Paint By Number

I love high art but I'm not ashamed to admit that I also enjoy a good paint by number painting. This do-it-yourself concept was invented in 1951 when an artist named Dan Robbins joined with Max Klein, owner of the Palmer Paint Company, to create and sell paint by number kits. Today, searching for vintage paint by numbers can be a fun and affordable way to start a collection and cover a blank wall in your home. They have a great graphic quality and the subjects are endless: portraits, floral still lifes, idyllic landscapes, Da Vinci's The Last Supper...

When grouped together, paint by numbers can look especially great:

Etsy and ebay are great places to hunt for paint by numbers. Just listed in the shop, this quaint snowy village scene reminds me of New England in the winter!

--Images: Country Living (1), Dan Wheeler via Mint Design Blog (2-3), Dan Wheeler via OK Great (4), Estate Eclectic (5-6)

Fall In Love With Orange

Vintage Porcelain Lotus Bowl

Vintage Framed Original Landscape Painting

HAPPY OCTOBER!

--Images: Shelter via Habitually Chic (1), Estate Eclectic (2 + 4), Martha Stewart (3), Traditional Home (5)

Blue & White

Forever my favorite color combination, it's a timeless look that works so many different ways. You can...

Upholster your furniture in blue and white fabric:

Accessorize with classic blue and white ceramics:

Deck your walls (and halls!) in blue and white wallpaper:

Drape your windows in blue and white:

Here are a few of my blue and white favorites, available now in the shop!  

-- Images via Emily A Clark, Ashley Whitaker Design, Country Home Magazine, Domino, Images 5-8: Estate Eclectic

Mad Men Love

I'm not sure what took so long, but after continuously hearing "you'd love it" from friends and family, my husband and I finally started watching Mad Men a few months ago. We began at the beginning, got hooked immediately, and finished the first three seasons in just over a month (thank you, Netflix). Like many others, my love for the show doesn't just have to do with the incredible story line and stellar acting. What I can't get enough of is the set design and style that permeates every single episode. From Betty Draper's 1960's traditional colonial, to Roger Sterling's mid-century modern office, to Anna Draper's California bohemian cottage, to Don Draper's Danish modern office, the sets are amazing. I can only imagine the kind of talent and hard work it takes to make that happen week after week, and high praise goes to Amy Wells, Set Decorator, and Dan Bishop, Designer, for doing just that. To hear from Amy herself, check out the 2009 NPR interview: "A Mad Dash To Decorate Mad Men" and this Q&A (she dishes on the "Rothko" in Bert Cooper's office).

Lately I've come across some things that embody Man Men style. Do you see the porcelain dragon in Betty Draper's newly decorated living room?

I was thrilled to notice it because earlier that day I came across a similar vintage porcelain dragon:

And who can resist the barware featured in every episode (make that every scene!)? These vintage silver rimmed lowball cocktail glasses and these vintage gold rimmed champagne coupes fit the bill:

Last but not least, I immediately thought of the horse head lamp in Don's bachelor pad when I came across this vintage ceramic and brass "hitching post" table lamp:

The final episode of Mad Men's Season 4 will air Sunday, October 17th. Can't wait!

--photo 1: Mad Men screen shot, photos 2-4: copyright Estate Eclectic

Welcome!

Welcome to the Estate Eclectic blog, where I hope to share and showcase the latest and greatest from the shop + an array of interiors that inspire. Great design is all about creating a mix, and pairing chic vintage pieces with modern elements can create a very individual look and make a space uniquely yours. Thanks for visiting, I'd love to hear from you!

-- Image: Kate Spade