Picks from Target's Project 62 Line

I have to admit that I kind of ignored the news about Target's Project 62 Line until I was shopping for an ottoman for my Mom and realized Target had a gorgeous one with a mid-century modern vibe.  After that, my interest was piqued and I tumbled down the rabbit hole, flagging a bunch of finds - all with that vintage vibe I covet.  Although I'll always love vintage, it's great that Target is making a similar aesthetic more accessible.  Not everyone can find - or afford - vintage, so it's nice to have the option to buy new every now and then.  Plus with some thing (sheets! towels!), I just like new anyway.      

Here are my favorites from the Project 62 collection:

These dusty blue Holmdel Mid-Century Dining Chairs would look so amazing in the lakehouse with their sleek shape and pretty blue hue (although they come in other gorgeous colors too) - I love them more than my current chairs, for sure (although I'm sure they'd pick up dog hair the way mine do)!  There's a matching stool, too.

This Large Enamel Tray looks like a vintage score, especially with its navy sheen.  I love trays for corralling dish soap and sponges by the kitchen sink, or in the bathroom to protect the counter from any leaky bottles.

P.S. If you love my Krenit bowls - but not the typical price - this piece from Target has a different shape but such a similar style.  

This Framed Abstract does not have that usual "I bought this from the same place I bought windshield washer fluid" look you'd expect from mass produced art.  I love the colors and it looks like it's framed really nicely too.  The whole vignette is perfect.

Years ago I was trying to find the perfect chunky pillar candle holder with a mid-century modern vibe for a friend's mantle decor - to no avail.  This Walnut Pillar Candle Holder would have been perfect.  There's a taller mango wood taper candle holder that's really beautiful too, with a light, Scandi-inspired vibe. 

Aqua Plush Shag Rug ???  I'm not a huge fan of rugs, but now I need a smaller version for the bathroom.

Here's the ottoman (the Farewell Oval Ottoman) that caught my eye.  I'm still searching for something that's round, but with storage.  This one is perfect for an entryway though, as a great spot to sit and tie shoes.  The gold caps on the legs look so mid-century - I love that little detail.  Of course this teal blue ottoman obviously makes my list as well.  I almost bought this ottoman but I'd really, really like square or round for the space.  But it's so good! 

A mid-century inspired dining table for only $200 USD - the Amherst Mid-Century Dining Table is such a sweet deal for anyone just starting out because it fits small budget but still looks so chic.  I spent way more on my first table at a vintage shop and it wasn't half as nice as this!  And if you have the real-deal mid-century teak or walnut table, you'll appreciate these beautiful acacia wood coasters (or these marble and wood coasters) for protecting those easy-to-stain surfaces... 

For on the table, I'm so happy to be seeing silver in home decor again!   This stainless 20pc Silverware Set has such a delicate, elegant vibe - it definitely looks mid-century, the designers captured the aesthetic so well.

This Hillside Console Table is heavily inspired by a vintage piece I have pinned somewhere in the 30,000 pins I'm hoarding on Pinterest.  It just looks SO familiar (although it looks really different in the light grey/white version - much more coastal)!  I've always envisioned it filled with houseplants, basking in that one, perfect sunny spot where all plants love and refuse to live elsewhere.  I can't be the only person that has ONE place all plants want to be...

Rooms in my house are never "finished" because I am so slow choosing the perfect pieces.  I hate replacing things.  I like to make design decisions that will last and sometimes that requires patience - and an ongoing mental list of pieces for which I'm still searching.  On that list right now: reading lamp and, if it weren't for the brass, this Coulee Floor Lamp would be perfect!

I have had a wood stool in my front entry for years and it's so indispensable!  I don't really have a proper entryway, just a minuscule little hall and then - BOOM - you're in my house.  I don't have room for a console table or bench, just a little wood stool but it's the perfect spot to set my purse or tie my shoes.  This Ryder Accent Stool would be similarly handy, but it also makes the perfect versatile side table in a spare, refined space.  Those clean lines are so striking!

  
So many of the bedrooms I pin have a beachy vibe and that's definitely the direction my lakehouse decor is taking: beachy meets mid-century.  But my own bedroom is the least beachy room is the least beach space in the house - save for my beach glass inspired closet doors.  My mid-century posters define the space and I'd never part with those three (I am considering selling the forth, though!), but I do still ogle a beachy bedroom when I see one.  This Green Dot Woven Bedding looks so great in this bedroom, and it's only one or two accessories away from capturing that vintage beachy look.

These are just some of my favorites.  Have you purchased anything from Project 62?  I noticed a few things I put in my shopping cart online sold out before I could commit - oops...Target is really on fire with this line - even the way the rooms are styled is so inspiring. 

Treasure Hunting Report: My Recent Vintage Scores

It feels like I haven't done a Treasure Hunting Report in ages!

My treasure hunting really slowed down this year because I've been increasingly picky about what I buy - plus the deals have been few and far between - so I haven't shared treasure hunting reports like I used to in years prior.  But as I was cleaning over the weekend, I realized that I have scored a few gems so I wanted to share.  (I can't be the only person who lovingly admires my treasures while I dust...?) 

Here are the vintage finds that made the cut and found their way into the lakehouse recently.

First up: I enjoyed a major win at the Salvation Army auction - which is something I rarely muster up the motivation to do, because you need to sit through the ENTIRE thing to pay and it can take hours and hours.  This time the bidding went crazy high (I'm talking $500+) on some items, so it was an intensely entertaining evening, plus my Mom came with me which makes everything way more fun!  We could not believe the bizarre things that elicited a bidding war. 

Anyway, you're probably thinking, "get to the goods - what did you BUY?" 

Okay - but first I need to share a back story, so you realize why I was so excited about this particular auction and why I was willing to let my butt go numb on a grubby chair for hours on a beautiful summer evening.  Ten years ago I found an ice cube shaped Iittala crystal votive candle holder at a yard sale for a buck.  Hubby and I had just moved 1500km and were living in a strange city so we loved to yard sale with friends on the weekend to explore.  Plus we were all broke and looking for deals!  I've treasured this little candle holder ever since because it always reminds me of our life in Kingston.  I'd always wished I had a pair, but I could never find one online because I had no idea what it was called or when it was produced.  I even asked around at the local Finnish boutiques, to no avail.  So imagine my surprise when I spot one in the Sally Anne auction case, in a lot with other Iittala.  After a decade of searching! 

The lot was a real hodgepodge: the ice cube votive holder I wanted (which is simply referred to as the Ice Cube and was produced in the 1980s), three Ultima Thule shot glasses, a pair of two ring Festivo candle holders, another Ultima Thule candle holder and an Ultima Thule plate - which was, sadly, chipped.  I ended up winning the bid for only $41 CAD - the Festivo candle holders alone are worth $60-100!  Plus my Mom had an uneven set of Ultima Thule shot glasses so I happily gave her the trio (although I wish they'd been a more practical size, like the Highball Glass or the Old Fashioned glass).  But I suspect this is the universe telling me I need to go to my Mom's place more often and drink liquor.

;) 

I planned to sell the Ultima Thule candle holder but it's so pretty that I might just keep it.

Iittala is my weakness.  All told, that's a lot of $$$ worth of Finnish crystal - but I would have paid that just for the pair to my mystery cube.  I'm so happy!

Plus my Festivo collection grew that tiny bit more... I often get asked where to buy those gleaming crystal candle holders but most of my collection was gifted to me and the rest I have bought through the classifieds or thrifted.  You can find them on Etsy, Chairish - this is a GREAT deal on a massive 6-ring pair that would make a gorgeous statement - or eBay.  Local Finnish boutiques sell them but I think Bed Bath & Beyond does too.

I just love adding to this collection, it's just a thrill when I can scoop up another one (or two).  Is it greedy to hope that one day I can find a pair for my Iittala bird?  He gets lonely, I'm sure... I'm obsessed with this dusty blue one but this dreamy white one is a favorite too.  They're SO expensive though, I can't even imagine what a Sally Anne auction on one of those would be like.  Madness, pure madness.

Anyway, that's my most recent score.  But there have been a few other lucky breaks.

Way back on my birthday in June, my Mom and I went for a little day trip to celebrate because I feel like my birthday is as much a special day for her as it is for me.  So we went to Grand Marais, a little Minnesotan town nearby, for lunch and some shopping and we hit up my favorite antique shops, thrifts, and flea markets.  At the flea market, I scored another Krenit bowl (here's the same one - I think - on Etsy) for a cool $7.  A bit more than the $2 I paid for my bigger one, but still a ridiculously good price.  It's funny because I had JUST said to Hubby, maybe two days earlier, that I wished I had a pair because sometimes we have so much fruit the one bowl isn't enough.  Plus I think by now you've realized I like pairs of things... 

It's in nice condition with some light scuffs that pop up way more on camera, but no chips or staining - plus it still has a "Made in Denmark" label!  I'm so happy with this birthday score.  If you're pining for one, this Etsy listing seems like a sweet deal, although if you happen to have $500 lying around this turquoise one needs a home, lol.  The new ones are a bit spendy too, but I have loved my Krenit bowl for years and years so even if I had splurged, the cost per use would be so low.  For a similar look, this Project 62 enamel tray is a steal at $10! 

I love that I have two now and the different in shape/height is perfect.  Plus I can always use this one for salad (its intended purpose I believe - I just need the matching salad tongs).  I really enjoy the special memory attached to it as well.  My Mom and I had such a lovely, peaceful day together so I am really glad to having this little memento.

That same day, I also picked up a pair of petite Cathrineholm bowls which I had planned to sell but just keep hanging on to!  I hadn't ever seen a design (in person) that wasn't the classic lotus pattern.  They're too cute and their blue/white and black/white combo is begging for some kind of Halloween treat, no?

Wandering around an antique mall in town one day, I found a mug that looked awfully familiar.  Hubby's Aunt and Uncle are both talented potters (you might remember these beautiful mugs his Aunt mailed us, on which will forever remain my happiest mail day).

For awhile his Uncle made these East Coast island mugs.  We had one already so imagine my surprise to see his very distinctive mug at an antique shop 2000+ km away from where he made and sold them!  Seriously, what ARE the odds that it ended up here, for me to find?  Of course I bought it!  I can't link to them because I'm fairly certain there are none in production anymore but here's a handmade turquoise pottery mug I love on Etsy, in case you're now needing a blue mug after seeing my pair (the struggle is real, I totally understand). 

These scores stretched out over four months so it's really not a lot, but I'm so happy with these finds because they're each special in their own way.  And looking back, I feel kinda lucky! 

Have you found any sweet treasures?  I'd love to know!  Or tag me on Instagram so I can come snoop - I just really enjoy seeing the neat things people find.     

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Mid-Century Modern Inspired Finds from Wayfair

I feel really fortunate that I've had the opportunity to collaborate with brands I really, genuinely like and purchase from as a customer - like Wayfair.  In addition to partnering for my recent mid-century modern inspired office makeover, I've worked with Wayfair on a series of smaller, fun posts - like my recent raspberry hand pie recipe and my DIY fabric clothespin holder.  As a blogger, I love that Wayfair celebrates creativity and the passion to make things - so many of my posts with them have featured DIY projects and recipes.  As a customer, I love that Wayfair offers shipping to Americans and Canadians - and the selection of gorgeous home wares just can't be beat!


In fact, if you're a mid-century modern enthusiast like me, there are TONS of gorgeous, retro-inspired furniture pieces on Wayfair, to mix and match with authentic vintage finds.  For fun (this post isn't sponsored), I wanted to round up some of my favorite mid-century inspired furniture and home accessory finds!

Mid-Century Sectional I'm a huge fan of sectional sofas because they are comfortable and versatile, but it can be tricky to find one that's stylish as well. This mid-century inspired sofa looks plush and comfortable but still has sleek lines, trendy mid-century legs, and a tufted back. Plus, it comes in a ton of great colors, including "laguna" (a pale turquoise hue), and "teal" (a smoky blue color).	CanyonVista Mid-Century Accent Chair Set This chair and ottoman set is such an affordable price, but it looks high end! It comes in six retro colors which are paired with natural wood, which lends a fun vintage vibe to any space without sacrificing comfort. The high back and matching ottoman make this a perfect chair to curl up in on those long winter nights.	Mid-Century 3 Drawer Dresser I love the lines of this mid-century inspired dresser by Dwell Studio. The style and brass accents are definitely a throwback, but the pale grey hand-painted finish lighten the look and offer a modern spin on a classic vintage look.
Mid Century Eiffel Side Chair The mid-century Eiffel chair has a classic design with a fresh turquoise hue and gleaming chrome legs. Such a versatile piece and perfect for the dining room, kitchen, office, or kid's playroom. Easy to keep clean and surprisingly comfortable.	Mid Century Star Wall Clock This mid-century star wall clock boasts a solid wood, walnut-toned core from which silver rods seem to radiate - some have small wooden balls, others do not, which creates a visually interesting clock that complements vintage and modern decor.	Hanging Organizer This stylish and practical hanging organizer is made with solid hardwood balls for durability and style. I own a similar wall organizer in all white and it is SO practical for drying snow-soaked mitts and hats without deforming them. Practical AND gorgeous - my favorite combination!
Table Lamp with Cone Shade This brass cone table lamp has such a great vintage feel. It would look perfect on a retro desk or beside a vintage bed. The adjustable arm makes this a versatile piece - so handy for reading in bed.	World of Leaves Wall Art on Canvas This fine art canvas print is made in the USA! It has a cute retro feel without being too literal, so it would pair well with modern and vintage decor.	Margaret Curtain Panel Smoky teal blue curtains? Be still my heart! Made from durable polyester, which has a luxurious but subtle sheen, these curtain panels add mid-century flavor to any room.
Mid-Century Wildflower Throw Pillow Looking to add a hint of 1960s styling to your space, but not ready to commit to a sofa or dresser? Start small with this mid-century inspired printed throw pillow. The turquoise backdrop is upbeat and cheery - the perfect way to liven up a neutral sofa or bedding.	Alia Short Stacking Bar Stool This space-saving bentwood stool is such a great piece to have for parties or kid's rooms and the classic style comes in natural wood or a more contemporary wenge.	Crosshill Magazine Rack This handcrafted brass-hued magazine rack would look perfect beside a mid-century inspired chair or sofa. It's a practical way to keep magazines close at hand!
Simeon Etched Vase This white glass cylinder vase has a stunningly simple turquoise design. It's on closeout so grab one soon!	Irene 5 Blade Hugger Ceiling Fan with Hand Held and Wall Remote It can be difficult to find a good looking ceiling fan, but this one has everything! A sleek design, cast aluminum brass-hued base, walnut-stained blades, plus an ultra-quiet motor with a remote that can be handheld or wall-mounted.	3 Piece Iron Candle Lantern Set Made of iron and glass, this colorful set of outdoor lanterns comes in the prettiest, retro color palette. They would add serious style to any patio or sunroom.
Mid Century Mix Mug This mug has such a quirky shape and an adorable mid-century inspired color palette. It would make the perfect gift for your favorite co-worker – it also makes a great teacher gift, once you fill it with teas or treats!	Serena Herringbone Throw This herringbone throws comes in a pretty assortment of colors - including the most perfect 1960s inspired blue. I have a pair of vintage Lotte lamps in that exact hue! Herringbone is timeless and this throw would look perfect draped over a vintage sofa or cozy chair.	Noah High-Back Office Chair with Arms Built for motion, versatility, and multitasking, the Noah Office Chair is made from solid wood. I love the mid-century lines and creamy white bi-cast leather. It's the perfect addition to a home office because this chair doesn't scream "corporate office."
Josef Tripod Coat Rack This sturdy iron tripod coat rack is the perfect addition to a small hallway or entryway. It's an easy spot to stash guests' coats without taking up room in your closet.	Paseo Shower Curtain Add a mod look to a simple bathroom with this funky shower curtain. The pattern is subtle, but it still adds some fun and function!	Jacqueline Maldonado Lightweight Geo Square Duvet Cover I love the geometric design on this bold duvet cover. It's the perfect bedding for a mid-century modern bedroom set!

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