A clean slate

 

via Yankee Magazine

At the start of a new year, I feel a rush of motivation to clear things out, clean things up and start afresh.

I’m not alone.  It was funny to see how many of my favorite bloggers and IGers, who went all out for Christmas, had every last ornament packed up and put away just two days after. It takes me longer than that, but I must say that, when the tree and the trimmings finally go, I always feel recharged.

I’m no minimalist, for sure, but after the pomp of the holidays, I’m drawn to pared down spaces.  These rooms feel refreshing and calm.  The excess has been whittled away and what’s left just looks serene and inviting.

I love this setting. It’s a perfect spot for a cup of tea, a game of cards or an apéritif in the evening.

via Connecticut Cottages & Gardens

A welcoming seat to plop down onto after a long day.

via Orrick & Company

Wouldn’t it be lovely to linger here over a late weekend breakfast and the Sunday paper?

via Blakes London

A peaceful setting to get some serious work done.

via Orrick & Company

The perfect place to end a busy day.  My best friend gave me that same vase for my birthday last year!

by Betsy Brown

via Etsy

Here’s to a fresh start in the new year!

 

 

 

 

The one that got away -vintage panoramic photos

A few years ago, I was browsing at a flea market held in my neighborhood in Paris and came across a stall filled with beautiful vintage panoramic photos.  They were old group photos like these from a house in Surrey, England featured in 91 Magazine.

They were striking and singular and I really wanted one but the vendor was charging 200€ each. Ouch! I hemmed and I hawed and I ultimately walked away…with regret. I have been thinking of those photos ever since!

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago.  I was on the Cape and browsing in one of my favorite antiques stores (“Back in Tyme” on Route 28 in West Harwich) and…SCORE!  I came across this beauty.  For $75!

It’s a photo of the Yale class of 1934. It doesn’t mention the class year on the photo but it was sold with the 1934 yearbook, which is a treasure in itself. There is a short biography of each of the class members.

Such a great glimpse into the lives of these young men.

The shopkeeper told me that a woman was emptying her father’s house and decided it needed to go. It must have been difficult to part with such a wonderful family memento. I wish she knew how glad I am to have it!

A gallery wall of panoramic photos makes a bold statement. The one below is by Kevin Corn Design:

Here’s another example in a beautiful home designed by Giannetti Home.

It turns out that there are lots more to be found on eBay and Etsy.  For photos sold sans frames, this Etsy shop sells panoramic picture frames: signedandnumbered

For now, I’m happy with my single find.  Here it is on the wall of our family room on the Cape.  That space below the oars was waiting for the perfect piece to finish it off.