New antique cupboard

Hey y'all! Just wanted to pop in today to show you one of the most beautiful pieces of furniture I've ever had a chance to own. I want to take more photos of it on a sunnier day but for this evening, this is what I have for y'all. While out hunting on a Saturday for bargains, my mom and I walked into a little shop in North Carolina we frequent every time I come home. There stood this beautiful piece and as we were eyeing it up and down… the owner walks by and tells us this…

"If you take it today, you can have it for _____ (Insert amazing price here.)" SOLD! We both said it at the same time… my only dilemma was that we both wanted it! So fast forward a few months and I came across a mahogany secretary cabinet that my mom's grandmother used to have in her old house. So, we are swapping. And thankfully, I had a nice mother in law who brought this baby with her when they came to visit us a few weeks back from North Carolina. So here she is in all of her glory.

Have I mentioned how much of a BEAST this cupboard is? You might not be able to tell with the naked eye but this stands 8ft tall. Has all the original hardware, wire doors, moulding and shelving. I just adore it and I swear when you come across pieces like this, there's no need for paint. There's no need for a lot of fuss and a lot of decor. Simplicity at its best. If you haven't been reading my blog for awhile, you may not know that we moved about a year ago from a 2000 sq ft rental down to a 1300 sq ft adorable little bungalow/cottage two blocks from the beach here in Florida. So, a year later and we are STILL getting rid of stuff! But truthfully, I am proud to say about 90% of what we own right now, we love, we use and it has a function. Gone are the days where things are just "pretty." 

Ain't nobody got time for that.

I added my favorite large black and white photos of Mr. HBA and I to the left with an adorable, chippy rocking chair below it. A boxwood wreath adorns the front, although I'm still unsure if that will stay. Something needs to be different to the right to balance the weight of the other side but for now, I just sat an antique little chair that a dear friend purchased for me while I was sick! Miss you Erin!

And while I was snapping photos of this beautiful piece, I was also piling up goodies to take to Vintage Living Marketplace. If you didn't know, I rent a booth there and love it. Thankfully, I am able to constantly re-stock… and this is by far my favorite time of year! My room is slowly getting transformed so I can't what to show y'all the end result! For now, here's a few pillows I picked up.

Love this "BELIEVE" pillow with the red ticking & burlap. Sooooo cute! I bought it for myself but now I'm headed a different direction as usual! And for the one below, it's not any bit Christmas but I loved the saying! And I'm sure people here in Florida would agree as well that they love this too!

I also hit some estate sales this past weekend and came across this older creeper cart. I unscrewed the pad for the head and am actually going to repurpose this somewhere else so I can't wait to show y'all that too! For now, it's just a cute little rustic, old item that most people don't have a use for! 

My french chair & One Kings Lane

This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own. One Kings Lane contacted me to share their new Resource Guide and I happily obligated without compensation.

Y'all. So, if you have been following around here, you know that I found THE chair that I love so...so...so much. The french inspired chair. Remember her and her gorgeous curves? 

When I purchased this chair, it is obviously that it is a french style with matching ottoman. The things I loved most about this chair was number one, the curves. You don't see them like this anymore. Although my chair is a reproduction, the basic bones of the chair mimic an antique. Did I mention that it's super comfortable? I got it my girl recliner. It's so nice to lay back on the fluffy pillow and stretch my legs out. But less about me relaxing and more about this chair and One Kings Lane.

They wrote me about their new "resource guide" which is Ah-MAZ-ing. You can virtual look up the history of any chair, sofa, ottoman, any other piece of furniture. You can search different styles and learn all about them including when it was originated, where it comes from and the entire history of the era of the piece. Plus, there are also articles on the site on the latest in furniture that is trending, most comfortable chairs and DIY ideas for your furniture! Amazing? See I told you!

Learn about to DIY- Stain proof all of your chairs from One Kings Lane by clicking here.

You can learn the history of the day bed and the chaise lounge by clicking here.

So many wonderful tips to offer and fun photos and facts to scroll through! Thank you One Kings Lane for an awesome Resource page! I am so excited to start using it in my everyday furniture hunts! 

I also wanted to invite all of you to explore One Kings Lane! If you leave your email in the comments below, I can invite you! Then I will receive a $15 if and when you purchase something and guess what, you will too! So leave your email below! But instead of using the @ sign, use {at} so you don't get spam!

You can click here for my personal link!

XO,

Ally

How to shop, get a good price and have everything come together

I find that everyone I talk to and meet, I get asked a lot of the same questions. Some of the two most asked questions are probably the following:

"Where do you find all of your treasures?"

"How do you get a good price? How do you haggle or ask for a better price?"

So, I'm going to attempt to break down some of my best advice when it comes to these things. These are strictly my opinions and yours may differ from how I approach certain things such as asking someone for a better price on an item or how I shop. 

This mirror was in our last home, our military housing rental. It was definitely the style I was going for at one time and although I still loved it, I found that it sat in the guest bedroom more than it did hanging on my walls so therefore during the great clean out before we moved, I got rid of it. I actually found this mirror on Craigslist from a lovely woman who lived in Orlando. On a day that I was planning to go to Orlando, I arranged to meet her and got an awesome deal on a very large mirror. 

Here comes the negotiating part of this. This was a very large mirror and from what we both can see, very pretty. I believe in the ad she was asking $75.00. I asked if they could take $50.00 because I didn't want to low ball them but I wanted to pay about $60.00 so I figured she'd meet me in the middle. Friends, there has been VERY few occasions where I have made an offer LESS than half of what someone was asking because I feel like it's almost rude or a slap in the face depending on what the item is that you are negotiating. So here's my #1 for finding a good deal.

1. Be a good, fair, respectful buyer. Just because you want a good deal does not mean that you should low ball someone on something that more than likely they had in their home or loved at one time. Think about someone going to your home and you were selling something your family left to you but no longer had room for it. You posted it for a fair price and expected to come off your price a little bit but someone offered you next to nothing for it. It would probably upset you. This also can pertain to painted furniture, crafts and handmade items. Being a furniture painter myself, I, of course, have gotten people asking me if I will do any better on price or if I will take less. In some cases, I do try to work with people but I will be the first to admit, I have to count to 10 when someone low balls me on a solid wood antique that I know is worth 2-3 times what I am asking but I put fair prices on my furniture and items to keep them always moving. Just please consider someone else's feelings before you try negotiation and ultimately remember what you want to pay and what you think is a fair price.

2. Be a frequent shopper. When I first begin the search for that perfect piece of furniture or item, I go to my usually places; Target, TjMaxx, Ross and Marshalls. I also frequent many thrift stores, Craigslist and online yardsale pages on Facebook. As I am sure some of you are aware, sometimes there are certain thrift stores that don't seem to have much change over time. Check anyways. You never know what you're going to find that is new or just came in for them. It pays to be a frequent customer and you just may develop a great relationship with the employees/owners. Craigslist I usually browse about once a week or more often if I am searching for something in particular. Online yardsales on Facebook are a little more difficult for me because I don't sit on my computer all day to see what everyone is going to post next. Sometimes I get lucky and find something and sometimes I even have friends tag me in things that they think that I would love. Totally appreciative of that by the way! ;-)

3. Go to the clearance first. Every store that I go in, usually chain stores have clearance. That is the first place that I head to. Think outside the box on items and remember that you can repurpose more than just old furniture these days. Sometimes the best things are on clearance for the silliest reasons and something that is easily fixed. I've also learned that it never hurts to ask a manager if an item has a cosmetic flaw such as a well seen scratch etc. if they can give a discount for the item. I've gotten 10% of some many things for tiny scratches and dings so it never hurts to ask! Just remember again, to be respectful and do not just do this for any old item. There clearly has to be a flaw. The photo above of our old chandelier, was on final clearance in Lowes. If I remember correctly, it was only marked for $22.00! AND on top of that, we got an extra 10% because of my hubby serving. Amazing.

This old door I pulled out of the garage behind a grocery store. Amazing. The top I sold as one piece, almost looked like a window. And the bottom panels I cut up and sold each with hooks for the entryway and for baby girls nursery. 

I found this apothecary chest at a local thrift store. I overlooked it the first time walking around. If you know me personally, you know that in every store I usually walk around TWICE because I'm afraid I overlook things the first time. It pays to take a second look. ;-)

This *GORGEOUS* shaker buffet I got off Craigslist before we moved and I was SO sad to see it go. I miss it sometimes ;-) But I sold it to the sweetest woman who was just as excited as I was when I first saw it. I loved it and still do! They do not make furniture like this anymore.

4. Support small businesses. This is easy for me because I myself can relate, obviously ;-) Every year, I frequent the small thrift stores, our local antique mall (WildWood Antique Mall-Melbourne, FL) and shop for gifts for my family and myself and home there FIRST before I go to the large chain stores! You will find more ONE OF A KIND items there than you will at Target. Not that I don't love me some Target... but remember that buying from a small business means that the money from your purchases goes directly back into the business to produce more goodies ;-)

5. Yardsales, estate sales and auctions: Go. Stop. Even if it looks like it may not have much. There could be something hidden that you would otherwise miss out on. Just remember what I said about negotiating and being a respectful buyer. I purchased this table back in North Carolina while I was visiting my folks. I can't even admit how much I got it for because I felt like I stole it! 

So there you have it, just some little tips tonight. I'm off to go redecorate something probably!

-Ally

New eye candy: French chair & ottoman

Let me just first say that I've missing blogging over the past few weeks while we have been doing things to our new home. Just this past weekend alone, we tackled painting the entire exterior of the home, the front door, tore out a whole yard full of overgrown bushes, hung shutters, painted trim, installed a new mailbox and all in all, added a great bit of curb appeal to our little beach side Florida home. I can't wait to reveal it but my mom is coming to Florida to help me landscape it. After that and when I buy my rocking chairs, (signature southern, right there)... I will reveal it! So stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled! 

I've been on Craigslist for awhile now just scooping out new odds and ends, including furniture and specifically here lately, a guest bed and a master bed. Insert late night Craigslist wandering and a search for antique chairs... and I discovered this lovely. 

Enter beautiful french style Broyhill chair. I adore this style of chair and always search for them but with no luck of finding any in my price range. This is a re-production of sorts made to look like the antique, fine by me and more comfortable! What I would really like to do since many of you know my style is more neutral, muted tones is to have it recovered or do it myself. I'm a little nervous to DIY this with all the piping so I may enlist a few great friends to help me sew the cushions. Unless someone on here knows someone great and affordable for reupholstery around here, please pass along their information to my email address!

I adore the legs. In the original Craigslist add, I could not tell how much detail they had. The legs are wood with a red tone of paint blended in... Red really isn't my color so gasp... I might paint it. Or I may strip it and do a white washed wood look or a nice dark walnut stain for contrast. Oh the ideas.

Can I get a whistle already?

I adore the ottoman with it and how the curves of the chair and ottoman fit into each other. Such a classic and timeless look that will never go out of style. I have thought about doing a slipcover as well but one that will strap on so that it won't cover the wood... again, the ideas...

The puppies seem to love it already. The lady I purchased it from was such a sweetheart and had a home FULL of antiques. I just about died. Literally. But since we are downsizing, I only took home the chair. Patting myself on the back now!

Their lives are so hard...

So what do you think of my new chair? I loveeeeeeee it. Can you hear me saying it? Yeah. That much.

New art, shabby cabinet for sale and a new mirror & lamps

Probably the longest title ever for a blog post. Oh well. For those of you who were wondering, my sale went very well. We only had a few large items left which I anticipated from the beginning that we would not sell. Two antique dressers and an antique Duncan Phyfe buffet. If you're interested, there are going to be pictures going up very soon on Home by Ally on Facebook.

So let me start by saying that Milo says hello! He is getting so big and is such a little ham!

First up would be my gorgeous new lamps that I found at our TjMaxx. I've been eyeing lamps like this FOREVER at Pottery Barn, the ones at Target and other stores but they were TOO pricey for my liking and usually JUST for the bases! These came with the shades for half the price! Although I have to say that the lamp shades were a burlap fabric type shade that I thought didn't do anything for the lamps so I added these cream linen shades that I had laying around. 

Here's an up close view. I'm all about greenery and bringing color in through natural elements so you'll see a lot of faux plants in our home. I think they add a great little punch of color.

I also went to Hobby Lobby when they had their knobs for 50% off and scooped up 3 new ones for the TV stand. I'm really sad that I heard that they are not doing the 50% knobs anymore. These really helps out most of us who do DIY projects or furniture...sad day for me :-( I needed a change to the regular old silver ones. This cost me under $10 to update the whole TV stand. A cute little idea if you don't want a new TV stand but just kinda wanna give yours a facelift.

If you have been following me for awhile, you may also know that I have a "slight" obsession with boxwoods. And there's no exception with these boxwood topiaries. I adore them and flanked them on either side of our TV in our living room. I had smaller plants on either side but we really needed something with height to make a great impression on the eye.

Here's a better photo. I'm really digging the change. I've been searching for a piece of architectural salvage to hang above our TV for some time now but no luck yet :(

Oh! And here's my update on my apothecary dresser that I painted a warm sage green! I finally got all the knobs from Hobby Lobby while I was home in North Carolina! I adore this little piece and I was so lucky to find it. And no, I'm really not ready to sell it yet ;-)

Here's a view walking from the dining room near our patio door. My antique mahogany rocker that I painted a warm beige and slightly distressed. I adore that chair and couldn't bring myself to sell it at my first sale here in Florida. For now, it sits in our living room but I would love to find a nice padded chair or a nice, cute pillow to go in it. Still on the hunt.

Quickly, I threw a pillow from the couch on the chair. I still would LOVE to find new pillows for my couch more of my "style" but these paisley ones do the trick for now. Pillows are such an easy change and it's nice to have a few different selections for when you feel the urge to change things up.

Ok so... my shabby cabinet from circa 1900's the guy said? It is the base to an old cupboard that came out of an Florida or Georgia home. The paint is all original. I added the nice and rustic pulls and the planked wood top. And guess what, these hunky piece of wood is for sale. Please email me through the contact me tab if you are interested. It is for local pickup only and truly a statement piece. Years and years of paint on this beauty and just a lovely addition to any home.

Here's a few at all of the chippy goodness.

And a close up of the paint.

Interior doors are in a cream color while the shelving varies from aquas, greens and raw woods.

Original hardware on the cabinet doors.

OH! And I purchased this mirror at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago. I thought the lines were beautiful but the red/black were not me but I bought it anyways. I'm going to paint it white and hang it in our entryway if I can ever get to it. 

For now, I wanted to share some new things with you in our home. First up are these vintage drawings from Clayton, Georgia circa 1975. I snatched them up at a thrift store and knew the perfect place for them. I've been searching for little things for our home like this every time I go out so let's just say I was super excited when I found these beauties today! And what makes it even better is the bottom print is a print of a old store called Alley's Grocery. They got the spelling wrong but I thought it was pretty neat.

I love the grouping so much and it reminds me of a mini gallery wall. The warm wood compliments the beige on the walls so well. It also goes well with my antiques and collectibles I have in the space.

That's it for now. What are your latest finds? I'm sure we'll talk soon.

Antique Entryway Table Reveal & Before and After

It's all in the details. And there's no exception with this beautiful antique that I scored here in Florida. Have I admitted to y'all that I have a problem with buying these things... for my sale. But then when I finish them... well... I wanna keep them. Oh sigh... why can't we all just live in mansions and have money trees. Lord, the world would be so different, wouldn't it? Actually a scary thought.

So back to this beautiful table. My hubby went and picked this beauty up for me while I was visiting in North Carolina. It was missing the bottom to the drawer and had a lot of scratches. I know I hear a lot that I shouldn't paint this or that because they are pretty "as is" and that is very true. This was a very pretty antique as is but I felt like those beautiful details needed to shine! Heres' the before below. 

Ok... I have to admit. I adore this piece. And I'm going to be really sad to see it go. The color is by Valspar called "Light French Grey." Be still my heart. Everything in the photo I love. The boxwood topiary I adore. And I just picked up the faux bird cage type thingy with the claw foot legs. LOVE.

I've been contemplating painting the mirror. Or just selling it at the sale. What do you think of it?

I tried something different with the top of this entryway table. I used a variation of a couple of different types of stains to get a worn, been through decades look. And I kinda like it. Some people might not and that's ok. Because I do and that's all that matters, right? You can see the sweet scalloped edges in the photo below along with the elegant details along each curved legs. I choose white against the grey which work beautifully together. I just can't stop swooning over this piece!

Here's a better shot of the details. I mean seriously, you WANT to highlight those! Come on! Amazing. I just love it. What do you think of it? Do you love the grey and my signature stained top? I'm really satisfied with this piece and I cannot wait to hear what people think of it at my big sale this weekend. Which, did I mention that I am starting to get nervous? I do every time. It's an Ally thing.

So, let's recap. Here's the before again below.

And let out a sigh of relief because here is the after. For now, I have to go work on the rest of the furniture I have for the sale. But I do have to tell you that this sale will be bigger than the last 2. I have a lot more items along with furniture I feel like anyways. And I think things will go well. At least I hope they do! Are you going to be able to make it? I hope so! I cannot wait to see and meet everyone!

Tootles & XO

Ally