Hot Fun in the Summertime.....

Summer officially starts this weekend  and we have lots of fun things planned! 
                            
Memorial Day Weekend Sale (Thursday thru Sunday) -  All in-stock furniture will be 10% to 20% off this weekend.
Private Memorial Day Sale (Thursday thru Sunday) - Spend over $100 and receive a $20 gift certificate on your next purchase over $100.  Remember, this sale is just for my favorite bloggettes - you must mention the blog!
Saturday, June 5th - Annual Marché aux Puces (French Flea Market) - lots of items from the shop at really reduced prices.  Seriously, some items are 50%.  Sale starts at 9am at Brocante Home.
Sunday, June 6th - Our second Design Class - Furniture Painting.  Don't miss out if you have ever wanted to take brush to old furniture.  It's cathartic!
Sunday, July 11th - Design Class - Ann will show us all how in Decorating Outdoor Spaces. You won't want to miss this!
Wednesday, July 14th - Bastille Day - We'll be celebrating at the shop! Stop by!
Complimentary Decorating - Ann Carpenter is at the shop each Friday afternoon to help with your decorating questions. Click here to check out Ann's blog too!

P.S. - Here's a great flick to start off the summer season with a taste of Provence: "A Good Year" with Marion Cotillard and Russell Crowe.  Amusez-vous!

Au Revoir!  Rachel
Brocante Home
804-438-6404
Summer Hours: Wednesay - Saturday: 10-4; Sunday - 12-4
For Directions to Brocante Home or additional information on the shop, please visit:
www.brocante-home.com

Rainy Days and Mondays.....

So it's raining and Monday.  Can't go sailing, kayaking, rowing, biking or do gardening and the shop is closed.  What's a girl to do??  PAINT!!  I've been eyeing my husband Frank's credenza for a few weeks now, but it is enormous, already painted and distressed, but, never mind...  Here's a photo of the before:

It looks good, but the color no longer goes with my Belgium, French, Distressed Look.  I decided to paint it Benjamin Moore French Grey (my new favorite).  Here it is after the first coat:

I'm thinking of leaving it at one coat.  I can distress it down to the mahogany wood for a distressed look.  I am even thinking of leaving the shelves the original color for a little contrast.  I will send out the finished photo (paint takes time to dry!) after I have distressed it, and see what you think.

P.S. - Don't tell Frank - it's a surprise!!!!!


Brocante Home Tip:
When painting in a color, first paint a light undertone that will show through the top coat.  For example, paint the wood piece a white or cream, let dry, then paint a color (one coat) over it.  Distress down to both the white or cream and a little further to get to the wood.  For more furniture painting tips, come to our next Design Class, Sunday, June 6th at 11am - 12pm at the shop in Irvington.  Please call or email Ann or me for a reservation.

Au Revoir!  Rachel
Brocante Home
804-438-6404
www.brocante-home.com
Summer Hours:  Wednesday - Saturday: 10 - 4; Sunday: 12 - 4

Shaken, Not Stirred....

It's called a Martini Table.....  Every room needs at least one small table that is just perfect for that martini, book, tea cup, or whatever.  They look great alone or grouped together.  One day it may be by your favorite reading chair, the next by your bed with a favorite book.  We always have them at Brocante Home!  Here are just a few in stock....

P.S. - Lest I forget....

Rachel's Martini

2 oz of Bombay Sapphire Gin
Splash of Vermouth
Twist of Lemon
Chill the martini class, then fill a shaker with the gin, and the vermouth.  Give a few shakes and pour into the chilled glass (strain the ice, of course).  Slip in the lemon slice, grab a great book and there you are.  Sante!

Au Revoir!  Rachel
Brocante Home
804-438-6404
Summer Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10-4; Sunday 12-4

Don't Forget Mom!

Flowers are great, but....   Get Mom something wonderful for her home too!  Maybe that beautiful French tablecloth she's been looking at.  Or, the collectible Limoges serving piece.  Or, the book on Provence.  Or, how about a one-of-a-kind vintage find?  We have lots of gifts that she will just love.  If you can't decide, we also have gift certificates available.

Joyeuse fête des mères! 

Au Revoir! Rachel
Brocante Home
804-438-6404
Summer Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10-4; Sunday 12-4

Design Class - thanks!

Thanks to all who participated in the First Design Class of the season!  Ann showed us some of the newest trends in furnishings and how to use them in our homes.  Who would have known about "chameleon" colors?  Thanks Ann!

Next month, we will show you how to turn that discarded piece of furniture into a show piece in "Furniture Painting 101".  If you have ever wanted to take the brush to that hand me down, now is the time!


Gimme Shelter!

This months Northumberland Co. Shelter Cat is "Nikki".  She was abandoned at the local dump when a kitten and really needs a new home!  She loves her toys too!  If  you are interested in Nikki or any of the other cats or dogs needing homes, please contact the NC Animal Shelter in Burgess, VA.  Adoption hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30 to 2pm.  The shelter phone is 804-580-6156.  Remember, you do not have to live in Northumberland Co. to adopt!

Au Revoir!  Rachel
Brocante Home
804-438-6404
Summer Hours:  Wednesday - Saturday, 10 - 4 and Sunday, 12 - 4