Decorating with Brown Transferware
Decorating ideas for brown transferware, as well as how to create faux brown transferware when your budget is slim.
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The dilemma
What do you do when you want to collect vintage brown transferware but either you can't find any (because the rest of the world is also collecting it!) or the pieces you do find don't fit into your budget. How can you get your greedy little hands on these elusive pieces? I'm so glad you asked. Keep reading to see how I solved that dilemma in my own home. Welcome to Pinterest Challenge. We are an intrepid group of home decorating champions who come together once a month to take on a new challenge. Our host, Cindy of County Rd 407 picked a great image for this month's challenge. If you're visiting from Lora Bloomquist, welcome!
The inspiration image is from Michele at Vintage Home Designs and this image speaks to me...I love everything about the way she decorated her white built-ins with brown transferware, white pumpkins and old books. Just look at all that yummy texture!
-min.jpg "Decorating ideas for brown transferware, as well as how to create faux brown transferware when your budget is slim. Don't miss all the ideas at DIYBeautify.com!")
I decided to add what brown transferware pieces I do own to my primitive pine hutch, along with some DIY brown transferware dupes, vintage white ironstone and some of my milk glass vases.
Here's what happened...
Decorating with brown transferware - tips and ideas
I own a total of 5 authentic pieces of brown transferware, so I had to come up with some way to make them work hard in my cabinet! Luckily I also have a very easy way to fake your own transferware when you need to!
Tip #1: Stand dishes upright
If you take a look back at the inspo image, Michele utilized this trick as well. When you stand something up, it gets seen. I layered dishes and platters to make my paltry brown ironstone collection look beefier! This is a trick I use anytime I'm decorating my hutch because I like to see the pretty dishes. A dish stack is great, but if you want to highlight a color or pattern, stand those dishes up!
The brown transferware tray you see is a dupe made from a thrifted silver tray! Click on the link to see how I made it using a napkin!
You can see this tip in effect in this image below, this was my Thanksgiving decorated hutch from last year. I paired blue and brown transferware dishes, filling in with white ironstone, to make a pretty statement.
Now I know what you're thinking...why am I complaining about owning a paltry amount of brown transferware? Look at that pitcher and platter. Those, my friends, are dupes too! I used these brown transferware paper napkins to create them. Not only are they so pretty to look at, but the designs are totally removeable with just soap and water!
Make your very own vintage inspired brown transferware pieces following this tutorial.
As cute as they turned out, I've since washed those designs off and that's why you don't see those pieces in my hutch now. So let's look at some other ways to highlight your brown transferware and make it stand out.
By the way, I've used this same trick to make a brown transferware decoupaged pumpkin and brown transferware candles. Click the links to see how I made them, or visit this post where I decoupaged a vintage platter wall and walk you step by step through the process.
Tip #2: Texture texture texture
Don't just add dishes to your cabinet or hutch and call it done. Bring in interesting elements to add charm, texture and give the eye some movement! I added a small basket, layered doilies, brought in pieces of ironstone and milk glass that have embossed or bumpy textures, and old books with discolored pages, torn spines and lace. You can see how easy it is to add lace to thrifted books in this tutorial (hard or soft covered books both work!)
Notice the texture on the back of the hutch? Those are Dollar Tree embossed tiles that I painted white and secured with this mounting tape.
I love how textures give life and interest to any vignette.
Tip #3: Add supporting cast
I know it's still August and hot as blazes out, but once I peeked inside a Fall bin to remind myself what was in there, that was it! If you are finding yourself unmotivated, worn out and tired of the dog days of summer, maybe it's time to bring the warmth and coziness of Fall inside your home!
Starting my Fall decorating has sure cheered me up! Who cares what's happening outside, it's delightful inside 🍂🌰🌾🌻
You don't need to go all out, do as much as makes you happy. I added some of my very favorite DIY pumpkins to my Fall hutch. The colors and textures play off the brown transferware and add such a cozy vibe. If you get your hands on some vintage chenille, try making a few handmade chenille pumpkins following this tutorial (at the time I just had pink chenille but they are so cute!)
I'll be adding a few white chenille pumpkins to my brand new online storefront, DIY Beautify Mercantile soon, so keep an eye out if you want one! I just listed some of the cutest chunky white chenille candy canes.
Don't forget the top! I always decorate the top of my cabinets and hutches because it's prime decorating real estate! I filled an old crock with various Fall stems, and added some faux hops to a milk glass hobnail vase. Some candles fill in the other side (don't worry, I would never burn them up there!)
The colors tie into what's happening inside the hutch, and I went a step further and decorated my table as well. Notice the textures and colors and how it all works together.
That is a wrap. I hope you've been inspired to decoupage your own brown transferware pieces for Fall! Do let me know if you try it, I love getting your feedback! Follow me HERE so you never miss a post.
Michelle at Thistle Key Lane is next up. I know you'll love her early Fall plate rack styling. The full lineup is below. There's always tons of beautiful inspiration with this group, as well as decorating styles!
If you love brown transferware ❤ Pin to save
Such a charming grouping. I adore how you added touches of lace to your book spines. It's a fabulous way to repeat the design element of the doilies. Pinning!
ReplyDeleteI love how you’ve used the brown transferware, Cindy. I see it in antique shops and think I should buy several pieces but it is expensive and I have no place to store them. You’ve arranged your elements beautifully for an overall lovely focal point.
ReplyDeleteCindy, You have such a way with decorating your home with love. The brown transferware is perfect for the season. I just love how you faked the real deal. That is so clever! Happy fall!
ReplyDeleteHow clever to add lace to the outside of the books! Such pretty texture and a lovely compliment to your gorgeous transferware. Happy fall!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have everything dressed for Fall and so prettily! Thanks and I pinned it so when I get ready to decorate have have some ideas.
ReplyDeleteI am one of those people who would love to collect brown transferware but can't find it anywhere! I remember wanting to make something with napkins like you did, but never got around to it. My life story! There are so many beautiful ideas in your hutch, one of which I'm going to try. It's the doilies hanging from the edges of the shelf. Love it! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us. pinned
ReplyDelete