Monday, June 2, 2008

Guess What I Bought......


This Victorian Settee!!



Hubby and I went antiquing over the Memorial Day weekend and found this lovely in an out of the way antique mall. Much to my surprise, it was on SALE (one of my favorite words)! I put on the please-please-I’ll-eat-all-my-broccoli face to hubby and he said “OK, we’ll go get the truck”

I must say, in all honesty, that I have wanted one of these for over 30 years. They have been either the cost of my first born child or in less than repairable condition.

Now, the dilemma…..where to put it??? Anyone who buys something new for their home either has a spot already picked or has to remodel the entire house to accommodate that “find” that they can’t live without. My problem was the latter.

I decided that the parlor, which had been done in a maritime theme because Hubby is retired Navy, needed a change. Soooooo...............out with the Eastlake Parlor set, out with the models of boats and ships, out with the big boat wheel, out with the maritime oil paintings and nets and buoys and IN with the new settee.

We aren’t done with this room yet. I need a new carpet in a lighter color. I need to put up the crown molding and paint some kind of a border on the ceiling. I’ll need to make new draperies in several layers. We’ll need to put shelves in the old window opening to make a book case. Hubby will need to move the wiring box to the center of the room, get a medallion and hang the new crystal chandelier.

I only need one more thing: A center table befitting a room of this splendor. And, I’ll probably be hunting another 30 years for that!

This is the antique pump organ I purchased at an estate sale for $100.00. It's solid walnut.

I always have a bouquet drying on the fireplace. This one is roses from Mother's Day. Hey, there's Fraidy Cat!!

Need a bigger mirror over the mantle.....
Here's where the built-in bookcase goes.......
The door to the front foyer......

And look in the doorway at how thick our walls are. Almost 20"!! That all needs trim.
Thanks for joining me on a little tour of our 1848 home's front parlor. Stay tuned for the improvements to complete it.

17 comments:

Connie said...

Bertie, you KNOW I lust after all that stuff!!! Why are you tempting me, chickadee?!?!?! LOL
Smoochies,
Connie

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Oh Bertie that settee is beautiful!
And perfect for your home!

I can't wait to see how you transform the parlor now!

Hugz, Dolly

Miss Rhea said...

Bertie, it is just beautiful and perfect for your home. :) The room will be so pretty when you are done. I love those beautiful lace curtains. :)

Shirl said...

Bertie the settee looks just beautiful in your front palor. What a beautiful room this is. I love all the old woodwork and you have it decorated just perfect!
Blessings, Shirl

Unknown said...

Bertie!
Can't wait to see your room all done up purtty! I know it will be splendid, just like everything you touch! Your sofa really belongs in my home, tho, you know? lol

Hugs...Lorena

vickie said...

Oh, Bertie, I love that sofa, and the whole room looks so pretty. I love that tapestry on the wall! lol
Can't wait to see it all finished with a chandelier!

Secondhandrose said...

Bertie, everything is so pretty, I can't believe you have any work left to do. I especially like the double front door.
Karen

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

I love your sofa and I love your home. I love all the special little touches.

Unknown said...

FABULOUS Bertie and so YOU!!!! It looks gorgeous in your home! And your home is to die for! That organ, oh my goodness! What a find!! Cant wait to see it as you get more done :)

Hugs,
Amy

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Bertie, your home is outstanding and that settee is gorgeous. What a great find for your wonderful home. Your rooms are lovely and so inviting. The organ is a real treasure. Can it still be played? I bet it is wonderful. Thank you for sharing and I can't wait to see more as you go along.
Miss you friend!
hugs, Celestina, la rea rose

Vintage To Chic said...

Birdie, Love the sofa and your home is beautiful. Really make us happy when we find a treasure to add to the collection. Look forward to seeing more.
Hugs,

Judy

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Oh Bertie, that is just so YOU!! I'm so glad that you found it!!! Why don't you take a pretty column base & add a glass top for the center of the room? I know you have some wonderful laces & fabrics laying around that you could drape over it. Better than waiting another 30 yrs.!!

Beautiful pics of your room! I spy the cutest old timey black phone! Love how you have lace in your doorways, windows, just everywhere.

Give that Fraidy Cat a hug if you can catch him!

Love,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Hey, Bertie ~ you've been tagged! Come to my blog for 5 easy questions!

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Jeanie said...

Your blog is lovely and Stephanie from Angelic Accents tells me you're from Michigan also! Thought I'd stop by!

Lori said...

Bertie I loved the tour! We simply must get together in July! I'll bring the goodies if you'll have the cool drinks, lemonade is fine!! Love,Lori

Reflections from the Stone Nest said...

Love your beautiful rooms, Bertie! Your new sofa is absolutely divine. So happy you found it, and it appears to be in such great shape! Also loved getting to know you a little bit better. Gospel quartets are one of my very favorite things! How talented you are!

Kitty

joyh82 said...

I love that organ and your sette!
We need a larger mirror over our mantel too but I can't find one I really like that isn't too expensive.