Sunday, September 11, 2016

Decorating With French Wine Bottle Drying Racks




No, this blog post is not about medieval torture devices. This blog features a common household item used in almost every French Chateau dating back to the 1800’s that is presently coveted for it's aesthetic appeal in today's French inspired kitchens.

The purpose of the French bottle drying rack was to provide a place for French families to  dry and store empty wine bottles before returning them to the vintner for refills. Because of their spiky appearance the bottle drying rack was nicknamed “hérisson bouteilles”, which means “bottle hedgehogs” in French. They are whimsical yet very functional pieces of French history that will give your kitchen that "vintage industrial meets classic French" look.


There are so many uses for this well loved traditional French kitchen item.


The bottle drying rack is a spiky, metal tower-like contraption, widely used in France to dry used wine bottles, that provides both efficiency and style in the French kitchen. If you are tired of kitchen counter decorations that really serve no purpose then you might want to consider treasure hunting for one of these great drying racks.


If I decide to make the purchase ( they are a bit pricey), I would use the bottle drying rack for drying glasses and cups just because I like to use things for what they were intended and this is how I think the racks are the most beautiful.


That being said, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using these French bottle drying racks in your home.

via Pinterest

Use them for drying cups or use a bottle drying rack simply for displaying a teacup collection.

eloquenceinc.com

The bottle drying rack provides a stylish option for storage or display in a kitchen.


These racks are great statement pieces for the vintage or French style kitchen.

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Pots and pans are stored on the French bottle drying rack in this rustic French farmhouse style kitchen.



Zinc bottle drying racks have an industrial, utilitarian look that is stunning when wedded to a kitchen that has the casual charm and refinement of French design.


If you love Industrial French style, use the white or neutral basics and white cabinets as a backdrop then you can add in industrial accents like these lights, metal seats, and the perfect accent.......a French bottle drying rack.


vintagerosebrocante.tumblr.com

How pretty is this French bottle drying rack turned herb drying rack!


Or turn your drying rack into a makeshift tulipiere.

chateau-chic.blogspot.de


This homeowner has found the perfect place for a Christmas mercury glass ornament collection. I would love this with some bits of greenery and holly.


 Get creative with a french bottle drying rack this Christmas!


And why not use a bottle drying rack in your gardening area. Works really well with other zinc gardening tools........


and is great for storing clay pots!! Using a French bottle drying rack like this gives a charming vintage flair to your outdoor entertaining area.


Creating a captivating piece of art is another lovely idea for your French bottle drying rack.

Image from Southern Style by Mark Mayfield

frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com

If for nothing else buy a French bottle rack for drying your crowns!!


Click here to see the previous post

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2016/09/decorating-with-architectural-salvage.html









This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer

at

Monday, September 5, 2016

Decorating With Architectural Salvage Corbels



Most famous for appearing as gargoyles and other creatures on the side of churches and cathedrals in Paris, corbels can be found on medieval castles as well as modern-day homes. The word "corbel" comes from an old French word meaning crow, referring to the corbel's beaklike shape. The corbel was originally a structural piece built or fixed into the wall to provide the necessary support for architectural elements like beams, arches, or other components. Of course over time human need for artistic expression produced beautifully carved and sculpted corbels. Now practicality of the corbel was no longer a priority being overshadowed by the desire to have magnificent architectural detail.

Decorating with corbels isn't anything new. Their ability to provide both style and function simultaneously has secured them a spot in home design indefinitely. Today’s vast assortment of wood, stone, and composite corbels can be very plain or ornately carved just as they were centuries ago. However, they are almost exclusively used as a decorative element.

I prefer using antique wooden architectural salvage decorative elements to add interest as well as the warmth of authenticity to your home. Wonderful salvaged corbels can be found if you enjoy the treasure hunt.

This blog is designed to bring the corbel to your attention again, get you looking at architectural salvage as a means of adding sophistication to your decor, and hopefully provide some ideas for incorporating some corbels into your interiors.



There are so many different and unique style of architectural salvage corbels..........don't believe I have ever seen the same design twice. 

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Add some grandeur to a plain hallway with a couple of well placed corbels.

A set of stunning antique marble corbels in the iconic acanthus leaf pattern. I have one similar that I use as a door stop. The Acanthus leaf corbel's design derives from a Greek and Roman architectural ornamentation. The Acanthus trees are found in the Greek Isles. Acanthus leaf is used in an ornamental way and inspired the architecture in the past as well as today. 

Incorporating one or two weathered pieces like this door and set of salvaged wooden corbels into a simple vignette will send a message of warmth and coziness.

Emanuela Marchesini

Corbels were integral to the "gingerbread" millwork decorating Victorian-era facades from the second half of the 19th century. 

via Pinterest

Their simplicity and light airy appearance is what we find so appealing. Most corbels have just enough carving to make them charming and not overpowering.


These extra large vintage chippy white corbels are cleverly used to create a unique shelf or fireplace mantle. All types of architectural pieces and parts are being salvaged and appreciated for their beauty and design by collectors and decorators.

via Pinterest

Here the homeowner has either found or created a very unique vintage piece for hanging bath towels using corbels and other pieces of salvage. Owning one of these pieces is like incorporating a little bit of history into your home.


There was time when only those with a passion for restoration would painstakingly weeded through salvage yards and demolition sites hunting for architectural treasures. Now many home owners are using salvage as a way to enhance their new construction projects.


Corbels are a great way to bring style and architectural structure to you kitchen. When securely anchored, corbels can prop up a mantle shelf or brace a countertop.

magdalenbluephotography.com

Strategically placed corbels will add an instant old world feel to a vintage kitchen.


Look for a pair of large salvage corbels and a long board, piece of glass, or marble slab and make an easy console or buffet. Or buy a ready made reproduction from a supplier like Restoration Hardware.

restorationhardware.com

Or use corbels to add character to floating shelves.

 Deja Vu.nl

If you like brocante (French flea market) style, then a salvage corbel or two is a must for your space.


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For a great weekend project try creating a fabulous headboard made from salvage doors, mantles, etc,  embellished with unique corbels of course.

segretosecrets.squarespace.com

Or build a great desk/vanity and use corbels for the finishing classical touch.


I use several corbels in my home. Here some of them run under my mantle appearing to give it, support. This mantle was salvaged from a historic home in central Kentucky. I also use a salvaged corbel as a doorstop.


I like to use them as a shelf for displaying a treasured object like this piece that belonged to my mother.

mrsblandings.blogspot.com

houseandgarden.co.uk


There is not a room in the house that can't benefit from the addition of a corbel used in some interesting way.


Breathe new life into any room with architectural salvage unique decorative elements.

instagram.com

Using architectural salvage remnants like columns, corbels, and stonework is the way to give your home a classical, and historical feel.


Consider a corbel if you have a space in need of embellishment.

littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com


Interior designers are using them as exciting focal points in modern as well as period homes. Styled after the corner brackets found on charming old porches, this corbel has a worn white finish that makes it perfect for a vintage vignette.

stylemepretty.com

Or use one for a vintage inspired architectural feel to your mantle, bookcase, or desk.

fishtailcottage.blogspot.com

Frame some books with a set of salvage corbels like this.


Let your imagination go and visualize how to use these salvaged treasures in your home.

shabbytownusa.com

To find salvaged and second-hand architectural embellishments like these great corbels, check out area salvage providers, yard sales, flea markets and the classified section of local newspapers.

iheartsunnydays.tumblr.com

And who says salvage corbels have to be used in vintage rooms or be chippy white only. Use them in bright colors and make this minor update into a major attraction.

bhg.com

Salvage corbels are a great way to mix antique with modern. They come in a wide variety of styles which makes it easy to express your personality.


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marjennings.com

The beauty and sophistication that these supportive structures add cannot be overlooked for use on the exterior of your homes as well.


With loads of shapes and materials of decorative shelf brackets and rustic corbels available, there is bound to be one that supports your style and needs.


Click here to see the previous post

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2016/08/decorating-with-artichoke-decor.html








This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer
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