Knot-So Nautical Rope Accents

I've been exploring a slew of different materials used about the house these days- one of which can be sourced easily and inexpensively from your local hardware store. I've found that rope, in all it's various colors and incarnations, has added structure and texture, strength and visual interest to both decorative objects and bigger stakes projects in recent months. It's become a favorite of mine and I've taken plenty of inspiration from the ways others have used this very versatile material in design that only hints at seaside nautical or ranch-hand western. 

I love how an everyday object can be transformed into something totally unexpected and in turn, completely transform a space. These woven dividers and backdrops give a modern nod to yesteryear macrame.

If I'm intrigued by it's use in anything, it's definitely in the chunky and masculine weight it gives to overhead lighting. I've long planned to model some permanent fixtures or even temporary party lighting using wood and rope as a foundation. I'm going to bet this happens before the year is up.

We've used it to tie down truckloads and tackle heavyweight projects, so it seems a natural transition for rope to be used in a supporting role for more decorative tasks that require some extra muscle.

But most of all, it's the surprising element of rope used indoors that inspires me. We're used to seeing softer materials used for interiors. I've found though that the scratchy sisal of rope is a good counterbalance to all the smooth and fluff, particularly when used merely as a decorative object in and of itself. 

screening | .01 .02 .03

lighting | .01 .02 .03

support | .01 .02 .03 

works of art | .01 .02 .03

Seeing Things in Black and White

Can I just tell you how long I waited to finally buy this duvet set from West Elm? I waited so long that in fact I did not even buy it...but this lucky girl got her birthday wish hand delivered from the UPS guy this week thanks to some generous and sympathetic family members.

Is there anything better than sliding into crisp clean sheets topped with fluffy pillows and a sweet new duvet...just in time for the weekend? I say not.

And in black and white ikat chevron? Now I know there is nothing better.

I'm telling you, no matter how hard I try to infuse some technicolor into this 1960's house of ours, I always defer back to the old classic black and white. It's been a reliable, comfortable, long term relationship what can I say. I wish I knew how to quit you.

And just to prove I'm on a roll, there is also this impulse purchase that we picked up on an unexpected shopping jaunt last weekend. I absolutely had to have it. Don't ask me where it will end up. I have no idea.

Among the many things I've got planned over the next couple of days is a bit of decorating at the ol' House. I may not be ready for a serious color commitment, but there are certainly more colorful objects I've had my eye on that will help bring in a little more balance and cheer this place up. Here's hoping I'll be brave enough to push out of my comfort zone a bit.

Fiddle Me This

Forget Roses. I'm hoping my Valentine brings me a Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Even a singular tree makes quite a statement. But they effortlessly provide some necessary balance and symmetry when featured in pairs. I've been prone to using succulents around our home. They are easy to maintain with a clean, sculptural quality that I'm drawn to. But there is no denying the powerful punch these babies can bring to a room- and in much the same way.  I love how in the first and last images they almost form a canopy over the seating area. Talk about bringing the outdoors in.

How 'bout you? What types of plants do you prefer in your home?

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Architectural Pottery

I'm dying to own one of these babies.

I know exactly what to plant in it and where I'd put it.

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Hudson's Bay Point Blankets

These cold winter nights have me wanting to cozy up our own little lodge here at Holtwood House. So, it's no wonder my eye has turned back to these woolen Hudson's Bay Point Blankets I've long eyed at my local flea. These durable, long lasting blankets can be found in so many colors, but the most common (and by far my favorite) is the green, red, yellow, indigo combination- sometimes known as "Queen Anne's colors". 

I love that they provide the warmth warranted in winter, but the bright and happy colors can wear happily into the spring and summer months. Their unfussy character also brings a little of the outdoors into the home setting, something I'm consistently working towards here at the ol' homestead.

So we know they are cool looking, but how 'bout a little history? During the 18th and 19th century, these blankets were produced by the Hudson's Bay Company and were used primarily as barter items in the fur trade with First Nations people throughout Canada. They were produced in different sizes and thus held varying value. To avoid having to unfold and measure them, a clever "point system" was developed whereby thin indigo lines were sewn into the side, allowing the traders to easily identify the blanket's grade and size- and consequent value for trade.  They were weaved in England using wool from Britain and New Zealand and then sold by the Hudson's Bay Company in Canada. 

The indigo lines are known as "points". The colorful bands on the blankets are known as "headings". 

Two hundred and fifty years later, they are still so stylish and fresh.  

These blankets have become very collectible. On my latest flea market escapade, I spotted so many color variations of the blanket, in varying levels of condition. Though labels offer some clues, for a novice admirer like myself, it can be tricky these days to understand the true worth of a vintage blanket when bargaining with sellers.  Thankfully, there are some online resources to help break down some of the facts and provide a little direction:

Hudson's Bay Company

Collector and Author Harold Tichner

Though the vintage blankets obviously hold greater collectible value, Hudson's Bay Company also continues to produce new blankets. In the US, they are most readily available through Woolrich and LL Bean.  Previously used versions can also be found on ebay and Etsy.

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Woodpile

The approaching rainy Southern California weekend has me daydreaming about napping in front of the fireplace. Sometimes nothing is better than the couch, a fire and an old movie, no?

We have a gas fireplace ourselves and maybe it's because of this that I used to think everyone kept their firewood piled up out back somewhere. But it seems far more romantic these days to flank your fireplace with beautifully stacked wood that almost becomes part of the mantle itself. 

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