VintageKC Home. Fashion. DIY.
Fall 2014 | vintagekcmag.com
unexpected
swag
An historic apartment in Hospital Hill showcases the funky, fun side of vintage
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Peaceful Refined Style Music and Fashion The $1 Craft Project Upscale Country Wedding The Upper Crust Pies VintageKC / Fall 2014
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Contents 16
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Features 16
Vintage Spaces Peaceful and serene with heirloom love in Shawnee
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Vintage Spaces Bright and fun in historic Hospital Hill
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Vintage events Classic vintage elegance at the Weston Red Barn Farm
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Vintage Fashion Clothing inspired by music from the 1960s, 1980s and 1990s
Columns 5
ETSY FINDS Local Etsy sellers with musicinfluenced treasures
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Design Book Jennifer Bertrand talks holiday dĂŠcor from mantels to doors
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buying and selling Can you spot the difference between sterling and silverplate?
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Vintage memories Sixty years worth of memories in one Lawrence home
Do-it-yourself
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DIY Crafts Our most inexpensive idea yet: The $1 project.
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DIY Crafts Turn your old records into a sweet notebook for any occasion
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Vintage recipes The Upper Crust shares delicious pies for your fall feasts
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dustin’s DIY Two makeovers for warming up to your old fireplace
VintageKC / Fall 2014
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from the editor
Staff
Publisher/Editor Erin Shipps erin@vintagekcmag.com
Music that Moves
Fashion Director/Editorial Assistant Calli Green calli@vintagekcmag.com
T
he first CD I ever bought for myself was C&C Music Factory’s “Gonna Make You Sweat” in 1990. I was nine years old and coming off a binge of New Kids on the Block and MC Hammer tapes. Looking back, the content of the CD was probably wildly inappropriate for my age, but I have such fond memories of dancing so hard to those up-beat Nineties tunes. Music has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up playing the piano and remember belting songs from “The Little Mermaid” while I played when no one else was home. I played the clarinet through college. I even met my husband in jazz band in high school. But lest you think I’m a run-of-themill band nerd (OK, so I was president of the band in high school), I fell in love with my husband watching him on stage playing his guitar and singing. And he’s still in a band, so I’m assuming that ups my cool factor overall. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t find joy, peace, happiness, contemplation, or energy simply by listening to music. And no matter what type you listen to, it is a part of our history and culture as an outward expression of our deepest emotions. In this issue we focused a little on music, mostly its impact on fashion, which is an incredible trip down memory lane for this 1980s baby. There’s also some music-inspired Etsy finds and a DIY project turning a record into a bound book. Aside from the music-related, we found two incredible homes, both completely different styles, that we absolutely adore. In fact, I wish we had saved Margaret Tao’s home for spring just to put it on the cover, but alas we cannot live with regrets. I’m just happy she opened her doors to us. There’s a super classy wedding shot at the Weston Red Barn Farm, some cheap penny crafting projects, Dustin’s awesome ideas for revamping a fireplace, and the most delicious pies for the holiday season from The Upper Crust. And of course steadfast advice from your faves: Jennifer, Michael, James and Deb. I would be remiss to enter the fall season without expressing my gratitude for the writers, contributors, photographers and advertisers in this magazine. Each of you makes this dream possible, and for that I couldn’t be more thankful. Especially for Calli ... if you like fashion, you’re going to love the fashion issue she’s been working on all year. It comes out in a few weeks! In other news, we’ve still got big things in the works with our friend Dustin, and for those who signed up for small business classes, hang on, because those are VKC vintagekcmag.com coming, too. It’s definitely not easy managing lofty goals and big vintagekc ambitions, and some things don’t pan out the way you’d like, but we keep plugging along, and I’ve found there’s vintagekcmag always a reason to be happy. Always something to be thankful for. I’m thankful for you. And music. From my 9-year-old self, say it with me: Everybody dance now... vintagekc
Contributors Kim Antisdel Dustin Bates Jennifer Bertrand Michael Fry James Fry Kirsten Hudson Jamie Kaczmarczyk Megan Kapple Audrey Kuether Abbie Marshall Amy McCarter Heather Scanlon Deborah Vogler
P hotography
Tiffany N. Cody, Smash Glam William and Jill DiMartino Freeland Photography Megan Kapple
VintageKC volume 3, issue 2 is published quarterly by Erin Shipps in Overland Park, KS. Copyright 2014, Erin Shipps. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in the U.S.A.
VintageKC Home. Fashion. DIY.
Fall 2014 | vintagekcmag.com
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4 VintageKC / Fall 2014
Erin
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UnexPeCTed
SWag
an historic apartment in Hospital Hill showcases the funky, fun side of vintage
+
Peaceful, Refined Style Music and Fashion The $1 Craft Project Upscale Country Wedding The Upper Crust Pies VintageKC / Fall 2014
On the Cover
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We’d love to set this table for the holidays in this Hospital Hill home. Photo by William and Jill DiMartino
our favorite Etsy finds
An original “Arnel’s Ceramics” 1970 bust of Beethoven, glazed in an outstanding shade of glossy grey. 9in x 6 in. dotnbettys.etsy.com
Featuring the classic Moulin Rouge design by Toulouse Lautrec, this vintage art is done with yarn needlework. It’s marked July 1973 with the initials of the maker. Measures 17.25in. x 23.75”in. kolorize.etsy.com
Falling for Music
Great small size gold mid century record stand with ball feet. Some signs of wear on the handles. 22.5in. x 15.5in. x 7.5in. Free local pickup in the Kansas City area. angeetiques.etsy.com
This is a womens medium tan Woodstock t-shirt. It has an actual picture taken from that historical day and printed on this shirt titled “The Mud People”... from 1969. abatearts.etsy. com
This vintage 1980s Tony Bennett “The Art of Excellence” record album cover has been upcycled into a blank comb-bound journal with googly eyes. 40 blank recycled 8-1/2in. x 11in. white pages (no lines). betheabsurd.etsy.com
All of these local Kansas City shops can be found on etsy.com, an online retailer.
VintageKC / Fall 2014
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design book
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From
Mantelsto Doors Tired of the same old holiday décor? HGTV ‘Design Star’ Winner Jennifer Bertrand knows all about thinking outside the box!
By Jennifer Bertrand
R
eady for holiday décor ideas? This year I want you to take a risk — or two or three! So often, when we think of fireplace mantels, we only think about the mantel and drape down from there. Survey Says: X (Who doesn’t love a “Family Feud” reference?!) This year we are all going to expand our design planes to include the ceilings and walls. The best dramatic effects are achieved through simplicity and repetition. Lesson No. 1: Find something you love and repeat it
If you think you are doing too much in one spot, do it some more. For example, take festive gold triangle or dot wall decals and use them to cover your fireplace floor to ceiling. Check out the ones from Classy Clutter on Etsy on the next page. Use enough decals to give the space presence, but as you enter the space it is still a gentle visual feast for your eyeballs. And don’t be scared to use them on tile as well. (Of course test one first to be sure it sticks and you can remove it.) You could stick these decals on your fireplace and on your kitchen backsplash to tie two separate spaces together, and add a festive feel. Lesson No. 2: Don’t let an item’s intended use deter you Just because something seems like it might be for a wedding, party décor or every day wall décor, doesn’t make it so. Put on your creative Philip Treacy-inspired hat (if you don’t know the famous milliner,
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please “Google” him) and realize you can customize Etsy finds and make them fit your holiday palette. Currently I am having a mid-life Liberace moment, so I tend to dream in gold, but whatever palette makes you happy is usually possible through seller’s options within Etsy shops. For example, look at the super chic tissue paper flowers from Etsy shop Lovelyfest on the next page. Imagine creating a whole wall installation of white and gold polka dot flowers, or any fun metallic. And instead of just doing nine or 12 ... how about 36 to 50 of them creating a massive installation above your mantel that trickles off into the wall nearby, or up onto the ceiling.
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Lesson No. 3: Use your ceiling You can hang stuff from your ceiling. Check out the super cool marshmallow installation by Krista Janos of “Blue Eyed Yonder” on the next page. Strung on clear nylon line, it’s hard not to feel festive when gazing at 300 marshmallows suspended in air. I can imagine a late night cocktail party and guests craving marshmallows ... the point is to have fun! Break the rules and dare to be different! Obviously you can go to town on what you
can dream up to suspend in the air. And if you do, please #vintagekc and #jblovesdesign on Twitter or Instagram. I would love to see what you’re doing! And in case you think these concepts apply only to the indoors, think again! How about stringing lights in a whimsical display around your front door and then up onto your porch ceiling? My favorite concepts in design are when materials crawl across the floor, then
design book continue up onto a wall and then wrap around onto a ceiling. Sooo on that note, all of you find your inner Tim Burton or Walt Disney and add a sense of holiday wonder and artistic installation to whatever wraps your home this holiday season! Huge hugs and happy designing to all of you out there!
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Inspiration (clockwise from above): //Marshmallow snow fireplace via Blue Eyed Yonder blueeyedyonder.com //Tissue paper flowers via Lovelyfest Event Design etsy.com/listing/196390711/set-of12-tissue-paper-flowers-for-wall //Hello door decal via Classy Clutter Designs etsy.com/listing/153392721/freeshipping-hello-vinyl-door-decal //Triangle wall via Classy Clutter classyclutter.net/2014/03/coral-andmint-living-room-reveal.html
Jennifer Bertrand is the winner of HGTV’s show “Design Star” season three and cohost of “Real Life Design” on cravingtalkradio.com. She resides in Weatherby Lake, MO, with her lovely English husband, Chris, and her happy son, Winston. She has big plans in life to conquer the design world … again. Email pics and questions to Jennifer jblovesdesign@gmail.com Instagram hgtvdesignstarjenniferbertrand Facebook Jennifer Oldham Bertrand Twitter jblovedesign
VintageKC / Fall 2014
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buy & sell
Silverplate vs.Sterling And how to tell these shiny treasures apart...
I
f you’ve been at the picking game very long, it’s just a matter of time before you strike treasure. Maybe not pieces of eight, but treasure in the form of sterling silver flatware and serving pieces. Your grandma’s attic, estate sales, and even the occasional garage sale can all hold valuable pieces if you know what to look for. There is a lot of confusion about silver pieces and what is truly valuable. Many times our estate sale clients tell us their parents have a large collection of sterling silver and, upon examination, we find all plated pieces. While working through one of these large silverplate collections at a recent estate sale in Leawood, we discovered one platter marked “925” on the back. Most of the similar looking platters we priced around $45, but because of that mark we were able to price and sell this one piece for $1,200. Understanding the difference between sterling and silverplate is where the money is made. The first step in learning about sterling and silverplate is to know how they are made and a little of their history. Sterling silver is a metal alloy containing at least 92.5 percent pure silver. The other 7.5 percent are other metals, like
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By Michael and James Fry
copper, that give strength and prevent the piece from bending. Sterling silver flatware and holloware rose to their height of popularity during the Victorian era. Hosting an extravagant dinner party was all the more impressive when every utensil in the room was made of a precious metal. Using sterling for your fine dining was a status symbol and let everyone know how wealthy you were. As with any status symbol, the general public wanted the look without the hefty price tag. Enter silverplate. In the mid 19th century, the process of electroplating was discovered. This enabled dinnerware manufacturers to cast a utensil in an inexpensive metal like zinc or steel, then evenly cover the outside in a very thin coat of silver. Beginning around 1870, sales of silverplate items went through the roof and didn’t begin to slow until well into the 20th century. Due to the vast popularity of silverplate (making it a rather common item in households of a certain generation), and because of its low silver content, silverplated items are worth a mere fraction of their sterling cousins. This brings us to a very important question: How do you tell them apart? The appearance of silverplated items is nearly identical to that of
sterling. It can be a challenge for the uninformed to identify the piece as sterling, often mistaking it for a plated piece and pricing it at a tenth of its value (or vice versa). The most common and easiest form of identification is looking at the marks impressed on the piece. Articles made of sterling in the United States after the 1870s should be marked in one of three ways. The word “sterling,” “925,” or “925/1000” will be embossed on the piece, usually on the underside. Prior to the late 1800s, flatware and holloware pieces were made of coin silver (literally made of melted coins) and are comprised of 90 percent silver content. Identifying these can be a bit more time intensive. The website 925-1000.com documents the vast expanse of marks and is a great resource for delving into the world of antique coin silver. A few other marks to be on the lookout for include “800” and “900” both German marks for 80 percent and 90 percent silver; “Mexican silver,” which is 90 percent silver; and “958 pieces of silver,” which has 95.8 percent silver content. Be aware that there are fakes with proper sterling marks on the market. After identifying the marks, or lack there of, pass the piece in question under a strong magnet. If the piece is magnetic then it is not sterling. After identifying an item as sterling, finding its value is fairly simple. Weigh the piece and input the weight in an online silver scrap calculator like SilverRecyclers. com to calculate its scrap value. Additionally, checks sites like eBay as some pieces and flatware sets are highly sought after and can be worth much more then silver scrap value. A great resource to identify sterling silver flatware patterns is Replacements.com; just know that their prices are on the extreme high side of retail. eBay will give you a more accurate current market value for your piece.
He said . . He said
Finding underpriced sterling pieces can be rare, but not out of the question. Multiple Brown Button regulars have told us stories of the $5 serving bowl bought at a garage sale that they sold for $450, or the $20 set of flatware that they sold for $1,200. At times these pieces are being sold by the uninformed, other times they were just plain overlooked. We have seen marks that were well worn or embossed in a hard to see area. These valuable finds are just waiting to be discovered by the persistent and knowledgeable hunter. Now that you know that sterling has meaning beyond “Mad Men,” we wish you a profitable pursuit in your silver sleuthing.
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Michael and James Fry are brothers and owners of Brown Button Estate Sales. Website brownbutton.com Email sales@brownbutton.com Facebook Brown Button Pinterest theebrownbutton Twitter brown_button YouTube thebrownbutton
Estate sales or garage sales?
My mom was a garage sale queen. Growing up, there was not a sale we would pass up (no matter how much baby clothes they had). People holding garage sales are often trying to just get rid of stuff and may care more about items going out the door than getting the highest price. The problem with garage sales is that people are selling the overflow and unwanted items in their life that, if not bought, are just going to be donated at the end of the day. You have to shop a whole lot of garage sales to find high end items such as brand name furniture, coins, and expensive collectables, while these items are common at quality estate sales. Good deals can also be had at estate sales for the discerning shopper, especially on items won by bid or purchased on a discount day. No matter which kind of sale, if you see me, say, “Hi.” I’ll be the one digging through the baby clothes.
Michael
I’m an avid fan of both, and honestly buy more of my household items from garage and estate sales than I do from retail stores. I enjoy each, but for their own reasons. Garage sales are awesome for finding super crazy deals. The $100 item for five bucks. I’ve found countless deals at garage sales over the years: a 75¢ Brooks saddle, a vintage Vornado fan for $5, and one of my favorites: a $3 Hudson Point blanket. If the weather is nice and I can find a whole string of garage sale in a row, then I’m having a good time. Estate sales tend to be a little higher priced, but offer so much more at one location. Often an entire house with 50+ years of accumulation will go up for sale at the same time. Nothing held back. It might take 20 garage sales to equal the volume and diversity of items of one good estate sale. Plus, they’re open all year long.
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James
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Photos by Heather Brulez Photography
There is only one Chalk Paint®. It offers endless possibilities.
Vintage charm awaits!
VintageKC / Fall 2014
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diy crafts
The $1 Project
W
e’ve all pinched pennies at some point in our lives, right? So we issued this challenge: create something with literally $1 ... or 100 pennies. It’s not as easy as you might think. 100 pennies doesn’t go very far, and they’re not a very versatile medium. We’d love to see what you’ve done with pennies. Show us yours at: #pennypincher @vintagekcmagazine on Instagram.
“Decorated with 100 pennies, this penny pinecone ornament is an easy way to incorporate an industrial metal style into your fall décor. For the base, paint a styrofoam cone with metallic paint. Then insert a wooden dowel in the center, which functions as a stem (making it perfect for hanging). Finally, add the pennies. Try clustering a bunch of ‘pennycones’ in a centerpiece bowl for a more dramatic look ... you’ll just need a few more pennies!” Jamie, Kolorize kolorize.etsy.com
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diy crafts I decided to embellish a plain, boring, brown accent pillow. Pennies are the perfect embellishment to bring some metallic and texture into the space! First, I laid out my 100 pennies onto my coffee table, and for good luck, I flipped them all over to be heads up. I then had some fun laying them out to create a shape. Yet, the shape I came up with was just too flat and I wanted more design to it, so I started to pull apart the shape until I created a design I was happy with. Then it was time to start gluing. I used the hottest setting on my hot glue gun. I was very happy with how it turned out and surprised how heavy 100 pennies feel! This penny embellishment project could result in many different design possibilities. Just think how different a chevron penny embellishment would look on a turquoise pillow! Abbie, Ecolectic abbiemarshall.com Tips: 1. When using hot glue on metal, its best to use a hot glue gun with multiple heat settings so you can get the glue nice and hot. The hotter temperature helps keep the cool metal from setting the glue too quickly. 2. To keep the glue from leaking to the other side of the pillow cover I
put a piece of aluminum foil inside the cover. Then, starting in the middle of the design, I placed the pennies onto the cover, gluing and working from the middle out. 3. Measure to find the middle of your pillow cover to make sure your design is centered and straight.
26 gorgeous colors!
St. Joseph Auction and Antique Market 3600 S. Leonard Rd. St. Joseph, MO 816-279-4310 www.stjosephantiques.com Open 10-6 daily
closed only for major holidays (easter, sometimes July 4th, thanksgiving and christmas)
We caRRy FieSta SecOndS!
SO SOFT, SO SMOOTH AND SO EASY TO USE! NOW AVAILABLE AT: Studio 1404 Lone Elm Antique Mall 1222 W. 12th St. West Bottoms
901 S. Parker Olathe, KS
As Time Goes By 605 W. Main Greenwood, MO
reChic Boutique and Decor 6015 Johnson Dr. Mission, KS
MotherEarthPaints.com VintageKC / Fall 2014 11
diy crafts For this project, I decided to fancy up a votive candle holder and a glass hurricane I often use to keep fresh flowers in the house. I wanted to add just a touch of shine, so with a hot glue gun, I made a simple band around the votive. Since the hurricane was so much bigger, I opted for three bands. I love how they look together, but also think they work really well on their own! Amy, Buffalo Roam buffalo-roam.com
For more great ideas, visit our Pinterest page: pinterest.com/vintagekc/penny-pincher And while you’re there, check out all the fun stuff we’ve pinned — everything from offices to kitchens, from weddings to fashion, from lights to do-it-yourself projects. If it’s vintage or awesome or funny or helpful, we’re pinning it. Come join us!
Front Porch Antiques 534 N. Main | O t t a w a , K S | 7 8 5 - 2 4 2 - 6355 M o n - S a t 1 0 - 5 | S u n 11-5 “You never know what you will find.” A wide selection of vintage, primitives, rusted and funky pieces at reasonable prices come in and out of our doors every day! “Come and see what you have been missing.” Chosen Best Antique Shop every year for 6 years! Find us on Facebook
Proudly stocking Mother Earth Paints! Custom painting & paint classes
6015 Johnson Drive Mission, Kansas 66202 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm 913-333-0026 12 VintageKC / Fall 2014
rechic@live.com
diy crafts
The trivet and frame projects were easy and inexpensive, and the supplies needed were very minimal. I love the different color variations between the pennies, which give off a unique, vintage feel. Audrey, Oh So Lovely ohsolovelyblog.blogspot.com Tip: If you’d rather have all bright and shiny pennies, try giving them a bath in Coca-Cola!
PARKING LOT SALE! Sept. 21 from 10-5 CRAVE of KC selling tacos, nachos, brownies 11-2
green expressions VINTAGE • RETRO • REPURPOSED Vintage and retro furniture, home decor, neon signs, antiques, collectibles, vintage toys, an awesome selection of classic vinyl, and lots more!
Tues-Sat 10-6 • Sun-Mon 12-5 203 W. Dennis Avenue, Olathe, KS 913-780-4180
30,000 SQ. FT.
115 W. 5th St. KCMO 64105 816-221-0220 RiverMarketAntiques Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Find your own look by recycling some amazing lifestyles from the past! For information contact: CustomerService@rivermarketantiquemall.com
VintageKC / Fall 2014 13
diy crafts Tip: To achieve a green tint on the pennies, use science! Place some older pennies in a small bowl and add 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let sit for 5-10 minutes. Remove the pennies and place them on a plastic plate to dry. After 2 hours you should see signs of the color turning. Let them dry overnight.
Pennies can make beautiful and sentimental art projects. My 4-year-old son loves science, so the salt and vinegar penny experiement, which turned them green, was really fun for him! And I loved the color. The ombre effect in a painted frame is perfect in his room. I also wanted to mark some significant milestones in our history as a family, so I found pennies from the years my husband and I were born, when we went on our first date, when we were married, when we bought our first house, and when our son was born. If you can find the right pennies, making a family tree with everyone’s birth year would also be fun! Erin, editor VintageKC Magazine
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diy crafts splurge at $7
I’ve had a clear vase for a few years that seemed too modern for my loft, and slightly out of place. So it was finally time to do a little vase face lift. My space has many metal touches, and the color of the large metal band around one of my columns was very reminiscent of a penny. If the vase was going to find a home next to that column, it definitely needed pennies. I gathered every penny I had, and picked some up from several family change jars. A few sticks of hot glue, and 700 pennies later, I have a piece that I now love. Calli, fashion director VintageKC Magazine
Help us out!
Are you crafty and have a store or blog? We’d love to see if you’ve got what it takes to be on our panel of creative experts. Do you have a craft idea you’d like to see our locals tackle? Are you just the chatty type? However you roll, drop us a line at erin@vintagekcmag.com.
15,000 Sq. Ft. • 125 Vendors
Shawnee Antique Mall 7410 Nieman, Shawnee, KS Mon-Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-6 913-499-7688
This is SAM
This is Teeker
Follow SAM and Teeker’s adventures on Facebook
VintageKC / Fall 2014 15
vintage spaces
Timeless Elegance Peaceful and ordered, the Tao residence in Shawnee is simply beautiful. Words Heather Scanlon Photos William and Jill DiMartino
A
h, serenity. The Tao home evokes and embodies the word in every facet. Its décor — each and every piece and use of color — has been lovingly and thoughtfully planned and utilized. Margaret (or, interchangeably, The Collector) has assembled her choice vintage items on a neutral, modern backdrop, and the effect is strikingly beautiful. Margaret, her husband Tony, and their daughter Rachel enjoy the peace the home inspires.
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Margaret Tao’s formal living room, aka “The Green Room” is the epitome of style and sophistication.
VintageKC / Fall 2014 17
vintage spaces
This page The Green Room features beautiful handpicked pieces in wonderfully natural furniture. Opposite page The dining room bids a grand, refined entrance off the foyer.
The family moved to the house 10 years ago; Margaret specifically choose the Shawnee space for its plush, off-white carpeting and creamy walls — an unbiased framework awaiting her decorative touch. The neutrality emphasizes the subtle gilt, green and blue that Margaret so dearly appreciates. Entering the Tao’s carefully crafted home, one is immediately enveloped in its calm. An old dress form stands sentinel in the foyer, adorned with a vintage rosary. To the left, a glint dances from the formal dining room, where Margaret’s great-grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary set is displayed — the brightest of gold in the plates, cups, and candlesticks is only eclipsed by the stunning gilded coffee urn and accompanying cream and sugar bowls — also part of the anniversary set, dating from 1958. Old napkin rings are another of The Collector’s passions; they are impressively presented in her beautifully aged pine china cabinet along with a row of French canisters, gifted by her uncle who resides in France (a few Eiffel tower representations can also be found throughout the house). There are also several white ironstone and McCoy or “McCoy-esque” pieces, and ceramic art circa late 19th century) — which, yes, she also collects. Another love of Margaret’s? Her many alabaster works, a few of which make an appearance in the dining room, such as a remarkable
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large pedestal. This piece bears a salesman sample dress form, of which Margaret owns several, again, festooned with a rosary. (Vintage dress forms come in variations: the salesman sample, in miniature, so that salesmen could travel easily with them in tow, and life-size, some with collapsible shoulders. The Tao home boasts multiple examples of each.) Directly across from the dining room, Tony is comfortably ensconced in his office (and when asked, declared his favorite room in the house). He’s graciously allowed a few dashes of Margaret in the otherwise modern space — her father’s old Missouri Report law volumes line the bookshelves, some dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Nearby is a row of tiny books: one of old poetry, one having been published in 1807! On to the living room — aka, The Green Room. Just past the foyer, the area is laden in golden and soft, soothing green. The couches and chair are upholstered in gold, and 12 gilt frames line the large back wall in aesthetic symmetry. Each frame is occupied by a species of beautiful green fern — repurposed pages from old books with each plant’s native country handwritten in pencil. Ornate sconces (which are carefully placed throughout the house as well) complement the art, next to an immense pine wardrobe. Originally purchased years ago when Margaret had little storage space, the armoire claims its rightful throne in The Green Room. A double-sided fireplace, which dually serves the kitchen/hearth area, draws the eye to the corner opposite the wardrobe, touting more alabaster
vintage crafts
VintageKC / Fall 2014 19
vintage spaces
Simply elegant white McCoyesque pieces peek through the pine hutch. The dining room hosts Margaret’s great-grandparents’ golden set of china from their 50th wedding anniversary and canisters from her uncle in France. Below, one of the many busts in the home is decorated with a necklace on the mantel.
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vintage spaces The Blue Room showcases cozy seating and missionstyle furniture in the eating nook. Accents of blue follow from the plates to vintage cards, on shelves and in cases.
VintageKC / Fall 2014 21
vintage spaces pieces and golden-framed old family photographs, a McCoy, and a bust. Every single dress form and bust wears an embellished rosary or old necklace for thoughtful additional display. Also, side note: yep, she collects busts, and religious pieces as well. And mirrors. Very large ones, mostly gold, all lavishly detailed. And botanical art and rose paintings. Hatboxes. Hats. Old photographs (like the one of her great-great-great grandfather, in a large gold frame, passed down through several generations). Antique apothecary bottles (“they each have a story to tell”). The Tao home is akin to a small museum with its vast assemblage of compelling artifacts. An intriguing feature of Margaret’s most beloved vintage: Much of it is utilized for purposes unconventional to their intended use. Some of the alabaster and trophy collection function as pencil holders. The pine armoire is home to her gift-wrapping supplies. Busts and dress forms exhibit the rosarys. Practicality is something Margaret seeks in her finds, complementing the splendor and peacefulness. The home is chock full of her signature ability to find unique uses for antique objects. The Blue Room beyond the double fireplace contains the hearth area and kitchen, and is Margaret’s favorite room in the house. Here she displays a fan of old-fashioned postcards above the fireplace. She switches them out through the seasons, as her vintage collection contains many holiday themes. Oh, the calm induced by the hue throughout this space! Windowed cabinets flaunt additional appreciations of The Collector — miniature oil lamps (her grandmother’s) and blue and white transferware. The flowery china also sets the dining table in the breakfast nook. The cozy couch and chair carry on the soothing blue, as do subtle touches here and there. The eclectic mix of a modern kitchen and antique furnishings results in oozing originality. And you betcha – the bust residing on the hearth wears an embellished, brilliant blue rosary. The unique Tao atmosphere descends to the basement as well. Tony designed the previously unfinished area, continuing the tranquil
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The soft and inviting master bedroom shows love to special momentos and vintage/antique treasures. Mission-style furniture anchors the space without being too heavy within the neutral palette.
vintage spaces At far left, a dresser in the master bedroom is flanked by botanical prints. At left, areas of the customdesigned basement have a more gothic feel, but carry Margaret’s love of religious artifacts, apothecary bottles and sculptures.
backdrop and open floor plan. A chipping Greek goddess painting and a cluster of trophies (Margaret’s grandmother was an accomplished golfer, not to mention a talented seamstress and needle-pointer as well!) are found among more McCoy and ironstone pieces and a dress form stamped with “Wolf Co. New York 1951.” Margaret strives for a peaceful environment, which excells in her home. Her inspiration lies in fluidity, sensibility and subtlety — and the aura you encounter inside the Tao home certainly reflects this. Serenity, indeed.
Heather Scanlon is a graduate of the University of Kansas in history and public policy. She is a freelance writer and editor now residing in Merriam, KS. Between her various odd jobs and spending time with her hubs and darling 1-year-old, Heather nurses severe addictions to strong coffee, genealogy, and The New York Times crossword puzzle.
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Sentimental
Journey
AnTIQue MALL
14,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles
Fall in Lo ve!
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Monday-Saturday 10-6 • Sunday 12-5 913-768-8088 • 907 S. Chestnut, Olathe
VintageKC / Fall 2014 23
vintage spaces
Your Best Friend’s House Picking one “style” is overrated. Buy what you like and make it work, just like James and his Hospital Hill home. Words Kim Antisdel Photos William and Jill DiMartino
J
ames Pennington is the friend you thank your lucky stars for. And if you don’t have him, you hope for one just like him. A graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, James is a photographer and all around artistic soul, using his unique taste and off-kilter creativity to transform any space into a cozy retreat you’ll adore forever ... or until he decides to change it. “I like literally everything,” James said with a grin. “I just love stuff so much. Generally I gravitate toward pieces that reflect my music taste, so pieces from the ‘20s, ‘40s and ‘70s always stand out to me. But really? I love it all.” For someone who loves stuff, this Omaha transfer has found a way to organize his wares to appear seamless, neat and intentional in his quaint two-bedroom apartment. Just adjacent to Hospital Hill and once serving as a lodge for nurses during WWII, the 12-unit building is a hot ticket item in the city. Many of the residents have lived there for a decade or longer, making the apartment a tight-knit community of friends. Thanks to a lucky dinner party, James landed one of the coveted units just one year ago. “I happened to be visiting one of my friends here in the building, and I overheard one of the units was open. I jumped on it fast,” James said. “I love everything about this building. The location, the structure, the vibe. All of it.” Frankly, this isn’t the first time James has used his friends to get something he covets, either. Every good picker has a trick or two, and for James, friends are the ultimate untapped resource. Specifically in his case, friends with superb taste and an inclination to redecorate. For James, it’s all about laying the groundwork early. As he visits friends’ and family’s homes, he keeps his eyes keenly peeled. “If I see a piece I love, I immediately claim it,” James said. “I make them promise to let me have it or buy it if they ever consider replacing it. It could be three days down the road or years, but eventually, I usually get what I’m hoping for.”
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This page James Pennington’s living room features furniture pulled away from the walls and bright pops of color. Opposite page The fireplace, located just behind the couch has an entirely different feel, yet it all flows with James’ fun style.
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vintage spaces
James’ Design Tips Paint the town white “Painting my walls white was the best thing I ever did. It just sets off all the colors in the art and the furniture.” Gender bender “I love to cut things with a little masculinity. I have flower pillows in my living room, and then this huge piece of deer art on my living room table. It all balances out.” Picture this “If you have to look up at a picture or piece of art, it’s too high. Lower the frame down a few inches and it will change everything.” Fear not “Don’t be afraid to pull furniture off the walls! You’ll be amazed how much bigger your space feels.”
This page The living room opens into the master bedroom. Vintage suitcases top the armoire for multilevel decorating opportunities. Opposite page The dining room leads to the kitchen and bathroom at the back of the apartment. A small hallway separates the bedroom, guest bedroom and kitchen. Baskets are hung sideways on a wall in the hallway.
Stop seeking and ye shall find “I looked for a coffee table forever and couldn’t find the right one. I finally quit looking and almost immediately found the mid-century modern table I now have. I sure hope that’s how love works, too.” Stop and smell the roses “Always put some real flowers in your space. Fake is okay, but real makes all the difference.”
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His direct approach has paid off in spades. Numerous pieces throughout the apartment are castoffs from friends and family. The luxurious, wooden sleigh bed in the master bedroom is a perfect case in point. A good friend used the bed throughout college, and James not-so-discreetly expressed his desire to make it a part of his own collection one day. Many times he remembers saying, “If you ever get rid of this bed, I
want it.” Sure enough, the day his friend moved to Seattle, the bed was walked over to James’ house. Though he acquires many pieces from friends and the occasional estate sale, James is also careful to remember his past through his furnishings. The liquor cabinet in the dining room was part of his childhood, first owned by his parents, then passed down to him.
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vintage spaces
This page Collectibles adorn shelves in the master bedroom (top), which features a beautiful sleigh bed and antique dresser. The guest bedroom (right) is full of color and vintage charm. The desk is a countertop remnant on sawhorses. Opposite page Add unexpected design elements, like headphones on a bust.
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“I distinctly remember taking the back off of that booze cabinet and stealing liquor out of it as a teenager, so it’s fun to see it here in my own apartment now,” James said. “Although I can actually get in through the front now.” One detail that stands out amid James’ apartment is the surprising lack of consistency. Where one designer might choose a design theme and stick with it, James won’t be bothered with such limitations. For example, James’ fireplace wall is outfitted with distinctive Asian finesse, including a chair sharply upholstered in a deep red and black pattern. Meanwhile, less than 10 feet away, two mid-century modern chairs with sleek lines sit in sophisticated grace, as though they have zero intention of ever leaving. Mid century juxtaposed with Asian influence? It’s hardly typical—which is exactly how James likes it. “I’m stealing it from Tim Gunn, but I truly live by the idea of ‘make it work’.” James said. “I know it’s cliché, but it has absolutely changed my life. If I love it, I’m going to buy it and find a way to make it work for me, even if it seems to break the rules.” Speaking of breaking rules, James also doesn’t believe in stowing pieces in closets, waiting for the perfect opportunity to place them in the right spot. For him, there is no better time and better spot than right now. “I can’t store things, and I don’t want other people to feel like they have to, either.” James said. “You bought what you bought for a reason, so what good is it going to do you packed away? My apartment looks like a show apartment because I want to show all of my amazing things! My apartment looks staged because it is staged. It’s just how I live.” James and his always-staged apartment approach have garnered quite a lot of positive attention from his friends and family. As one would guess, as visitors filter through the space, it’s not unusual for James to be asked, “So ... can you help me with my place?” “I’ve started doing some freelancing on the side for people, just staging their homes with things they already have,” he said with a grin. “I tell them to get out everything they have and I come over at night and work. I move things around, then I move them again. Half the time they barely recognize their space after I’ve worked on it because they didn’t realize what they had!” There is no putting on airs or pretension in James’ apartment. In fact, it’s a breath of fresh air to be in a space that feels light, open and accepting of all things, at all times. There are no rules and no restrictions. And somehow, it all works.
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Kim is a writer, interior designer and sales rep. She is also a complete klutz that can crank out a killer cartwheel on demand. Her favorite place to write is curled up on the couch, with her two dogs and two cats fighting for a spot on her lap.
Designing with Deb
Double-Duty Decorating
B
oth of the homes in this issue get something right, and it’s called double-duty decorating. Think about the following items: Scarves Suitcases Books Comic books Action figures Herbs Fruits and vegetables Jewelry Shoes Pretty vintage brush and comb set That awesome pair of cowboy boots Grandma’s platters or trays Hats Hair combs Decorative hangers Vintage clothing These are all items we have in our homes. Whether your budget is tight, you’re short on space, or you just want to step outside the box, these items can serve two purposes: their original intent and as décor! All of the ideas above can bring color, shape, texture, humor, or sentiment into your environment. Remember, you are only limited by your imagination. Perk up a kitchen or dining room with potted herbs – you get to enjoy them on your table and on your plate. Fruits and vegetables make gorgeous centerpieces. Add a chair rail to a dining room wall about four feet off the floor. It’s the perfect place to lean your grandma’s platter you’ve been wondering what to do with. That same chair rail in a bedroom could be the perfect place to store and display your favorite heels. Need a doorstop? That’s the perfect spot for your favorite pair of cowboy boots. A sculpture is the ultimate spot to display some of your favorite jewelry (or headphones on a bust). That luxurious outfit or vintage jacket you just scooped up would be amazing draped over a seamstress’ form, or hung over a door on a decorative hanger. Not only do you get to wear them, but you and others get to enjoy them the rest of the time. No bookshelf is complete without books ... comic books ... maybe even a Wonder Woman action figure! You get the idea. Have some fun and enjoy your awesome stuff—all the time!
Deb V ogler
-Deb
Deb Vogler has been creating her own brand of Comfort by Design for more than 15 years. She deals with all aspects of design, from budgeting, to floor plans (renovation or new construction), to furniture, to color at her full-scale design firm. Have a designing question for Deb? Send it to erin@vintagekcmag.com.
VintageKC / Fall 2014 29
vintage events
Simple Rustic Elegance Country meets fancy as one couple weds among the beautiful views of the Weston Red Barn Farm.
I
Words Erin Shipps | Photos Freeland Photography
t was, perhaps, an unlikely romance: When Kelly Bower and Michael McGrade met through mutual friends, she lived in Manhattan Beach, CA, and he in Kansas City, MO. “About a year after we met, he flew to Los Angeles for the KU/ UCLA game and we met for a drink. I had just broken my shoulder in an unfortunate dancing incident and spent several weeks that holiday season at home in Kansas City healing,” Kelly said. She flew in on a Wednesday, and Michael took her on a date the very next day. They spent the holidays together, which led to six months of long distance dating, until last year when Kelly returned to Kansas City and the couple moved into a loft together. Some things, like love, are not deterred by a mere 1,300 miles. The event When Kelly and Michael began planning their wedding, their search for a location that was a bit different led them to The Weston Red Barn
Photos Wheat Photography Hair Amy K. Kincaid Styling Anna Sabatini Models Elizabeth Bittiker, Voices&; Jacob Redlingshafer, Manifest Talent
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Farm in Weston, MO. The beautiful views and rustic barn won them over. But this wouldn’t be simply a rustic country wedding. The event was formal, classic and elegant. “I loved the juxtaposition of a rustic setting with black-tie attire,” Kelly said. “It really felt true to who we are.” After visiting the barn, Kelly knew it had to be black-tie optional and that the décor had to go along with the attire. She loved the simplicity of all white linens, white candles and white flowers. The barn and the views were stunning on their own; she didn’t want to over complicate things. “It sounds a bit silly, but I just picked things (dresses, flowers, décor) that I thought were lovely and pretty and fun,” Kelly said. “Black, white and gray seemed like a nice way to add some formality to a rustic setting.” On their wedding day, the past was just as important as the future for Michael and Kelly. The black-tie optional occasion was sprinkled with vintage silver trays and serving pieces that Kelly’s mom spent the better
vintage escapes
Opposite page Locally sourced fruit crates and an old door serve as a display for silver and bouquets. This page Kelly and Michael McGrade on their wedding day at the Weston Red Barn Farm. The barn fills with guests (below).
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vintage events
This page Little ceramic pigs acted as card holders. Rustic charm accents the reception hall. Opposite page The barn at the Weston Red Barn Farm transforms into an elegant backdrop for dinner.
part of six months scouring estate sales for. In fact, the majority of items used in the wedding came from her mom’s estate sale shopping. But family heirlooms were also a significant part of the day. “My uncle Tim wore my grandfather’s tuxedo and cousin Kit wore one of Michael’s grandmother’s dresses. It was very special. Everyone we loved was there in one way or another,” Kelly said. Eats For a couple who loves to cook and eat, meal time was a big part of the weekend. Their favorite chef, Alex Pope with the Local Pig, catered the event. Kelly had a menu stamp made from an Etsy shop and ordered white porcelain pig card holders to hold them. They served a plated salad and then family style on the silver serving pieces for the main course. The couple adores Café Europa and selected their lemon cake for the event. A private rehearsal dinner was held at Port Fonda in Westport (Patrick Ryan is actually tied with Alex for the couple’s favorite KC chef), followed by a wine tasting at the Cellar Rat in the Crossroads District. Kelly and Michael were married on a Friday, so on Saturday they hosted a low country boil at their loft, catered by Alex. Their dear friends, who happen to live below them, also opened their loft and they had about 100 guests roaming between the two lofts. “It was really great to be able to Andrea K. Grist Floral Designs spend time with our out of town andreakgristfloralart.com friends and family the day after the wedding,” Kelly said. Café Europa It’s no wonder that the allure of cafeeuropakc.com the country setting at The Weston Elegant Design Events Red Barn Farm — which harkens elegantdesignevents.com back to a time when people gathered on porches, sipped tea, and simply Freeland Photography enjoyed each other’s company — freelandphotography.com appealed so much to Kelly and The Gown Gallery (dress) Michael. From opening their loft, to indulging in delicious food with J Crew (tux) close friends and family, to showcasing vintage heirlooms as part of The Local Pig thelocalpig.com their big day, celebrating life and love in this simply elegant way is just Port Fonda a part of who they are. portfondakc.com Special thanks to Andrea K Grist for coordinating this article. Weston Red Barn Farm westonredbarnfarm.com To find estate sales in your area, check out estatesales.net.
Resources
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vintage escapes
VintageKC / Fall 2014 33
vintage fashion
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vintage fashion
How Music Inspired Fashion
Music has always been a constant, driving force of culture and style. Here are some of our favorite ways music has shaped fashion.
On Crystle: Hat and shirt, Arizona Trading Company; pants Vintage Vogue; shoes, model’s closet; jewelry, editor’s closet.
H
On Glynne: Hat, Arizona Trading Company; jacket, Re-Runs; jeans, model’s closet; shoes, Off Broadway; chain, editor’s closet; boombox courtesy Erin Daughtry, River Market Antiques.
ip hop style in the Eighties was fun. It is one style that never really died. It simply evolved. The movement was influenced by street style in major cities, its primary focus being labels and the perception of wealth. Unlike other eras of fashion, which fought against mainstream and manufactured duds, hip hop fashion embraced the idea and major brands like Kangol, Adidas, and Pro-Keds thrived. Brightly colored name-brand track suits, large glasses, fat laces, nameplates, big gold chains, blousy pants, baseball caps and multiple rings defined this style. Isaac Mizrahi even showed a line based on the gold chain his elevator operator wore. It’s LL Cool J, it’s flygirl, it’s boombox thumping on your shoulder on the streetcorner. Photos Tiffany N. Cody, Smash Glam; Assistant Photographer, D’Karia Bascom, Smash Glam Hair Ashley Marie Hazelwood, Rosemary Garcia Makeup Aisha Simon and Shelice Sheppard, Smash Glam; Assistant Makeup Artist Le’Christal Thomas Models Glynne Taylor, Patrick Quinn, Manifest Talent; Crystle Lampitt, Johanna Brooks, Amber Ross, Logan Nichols, Voices& Concept and Styling Calli Green
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vintage fashion
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On Logan: Shirt, tie, pants, Vintage Vogue; shoes, editor’s closet.
Fashion in the Sixties was arguably the most “cool” in all of history. Fighting against the traditional, conservative 1950s, Mod fashion grew out of the British youth subculture, which loved modern jazz, clubbing, record shopping and scooter rallies. The movement featured tailor-made or self-tailored suits, mini skirts, gaudy jewelry, wide belts, skinny pants, boots and vests. It was cool, neat, sharp, hip and smart — and they knew it. As soon as the style became commercialized, artificial and stylized, it quickly went into decline, leading into the wild and psychadelic years of the late Sixties. On Johanna: Dress, Vintage Vogue; shoes, necklace, editor’s closet; earrings, Vintage Vogue
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vintage fashion
Dress, Brown Button Estate Sale. Jewelry, editor’s closet.
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38 VintageKC / Fall 2014
vintage fashion
On Patrick: Shirts, Arizona Trading Company; jeans, Vintage Vogue; boots, model’s closet.
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1
In 1990, Kurt Cobain stepped onto a stage in a floral dress and fashion was never the same. Some say grunge fashion grew out of necessity in the Northwest: Doc Marten boots kept feet dry in rainy weather and versatile flannel shirts kept people warm. It was a style accessible to everyone. After all, flannel shirts went for $.50 at the thrift store. But calling grunge a style is the antithesis of the movement, bent on showing the world that it cared not. It was slept-in, picked up off the floor, rumpled, mismatched and oversized. It hid awkward adolescent phases and embraced androgeny. The movement even hit the runway in 1992 when Marc Jacobs presented a line for Perry Ellis featuring layered plaids, beanies and cashmere thermals. The line was never produced and grunge never really took off, because no one would pay $400 for a dress like Kurt’s.
On Amber: Shirts, Arizona Trading Company; jeans and jewelry, editor’s closet; boots, model’s closet
VintageKC / Fall 2014 39
diy crafts
Record Books
We love music; therefore, we love this DIY project from Homemade Ginger! Words Megan Kapple
L
ast summer my friend Donna got married and asked me to make her guest books. She wanted them made out of vinyl records. It took me a bit of research (and trial and error), but I ended up making two of these books and they turned out pretty sweet.
1. Measure an 8.25” x 8.25” square with a pencil on two vinyl records. 2. Using a heat knife, carefully cut out the square. 3. Break off the edges of the record. 4. Measure and mark eight evenly spaced holes, about 1/4” from the edge of both records.
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diy crafts
5. Sand the edges of the records with fine grit sandpaper. 6. Using a very small drill bit, drill all of the holes. 7. Cut heavy paper (I used paper from a sketch book) to approximately 8” × 16.” 8. Divide the paper into even stacks, or signatures (I put six pieces of paper in each stack) and fold them together. 9. Line your record up to mark eight spots aligned with the holes in the record cover.
10. Use an awl to punch holes in each of the eight marks in each signature. 11. Using waxed thread, bind the book together using the coptic stitch method. A full video tutorial can be found here: youtube.com/watch?v=ue52htX3j0k 12. Trim and tie off any loose threads. 13. Erase any marks on the pages. 14. Wipe off the covers with a damp cloth. 15. Admire your amazing handmade vinyl record book!
For Megan’s full video tutorial on making this book, go to youtu.be/kkIcigaJW6g.
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Megan lives in Kansas City, MO, with her husband and three daughters. She spends her days dreaming up projects, scouting out thrift stores, sewing and cooking. Read her blog at homemadeginger.com.
Comfort By Design by Deb Vogler, Interior Designer
ElEVatE your housE to a homE 14111 W. 95th st., lenexa, Ks debvogler@msn.com 913-522-2860
VintageKC / Fall 2014 41
vintage recipes
Pie Season
We crashed The Upper Crust in Overland Park for your holiday dessert inspiration!
P
ie is one of those things that takes time and skill. For such a simple concept, one step in the wrong direction can ruin the whole thing. If you think making one or two pies around Thanksgiving is hard work, try 400-500 a week like The Upper Crust produces in the fall (plus custom orders!). With locations in downtown Overland Park and Westport (at Pryde’s), the bakery, owned by sisters Jan Knobel and Elaine Van Buskirk, began selling pies 10 years ago. The sisters grew up in central Kansas — their mother and grandmother serious pie bakers — and some of their pies are family recipes passed down for generations (like the apple pie on the next page). For Elaine and Jan, an occasion without pie would be abnormal, and after tasting their simple Hot Oatmeal Pie (a recipe a friend brought from Nebraska), we’re just fine with that assessment of normal. Bring on the holidays!
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vintage recipes
The Upper Crust Apple Pie servings Approx. 8
Hot Oatmeal Pie servings Approx. 8
Ingredients Pastry for single-crusted pie 1 /2 c. butter 3 /4 c. granulated sugar 3 /4 c. brown sugar 1-1/2 c. uncooked oats 3 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. cinnamon
Directions Mix all ingredients together and pour into an unbaked, crimped pastry-lined pie pan. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm and top with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients Pastry for double-crust pie 4-5 apples (preferably Jonathon); peeled, cored and sliced 1 /4 in. thick. 1 c. granulated sugar 1 /4 c. flour 1 /4 tsp. nutmeg 1 /8 tsp. salt 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 tbs. butter, cubed egg wash and sugar
Directions In a bowl, combine sugar, flour, nutmeg and salt. Add apples; toss to coat. Transfer apple mixture to a pastry-lined pie pan. Sprinkle lemon juice over apples, and top with cubed butter. Cover with top crust, then seal the edge, trim and crimp. Cut steam vents in top of pie. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour until golden brown and center filling is bubbly and thickened.
Rndas foristheedWondinerfullCy Spooiltted oHonme Fi
200 N. Madison (58 Hwy), Raymore, MO 816-318-9009 Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.raisedincotton.biz
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dustins’ diy Turn this
Makeovers
Fireplace
Like it or not, winter is coming. It’s time to make your fireplace a little more cozy to be around.
O
By Dustin Bates
ther than providing heat, a fireplace is meant to act as the centerpiece for the room it is in. Having an old, outdated look to yours may be the reason you can’t quite capture the feel of the room you are going for. For our purposes, I’ll be talking about updating an all-brick fireplace, since that’s what you see a lot of the time in vintage homes. Don’t be scared of taking on a project like this. Sometimes “DIY” can simply mean Design It Yourself, while you hire a professional to take care of what you don’t feel comfortable with. Any builder will tell you that starting with a clean slate is the best way to begin a project. In our instance, with a brick fireplace, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to rip all the brick off the wall (which is a huge pain). If the structure is sound, simply anchoring 3/4” plywood onto the brick with the proper screws/bolts and glue can give you a
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fresh canvas without all the mess and hassle. (Just make sure you are anchored appropriately to support the weight of the new materials. Use a lag bolt or screw the plywood to a stud behind the brick, if possible. Or, you can anchor bolt it into the mortar between bricks.) From there, the possibilities of your design are endless. When it comes to the design itself, you just need to ask yourself what you are trying to get out of your new fireplace. For example, one couple came to me with a few simple requests for their update: They wanted a place for pictures, an actual mantel for their son’s Christmas stocking and some of the old brick exposed so they didn’t lose all of the vintage look. With that in mind, I was able to simply cover the desired areas with plywood, as I mentioned earlier, and then just started crossing
Into this
dustins’ diy
Or even this!
distressed it before I did the finishing process. Another good fit here would have been to use and old railroad tie, which is a great look some people may never think of. Like I said earlier, the possibilities are endless when it comes to the design of a fireplace. Just by covering the exposed brick in my first example with tile it would give you a completely different, more modern feel. So, when it comes to updating your old fireplace don’t be scared to think outside the box by combining different materials and design methods. And most importantly have fun!
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off their list. I built simple shelves on both sides of the fireplace and then connected the whole structure with a mantel that tied it all together (see the illustration above). You can get as fancy as you’d like with all the small details.
Another couple came to me requesting a more rustic approach. They wanted all the brick covered with stone. As for the mantel, they wanted a simple block of wood that had an old “weathered” look. In this case, I made the mantel out of new material and
Dustin started Varsity Construction after graduating college in 2005. He builds new construction and remodels homes. He also builds small furniture pieces in his spare time. If you have a DIY construction project you’d like him to discuss, send it to erin@vintagekcmag.com.
One block west Antiques & Collectibles 20 S. Gold St., Paola, KS Open M-F 10-6 & Sat 10-5 oneblockwestantiques.com dconeblockwest@gmail.com 913-294-8499
913-209-9479 6009 Johnson Dr. Mission, KS vintagemissionkc.com
VintageKC / Fall 2014 45
vintage memories
Home
Sweet Home A few memories from more than 60 years in one house By Kirsten Hudson
E
llen Green grew up in a 1940s bungalow-style house in Lawrence, KS, where she still lives today. Over the years the house has witnessed a lot of memories. Like the winter nights when Ellen would set up a card table over the heating vent in the dining room, cover it with blankets and make a cozy fort. Or the time she brought so many cats home that there were more than 30 living in the house. Or the time her dad was teaching her how to drive and she accidentally reversed into their other car and wrecked both Lincolns. The house was a good place to grow up, she said. “This neighborhood used to be full of children. We were always outside playing until it got dark and we had to be called in.” Ellen remembers playing hide-and-go-seek, red light green light, and tag for hours with the other neighborhood kids. And when they got hungry they’d go to a friend’s house down the street and make Miracle Whip and white bread sandwiches. A different era Her parents purchased the home in 1945. With just two bedrooms in the house, Ellen and her two sisters had to squeeze into one tiny room. Outfitted with bunk beds and one twin bed, there wasn’t a lot of space. “And not only that, we also had a chest freezer in our room,” Ellen said. The house may have been small, but the family’s lives weren’t. “Holidays were always
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Ellen Green (seco nd from right) sta nds outside her grandmother, ba childhood home by sister and mo in the 1950s with ther. her
really special,” she said. “My dad worked on commission-only as a pipe organ salesman. If he didn’t sell any pipe organs, there was no money. But they always made sure that we had really nice Christmases.” She still remembers opening wonderful presents, like a Revlon doll. “My parents went without so we could have things,” she said. “If I could redo it, I would have said, ‘No, I don’t want anything.’” Her parents also regularly hosted dinner parties at the house. And while Ellen couldn’t participate, she watched as her mother set up the elaborate table, complete with mini salt and pepper shakers for each guest. “This was in the Fifties and so my mother would be dressed to the nines,” Ellen said. “She wore all these petticoats and she was just beautiful.” The dinner parties would include cocktails with hors d’oeuvres, dinner, and then dessert and after-dinner drinks, like grasshoppers. “And my mother would put these little silver cups with cigarettes on the tables with ash trays and everybody would sit around and smoke at the table,” Ellen said. “It was quite the thing. It was a whole different era. Because when I growing up, everybody was like June Cleaver.” If these walls could talk Ellen experienced lots of happy times in the house, but there were a few sad times too. Her dad died on his birthday in October 1985, while they were waiting at home with a party ready.
About 20 years later, her mom passed away. “When she was alive, we were talking and she said, ‘Do you want this house?’ and I said, ‘I don’t think I can live here without you,’” Ellen said. They decided Ellen would sell the house and split the earnings with her two sisters. “But after she died, I found that I could live here,” Ellen said. “I looked at other houses, but everything I could afford was a duplex and none of them had backyards. And no square footage for what I’ve got here. So I said, ‘Well, I think I’ll put some money into the house and redo it.” Since then she’s worked hard to make the house her own. She started by ripping out the wood paneling in every room and got rid of the orange shag carpet. Today, Ellen has created a relaxing modern-style home with hardwood floors, black and white accents and a few vintage touches, like artwork painted years ago by friends. And she always has some kind of home project in the works. Her favorite part of the house is coming soon: a screened-in porch. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m going to spend my spring and summer and fall nights out there,” she said.
^
Kirsten also always has a home project she’s working on. Check out her vintage decorating ideas and DIY projects on her blog, Red Leaf Style, at redleafstyle.com.
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