I first ran this popular post in January 2015. These ideas are so simple and yet timeless. My job is to make your job easier decorating your home.
This is my study. Why don’t you come on it, and have a seat? Would you like a cup of tea?
Here are 5 things I added to this room to add simple elegance. Are you ready?
1. Old Bottles
These are very old and wavy, and I recommend very old bottles, but even new bottles can look very nice. You don’t need to put anything in them, just let them shine in their simple way. I found these at Round Top, but you can probably find some at a junk shop or even on eBay.
2. a Candelabra
This will probably be the hardest thing to find on this list. I found this one for $20 at the thrift store. Seriously. Again if you don’t have a resale shop nearby, try eBay.
They have an incredible selection.
See what I mean? It looks so elegant on my desk. Of course I don’t’ actually use it, but I could.
3. An old map.
This one is a brand new copy of a very, very old map of Paris. I found it online. When it arrives, I took it to a framing shop to get it mounted so I could frame it without glass or just use it like it is unframed.
4. Silver pitcher
I have several and seriously you NEED at least one. The ‘ill-informed’ are getting rid of them, so they are easily found in resale shops, consignment stores, and for sure on eBay.
5. Vintage books
This is another MUST HAVE! If you cannot find vintage books, then try using newer books, and covering them in white or parchment paper. They just look so inviting and cozy. And I think they kinda make you look smart too. I keep a lot of them, so I look super smart. Well maybe not, but I still love my vintage books.
The bookcase is full of vintage books.
And I just want to point out that most of these items are vintage not new.
And what’s with this little frame you ask? It keeps my map in place so it the wind comes in the front door, my map doesn’t go flying. And that’s where the nail was for the artwork that was in here. Why do I tell all of my secrets. I really need to work on that.
What a lovely post. I think you are right about the silver pitcher. It’s brightness adds a pop of sparkle especially with fresh flowers, bittersweet branches or evergreen and holly.
Beautiful home and beautiful ideas. I’m looking for glass bottles!
STILL crushing on the chairs in your study. Love, love, love the blue and white check!
I love the candelabra! It evokes a touch of glamour yet a nod to slowing down and enjoying a quiet moment. I would like to find one for the holidays. Thank you for the idea!
Such a beautiful post! i love old maps and have used them in several ways.
Love your study! Did I notice a different rug in one photo?
Your old glass is wonderful!
Yes, and the bookshelves are arranged differently as well
Everything you do is beautiful Anita …. nelly
Your room is charming! Love all the vintage additions.
Great tips. Wish our study looked as elegant. My husband insists on a huge printer that looks terrible!
I love your blue buffalo check chairs and new rug.
Have you considered making a tailored cover (sharp, mitered corners, etc) to drop over the printer? Easy on, easy off and out of sight. When covered, put a large bowl with mail, fruit, etc. that would be easy to take off. Just an idea –
Great idea Rosie!!
Lovely home! Great ideas!
I have noticed that you and a few other decorators have turned your books spines away from the camera. I realize that colorful spines will ruin your color schemes, but is that a natural thing to do? I can see covering your books or bringing together those books with the same color palette, but turning the spines away does not sit well with my eye. It feels unnatural as if things need to be hidden or undone.
Nice! My favorite is your lovely piece that is holding the map in place – and I’m so glad you share your little secrets, Anita….I try to reuse old nail holes, too.
Love your blog! It is amazing what elegance the candelabra adds to your desk!
Thanks for the great tips. Love the bottles and candelabra.
I love the ideas in this post and also the arrangement of the room. And the Buffalo check chairs. Be still my heart!
I liked seeing how your book case has changed between the 2 pictures. I wish I had your luck at thrift shops. Love your blog. inspires me to get my house in order.
Love looking at all the wonderful ideas from Cedar Hill Farmhouse!
Just wish I could use 99% of your
decor posts (Love…Love…Love)
only problem is…..my home is not big enough! The ideas I’ve.used
bring lots of complements! Thank
you for this wonderful website!
That’s fabulous news Alyse!!
You have given me some new great ideas! Thank you very much.
great ideas!
Second hand stores, thrift shops, all these are wonderful places to find “treasures”. And don’t forget garage sales – some of my most precious “finds” were here. Thanks for a great website and sharing.
If I had to pick just one thing from the list I would have to add a candelabra. Somehow they always look so elegant in any setting!
I noticed that wonderful salvaged architectural feature on top of the bookcase (it got painted?)… I love that kind of touch in my rooms. I have some stored away and can’t wait to use them. Most need to be painted and I will use chalk paint.
I also agree with using old silver teapots, coffee pots, water pitchers, etc for flowers! It’s so easy to change the flowers out with the seasons, too. So happy that I can say that sometimes I decorate like Anita!
I love the candelabra. Mine held 4 candles and was silver plate so when it got really worn, I painted it with textured paint, similar to what we now call chalk paint. On a move, it disappeared. This made me remember how much I enjoyed it on my buffet.
Do I spy a set of “The Interpreter’s Bible” on your shelves??? We inherited a set from my husband’s grandfather who was a Methodist minister in Tuscaloosa, AL back in the 40’s-60’s.
They are so special, beautiful and useful.
I have two antique candelabras from my grandmother’s buffet. As a child I would run my hand along the prisms to hear them chime. Think I’d better get them out so my grandchildren can make music now!
Love all these, Anita and have them all except for the map which is wonderful.
I love the blue and white French chairs in your study. As for vintage books, I have a very few, but I have so many books in general, I really shouldn’t acquire any more, vintage or not! The vintage ones are so interesting, tho’.
When you mentioned silver pitchers I wasn’t really interested as I have a collection of white ironstone pitchers some of which were my mother’s. But when I saw your silver pitcher with the flowers in it I tho’t, it looked so pretty so perhaps I’ll look for one.
Old maps, maybe. Not so much attracted to them. Vintage botanical prints, yes.
Interesting post, nice eye candy.
Love the study.
So gorgeous. I love everything in this post, the map, the old bottle, and the list goes on and on. I love having these things in my home. Thanks for showing how they work best placed correctly in the home.
This is a fantastic edition, so much here and easy to do. I am especially fond of he vintage maps adding elegance. This issue evidences a great amount of research on your part.
Thank you for sharing it.
G-d bless.