Skip to main content

Brown Transferware & A Painted Bookcase Back


 I'm sure I am in the minority here, but I have to admit that I didn't, and usually don't watch the Superbowl.   I listened to my boys and Shawn hooping and hollering last night as they watched the game though, and as they did that I was busy filling shelves of a bookcase with some of my brown transferware collection.  On a whim, I recently decided to paint the back wall of this bookcase a soft, mossy green color.   I thought it might give the brown transferware something to stand out against.



Since we've been in this house I have constantly had a few piles of  boring stuff that I hate to unpack in the corners and crammed behind the chairs against the wall just waiting for me to find a place for them, or had the table and shelves of this bookcase piled with dishes I'm sorting or in the process of listing.    It's been kind of a mess in here most of the time.
Finally...I've made a bit of sense out of this room!  Enough sense that I am able to share this part of the room with you all.


This bookcase is humongous, about 8' tall and 7' wide, but the room is also large with a 20' ceiling so it really needs a big piece and I think it works well here.  To give you an idea of the space, those baskets on top of the bookcase, at either end, are laundry hampers and as you can see there is still quite a bit of wall space left above. 


I felt that the large baskets and rabbit print were needed to fill some of the blank wall space above the cabinet.



The wall color was already here and I've decided that I'm not doing any more painting at this house.  It IS a rental after all.  We did so much work, mainly in getting this place clean and livable.  So for now, this will suffice.  I cannot wait to have my own home though.

Do you think I messed up by painting the back of the cabinet?  


So, is there anyone else out there like me who is not that into the Superbowl?   What did you do last night?  

Comments

  1. No, I was totally into the game, as I love watching the Patriots andTom Brady and was sooo bummed that we lost. Anyway I think the green paint looks FABULOUS in the cabinet!! It really makes the transferware stand out, in a good way~nice going.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your bookcase is beautiful, I am so envious! I have been on the hunt for something similar, hope I find something as lovely as yours. Love the painted back....a hit not a miss, for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh what a stunning hutch and so beautifully displayed. Gorgeous. You do have some of the most beautiful dishes. Love this wall. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  4. The brown transferware shows up beautifully against the green of that gorgeous piece of furniture...I think it looks great! The wall color reminds me of what I had in a room a while back, it was called rawhide. You really have done wonders with that house, Nancy.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Done to perfection Nancy!! I LOVE it's new look!! I'm not into football but my family is and they were very happy the Giants won.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I watched a movie on my Nook while my husband enjoyed the game.


    Your green background is the perfect touch and when you move to another house, it can always be changed to suit. Love you pretty transferware display.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You did not mess up! It's beautiful! I love brown transferware! It's just so ... classic! My mother-in-law and I pulled out her china/dishes and did 4 tablescapes this weekend, while my husband and his dad hung out in the shop and watched the big game. Feel free to check them out. I'll be posting them throughout the week!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Nancy, love, love the size of the cabinet, all those beautiful dishes, I'm drooling...I like the back of the cabinet painted. Helps the beauty of your transferware pop. hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nancy, I get so excited each time I see you've published a new post. So I'm thrilled you played with the dishes rather than watch the Super Bowl. I'm with you! My husband watched the game, but not me. I sat downstairs by the fire stitching and doing the occasional blog hopping. Much more fun in my mind! ;-)
    I love the mossy green background, and you already know I adore your brown transfer ware pieces. The piece looks great with those soaring ceilings and love the red walls. This may be a rental, but you've made it a charming HOME. That's what it's all about! ~ Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a beautiful transferware Nancy and love the brown, almost my fav! Your hutch is fabulous for displaying it. I've missed you pretty lady, I was so glad to see you at Met. Mon. Have a wonderful week.
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  11. No no no...you did not mess it up...it looks fantastic! I swooned when I saw all the transferware up against the green...its beautiful. Love the entire vignette...especially love all your transferware..omg, you've got a to die for collection. Have a funfilled day... ttyl.... xoso Sandy

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wonderful! And a great contrast with the transferware and colored walls. Very attractive...well done!
    Cheers!
    R

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love that piece. I would have so much fun with it. Your dishes are beautiful. Love the brown against the green. Two of my favorite colours. Love your blog. Deb

    ReplyDelete
  14. You've got at least two of my favorite things here, Nancy ~ the bunny print {love bunnies!} and the brown and white transferware. I haven't checked out your etsy in a little while so I have to head over there next. This bookcase is magnificient! Both in size and design. This is a perfect piece for you to display your transferware pieces.

    I watched the Superbowl ~ I am actually into football which came about when my son started playing at 8 years old and continued up through high school. It started out so that I wouldn't make a fool of myself by not knowing what was going on and I really came to get into it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. You totally hit the mark with the green paint! It makes your transferware pop out! The hutch is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh my, your collection is beautiful and I love the mossy background!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your book case is stunning, Nancy. I think the green looks wonderful, and your dishes look so nice against it!

    I've been meaning to ask you if purple transfer ware is rare or fairly common. I found two cups and saucers recently. The saucers are square. Gorgeous! They are Royal Staffordshire, Rural Scenes.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Are you kidding?? messed it up? NOWAY!!! I love the green! as do I LOVE your brown transferware!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love that shade of green and I think it truly complements the Brown transferware and the wood of the cabinet. I'm a die-hard football fan (and hockey, too) but my beloved Saints weren't playing so I used the time to knit a baby sweater!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your book case looks beautiful! I love the color and the fact that it's a light color that shows off the brown transfer ware so nicely.
    I did not watch the super-bowl.

    ReplyDelete
  21. How absolutely divine and an inspiation as I have just started to collect brown transferware!

    ReplyDelete
  22. You can never go wrong with a wonderful contrasting color. The green is yummy. I'm not into the SuperBowl, although we did go to a party last night. I pretended to watch, and managed to catch a few z's during the game! Cherry Kay

    ReplyDelete
  23. My heart is fluttering--love the green. The cabinet is stunning! A few years ago, i decorated a basement room with friends while the bowl was playing. This year i watched the game.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I watched bits and pieces of it...Madonna's show.
    I love that big wall.....and that piece of furniture is gorgeous there!

    ReplyDelete
  25. The bookcase is amazing. I love the pop of color and the entire styling! Just gorgeous and perfect for a dish a holic!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love the green background . It is a nice color , but does not scream for attention. It does not distract from the dishes and provides a nice contrast to the wall color. Very good decision !

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Nancy! Oh, your huge cabinet is gorgeous with the green backs, your transferware is gorgeous and I just a drooling! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  28. The cabinet looks so pretty and the transferware sends a jealous shiver down my spine. And....the game was not even on at our house.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Painting the back of your cabinet green was a fabulous idea. It makes your brown transferware pop! The way you have styled your lovely cabinet is gorgeous.
    I'm your newest follower and hope you'll hop over for a visit, Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  30. Could not possibly care less about football - a bunch of guys paid way too much to play a GAME. I love the cabinet - green was a great choice - it will work with any season. Love the brown transferware, too - it is my new obsession.

    ReplyDelete
  31. meh to the football, but sighs and gasps of admiration for you bookcase and brown transferware! I thought of you this weekend when I was antiquing at the Coast. I kept my eye out for some beautiful transferware, but came home empty handed. Oh, well, the joy is in the hunt as much as the acquisition! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Wow, Your bookcase turned out GREAT! It is a beautiful piece of furniture, that you made even more so!!!!!!!!! Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  33. We're not superbowl fans here either... I worked on a quilted table runner I'm making and hubby watched an old movie.
    LOVE the green on your bookcase. It gives everything depth and prevents that whole area from being overwhelmed by brown.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Your hutch is incredible, and it is even more so with the mossy green color inside. Your amazing transerware collection looks fabulous against the green color. I'll have to say that I watched the game. Usually I'm glued to the computer.

    ReplyDelete
  35. No football for us ever. We are book nerds and proud of it. Love the green behind the transferware.

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a beautiful collection. I love transferware and yours is displayed so nicely in that gorgeous hutch. Thanks for sharing. Angie @ Postcards from the ridge

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Nancy, The bookcase is gorgeous and of course I love your transferware. Beautiful! Thank you for linking to the Open House party.
    Hugs, Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  38. Nancy that is an absolutely gorgeous piece of furniture!!!! It is totally the kind of furniture I would love in my home!! The dishes are amazingly beautiful too!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Nancy,
    your cabinet looks fabulous! I really like the brown against the green! You've arranged everything wonderfully.
    Rebecca
    PS. I have the same rabbit painting!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'm with you, Nancy. I did not watch the Superbowl, either. The bookcase looks great! Not only does it show off the brown transferware nicely, but it makes a nice but soft color contrast against the wall paint behind the bookcase. I, too, am still looking for a bookcase cabinet like that. Any suggestions?

    Pat
    PersonallyByPat.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Love finding a new great blog to follow. I'm now a follower on the new linky tool. Follow back so we can stay connected, Lori

    ReplyDelete
  42. LUV the the green background with the brown /white transferware...

    ReplyDelete
  43. First of all, I am coveting your bookcase! Is it an antique? This area is so lovely and warm with all your pieces. I think that the mossy green is the perfect color for your vignette. It adds to the warm feeling in this area. Anything lighter I think wouldn't work. Beautiful. :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. What a lovely area. You are right, the area on top is perfect with the extra items. The color in the cabinet adds just the right note. I find your cows a beautiful addition. All in all a beautiful display. Don't worry about it being a rental, simply be happy.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Nancy, that looks great with the green on the back. You are so lucky to have that wonderful collection of dishes.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Beautiful hutch, Love the dishes.Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  47. Just gorgeous, Nancy. I always love to come by and see how you have displayed your transferware -- you are THE BEST out there, always inspiring us!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I love hearing from my readers. I appreciate the time you take to post a comment and I read them all.

Popular posts from this blog

English Cottage Living Room - Before, Partly After & Still a Work in Progress

I am sorry for not posting more pictures of the progress we've made settling into this new (to us) home.   It seems life rushes by so fast and that at times, doing little things, even those that I love and enjoy, often get pushed aside and onto the back shelf of my mind where I tell myself, "I'll get to this later".  Well, it is later and though I don't have as much to share with you as I'd like, I'm going to at least share my favorite spot in our living room.  I promise to show the rest of the room soon but for now the opposite half of the living room has been occupied by my daughters boyfriend who has been staying with us for the past 7 or so weeks until his apartment is ready for him to move into, and so the couch is usually made up for him to sleep on!   Here is a photo of the current living room just as we found it, a small room just off the entry of the house with a nice marble and wood fireplace surround, hard wood floors, beautiful crown mouldi

The History of Johnson Brothers and The Friendly Village Tablescape

Last week, Shawn and I popped into a couple of estate sales and I picked up over 100 pieces of Johnson Brother's The Friendly Village .  I think I may have to hang on to 12 of the dinner plates and use them this year at Thanksgiving but the rest of them, including this 48 piece service for 8, will be you know where. I don't know about you all, but I have had enough of Summer and I am down right ready for the cooler temperatures of Autumn.  I've been doing a lot of rearranging around the house….I'm in one of those zones where I've got a zillion projects going on, even if half of them are just in my mind that I'm contemplating!   We've also been moving kids out and around.  Three of them are out and the three still at home are moving or rearranging their rooms around.    Since I am yearning for Fall, haven't posted any tablescapes in a while and just got these Friendly Village pieces I decided to set the table with them.      Oh great, I

More Traditional Red White & Blue Rooms with Transferware

A couple of weeks ago I shared some pictures of beautiful rooms in red and blue color schemes decorated with transferware .    Here is another roundup of rooms that I adore, all with red and blue color schemes and all with transferware!  Enjoy!  (via Traditional Home) (via enchanted home) (my old living room) Joining some of the following parties: Between Naps on The Porch Transformation Thursday at  The Shabby Chic Cottage Feathered Nest Friday at  French Country Cottage Friday Inspiration  At The Picket Fence Cindy at  My Romantic Home Funky Junk Interiors Charm of Home No Minimalist Here WOW  Amaze Me Mondays  Making Monday Link Party  Motivational Mondays  What'd You Do This Weekend?   Inspire Me Monday   Make It Pretty Monday   Monday Link Party  Inspire Me Monday 

My English Country Mom Cave

Susan, at Between Naps on the Porch is hosting a Home Goods Mom Cave contest with four lucky winners.  Come on in to my little niche I've carved out of my house.  This is where I work, create, relax, read and chat with friends and family. This is one of my favorite spots in the house to read about one of my favorite subjects...English transferware or poetry, and drink tea.  I often start and end my day right here. Next to the chair is an antique dumbwaiter which holds some decorative items as well as lots of poetry books.  This is the view of the room from the wing back chair.  This cozy room serves as a small living room, although it's not uncommon to have 8 or 9 of the girls in here during family gatherings.  It's usually where we all wind up to have coffee and visit. . On either side of the sofa I display some of my vintage Canine figurines on Spode meat drainers. Above the sofa are some of my favorite paintings.  The one directly over the sofa my Mom pain

Decorating with Brown Transferware & $100 GIVEAWAY

Brown was introduced as a transferware color around 1829-30 and is the least expensive of colors to make. Therefore it is fairly common, so far as transferware goes, to find.  It is also one of the most collected colors and it is probably the most versatile of colors in my opinion.  Brown is neutral and looks good with any color scheme from pastels to rich jewel tones, but it is with the ushering in of Autumn that I see it popping up in home decor and vignettes the most.  Though, most of these rooms and vignettes are decorated with brown pieces year round, it just seems the perfect time to share them.  I may have to do another post because there are so, so many more equally beautiful spaces that have incorporated the use of displaying brown transferware  and I can't fit them all here. So, check these lovelies out and then stick around for the giveaway at the bottom of the post. This vignette just stole my heart the first time I saw it.  So many of us have vintage luggage

The Aesthetic Movement and Transferware

What is the Aesthetic Movement? The Aesthetic Movement refers to a period of time in the late 19 th century (1870-1900) which was a backlash to the formal Victorian years.  Artists and writers of the Aesthetic movement period maintained the belief that art should provide refined sensuous pleasure, rather than convey moral or sentimental messages.  They believed that art did not have any didactic purpose; it need only be beautiful.  Japanese art had a great influence on Aestheticism. Aesthetic interiors were often decorated with Japanese prints, screens, fans and other objects. An appreciation of the art of Japan is seen in the work of many Aesthetic artists and designers such as James McNeill Whistler and E.W. Godwin. photo credit Country Living The Aesthetes developed the cult of beauty, which they considered the basic factor in art. They ascertained that life should copy art and considered nature as crude and lacking in design

Decorating with Blue Transferware and a GIVEAWAY!

   If you haven't already been over to Enchanted Home , you'll want to go over after you finish this post because the wonderful Tina, who authors the incredibly gorgeous blog,  has a great post up about decorating with dishes plus she's hosting a giveaway to my online shop, English Transferware !  Details at the end of the post! I know Tina loves blue and white (just look at her header and you'll know!) and has a collection of her own. In honor of Tina, I've decided to share some of my favorite images of rooms decorated with and often around blue transferware collections.  You can see more rooms decorated with blue transferware on my Pinterest board . To me, Charles Faudree is just about as synonymous with English transferware as he his with French Country Decorating...he seemed to always find a use for it in his incredibly detailed decorating schemes.  Isn't this bedroom charming? I love this next image from Decor Magazine.  Look how the blu