I’m Dreaming of a Pink Christmas

It’s a Pink Christmas! I’m looking forward to after Thanksgiving when we’ll be decorating The Bella Cottage for the upcoming Christmas season. Pink garlands, pastel lights, pink trees, pink ornaments! You name it! It’ll be such a joy to come to work everyday and you should stop by too!

In the meantime, we’ll be posting fabulous items to help bring the holidays to your home, too. Keep an eye out for gorgeous vintage, handmade “snow ladies” this week. Curious? Get online to our store and find out! I’ll also make an announcement here.

Right now, we have amazing Pink Light-up Christmas trees and pink ornaments for sale. Get them while they last!

Inspired Designs: The Apartment of the Dauphin and Dauphine!

One day, I’ll visit the Palace of Versailles. And I’m sure once I get there, I will not be able to leave. But for now, we can make our own homes into miniature palaces of decadence and glamour with a few incredible pieces of furniture.

Featured below is the GORGEOUS Apartment of the Dauphin and Dauphine. This photo is courtesy via The Château de Versailles website. Concerning the space, the website states:

The dauphine’s private study

For a long time this small room and the following one formed a single space, which was first the antechamber of Monsieur, then of Monseigneur, before becoming the latter’s bedchamber in 1693. It also served as the bedchamber of the regent, then of the dauphin when he was a child, but was divided in 1747 to form private studies for the dauphine and dauphin. The young couple’s apartments communicated with each other by their furthest rooms, protecting their privacy to a certain extent.
Some of the natural panelling’s charming décor in “vernis Martin” remains; it has been completed and the scene above the door depicting the Four Seasons, which Jean-Baptiste Oudry painted for this room in 1749, has been put back into its original position.
Antoine Gaudreaux made the chest of drawers and Bernard Van Rysenburgh the sloping desk in 1745 for the first dauphine; both admirable pieces were used by the second.
A glazed door to the right of the niche, where a sofa once stood, provides access to the rear rooms.

I just LOVE the ornate designs on the molding and the bold and dark chandelier makes a statement against all the details! But how in the world is anyone to replicate a look like THIS?

Give your home a makeover by The Bella Cottage! We feature daily imported furniture from Europe! Beautiful and stunning items that will transform your home into something fantastic and beautiful! See below for our design ideas…

1. Large Gold Mirror with Floral Decor – Amazing large mirror adorned with cornucopias, flowers, and fruit. While the ornate frame will add elegance and style to your room, its sheer size will also help give your room the illusion of an expansive space!

2. Pair of Lovely Louis XV Gold Side Chairs – Pair of lovely brassy gold side chairs. Louis XV leg and floral carvings adorn frames. Upholstered in 100% natural linen. Flank a table with these two gorgeous chairs to add a stunning yet comfortable place to sit!

3. Italian Florentine 2-Arm Wall Sconce in Gold – These lights have a traditional flair and will look lovely on either side of a painting or mirror. Especially lovely above the mantle!

4. Vintage Double Sided Mirrored Folding Screen in Cream and Gold – Need a way to divide the space in a room or to add a little design element? This unique screen has and elegant shape, gold detailing and full caning on both sides! This piece would even be AMAZING in a bedroom as it has mirrors on either side. Perfect with the vanity or dressing area!

Click here to visit our One of a Kinds Section at our online store!

Let’s Talk Burlap!

Burlap is a treasure when it comes to rustic-style decorations. It can be used in the home or outdoors, and is especially helpful for special events and holidays to help keep the rustic feel for any occasion. Though burlap is commonly used as a strong sack to harbor objects and protect them from wet environments, there is more than meets the eye to this material. When paired with the elegant frames of vintage French furniture, the end result is a happy marriage of textures that is both comfortable and luxurious! Who’d have thought?

Recently, we received an AMAZING shipment of French, Louis XV style furniture from Europe! The frames were kept in its original finish, but the pieces were reupholstered in beautiful, burlap fabric. We just loved how it came out! Rustic and cozy, yet elegant! The two textures of the burlap and the distressed furniture work very well together. We also have a gorgeous line of burlap pillows that we call Garden Adornments. Each pillow is printed with a cute, French style image. Can you imagine a bunch of these on a burlap settee? To die for!

We’re excited with this new style and we’re happy to help you get that look you want!

List of Items Featured:
Vintage Framed Mirror in Gold
Louis XV Vintage Occasional Table
French shutters in Olive Green
Pair of Louis XV Style Petite Rose Armchairs
Louis XVI Style Gold Gilt Burlap Settee
Garden Adornments Collection

Style Ideas: French Elegance

The right furniture and accessories can turn your home into an elegant space. Featuring One-of-a-Kind Vintage items from our store, I’ve put together a small collage of a few items that I thought would make for an amazing and stylish room.

The gorgeous Louis XV Vintage Daybed that we recently accquired really caught my eye and I wanted to work off this piece. It’s elegant shapes and nice, clean colors would be beautifully complimented with vintage, gold lighting. The perfect item I had in mind was a unique, florentine table & lamp. This gorgeous lamp features the main light on top and the lovely hydrangea buds at the bottom light as well! I also thought a beautiful idea would be to use two small vintage table lamps on a pair of end tables. Can’t say no to a bit of sparkle! Even a white chandelier with an ornate, floral design can add personality to a room as well!

I enjoy spaces with alot of light as I spend alot of time curled up on the couch and reading. This would be a dreamy set-up for me!

HEIRLOOM MAGIC: A Mosaic Creation by J. Rockwood

Have you ever wondered what you to do with fine china, antique heirloom treasures handed down to you from generations, and you want to keep within the family?

When I saw pictures of this table from one of our customers, I thought to myself, what a fantastic and creative way to keep the family treasures close and dear to your heart! Inspired by a Mosaic gallery in TriBeca, NY. J. Rockwood’s used her grandmother and Mother’s vanity tray, antique plates, and mirrored stained glasses, to create a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind dining table. One of her very talented friends designed the wooden surface and pedestal on which the mosaic is laid. The detailed work and delicate design blew me away in the final photo to the right. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Ms. Rockwood also added iridized stained glass with the heirloom mosaics to add a stunning shimmery reflection to the table. Thank you for sharing this wonderful personal family heirloom treasure with us!

Do YOU have a Bella Creation you’d like to share? Email Us!

Get That Look! 100% Linen Bedding with The Pom Pom Collection

At The Bella Cottage, we are proud to announce the addition of the Pom Pom Collection. This scrumptious line offers 100% Linen products for your bedroom to create the perfect shabby chic style bedroom! And the best thing about it? This entire line is machine washable! Whew! What a relief to all you busy ladies out there!

We received a few questions concerning, “How do I get this look?” They’re referring to the photo below. Well, let me help you out!

First of all, I don’t think you can go wrong mixing and matching the items from this line. Truly, they match so well that you can just get all the items that tickle your fancy to create your look! However, if you’re not as daring, I suggest matching up the style names to create a lovely look as well. Click here to see the entire Pom Pom Bedding line at our store.

For the photograph above, these are the following products used:

Boudoir & Euro Shams: Pom Pom Collection – Belle Pillow Sham in Pink/Cream.
Standard Sham: Pom Pom Collection – Mathilde Pillow Sham in White.
Standard Sham: Pom Pom Collection – Sofia 2.5″ Frayed Edge Pillow Sham – Pink.
Euro Shams: Pom Pom Collection – Charlie Linen Ruffle Duvet in White & Pom Pom Collection – Charlie Soft Ruffle Pillow Sham in Pink.
Duvet: Pom Pom Collection – Charlie Linen Ruffle Duvet in White.
Fitted Sheet: Pom Pom Collection – Fitted White Linen Sheet.
Flat Sheet: Pom Pom Collection – Charlie Linen Flat White Sheet.
Bed Skirt: Pom Pom Collection – Belle White Bed Skirt.

For fans of the ruffled, shabby chic, soft look, I definitely suggest the Charlie line. The colors come in a flat white, pink or blue and  when mixed together, the look is very scrumptious and soft. The Charlie line features a large ruffle adding to the sweet look to this bedding style. Look here for the Charlie Duvet, Pillow Shams in Blue, White or Pink & Sheets.

So, I hope that helps! I’m starting to feel like I need to change the look of my bed!

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_{1. Charlie Linen Flat White Sheet, 2. Fitted White Linen Sheet, 3. Belle White Bed Skirt, 4. Belle Pillow Sham in Pink/Cream, 5. Mathilde Pillow Sham in White, 6. Sofia 2.5″ Frayed Edge Pillow Sham – Pink, 7. Charlie Linen Ruffle Duvet in White, 8. Charlie Soft Ruffle Pillow Sham in Pink}

Sex and the City Movie – Lily’s Bedroom is fit for a pink princess!

What better way to wind down the end of the week than with a fun girly movie? That’s what I thought I was going to do when I popped in Sex and the City: The Movie today. But it’s SO HARD to take the work out of the girl sometimes!

There’s this darling scene where Carrie sits in Lily’s room and they’re on her bed reading a fairy tale book. (Lily, if you didn’t know, is Charlotte’s lovely adopted daughter.) So, while the characters are discussing Prince Charming, my eyes are wandering over the interior decor.  And suddenly I think, “OOH! I KNOW THAT FABRIC!” I hit pause and I stare at Lily’s bed.

There! In the lower left corner! (I have a sharp eye for these things.) What do I see but none other that that charming Pink & Brown Toile Fabric with darling little angels & cherubs! This fabric is EVERYWHERE! I was so excited, because we actually carry a line of handmade items made of this exact fabric!

You can view the entire Pink and Brown Angel Toile Collection here on our website. Everything ranging from custom made furniture upholstered in this gorgeous fabric to a variety of fabulous ruffle pillows. A few of the pillow designs we carry even have pink satin accents and backing — it looks so sweet and charming!

-Leen Isabel

1. Pink and Brown Angel Toile Loveseat in a Vintage frame!, 2. Pink and Brown Ruffle Boudoir Pillow!, 3. Cute Round Ruffle Pillow with Pink and Brown Fabric, 4. Little Girl’s Slipper Chair in Pink & Brown Toile Fabric!, 5. Charming Shabby Bench in Pink and Brown Fabric, 6. Pink Angel Table Runner – Soft, Sweet and Shabby!, 7. Shabby Cottage Chic Table Cloth – Pink & Brown Toile Angel Fabric, 8. Pink and Brown Angel Laundry Basket

_{Sex and the City is a trademark of HBO Inc. Image source: my blue ray disc of the film.}

The “Louis” Furniture Style: Louis XIV

I’ll admit it. I’ve mixed up the numbers when talking about the French Louis style. Sometimes, I can’t even recall which one has the straight legs and which style doesn’t! Ah, it’s embarrassing!

In my defense, I’m recently new to this gorgeous antique style and now that I know more about it –I’m addicted! And for our readers, I’m going to put the mystery to rest!

So today, I’m going to talk about “LOUIS XIV” and the details of this particular look. Let’s cover what to look for and a little history, shall we?

What to look for! The Louis XIV style…
…has a very stable & erect sense of support. The furniture feature various types of cross bars joining the legs together.
…has legs that end in an outward flex. If you look at the feet of each piece, they curve out and away from the center.

All of the Louis style features the acanthus leaf, but during the reign of Louis XIV, it has a “strung-out” appearance, as if blown by a strong wind, and the lobes are deeply cut.

A beautiful example can be seen at Metropolitan Museum of Art. See the following image.

I’m sure we’d all wish to decorate our homes with such priceless treasures, but that would become far too expensive! Ouch!

At the Bella Cottage, we offer affordable but beautifully restored antique pieces as well as lovely reproduction furniture from this period. In our One of a Kinds section, we update weekly with beautiful French Louis furniture! We love helping our customers recreate a timeless and elegant look for their home. Can you imagine it?

-Leen Isabel

Image Source: Furniture Designing And Draughting“, by Alvan Crocker Nye.

Pasadena Rose Bowl Swap Meet – August 2009

What an amazing Sunday! Can you believe that this month,  my husband actually suggested coming out to the Rose Bowl Swap meet before I could even mention it? Boy, was I happy to hear that!

Of course, once we got there, it was me dragging him around from booth to booth snapping away at all the darling treasures that I came across.  Below, I’m sharing some of the shabby-chic style booths that I found. All the creative vendors out there just left me in awe!

One vendor that caught my eye this time was a beautiful booth featuring Beach Chic items. Gorgeous gifts and home decor itsms were decorated with lovely sea-shells and featuring hues in tan, white and blue! The seashell fireplace just made my mouth drop. Beautiful craftsmanship and creativity. Isn’t it inspiring?

My husband and I spent a good 4 hours just browsing the vast Antiques section of the swap meet. We were always pausing to look at old oil figure paintings and etchings from the 1800′s, though we didn’t pick up any new art for our home this time. Maybe next month!

However, my husband cheerfully walked away with a 1920′s French Chess Game table! He’s been looking for one for several months and he’s glad the hunt is over! Me? I just got an unhappy  sunburn. Cest la vie!

- Leen Isabel

1. Pasadena Rose Bowl Swap Meet – August 2009, 2. Pasadena Rose Bowl Swap Meet – August 2009, 3. Pasadena Rose Bowl Swap Meet – August 2009, 4. Pasadena Rose Bowl Swap Meet – August 2009, 5. Pasadena Rose Bowl Swap Meet – August 2009, 6. Pasadena Rose Bowl Swap Meet – August 2009

Whistle while you work!

Ah! Sometimes it’s just so nice to change things up a bit! After a few hours of hard work, we turned the showroom here at The Bella Cottage into a cozy little haven! We rearranged furniture, decorated all the dining tables, gathered all the pillows and arranged them on the French settees and gave the beds a whole new look! Whew!

Below is a collage of some of my favorite arrangements. I think the bed is THE BEST! Isn’t it beautiful? We just received a set of Pom Pom bedding and it’s made of the most comfortable linen!

After seeing it all come together, it was a breath of fresh air! A little change is good!

1. Lovely Rose Painting and Shabby Cottage Plaques, 2. Pink Pillows on Wooden White Bench, 3. Cream Tea Set with Pink Crystals, 4. Darling Peach White Bed!, 5. Handmade Pillows on a Vintage Cream Settee, 6. A candleabra centerpiece!

All items shown are available at our website! Check the Bella Finds section for accessories & the One of a Kinds section for furniture.