Stacks of old books can add character anywhere in your house. They don’t necessarily need to be packed away in a bookcase. I’ve always got a few books stacked here and there, they can help add height when you need it for a display area.
The above is on a dresser in a bedroom.
Below are a couple of rooms by Darryl Carter with stacks of books on display.
I also love how these random stacks of books look next to the fireplace in this room. (image from lonny.com)
As I mentioned yesterday – this wooden antique cabinet might be something that came from a hotel – it's got numbered boxes where items can be stored. I've used some unique, small accessories in the compartments. Here are a few of my favourite little trinkets. In this picture, you can see the numbers, and an old key my grandmother gave me many years ago. It's a large, heavy key! Also some shells in the background.
An old book of matches from the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax, a friend gave me these because she thought I'd like something with NELSON on it – and of course I do!
A fave whale clip – made of brass. I like that it looks like this guy is smiling!
And here is the cabinet again and the post about it is here http://www.debnelsondesign.com/?p=2676:
This antique cabinet is a great place to display small objects. Possibly this is a piece from an old hotel – each box is numbered, so could have been where the key to each room was kept. Now makes a great place to show off some small, unique antique accessories. I'll be sharing more on those tomorrow!
This old lantern has been with me for many years and has traveled around to a few different places. I found it in Toronto many years ago, and it wasn't wired, so I had the wiring and internal chandelier components added. Originally it was in my dining room in Toronto.
About 7 years ago, I was very inspired after working on this shoot with Suzanne Dimma, for Style Department. I found my lantern shortly after this!
I had it my kitchen for many years (below). I still love the fixture, it's a classic piece that can work in different rooms and I like the character it adds.
In my own home, I like to use a lot of unique antique accessories to add character to rooms. I love going to antique shops and hunting around for small things that catch my eye. The old NS sign above was one of my favourite finds. It's an old sign that was used to indicate picnic table locations. I have quite a few favourites, but these are a few others!
Some kitchen items.
A wooden trug and old croquet set.
A giant old shell and basket.
My fave whale bone and antique Quebec farmhouse painting.
