Get the Look Decor: Warehouse Chic

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Story by Christine Domanic

Published on May 29, 2011 in Shop

ChristineThis weekend’s Get the Look Decor is inspired by the 1920′s Cape Cod-style home of Martha Layton Smith, where she lives with her husband, three kids, cats and an old pup named Sadie. About 30 years ago, Martha’s home was put on wheels and moved to its current location in Warrenville, a small town about 30 miles outside of Chicago, where her family has lived happily ever since. Visit Martha on Flickr for more photos of her bright and cheery home.

   
   

Clockwise from top left: Vintage Decorative Urn from MossyRockInteriors; Mannequin Head from kimsco; Desk Chair in Blue Linen by LandLDesign; Rainbow Plumeria Painting by kauaiartist; French Vintage Settee Sofa from KelseyGraukeInterior; Pleated Turquoise Cushion Cover by pillow1.

Describe your home decorating style.
I call my style “warehouse chic,” a phrase I coined some years back. It all began when I was visiting my sister. As she cleaned out her garage I found a great old metal Shell gasoline sign. When I asked about it, she said she’d uncovered it while helping to clean up the Gulf in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I then turned my attention to some old lube drums she was discarding, intrigued by their graphics and color.  I thought they would make wonderful side tables. That was the beginning of my industrial style.

   
   

Clockwise from top left: Jumbo Wooden Candlesticks from BingoBox; By The Shore 8×8 Print by Ellogovna; Vintage World Globe from zelda110; Original Large Floral Painting by marysworkshop; Large Plastic Letter S from vintagebutterfly94; Pheasant Upholstered High Back Arm Chair from VeriteVintage.

Where are your favorite places to shop for home items?
I have to be honest: I think the last time I set foot in a retail store to buy something “new” must have been about five  years ago. I prefer flea markets (Elkhorn, Wisconsin is my favorite), antique shops and grabbing things from the curb. I may have worn the brakes off of my car stopping to collect things along the road. And of course, I love browsing Etsy vintage shops for great finds. I have purchased some unusual pieces from the nicest sellers around.

Clockwise from top left: Set of 7 drinking glasses from ModishVintage; 1940′s Fiestaware Pitcher from lisabretrostyle2; 8 Whistle for Your Drink Cocktail Stirrers from SilverCrow; Folksy Fruit Vintage Trim from Splinkville; Red 4 piece setting of Fiestaware from junquedujour; Chalkware Carnival Clown Bank from exploratorywonders.

What inspires you when it comes to decorating?
I am inspired by color: the brighter, the better. I love mixing in things you would not usually see in a home, like my oil drum tables or the industrial table I repurposed in my dining room, which proudly sits under a beautiful crystal chandelier that I paired with some folding chairs from an old camp town. 

   
   
   

From left to right, starting at the top: Farmhouse table with benches by matthewholdren; Romantic Crystal Chandelier from sheriscrystals; Milk glass vases from FreeRangeGoat; Rustic Wooden Shelf from TheVintageParlor; KEEP CALM recycled wood sign by WilliamDohman; Spartus Electric Backlit Mantel Clock from VintageShelfAndWall; Cram Enviro-sphere Globe from CopperAndTin; I AM Letterpress Woodblock Letter Set from driftingby; Egg basket pendant light from TibaultAndToad.

What is your favorite part about your home?
I love my family room; it’s where I create my artwork. It’s also where I display my collections of family snapshots, vintage painting supplies, old books, cameras and globes. I love my kitchen as well. I have to admit, I have photos of my parents and grandparents in their kitchens, and I have been meaning to enlarge them and hang them on the walls. I always remember the family gathering in the kitchens of days passed! Great memories of my childhood.

   

From left: Milk Glass Vase from spancyketosherosh; Orange and Yellow Bouquet by LKWeddingBouquet; Green Enamelware Teapot from vintagejudy.

Does your home hold any strong memories?
Oh yes! Almost everything in our home has a memory to be shared. I would love nothing more than to put on a pot of coffee and tell the rich stories of every object in my home. I love our bright surroundings! I believe people feel right at home here… I wouldn’t have it any other way!

   
   

Clockwise from top left: Arrows Set of 5 in Bright Colors by verlaivans; Rustic Tool Tote from havenvintage; Eco Friendly Candle by GreenLeafCandles; Set of Wooden Candlesticks by theshabbychateau; Vintage tennis rackets from rustyvintage; Crown Imperial World Globe from 3CorneredMoon.

If you love your vintage with a splash of color, then you’ll definitely want to visit Martha’s Etsy shop, opendoorstudio, or stop by her blog for even more decorating tips and vintage inspirations. Martha is also the captain of the flourishing 1000+ member Vintage Etsy Society Street Team. Browse their team tag “vestiesteam” to find over 470,000 items for sale by its active members.

 


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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