Get the Look Decor: Labor of Love

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Story by Christine Domanic

Published on June 26, 2011 in Shop

ChristineThis weekend’s Get the Look Decor is inspired by the 1930s home of Allison Miller. Over the course of the last year, her home has been a labor of love, with friends pitching in to help all along the way. Visit Allison on Flickr for more inspiring photos of her home renovation.

Where do you live and with whom?
I live in Sanford, FL with my husband Curtis and our parrot Peanut. It’s a very old southern Florida town with a lot of history and beautiful older homes. The house used to be part of a celery farm, and we’re always finding funny old things when we dig in the yard.

   
   

Top row, left to right: Vintage Dress Makers Form by wilshepherd; DJ Verde by jipsiboho; World and Balkan States Pulldown Map by jerseyicecreamco; Bottom row, left to right: Rustic Birdhouse by amberfilkins; Gooseneck Desk Lamp by inwiththeold; Handpainted wooden end table by RusticFurnishings.

 

How would you describe your home decorating style?
The style of our house was really inspired by the house itself and what I could scrounge up at the thrift store. I didn’t want to bring home anything that would clash horribly with the feel of the rooms, but I also wanted to give the house a clean, bright feel with lots of simple lines and furniture. I also love to read, so I wanted the house to feel cozy, with a lot of places to curl up with a good book.

   
   
   

Top row, left to right: Funky Upcycled Chair by Fran6will; Chunky Modern Dining Table by kapeldesigns; Cram’s Imperial World Globe by UncommonEye; MIddle row, left to right: Replogle Globe Lamp by ChawtonCottage; Green Metal File Box by pinkshirtsncarwrecks; Instant collection of vintage plates by fuzzandfu; Bottom row, left to right: Kodak Brownie Starlet Camera by FalconandFinch; Upcycled Rug woven from plastic grocery bags by FisherCatFiberCo; Royal Quiet Deluxe Typewriter by kristinenoeldecor.

Where are your favorite places to shop for home items?
I love hunting for things while traveling. Some of my favorite pieces in our home came from street markets in Greece, Mexico and Turkey! I think the little souvenirs that you bring back with you add memories to your home. I also love scouring the thrift stores and flea markets around town. And of course, Etsy is my go-to source for prints and artwork. It’s no secret that I love birds, and aruppel, mincingmockingbird, and eastwitching have done some of my favorite pieces!

   
   

Top row, left to right: Metal Sugar Coffee Tea Canisters by retrotreasurehunters; Metlox Nesting Bowls by kennedyhandmade; Squirrel Atop a Giant Walnut by WiseApple; Bottom row, left to right: Rockin Robin Teapot by SimpleCeramics; Set of Two Gingham Metal Lap Trays by jherrmann; Blue Jars Set of 4 by CherishedHearts.

What inspires you when it comes to decorating?
I’m inspired most by items with a history and a splash of color. Old chipped Bakelite Brownie cameras, faded globes that still mark Russia as the U.S.S.R., and fogged glass seltzer bottles are some of my favorite things. I’m also inspired by nature and wildlife, especially birds. I spend a lot of time with birds of prey, both as a falconer, and a volunteer at a local raptor rehabilitation center, and I love the beauty and grace of feathers and talons.

   
   

Top row, left to right: Octopus Screenprint by printsbyamandajames; 3 Vintage Red Chairs by urgestudio; Gold Ceramic Quails by glassdeer; Bottom row, left to right: Bowling Pins by MySimpleThings; Vintage Ottoman Sewing Footstool by WurdeSein; Stained glass lamp by Cdeep.

What is your favorite part about your home?
My favorite part about our home is its character. We looked for a home for over a year, and we fell in love with its history and 1930s details. It’s hard to find things like window benches and built-in cabinets modern homes. Although many of the windows are painted shut and some of the doors stick, it’s perfect for us.

   
   

Top row, left to right: Fabric-Burnt Orange Damask by HodiAndPoppiFabrics; Handwoven Cotton Rug by texturesgallery; Pair of Danish Modern Chests by SelectModern; Bottom row, left to right: Cushion cover 50x50cm by skinnylaminx; Vintage Framed Bird Prints by claireferrante; Pair of Custom Curtains by CastleCreekDesigns.

Does your home hold any strong memories?
Our home had been vacant for almost two years before we bought it, so there was quite a bit of fixing up to do when we moved in, and we have many memories of painting parties and cold nights with no heat or hot water. Still, it made us appreciate our friends and fireplaces all the more.

   
   

Top row, left to right: Blue Vintage Suitcase by decorcreateur; Decorative Fishing Basket by SimpaticoVintage; Low Slung Lounger by FlotsamFurniture; Bottom row, left to right: X is for Xenops by loopzart; Dress Up – Antique Form by 86ForTheHome; Mid-Century Birds by HabitGoods.

In her spare time, Allison is a practicing falconer and volunteer at the Avian Reconditioning Center in Orlando, Florida where she helps to care for birds of prey. She also plays women’s flat track roller derby with the Orlando Psycho City Derby Girl.

Allison’s love for collecting vintage dresses led her to create a full time business on Etsy, adVintagous, where she sells vintage clothing, accessories and home decor. Read more about Allison in the Quit Your Day Job post featuring her shop.

 


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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