Thursday, January 24, 2013

Decorating with Books

Have you seen how many books are at this weekends sale! Tons and tons and tons. Here are just a couple of pics from the sale...

Books are great for  ...ummm  ...reading! But guess what? They are also fabulous for decorating! 
Use book stacks to add interest to bedside tables, coffee tables,  kitchens, and of course, book shelves! Books are great for adding color, texture, and different height levels for items on display. 
There are a few different ways you can arrange them. 
1) By theme - In my kitchen I have vintage cook books and entertaining books. I use them to prop up collectables, and add interest. Since my kitchen has a red cherry theme, I try and find books with a touch of red on the title or cover graphics. 
2) By color - Collect a stack of books that are in a color scheme of your decor. I used a stack of bright orange books in my hallway, and a stack of neutral books in my guest room.
3) By title or subject matter - I helped my husband decorate his boring office shelves with some books and knick-knacks. He is a chemical engineer, so I used a variety of books about geology, math, science, and minerals. All of his actual work related materials are cold and new looking. So adding worn in, canvas covered vintage books helps warm up the place a bit, and adds a homey feel.

You can also arrange books by the title... which really makes the book hunting fun! I have a stack of books that all have the word "Love" in the title written down the spine. Another stack I have is a little more tongue and cheek - all titles about murder and death. 

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. Here are a couple more pics of books stacks in my home. 

This weekend's sale is the perfect place to start. Remember, part of the fun is the hunt! Mix and match books to create the look you are after. Remember to look under book jackets, sometimes a beautiful binding is hiding under a paper jacket. 





Monday, January 7, 2013

Vintage tupperware is always a great find. And I swear, I have seen it at EVERY Denver Gypsy Boys Estate sale. Wether you fancy the pastel colors from the 1950s, or the Harvest colors from the 1970s, you can find it out there.

Tupperware came about when inventor Earl Silas invented plastic containers with airtight tops. Soon food storage was revolutionized when people started using tupperware instead of glass, pottery, or wooden containers. But the true popularity came in the 1950s when Brownie Wise conceived of the home Tupperware Party.

Usually people collect Tupperware that makes them nostalgic for their childhood. I grew up with Tupperware from the 1970s in the Harvest color scheme: Brown, yellow, orange, and avocado green. So that is what I collect... and boy, do I have tons of it thanks to the Gypsy Boys!





My prize possession is my childhood set of Tupperware, recently mailed to me by my mom. I had no idea she still had it!

Tupperware stands the test of time. Even though my pieces are 30-40 years old, they are still in excellent condition, and keep my food fresh! And when you buy pieces at an estate sale, it ends up being cheaper than modern disposable plastic ware. Yuck! Who wants that, when you can have useful, colorful, collectable TUPPERWARE!