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Not Your Grandma's Collection: Fresh Displays for Classic Pieces


In my opinion, the best part of the granny chic trend is the renewed appreciation for some beautiful antique wares that were once considered only stylish for actual grannies, and even then only on special occasions. Increasingly, these once precious pieces are finding their way out of the china closet and onto the walls for everyday inspiration...

 
 

• 1. Silver trays make eye-catching alternatives to groups of mirrors. I this display would have a more clean modern appeal if the wall had been painted a flat solid color which would highlight the silver's patina. However even so, I like the variety of shapes and the ornate design juxtaposed against the bold pattern on the upholstered bench.
• 2. The fluid arrangement and bold combination of new and old plates give this plate display a contemporary edge.
• 3. Teacups are a granny staple for sure, but this arrangement has a decidedly fresh appeal with the dainty upper teacup displayed with two graphic contemporary versions, all juxtaposed against the casual rustic shadow boxes.
• 4. Teacups also have a wonderfully whimsical side, especially when displayed with other vintage inspired items like these beautiful books.
• 5. & 6. Silver and brass candlesticks are not usually items found on a contemporary tablescape, they usually seem just a bit too formal. However, they seem more accessible and more sculptural somehow when grouped in formations— the more the merrier!

(Images: 1: Real Simple, 2: Sunset Magazine, 3: Polly Wreford, 4: Perfectbound via poppytalk, 5: Johnny Miller, 6: Martin Cederblad via Simply Natural Decor)

Tags

artwork, art, DIY, plates, collections, display, craft, candlesticks, teacups, groupings, granny chic

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Comments (7)

Nice collections and arrangements. Teacups and books ... now there's a fresh (but natural) pairing ! Also like the injection of the lone rectangular shape (a metal tray?) in the hanging plate array.

posted by mirandabee on September 22nd 2009 at 4:28am
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love the silver trays and the dishes on the wall. lovely.

posted by mlleErica on September 22nd 2009 at 8:52am
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My Scottish Granny had heavy brown horse hair stuffed furniture she would not have dreamt of having denim walls. Very few people would want to live with her style and all the polishing it involved. Please find a new words other than Granny chic.

posted by hrhprincessfiona on September 22nd 2009 at 9:48am
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Considering the wall-o-plates are alll modern takes from anthropologie and the like, i think the term is a bit m,isplaced as well...

posted by Jennifer 42 on September 22nd 2009 at 3:16pm
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Seriously DC bloggers I know you all love granny chic but does every post have to be about that?

posted by tpgirl on September 22nd 2009 at 4:32pm
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Ha ha, point taken. Not to worry, this is my first and last blatant piece on the trend...but I can't promise I won't try to sneak it in somehow :)

Let's all lighten up a bit

posted by LeahDC on September 22nd 2009 at 5:40pm
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I really want to do the tray thing, and already have a couple. Does anyone have any ideas about the best way to hang them? I'd ideally like them to still be functional when I take them off the wall.

posted by Kaviare on September 22nd 2009 at 9:31pm
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