Scouring the internet for little gems and vintage pieces is one of my favourite past-times and as a prop-stylist it's my job to find amazing objects with small price tags and lots of character. Whenever I can't find a particular item, I love searching for great DIY's that help me create the look I'm going for if I can't find it or afford it. Here are a few of my favourite recent finds, DIY's and Pinterest pins that I absolutely adore:
NUMBER ONE: DIY Magnetic Knife strip
This is a really simple DIY that can add organization and visual appeal to your kitchen. If you have a tiny apartment kitchen like I do (Here in Montreal, kitchens are generally small and big spaces demand top dollar---hence my mini-kitchen reality) then you'll understand the need for utilizing every inch of counter-space in this undersized but vital real-estate. There are a few versions of this DIY, from industrial-minimalist to rustic-reclaimed wood, but my favourite version is this one from www.homedit.com
NUMBER TWO: Vintage Enamel pots
If you know me, then you know that I am a serious collector (read hoarder) of vintage enamel anything! From Dansk danish beauties, to iconic Le Creuset's deep handled pots, to the lovely and rare Soviet Union enameled trays, I love them all and I'm always on the lookout for a new treasure to add to my collection. These pots are not just nice to look at, they are also just about indestructible and they cook the most evenly of any pot I've ever owned. They can be a bit of an investment, so its great if you manage to score one second hand. Etsy has an amazing catalogue of vintage cookware and its a great place to get acquainted with Mid-century kitchen goods. If you like the ones pictured, you can purchase them here: Etsy Shop Billie Boone and here Etsy shop Zin & Honey
Number Three: Picnic table wine trough
photo by: clubantietam.com
Did you hear that? WINE TROUGH... NUFF said... This is the most amazing DIY I've stumbled across recently, and while I don't have a backyard to feature this amazing picnic table makeover, I was thinking of having my husband install this bedside...
Get this summer DIY right here at Instructables
Number Four: Hand-painted Ceramic Cheese Board
This gorgeous ceramic cheese-board is my favourite of the Wish-list Wednesday round up. It's of course from Anthropologie--- the haven of all things beautiful and notorious bank account emptier... I don't know why I need 100 mini-lime verbena candles, in floral-punched, re-cycled tin from indonesia... but I DO, ok? I also love that these are hand-painted ceramic, which means they are easy to clean and will look lovely displaying my favourite food category: cheese. I'm definitely buying these ASAP for my next dinner party. Get them here: Anthropologie
Number Five: Cafetiere or Stovetop Espresso
These cafetieres or stove-top espresso makers are adorable vessels to serve a little cup of espresso after your meal or to have something a bit stronger in the morning. I have both vintage and contemporary style cafetieres and l love them. The best vintage ones are by the brand Le Cafetiere or DeLonghi, but anything Italian is always a safe bet and the newer versions can be found at almost any kitchen supply store nowadays. I think picking them out in a pastel shade is great way to add some color to your kitchen. I keep my mint green one on display on my stove-top, but the standard silver stainless-steel one is a slick alternative as well. Bottom line? There are vintage and modern versions of this kitchen staple, but always have one on hand!
You can find a pretty adorable one here: Rosa Geranio Shop or at La Cafetiere.com
Kitchen of my dreams.... photo by caddomineral.com
Parting words of Wisdom:
Kitchens are the heart of your home and the best part about them isn't all the gorgeous serving-ware or fancy gadgets; it's the memories created there and the little bits of food shared while cooking up your favourite dinner or baking birthday cakes. So, take my wish-list and go pick out an item or two, but don't forget the best part of your kitchen is the meals created there!
Over at Autumn Wood Stylist HQ we are sipping an afternoon coffee with plenty of cream, out of our favourite mug, and figuring out how to re-invent those left-overs in the fridge. As always we are here for a friendly chat, quick email or brainstorming session and we'd love to be a part of your next photo-shoot, look-book, or catalogue. Head on over to our Contact US page and drop us a line!