September and were fortunate to have all of the upholstered pieces and draperies completed and recieved before Christmas. 

When ordering customised items it's important to be aware of  timelines for delivery in order to manage expectations (yours or your clients) thoughtfully and carefully.   As I've mentioned before, HGTV makes this business & the process of Interior Design look quick and easy -that just isn't the case.

To see the professional photos - which are stunning!! - head here to the portfolio page of my website.  

If you wish to sign up to my posts, please do so by clicking here.  There is always more fabulous advice and design tips at your finger tips!

Before and After Pictures

My piece of furniture is done and I love it!  Unfortunately my basement is undergoing some renovations at the moment so it will be a while until I can move it to it's new home.  Here is a picture of my buffet and if you didn't see what it looked like prior to being sprayed, then click here to see the photo.  To see it in my beautifully renovated basement all dressed up and pretty, read this.

I am very pleased with the colour and can't wait to add hardware and dress it up with accessories.

Paint it Like New has done some amazing work and I am dedicating this post to sharing some of my favourite before and after transformations with you.  If you are still hungry to see more once you've read this post, please go to their  website for lots of other pictures that are sure to inspire!

Oak cabinets tend to require an extra coat or two of paint because of the nature of the of the wood.

One of my clients had oak cabinets like this and then had them sprayed CC 130 - Ivory White by Benjamin Moore and it looks fantastic.  The hardware still needs to be chosen but I can tell you that the difference in the overall look of the kitchen is amazing.  Even with Oak cabinets the make over will still look incredible when it's done, just look at this kitchen below!

New back splash & counter top to be installed.  This kitchen will be as good as new for a fraction of the price!

Many people have their kitchen cabinetry painted because it is a quick and cost effective way to beautifully update a kitchen.   Creamy Whites are usually the most frequently requested colours, like Benjamin Moores' cloud white, oxford white or steam - from the affinity collection.

Although when other colours are used such as black or an espresso, they tend to have a more customised look as well as covering up any imperfections better than white can.  Janet especially loves when customers' request to paint something a funky colour too, which leads me to this next item. 

Here is another buffet before being painted.

And here it is after.  How bold and fun!

This bright orange hue for the buffet is risky but it works sensationally with  the wallpaper and I'm sure it is the conversation piece of the entire house! 

These pictures below are of  4 very cool planters that would make a statement in any garden or porch.

I have to admit I kind of like the character of the worn and weathered look, but.....

How fierce do these lions look now?!!

If you have something you are considering having painted to freshen up its' appearance, contact Paint It Like New and Janelle would be more than happy to provide you with a quote.  If you would like to give something new life but don't have anything yourself, check out  Upcycle Furnishings.   You can choose from one of the pieces for sale and pick the colour to best suit your decor.  Here is a previous post on Upcycle furnishings if you are looking for some ideas.

I am very excited to announce that Creating Contrast Designs has teamed up with Paint It Like New to offer the following Christmas promotion:   Simply visit 'Paint It Like New' between November 24th and December 24th and be entered into a draw to win $100 towards your next spray painting project and a two hour Interior Decorating Consultation.  The winner will be drawn on Christmas Eve and will be notified by phone or e-mail.  What a great way to start off the Christmas holidays!

My first Christmas newsletter will also be sent out this week to all my subscribers.  If you haven't subscribed and you don't want to miss out on my 'Top Ten Tips for Home Decor at Christmas' then be sure to subscribe at the top right side of my blog and enter your e-mail address. 

Read this before venturing out to a local Antique Market

There is such a variety of old and often quirky items at an Antique Market that you will be spoiled for choice.    I have been attending the Aberfoyle Antique Market for nearly 20 years and I never tire of strolling by each vendor’s stall to peruse the goods. 

The inventory is constantly changing (a bit like Home Sense) so you will always have different   treasures to set your eyes upon.  My suggestion is to arrive early because those that are serious about antique hunting, know that if you leave it too late all the best stuff will be gone.

Aberfoyle Antique Market

I recommend that you have an idea of the type of items you are looking for or what room you may be thinking of furnishing while on your hunt.  Otherwise you may come home either overloaded or overwhelmed. 

If you see something that is a must have, make an offer and purchase the piece straight away.  Many times I have seen, or I myself have missed out when someone else was quicker at making the deal and walked away with what I had hoped would be mine.  It can be heart breaking!

One thing to always bear in mind is that when you are looking at older furniture, although it may require some work (which is what I think is half the fun!) the majority of the time you are still getting a bargain. 

If you compare a dresser like the one in the above picture to a dresser in the IKEA catalogue, I can tell you something right now…THERE IS NO COMAPARISON!!  I’m not knocking IKEA, but I think you would agree that its like comparing apples to oranges. You are more than likely getting better quality, more value for your money and something that is one of a kind to boot.

Mirrored trays are perfect for displaying your perfumes or as platform for your latest tablescape

 

Spray paint one or two of these to match your colour scheme for great little accessories.

I just loved this old barn filled with so much stuff! From antique hats in their boxes, to frilly lamp shades and old toys, even if you don’t want to buy you can’t help but want to look.

Great vintage fashion accessories

My other bit of advice when touring an Antique Market for the day – and I urge you to make a day of it – is to carry cash.  If you are going to barter on prices, be sure not to insult the dealers.  Many dealers price items with the intent of maybe taking slightly less, but that doesn’t mean half the listed price. Some dealers may mark items as ‘firm’ and this means there is little to no room for negotiating. I would walk away if you don’t want to pay what they are asking.



Outdoor ornaments, gates and birdbaths too



Bring a big van or truck to take your new purchases away in, otherwise most dealers should offer delivery for an extra fee.  The Aberfoyle Antique Market is open  Sundays until October 30th from 8am - 4pm and only costs $2.00 per adult.  For directions and more information, check out their website at:  http://www.aberfoyle-antiques.com.  

You may already have some older or unique pieces of furniture, but just aren't sure how to work them into your homes' decor. If this is the case, please contact me and  I will be happy to help create a place that you are happy to come home to, share with your family and entertain with friends.  My e-mail is claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com. 

Write a comment on my post with your Antique Market Experience or after you’ve visited one let me know how you got on.  Happy Hunting!