Get the Look Decor: Creative Comforts

Iheartmoustaches

Story by Iheartmoustaches

Published on Aug 07, 2011 in Shop

Photo by jessjamesjake

Iheartmoustaches

This weekend’s Get the Look Decor is inspired by the cozy two-bedroom red brick home of Jess where she lives in Albany, New York with her husband James and dachshund Jake. Their home is filled with plenty of room for all their artistic endeavors. The front room serves as a music studio, where Jess is able to teach and practice. The lower level holds their vintage inventory and has a shipping station. James runs a local reading series, so having the second bedroom allows them to host visiting poets. Plus, there are ton of windows, which Jake uses to sunbathe! Visit Jess on Flickr for more photos of her inspiring home.

 

How would you describe your home decorating style?
Both James and I are attracted to mid-century furnishings and have filled the house with as much of it as we can tastefully fit! Though James tends more toward the architectural and industrial look, I sweeten it up with my whimsical mobiles, array of houseplants, and my weakness for vintage dachshund décor. Though we gravitate toward ’50s minimalism, we mix in contemporary pieces, to keep it fresh.


[Clockwise from top left: Mid-Century Danish Modern Sofa by dejavulongbeach; Vintage Starburst Wall Clock by RetroClassics; Canary Yellow Television by AtomicAttic; Vinyl LP Alphabetical Shelf Markers by greyblueskies; Fawn Doe Deer Ceramic Planter by RichardandRuthie; Adjustable Wire Dress Form by HausProud.]

Did you decide to decorate in this style or was there an evolution to your decorating process?
Our style has evolved, but we still have pieces from before we met. James has a pair of vintage JBL speakers that he’s had for about 12 years, and they still fit seamlessly into our current aesthetic. We are always picking up new pieces, so I’ll often swap them out for something we’ve had for awhile, to keep things new and uncluttered. I feel like this will always be the case, so our style will continue to change over the years. There are a few pieces that I could never part with, I always think of those when the Etsy Blog does a Saved From the Fire article — I doubt I could pick just one.


[Clockwise from top left: Modern Danish Lounge Chair by JunkHouse; Textured Turquoise Table Top Lamp by JustSmashingDarling; Realistic Optimus End Table Speakers by diantiques; 1950s sleepy squirrel target by edgertor; Vintage Mayflower Ship Model by nowvintage; Mod 1960's Round Side Table by CathodeBlue.]

What inspires you when it comes to decorating?
I think many people are inspired by color, but I always look at the shape of a piece and the movement it makes in the room. I think that’s one of the reasons I love mobiles so much. They are always moving and always making new arrangements and shadows. Plants are always changing, too. Outgrowing their pots and forcing you to find a new home for them, growing taller or hanging longer. I try to emulate these combinations in my decorating. Anything that gives the room momentum — setting my couch at an angle to the wall, displaying the cameras on our mantel towards the center, or rotating artwork out when I find something new I love. I do love color, and have pops of it throughout the house, but when I’m really attracted to a piece, I’m attracted to its shape, texture and movement before its shade.


[Clockwise from top left: Kodascope Model C 16mm Film Projector by BingoBox; Turquoise Planter with Built in Drainage Tray by virginiawyoming; Mid Century Modern Arne Vodder Sideboard Cabinet by thevintagesupplyco; Vintage silhouettes by jollytimeone; Folding Autographic Brownie Camera by AVintageObsession; Brazilian Blue Shark Porcelain Figurine by minipennyvintage.]

What is your favorite part about your home?
Undoubtedly, our fireplace. We’ve lived in this house for only a year, and it’s the first time we’ve ever had a fireplace, but now I’m sure that I cannot do without one. It gets quite chilly in the winter, so the three of us will bundle up next to that fireplace and warm up. It’s fabulous! It heats the entire front room, and adds all the charm you’d expect: crackling and popping, a woodsy aroma, and a toasty glow. Jake actually drags his little bed right up to the screen and hangs out there all evening. I know I’ve only had one Albany winter with this fireplace, but it has already stolen the spotlight.


[Clockwise from top left: Teriyaki the Dachshund Weiner Dog by Cuore; 20x20 Stacked Dogs by trendypeas; Black Dachshund Foot Stool by GoodWoodDogs; 1960s Vintage Vinyl Dachshund Souvenir by ismoyo; Mini Dachshund by aliceapple; dachshund pillow in burnt orange by katedurkin.]

Does your home hold any strong memories?
Since we’ve only been here a year, we do not yet have a slew of strong memories. We did throw a Haunted Housewarming Party last Halloween, which was amazing. Our friends, like Etsy, know how to celebrate Halloween properly: costumes, costumes, costumes. I suspect it will become a tradition in this house, so see you all over here on October 31!


[Clockwise from top left: Boston Symphony Music Stand by ethanollie; Retro 1950s Red and Grey Dinette Set by PlanetSusan; Vintage 1950s Zero Electric Fan by GizmoandHooHa; Rustic Farmhouse Window Screen by Thebeezkneezvintage; City with Black Ink Diamonds by sometimesiswirl; Hobnail Milk Glass Planter by joyfulcollective.]

Where are your favorite places to shop for home items?
I love finding items in my local community. The capital region is full of amazing thrift stores and antique shops. I once walked into Albany’s Habitat for Humanity ReStore and found a mid-century kitchen table and buffet! There are a slew of fantastic antique stores in both Albany and Hudson, as well as the Brimfield Antique Show, less than two hours away. I also hunt for home items on Etsy! My favorite Etsy purchases include a print from Groundwork, a pair of vintage brass birds, and my adorable dachshund pillow.

[Clockwise from top left: Mid Century Danish modern teak sofa by DanishMafiaINC; Vintage Handpainted Dove Mobile by alittlemodern; Mid-Century Modern Danish Lamp by MidwestSplendor.]

Jess balances her time between her two biggest passions, violin and vintage. Working from home during the day allows her to alternate between practicing for concerts or auditions and listing items on Etsy. Learn more about Jess on her blog and be sure to stop by her Etsy shop, jessjamesjake, if you are a fan of vintage fashions, accessories and home decor from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.

 


Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There’s No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.

More Get the Look: Home Decor Editions.

Housewares Category | Vintage Housewares

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