Before and After: Victorian Folding Screen

I started with a folding Victorian screen.  

Victorian Folding Screen with Empty Panels

 For many years I used the screen as a room divider or as a backdrop for seating.  Sometimes I filled the empty panels with artwork.  Other times I draped textiles over it.  But, one day I purchased several yards of unused vintage fabric with columns in its pattern.  Architectural fragments are one of the designs I always sprinkle around my home, so I knew that this fabric would be the perfect way to fill the panels.

Vintage Fabric with Columns

The ebony finish on the folding screen picked up the black in the fabric.

I enjoyed it for several years, but like so many of my vintage pieces, it found its way 

to the store.  Yes, it will be for sale at my new location, Buckeystown Design Co-Op.

Upholstered Folding Screen for Sale at Buckeystown Design Co-Op

Detail of Carved Gallery and Double Cording Border

So, what do you like better?  Empty? or Upholstered?

Folded flat it would be a perfect headboard. 

Grates Are Great

Grates make backdrops for vignettes and they also offer support for plants.  Here's how I've used them.   The grate on my chimney is new.  In the winter it's purely decorative and adds some dimension and interest to the chimney.

Decorative Grate on My Chimney

At Christmas it supports a wreath.

Holiday Wreath on Grate

But, in the summer it is my trellis for my climbing hyacinth bean plant.

Climbing Hyacinth Bean on My Grate

Inside I frequently swap out some vintage iron window grates.  I have some that I painted black.  This one provided a back drop for some antlers, floats, a bottle and books.

I used these citrine window grates frequently because I have many citrine accents in the family room.

Citrine Grates, Chevron, and Feathers

Same grates, same feathers but a different look.

Fall Mantel

I framed some vintage bookplates and added some natural elements to this vignette.

Framed Bookplates and Coral

This is new.  I think it's the most simple mantel I've ever done.  I really like its minimalism.

Topiaries and Grates

Here's part of the room.  I changed the arrangement on the Draper dresser too.

 I have another smaller black grate that I use in the kids' bathroom.   I suspended an architectural print from it.

Kids' Bath

 Here's a closer view.

Iron Grate in Window

Not quite a grate, but I used an old garden gate as a backdrop for a tutorial on layering.

How do you use architecturally interesting finds?
I think grates are great.  How about you?


Kathy