Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Reclaiming Beauty~ Using Old Architectural Elements



On a recent trip to one of my favorite antique haunts, I found a treasure trove of old chippy dirty underloved shutters. What a goldmine!





Don't you love the huge visual punch architectural elements makes?




I brought ONE home on Saturday... and went back for it's twin today (the good looking one on the left in the picture above). It will hang on the opposing wall in my kitchen eating area. The new Belgium linen curtains will go up as soon as my contractor is done... in about 4 weeks. I'm also on the lookout for an old bench (sorta frenchy) with a rush seat for under the window.



This is all  part of my kitchen/eating area makeover. While the kitchen is in an upheaval I'll be enjoying the new pretty shutters... chips, dirt,  rust and all! Who knew grunge could be so pleasing?





I just wish these shutters could talk... what a tale they probably could tell!



I am thrilled to be joining my friend Kim at Savy Southern Style for WOW US WEDNESDAY!

I am joining A La Carte for Junkin Finds Friday.

I am joining Laurie at Bargain Hunting With Laurie for A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS.

57 comments:

  1. Divine TheatreMarch 22, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    Wow, Yvonne! I wish I could find something like that near me (that didn't cost more than my car!)
    I cannot WAIT to see the finished room!

    ~Andie

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  2. ℳartina @ Northern NestingMarch 22, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    Hi Yvonne I just love old shutters and you found a beauty!! Looks great on your wall. Martina

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  3. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeMarch 22, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    Great find, the old shutters make such a statement! Can't wait to see your kitchen reveal!

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  4. Teresa@1800 Farmhouse RdMarch 22, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    Oh I love your grungy new decor! How lucky you were to find these.

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  5. La Table De NanaMarch 22, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    LOVE what you are doing~

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  6. UnknownMarch 22, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Oh, such gorgeous old shutters. Beautiful!

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  7. GailMarch 22, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Oh Yvonne, what a great find! I can see now that it will look gorgeous in your kitchen/eating area.

    Enjoy your evening,
    Gail

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  8. Blondie's JournalMarch 22, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    I've always wanted to use old shutters somewhere in my decor and so far, haven't come up with anything. I can't wait to see your finished project!

    XO,
    Jane

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  9. AnonymousMarch 22, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Yvonne,
    The shutters are wonderful! Right now we have a couple of old cabinet doors about that size propped up on each side of a corner of the dining room.
    My dream? Finding a wonderful old corbel to hang and use as a shelf.

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  10. fee @ chipper nellyMarch 22, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    hello Yvonne,
    thanks for visiting me today - always love finding a new blog (like a need some more distraction!!!)
    Great shutters...I often photograph the shutters when on holiday in france - should upload my collection of photos one day (like I need to add to the job list!!!)
    will be back for the reveal...fee x

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  11. Carissa AnneMarch 22, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Grunge... How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. What a selection of old chippy shutters!!!
    I think my heart just fluttered.
    I do wish I knew the stories behind old things... Makes me smile just thinking about it.

    Love Carissa

    Thank you so much for stopping by and your sweet comments about my Anna.

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  12. BonjourRomanceMarch 22, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    BOnjour Yvonne,
    I know what you mean about those old shutters. your head must be spinning with ideas for your new kitchen. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
    Have fun,
    Mimi

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  13. CarolynMarch 22, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    Hi Yvonne,
    I love the shutters -they add so much character!
    I look forward to seeing more.

    Carolyn

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  14. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsMarch 22, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    They're beautiful, Yvonne! What a great addition to your kitchen makeover. I'll bet there are so many uses for them.

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  15. www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.comMarch 22, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Nice find! I can't wait to see the rest of the room. I am sure that it will be fantastic!

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  16. Gabriela Delworth - Instructional DesignerMarch 22, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    Hello Yvonne,

    Love your finds and can't wait to see the final results!



    ~ Gabriela ~

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  17. Frog Hollow Farm GirlMarch 22, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    Hi Yvonne, I love your shutters. They have so much soul, don't you think? They will add so much depth to your new kitchen! Ciao, bella!

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  18. KimMalkMarch 22, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    I love the texture and history old architecture can bring to our new homes. How lucky you were to find these.

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  19. shannon i olsonMarch 22, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    just beautiful, how much fun they will be to decorate with!

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  20. AnonymousMarch 22, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Wow Yvonne I wish I could find some gorgeous shutters like this!! Wow they are so beautiful!

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  21. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMarch 22, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Yvonne, those are great and I can't wait to see your new kitchen.

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  22. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMarch 22, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Yvonne, I have looked everywhere for a pair of similar shutters! Yours are wonderful and I love the color and shabbiness.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  23. ShirleyMarch 22, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    Hi Yvonne, It is amazing how more and more people are going to the vintage look when they remodel. They have even come out with mouldings to look old fashion that you don't have to assemble. All you have to do is put it up. Amazing. I have been watching your remodel even though I haven't left a comment. I am waiting to see the finished result. Take Care. A Missouri Friend.

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  24. SueMarch 22, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    I am looking forward to seeing your completed kitchen Yvonne. Those shutters add just the perfect pop against yours walls, and the patina just can't be duplicated! Hope you will share the "whole" when completed. I know it will be lovely.
    Happy Spring
    Sue

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  25. High Street CottageMarch 22, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    These are just gorgeous Yvonne! The patina is amazing, can't wait to see your Kitchen, and thank you for the comment on my project, it's funny, my brother mentioned he's thrown out so many of those popcorn tins over the years, xoxo tami

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  26. Linda@Coastal CharmMarch 22, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    I'm a huge fan of old shutters too!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  27. ~Lavender Dreamer~March 22, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    The shutters are wonderful...and these elements add so much interest!♥

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  28. HomeroadMarch 22, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Nice! I just found a pair of antique shutters in the garbage! They are so awesome I hung them up around the window in my bedroom! I'll be posting them soon!
    Susan
    homeroad.net

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  29. podsoMarch 22, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Such a nice post, and I wish you well with your new kitchen. I know what you mean about hanging on to the old, but I'm guessing you will REALLY enjoy your new space! May all the "upheaval" go well!

    dotsie

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  30. Honey at 2805March 22, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Love the old shutters and lovely photography!

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  31. KatieMarch 22, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    I can't get over those shutters! What an awesome find! And you didn't even have to paint it or anything! Thanks so much for your sweet comment on my chalkboard calender!! It made me smile!!

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  32. Confessions of a Plate AddictMarch 22, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Fabulous photos...and wonderful old shutters, Yvonne! Can't wait to see the reveal! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

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  33. LindyMarch 22, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    Wonderful old shutter. What a great find!

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  34. Pam KesslerMarch 22, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    Your shutter is wonderful. You must have been in shutter heaven in that store!

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  35. DebbiedoosMarch 22, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    Wonderful! I sure do wish some pieces could talk, boy the stories! Great find here..I have always wanted an old door. No place whatsoever though to put it.

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  36. JemsmomMarch 22, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    I just popped over from KIm's and I love these shutters! I am on the hunt for some myself! Where do you even begin to look for them?

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  37. On Crooked CreekMarch 22, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Yvonne,
    Your shutter, chips, durt and rust are adorable, darling! Oh, I can hardly wait for your new kitchen reveal. Was that a glimpse of new cabinetry I saw on the left of my screen? I'm sure you're ready to be through with all of the ongoing construction, as well. Keep us updated!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  38. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorMarch 22, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    Perfect post for Wow Us Wednesday! I'm sure wowed! (Is that a word?) These are gorgeous! Can't wait to see your kitchen!

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  39. Alison @ The PolohouseMarch 23, 2011 at 12:16 AM

    I want to go shopping with YOU!
    Great stuff!
    Your kitchen will be amazing.
    xx
    A

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  40. Barbara JeanMarch 23, 2011 at 2:27 AM

    Love it all!!

    blessings
    barbara jean

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  41. bjMarch 23, 2011 at 4:32 AM

    Glorious, olden, scrappy shutters can absolutely bring me to my knees.

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  42. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMarch 23, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    And I am thrilled that you joined my party, too!! Love those shutters!

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  43. RenéMarch 23, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    There is something about old shutters that pulls at all of us. I have some too that came off of our house. Trying to decide what to do with them so that they can get the recognition they deserve. I hope you find that bench Yvonne.

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  44. bunny, the paris house designsMarch 23, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Yvonne,
    Your treasures are just that 'treasures' I love old doors and shutters...they can actually make a room a magnificent room! I have 2 old doors in upstate ny in the Lake George region that I bought last year and have yet to pick up..they close for the winer season. I sure hope they are still there this summer so I can bring them back to NJ. Thanks for reminding me with this lovely post of yours!
    Wishing you a glorious day!
    xx
    Bunny

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  45. Miss CharMarch 23, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    I was just looking at some shutters at a Habitat resale shop but I can tell you they did not have anywhere near the character that yours have Yvonne. I can't wait to see the finished kitchen, these are truly a treasure.

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  46. The Charm of HomeMarch 23, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    Those are wonderful Yvonne! How pretty they will be in your home. Love old shutters.
    Sherry

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  47. stefanieMarch 23, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    the chipper the better!!!!

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  48. Linda @ prone to wanderMarch 23, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Can't wait to see how this new look comes together. My kitchen bench is an old Chinese rough hewn one. No wow factor though! Know your kitche will always be a welcoming place for making memories!

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  49. Katherines CornerMarch 23, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    love this post, all things old can be "new" again. Hugs!

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  50. RettabugMarch 23, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Well, I, for one, can't WAIT to see this re-do all done! Its intriguing to try to visualize where you're going with this but I'm sure it will be spectacular.

    I know living through it is hard. DD said she spent a small fortune eating out with her DH & 3 kidlets while her kitchen was being done & that was just for the evening meals!

    Keep posting your progress so we can see it all come together. We get the fun part & no mess to deal with. ;-p

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  51. SavoringTime in the KitchenMarch 23, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    Great find and I love the look!

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  52. nest of posiesMarch 25, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    i love that shabby grunge too!

    what a great find. salvage yards hold whispers of stories from the past & offer fresh tales of new beginnings for the future.

    it looks beautiful...can't wait to see more.

    kellie

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  53. Linda @ A La CarteMarch 25, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    Yvonne pieces like this add such character to a room. I love these shutters and yes I bet they have stories they could tell. Thanks for joining JFF. hugs, Linda

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  54. AshleyMarch 25, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    I love your shutters! I agree, the more chips and rust, the better!

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  55. Bargain Decorating with LaurieMarch 28, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    What a great find Yvonne. I love the large panels on them. I can't wait to see your kitchen finished. It sounds like it's going to be fabulous. Thank you for linking to Favorite Things. laurie

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  56. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageJune 7, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    I love, love, love architectural details, Yvonne. And your shutters were a fabulous find! They provided instant history and unique vintage charm. ;)

    Blessings,
    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  57. Lou Cinda @ Tattered HydrangeasJuly 18, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Oh my......love it!

    Lou Cinda

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