Friday, January 28, 2011

french linen sheets...what to do with them.... and how to keep your whites white

a rumpled stack of antique french linen sheets

Hello Everyone!
I hope you are all having a great week....
I wanted to tell you guys a little bit about how I got started collecting Antique European Linens and different ways to use them in your home....
This might be the longest post I have ever written....
be warned....
I started collecting antique European linens about thirteen years ago....At that time I couldn't afford to buy the sheets, so I started out collecting napkins and hand towels.......
At that time we lived in the Santa Ynez Valley... There was a shop called Persnickity in a nearby town called Los Olivos...
The owner of the shop was the sweetest person and had the most beautiful shop.
She always had antique dressers filled with European Linens.
... This sweet lady is the one who is responsible for helping me start my collection. : )
She actually closed her shop around the same time we moved to northern California...
I really wish I could contact her and thank her!
There are so many ways to use vintage linens in your home....
I wanted to share a few ways I use them in my own home...
Remember I started collecting linens 13 years ago....
It didn't happen over night...

a french oyster crate filled with lavender pillows made from french linens

I love using antique linen to make lavender pillows....
I call them lavender pillows because they really are like a pillow...
I have more lavender pillows then a person could ever imagine.....
These lavender pillows are all made with antique french linens....
except for the pretty pale pink floral printed pillow on the bottom right hand side of the oyster basket.
That print is a Cabbages and Roses Hatley Linen Print...... I just love how that print looks amongst the  antique linens...


My mother covered  this lampshade with a vintage linen hand towel....I think that was about 6 years ago... and it is still white : )
My Aunt Sonya (a.k.a. Aunt Mickey) actually shared a great tutorial on her blog, on how to cover a lampshade.


I think it is the cutest lampshade....


I used an antique linen sheet to reupholster my chair....
I actually wrapped the linen sheet around the chair to hide the hideous upholstery for almost two years before finally finding someone to reupholster it. You can read about my chair makeover here........ 

(I wish I was Marian from Miss Mustard Seed, because if I was, I would have been able to just do it myself, Marian never fails to amaze me : )) 


I am so happy with how it turned out.


Right now I just use a European monogrammed sheet to cover our down comforter.

I like how clean and simple it looks against the rustic doors.


I use European linen sheets to cover my couches...
I can't tell you how much I love these sheets...  They are truly a lifesaver and I think they are a beautiful way to protect your couches...
One of the reasons I use vintage sheets to cover my slipcovers is because I do not have a washer big enough to wash my slipcovers.... It is kind of a hassle and is somewhat expensive to run them down to the laundromat... I only have to wash my slipcovers twice a year.... I however wash my sheets about once a week......  Antique linens that are in good condition are really very durable..... They should last you a lifetime... Their texture gets even better with each washing....

On a side note....
I promise  you can live with white furniture and still have a young family (even a large family) and or pets....
We have a few rules that everyone has to follow in the house to help keep the furniture white....
We do not eat on our furniture and we take our shoes off before entering the house.
That is it.
I am not going to lie, when my white couches first arrived, I left the plastic on for almost a month....
You can imagine what my husband thought....



All of the pillows on my couch are made from antique European linens...
My sister has made most of the pillows in my house...


 As you can see this is a large couch...
It takes three sheets to cover this couch....
Each sheet is a different shade of white...
These do not come off when company comes either...
I think they are a beautiful addition to a white slipcovered couch....


I do not iron the sheets after washing them either... : )
I love that sort of rumpled look.
I think it makes the couches look even more inviting to sit on....


(I love using pretty french fabrics with touches of red in the pattern)
Basically I use vintage linens in every room in our house...

I also wanted to share with you how I keep my linens looking white and smelling fresh....
First of all I have to tell you I never have used Bleach on my linens.....


I only use oxiclean to brighten my whites.... It works really well for me...
It can brighten your whites in just one washing....
If I do get a stain that might need to be removed, I usually just add a little oxiclean to hot water and let the linen soak in the hot water oxiclean mixture for a couple of hours....
I always wash my linens with Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent, and I of course use the lavender scent.  I am a big fan of Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products....
I also love their dish soap, hand soap, and all purpose cleaner....
The lavender scent is my favorite.
I actually discovered their soap after reading an article a couple years ago in the O at Home Magazine...
The story of how the company began is a very inspiring story....

After reading their story.... I went out and bought some of their products...
and I have been hooked ever since the first day of trying their cleaning products.


I actually do not like to use any sort of fabric softeners with my linens either....
I make my own lavender sachets to throw in the dryer with my sheets....
I decided to experiment and try using dried lavender in the dryer with my linens.....as I have an abundance of dried lavender...
I am now hooked on throwing those little sachets in the dryer with my linens.
It includes 6 lavender sachets and a bag filled with 3/4 lb. lavender, made from an antique french and or European linen hand towel, so you can refill your own sachets.
I think it would be a great addition to any laundry room....
I came up with the idea for this particular package because of Rie's laundry room....

 I hope you get a chance to look at Rie's laundry room.....

She really has a special touch she puts on every room.
I am sure it won't be long before we see Rie's  home featured in Country Living.


As you can see I am very passionate about Antique Linens....
I will be sure and show you in the near future what items we made for the shop with these beautiful french linens.
On another note....
I wanted to answer some questions that I get emailed almost daily about The Nate Show ...
I thought it would be easier to answer them in a post, as I have to apologize for not being able to get back to everyone lately....  I am having a very difficult time being able to keep up with my emails, and I am truly sorry for that.
I am trying really hard to get back to each and every one of you, as soon as I can....

First of all I need to apologize for ever telling you guys that you could watch my segment on the
I just assumed it would be put on their website.
My segment unfortunately did not get put on their website....
I then asked if the segment could be uploaded to you tube, and found out,
it cannot be uploaded to you tube due to copyright laws.....
I am really sorry for all the confusion.....
Anyway the entire trip to N.Y.C. was a trip my two daughters, two sisters, and I will never forget.

On a final note...
I would like to thank these wonderful bloggers for posting about my shop this week.... I am so grateful for all of your support.... THANK YOU!
Have a great weekend!
Take Care,
Maria

P.S. The drink I had in my mason jars for my last post....
was pink lemonade.... : ))

117 comments:

The enchanted home said...

Looove these pictures! May I move in? I also love anything with a monogram....very beautiful indeed. I am glad you enjoyed the big apple and hope you didn't get stuck in any one of our many snow storms!

FairfieldHouse said...

Maria,

I could get lost in your home (photos of it) for hours. Each time I visit I find more details I love. The lamp shade is beautiful. So happy you enjoyed my home away from home - Manhattan. (Native NYer) Off to your lovely shop now.

Your Friend,
Deborah

theexperimentalyogi said...

I can't imagine how soft those sheets must be after all this time!

Can't find anything like that here in Australia.

Rhiannan xxx

Unknown said...

Great post! Your house and all the furnishings are to die for! Lovely, fabulous collection of linen.

Great blog, lady!
xxxx

alwaysxbeing.blogspot.com

Between You and Me said...

Loved this post..so helpful!
I'm gonna show it to my husband b/c he thinks we could never buy white sofas while our children are young and at home....
you are proof that we can!

I posted about your shop this week....and so many people commented that they just love you and your shop!

Unknown said...

Your house is so beautiful, is amazing, Thank you very much for the tips and now I know thanks to you that we can have a white sofa.

Rie said...

Awww, what a pleasant surprise that was Maria! Thank you so much for the incredible compliment. :) I love Mrs. Myers lavendar scent too. It honestly makes me SO HAPPY to smell it when I'm doing laundry. I've never tried the lavendar sachet in the dryer thing... I'll have to!

ChiPPy-SHaBBy said...

THaNkS for ALL the GREAT LINKS and as Always ~ your Home/Style is just FaBuLous Maria!!!
Jeanine, ChiPPy!-SHaBBy!

Alyssa said...

Lovelove love this post! Everything you do is so gorgeous! You have totally inspired me!
Love everything you do, you are such a sweet person!

helle said...

I share your love for old linens, I can never pass a beautiful piece whenever I see one and I understand you feel the same about these marvelleous handmade treasures! Thanks for making me feel good!!!

Greetings form Denmark

Helle

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

I love what you have done with your linens...and think it is wonderful that you use them daily. Thanks for all the tips on how you keep your whites white!
Have a great weekend!
:) Laura

traci said...

what an amazing collection. i can feel the softness of the linen. makes me want to come over and curl up on your couch. i just bought that laundry soap. thought i would give it a try. i like their dish and hand soap a lot.

Wilhelmiina said...

So beautiful photos !
Have a great weekend!

Sarah said...

So beautiful! you have such a gorgeous home and I LOVE the way you photograph it...I bought ONE older monogrammed sheet from an antique store quite a few years ago...I don't use it that much, but it is gorgeous!!

PASSIONEDECO FRANCESCA said...

Oh wow!! This is such a wonderful post! The pics, the story...everything!
I'm inspired now! Thank you.
Fra

Blue Ridge Altered Art said...

I always love your post. Like the song playing says "I get lost in a daydream" every time I visit. Beautiful shots and gorgeous linens. I need to make more use of the ones I have collected for more than 20 years!!! ~~Sherry~~

pure Viefalt said...

Dear Maria,

oh, so wunderfull pictures of light- and softness.

The Mirror is amazing!

I've lots of old white linens. My father in law is a big collector of old things. His house could be a every day fleemarket for years.
And often I get linens and fabrics from him. Since I have one little white refugium for me and my husband - my bedroom - I'm using them really as bedclothes.
And I'm celebrating washingday, really, I'm not kidding, I love to wash the old linens and fabrics. My mother always told me, how dificult it was in former times to wash. The wahsingroom was in the cellar, of a fivestoried house, the drying loft was under the roof. No elevator!
After the linen was dryed enough, they sprayed lavender water on it, before ironing.

And so do I: Every saturday! I'm washing my bedclothes, hang them up to dry, spray them with lavender water, iron them und cover my bedstufr again. It's not possible to get a fresher bed, than this.

My other linens sleep in a board, they get fresh air, when ever it is possible.

wow, sorry, thats half a novel now.

yours sincerely
Betty

Rozmeen said...

Hi Sweetie,

Love these pictures. Thanks for the advice how to keep it clean and fresh.
I have replied your email..just now..

Wishing you a lovely day.
Hugs,
Rozmeen

The Flying Bee said...

I love Mrs. Meyer's products...I use them all the time. All of your linens are gorgeous!

Have a wonderful weekend Maria!

xo,
Adrienne

Anonymous said...

Maria! I have lavender sachets that I never knew what to do with! I didn't know that I could use them in the dryer! I'm so excited to hear this! I love this post a lot! Love the touches of red so much! It make me want feel like it's Valentine's day at your house! Just beautiful!!

Amy Chalmers said...

This was as helpful as it was pretty to look at it Maria! Your home is so restful feeling. I love your style~I am considering upholstering an old chair in linen and you helped me make up my mind!

Deb @ Lavender Garden Cottage said...

So pretty! Thanks for the laundering tips too!

Unknown said...

Well it all just gorgeous, and I could look at your photos all day! Love all the linens, I want to acquire a collection like this. Beautiful in every way :)
Blessings
Becky C
Buckets of Burlap

Madame Morell said...

You take my breath away,,,,,,,
Jessika

Unknown said...

You are so inspiring Maria, everything that you do!!! Truly lovely pictures to brighten my day! I need to get some of those dryer sachets :))

Hugs ~

:) T

High Street Cottage said...

Oh Maria, you've touched on a soft spot of mine and it's linens. I have always been drawn to linens in the vintage shops and thrift stores and when I'm there I have to take my time so I don't miss something fantastic. These photos of your home are so gorgeous I have no words. The colors are some of my very favorite and how you've displayed them, just amazing. I am going to have to keep checking your shop, it's like visiting a French Boutique while never leaving my house. xoxo tami

Jane @ Jane's Junk and Treasures said...

Amazing as always!
Thanks for all the tips!
I just got an old lamp with ceramic roses all over it and I was wondering what to do for a lamp shade!
I love your sofa!!!
I love your chair!!
I love your house!
I love your linen!
I love you.....too far.....sorry! :)

Liz Bradley said...

Oh, your home makes my heart swoon!
Liz
http://mylovelylittlelulu.blogspot.com/

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Dear Maria,
You are so sweet! You have so much going on in your life, but you take the time to answer all sorts of blogland questions and give us wonderful information. I've been reading your blog since last spring, and have enjoyed it so much. Congrats on all you've accomplished recently and THANK YOU for the inspiration & tips.
- Susan

Shannon said...

Beautiful pictures and love your home! Can't wait to see what you make with those linens!

Aimee @ The Antique Gardener said...

Hey there! This post was a great way to 'come clean' about using oxiclean - I have been scrubbing a stain with my diluted asprin for weeks now and it's still there!!! LOL. Sorry! I'm bad. Love this post - your house is so beautiful! Hope you're getting lots of sunshine down your way. I'll be at the shop on Sunday if you get a chance to stop by!

Renee said...

Thanks so much for your post...I was just drooling over all the lovely whites.
I really want to use all white in my house but have been so fearful because of my three boys and a dog...Even though the dog isn't allowed to get on the furniture, she still rubs her body along side of the sofa and it's a little hard to get out dog oil, so I'm thinking maybe off white?

Karen said...

I wish I had thought of putting a sheet over my creamy white slipcovers when my kids were young and my dogs were pups.I washed my slips to death and finally gave up and bought dark furniture.Now I'm going back to the look that I LOVE and I'm so happy.I love your home and could look at the pictures all day long.

White and Rust said...

Thanks for all the information in this post! I have white furniture, and the only way it's possible is to keep it covered like you do.

When you are looking at linens, how do you determine they are European or even antique? Old Linens are something that I would love to start a collection of.

Thank you so much!!!

La Belle Vie said...

My gosh your house always inspires me!!! I think I need to make a lavender pouch now. So lovely!!! Jxx

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Maria,
I love this post, so much information. I too, love the smell of lavender everywhere in the home.

Your white couch is beautiful!

Have a great weekend, hope to get together with you soon!
xo~Tracie

martinealison said...

Merci pour ces belles photos... Je possède beaucoup de vieux draps et torchons de ma grand-mère et arrière grand-mère. Je les garde précieusement, ils sont tellement beaux... Ma grand-mère était brodeuse et les avait brodés avec amour.
Bisous

My Shabby Streamside Studio said...

I can't get over how well Oxyclean works, thanks for that tip and more! Looking at your laundry products...

C’est ravissant!

Merci beaucoup pour vos aimables commentaires sur mon blog!

Sandy @ My Shabby Streamside Studio
http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/

ashley nicole catherine said...

i just stumbled across your blog and holy smokes, j'adore. your house is gorgeous!! now following :)

xo.ashley

Lara said...

Maria you inspire me so much! :) Thank you for sharing gorgeous photo after gorgeous photo. You have the prettiest couch I have ever seen in my life. :) And I love how you have it covered with French linens. I did not know about the Mrs. Meyer's article - I'm going to read that.. I think you make the Mrs. Meyer's company profits jump way up - I know I am going to add their detergent to my weekend shopping list. I've only used the hand soap & scrub before. Thanks for sharing all your eye candy with us and have a wonderful weekend!
Lara

Unknown said...

I gotta tell you, You take the most amazing picture. Your home is always a pleasure to visit. Your online shop is beautiful and will be buying some thinks in the spring. I have all white slipcovers EVERYWHERE and I wouldn't have it any other way. very easy to keep clean. I have two dogs and one cat and people in and out all the time. Love your post today. Happy Weekend.

Pattie

Seawashed said...

Thank you Maria for letting us know we are unable to watch your segment on the Nate Show...boo hoo. This post has been very helpful. I have white slipcovered sofas and I have never used oxiclean...I do use Mrs. Meyers products...and lavender is my favorite scent too. I am going to be washing my slipcovers soon so I will try the oxiclean. I don't know how you keep your family from eating while lounging on your sofas. I have four older children and once they reached teens I couldn't keep them from snacking while watching movies. But everyone follows the 'no shoes' rule! I will be posting about your shop soon on my blog. ox

Victoria Hayden said...

Maria,

Your style and taste is divine! I love your collection of vintage french linens...wish to have one of my own someday. You are such an inspiration with your design...love it! ;) I too love red with white...and as much as I love white, could not live without having color as well...you do this so beautifully. I have a question about your couch...where did you buy yours if I can ask? We are looking to buy a sectional for our large family in the family room and I want to do a neutral slipcover...we too have a rule of no shoes in the house and eating on furniture. That is the only way I can have white in my home with 4 boys! lol ;) Thank you for sharing again such a beautiful post!!

Hugs and love,
Victoria

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

Beautiful photos Maria!!:)TJ Maxx just got in a ton of Lavender Mrs.Meyer cleaning products this past week~LOVE them!When will you have the other red and pink printed french linen pillows and lavender pillows available?Those are the ones I want. ;) Hugs,Rachel

French Farmhouse 425

Allison said...

Your home is drop dead gorgeous, Maria. You have done such a lovely job. I want to keep my eye out for antique French linens now and start a mini collection. You have inspired me. I love the lampshade your mom made. The first purchase I made on Ebay was an alabaster lamp. I have a burlap shade on mine with a ruffle that I had made but I'm liking your white linen one. Your couch looks so cozy and comfy. Have a great weekend.

Leah - The Inside Story said...

You are such a very talented girl, Maria. I am so inspired by your blog and you have given me a great idea with those linens on the white couches. I feel like I am forever washing my white slipcovers, but now I'm trying my linen tab curtains to cover them. Yay, I'm excited!! Thank-you so much!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Maria,
I'm a collector of vintage french linens as well. I used to use this fabulous laundry soap from a gift shop by my house on all of my vintage linens. It made everything smell like violets! It was so wonderful. Now I can't find it anymore, so I just went out and bought me some Mrs. Meyer's lavender detergent. I've used the cleaning products for years, but I've never tried the detergent. Thanks for recommending it!
Your photos as usual are just gorgeous!! Congrats on the shop doing so well!
Have a great day.
sincerely,
melinda

Unknown said...

Everything is gorgeous! I adore your linen collection. I only use Mrs. Meyer's lavender as well (minus the dishwasher liquid) and I'm a die hard ambassador for OxiClean. Love the stuff. I'm off to your shop to check out those little dryer sachets and visit Rie's place. I was so excited when you opened your shop & posted about it the moment you did. That's breaking news ya know. Love everything! Jo & I are going to go halves on your French bottle rack and share it! Ha! Beautiful post. Love it when you pop up in my email. :)

Unknown said...

No hurry on getting back to me, I know you're catching up. Just wondering if you will carry the lavender/poppy seed soaps? That lavender laundry bundle is LOVELY. Thanks for having great taste, Maria!

Happy Friday,
Jami

Anonymous said...

I just stumbled across your blog and your home is drop dead gorgeous!!!

You are an inspiration to us all with your lovely design:)

Thank you for sharing beautiful photos and clever ideas. You have now a follower from Sweden:)

Have a wonderful weekend!
Maria

Anonymous said...

i love this.

The Vintage Rose said...

Hi Maria, I have been following your blog for quite some time and i think what you do is amazing. One day when your children are older i think you would make an awesome stylist. So from down here in Aussie land i wish you well....and if you find the time hop on over to my site www.thevintagerosetasmania.blogspot.com.au
Take care Amanda

Shabby soul said...

Darling Maria, thank you for show us how many things we could do with some linen! I have one big enough to cover a chairs, I didn't think to do somethng like that!!
Darling, your home is simply stunning, and every image brights my eyes: I saved soooo many!!

I made a link to your e-shop

Have a nice WE
Silvia

Pioneer Linens said...

I would like to invite to visit my family's company online at www.pioneerlinens.com. Pioneer Linens is a fourth generation family owned and operated since 1912 luxury bedding and home decor store.

K~ said...

Great tips on "keeping" it white and your sanity with "white" and a family!! What is the base of your couch? I love the rounded end~

Katharine

http://hautehothawt.blogspot.com/

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Thanks for all the tips Maria!

I love my little lavendar sachet you sent me...even my son will pick it up and smell it every now and again!!

amy~ the gypsy chick said...

Maria, can i tell you how much i love this post! I am getting ready to redo our master bedroom & have been looking for bedding. i simply adore white linens but have 3 children, a husband & 2 dogs... one of them is a black lab.
this post has encouraged me to just go for it! and just have a couple of rules with it.
xoxxo,
amy

mylanguagejournal said...

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red ticking said...

maria...
we must meet one day... you and i have more than beyond in common... fabulous post...

and, believe mem i wish i had stock in oxi clean..

xx pam

Mit Vintage-Hus said...

Hello Maria
What a lovely blog. And how you inspire people.

Best wishes from Denmark.

I will link to you - from my blog.

Have a lovely weekend ;)
Dorthe
http://vintagehus.blogspot.com

Wunderkammer said...

Ich lese nun schon einige Zeit deinen Blog und immer finde ich wunderschöne Fotos.Ich finde auch das alte Leinenwäsche immer atuell ist.Grüsse

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Hi sweet Maria-
Thanks for all the information on the linens and how you keep the white white :) Your sofa is just beautiful and I love the linens spread out on them!
If you ever find out Nate is having a re run of the show let us know, I'm so sad I missed it :(
Have a fabulous weekend, Hope your enjoying the sunshine!
Love
Kristin

Fiona's Mosaic said...

I collect vintage linens too!! I love them!

I also love your idea of throwing lavender bags in the dryer. What a great idea! It's great!

I just bought my first Mrs. Meyer's product this last week. I'm eager to check out more of it.

I can't help it......I have to have fragrance around me, and it had better be wonderful. That's how I got started making my own soap and candles. :o)

God bless!!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

There is nothing better than antique linens! I sold a ton of them...back in the day.

Blessings,
Linda

Anonymous said...

I have given you the stylish blogger award! Come visit me at www.akmagnoliahouse.com
Many thanks for such a stunning blog!
AKxo

lisaroy said...

I'm a huge fan of white couches and love the french sheet idea. I'd love to have a white slipcovered couch in our small apartment in Ireland too but those tiny european washing machines would make constant cleaning pricey. The sheet idea would make it possible! :)

Deb said...

Love all your beautiful linens Maria! Oxi Clean is my very best friend...I could not do white without it...amazing stuff! ~Deb~

samantha cabrera said...

Dearest Maria,

I just received a beautiful lavender scented package from you today. I found your website earlier this week and instantly fell in love. I am going to order from you again soon! I will truly enjoy my French canning jar and lavender sachet. Thank you so much, and I can't wait to see more of these European linens, I am swooning!
xoxo
Samantha Cabrera

Ele said...

Hello Maria,

it's always a great pleasure for me to visit your blog and see your lovely interieur and your nice pictures!

Have a good week
see you again

Gabriele

Agnes Borja Rosen said...

Thank you so much for sharing these tips...really helpful! Cheers...Agnes

Tania - Grange de Charme said...

Hi Maria ! this is a great post about what I also love, french linen sheets with monograms, I am colleting them because we can found these a lot here in France on every brocante. I love to make curtains with these sheets without cutting them !

makyloua said...

hello

i don't speak english very well but i know your blog and i like your inspiration and colors and matière
you have a beautifull house and it's allways a good moment for me to see here
bye!!

Anonymous said...

Your home is gorgeous and you are a brilliant photographer!
Thank you for taking us inside your lovely world!

info@antiquejars.net said...

Gorgeous!!! I love that blue mirror, the white lamp & lampshade, as well as the wood at the head of the bed. A white theme makes these things stand out really well. Great job!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! I just love your blog ... and all your linens! I have been collecting linens for some time but I don't think my stash comes close to yours!

~Kelly

PS I have a white couch too - and my husband is still nervous around it 2 years later! I love it because I can wash & bleach it anytime I get stains on it (which if I am honest is a frequent occurance!)

Rosie said...

Wow your blog is beautiful! I think I've just found a new favourite place :) xx

MeLi said...

Maria, I am loving your photos!, your home is so lovely, I can't imagine how you manage to have it so lovely with 5 kids!! kudos!!
I am so in love with your chandeliers!!, I wished I could fond one like it for my dining room.
Xox,Meli
http://domestiquette.blogspot.com/

Arlene said...

Maria, I so want to have a white couch...but I'm afraid-:). I just can't see my two guys following the rules. But maybe I'll try. Maybe. Beautiful photos, as always!

SILVIA said...

this post is great!
of course follow u!!!!=D
xx

Felicity said...

Thank you again for the time and effort you put into these posts. They are beauty personified !!! I live in Australia where we don't get the Nate Berkus Show, so I have been stalking their website hoping to catch a glimpse of your segment. Can't believe they arene't going to put it up !! Can I suggest that we stage a peaceful Ghandi-like attack and all LOVINGLY contact the Nate Berkus show requesting Maria's segment be put-up?? All those in favour say AIH !!

Frøken Anker said...

You have such a wonderful home. And nice pictures :-)

Kindly from Denmark
Birgitte

Jaybird said...

I am enjoying your blog!!
I noticed that you recommend the Mrs. Meyers products. Do you use the detergent on towels?? Does it work well or does it get the funky smell that other liquid detergents create?
Many thanks for any info,
Jaybird

jbmusik at yahoo dot com

designchic said...

Love everything about it...so warm and inviting!!

MODERN Prairie Girl said...

It really must be like living in a bowl of Cool Whip, Maria! Just sweet and fresh and beautiful :)

Love seeing your world, as always!

Lara

nannisandi said...

love your post and your love of vintage linen. Living in Ireland, as a child, I remember the linen lying on the bleaching greens and left out in all weathers to bleach the linen from a beige colour to dazzling white! This still works to-day and the elements remove and=y stains....or is it the soft Irish rain!!

Sue said...

I just found your blog today and I love your home...just beautiful. I am looking forward to reading more.

Vintage Culler said...

What a breath of fresh air! Your children and husband must love having such a creative mother/wife and being the lucky recipients of your simply elegant style. I can see your passion for design in every detail. I'll be back for more.

mrsmerriwhite said...

awww, what wonderful pictures, just GREAT, I love them !!!
hugs mina mrs. "house 21" ;-.)

A Shabby Moment in Time said...

Love your home, love your style, and love all your gorgeous goodies!!! You have a real flair!
Everything looks so comfy cozy...I'm drooling.
Blessings,
Karen

Cindy Lew's Studio said...

OMG, this is beautiful!!!!! I love everything you have. I found your site while doing a little blog hopping:-) I just love whites and off white and yes I have animals but do not care. I will definitely be a follower. Thanks so much for sharing so much beauty.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Warm Regards, CindyLew

Seawashed said...

Hi Maria,

I am doing a post on lavender tomorrow and am going to feature your new shop and lavender products...if that is okay?

I saw your beautiful home at Home of The Month of A Painted Cottage...Oh how I loved seeing your other living room with two white sofas. And I was so suprised to see that your favorite shop is Le Jardin in Sacramento...I know where that is. I live in the country suburbs of Sacramento. Did you ever go to Le Petite Paris in downtown Sac? It was my favorite shop and cafe but they had to close their doors at the end of the year. I cried. So sad. They were the nicest couple and their daughter Bella always chatted with us. I miss them so much.

Will we ever get a glimpse of your kitchen? I so want to see it! ox

Lara said...

Thank you Maria for suggesting Mrs. Meyer's lavender laundry detergent - I recently bought it (after reading this post) and I am really enjoying the lovely aromatic scent! It takes laundry upkeep to a whole better level! I had to come back and thank you!
:) Lara

Anonymous said...

My husband and I build a lot of white "cottage" homes and I'm big into shabby chic. This though, makes me want to paint EVERYTHING white! Stunning! Keep it up. Sarah

Eldrid said...

This was truly beautiful! Thank you for the amazing blogpost..so inspiering!
You have a great talent!!

Smiles from
Eldrid

Beth said...

Like everyone else, I want to come home to your house!!! Beautiful...gorgeous...perfection! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous home with us and those linen tips, I, too, love Mrs. Meyers products! xoxo Beth

paperbird said...

sO beautiful and I adore the idea of handmade dryer sachets- great idea. I am going to try this tomorrow!

Love your article in artful blogging and there in the images was that gorgeous blue cupboard that taunts me! I love it so much.

YHOSIE said...

so beautiful..
wish i can have white linen for my couch, :D having a dog at home makes it impossible to keep it clean ...

Xo

Mary said...

Thank you for sharing your linens and white. I have recently had white slipcovers made for my sofa and chairs and, like you, do not have a washer large enough to wash the sofa cover. The first week someone sat on it with black shoes and made marks along the skirt edge, darn it!! I noticed you remove your shoes, probably to prevent such happenings - good idea. I've never expected company to remove their footwear but now think I may have to........will they think me rude making such a request?

I too love European linens and have have several items including French and Belgian sheets, grain sacks, tablecloths etc.

Your blog and home are beautiful Maria - I'll continue visiting for inspiration.

Mary - A Breath of Fresh Air

Anonymous said...

absolutely LOVE your home. so comfy and homely and simply beautiful! have shared a few of your photos on my blog and spreading the word about your blog here in south africa... hope you don't mind!

x

April from HomeHinges.com said...

I realize this is a little random, but what kind of flooring do you have in your home. It is beautiful. Is it oak, or pine, or something else? I love the grain and light color. It's perfect in your photos.
HomeHinges@gmail.com

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

So inspiring I feel that spring is already here! Thank you for such gorgeous images.

Lars John Anderson said...

Hi Maria! Just wanted to let you know you inspired me! I don't yet have the awesome linen collection but you gave me the courage to go with white for this post!
http://www.postroadvintage.com/2011/02/my-living-room-ikea-country-style.html

I so appreciate you :)
Heather

gertie @ The Old Block House said...

Love your home. It's so clean. Quite an inspiration.

Anonymous said...

I live in Santa Ynez and worked in Persnickety for fun. I also made a lot of the pillows, aprons, and some slipcovered items for the store. It was such an adorable place and I know Patti, the owner, would appreciate your comments.

Syndee @ alwaysbarefoot said...

Maria~ I have been to Persnickety & am disappointed it's closed. I was a big fan. The garden store down the street is awesome also, but I'm not sure if it's still there?? I was married at Gainey Vineyard.
Love your style!!
:) Syndee

amy said...

hi. i just stumbled upon your blog today. your home is beautiful. i was wondering where your white couch is from. i've been debating getting one and yours looks awfully comfy.

Anonymous said...

I have new Italian linen sheets and I've never used linen sheets before. I washed them twice in cool water with Mrs. Meyers soap. They feel pretty scratchy compared to percale. Is there a way to "fast track" them into being really soft? They were an extravagant wedding gift and we'd love to use them but they just are not comfy. Help! Any suggestions since you're a linen expert? Thanks!!

~ kelly said...

I love that sofa!!! EXACTLY what I want..... where did you get? or where can we get one similar?!?

Lee said...

Hi,

I hope you don't mind but I posted a picture of your bedroom idea with the old doors on my blog today. I have linked back to your blog and also added you to my "Beautiful, Inspirational Blogs" on my side bar.

I am sorry I could not find your email address to enquire if this is ok. If it is not I will remove it.

I think I have seen your photo re the old doors at the top of the bed, in an interiors book or magazine. I am happy to link to the book or magazine if you like if you can give me the title.

Lee

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Unknown said...

Oh my! I just swooned all over your blog! So lovely:)

MONICA LIVAS said...

Your house is AMAZING! LOVE the sofa!

Anonymous said...

How do you keep clutter at bay??? I really struggle with keeping horizontal surfaces looking pleasant :)

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