Minerva by the Sea - Vintage & Coastal Lifestyle

We all like to be a bit different, especially if you love vintage like I do. Instead of your usual glass vase for a bunch of flowers, think about using a more unusual receptacle. Here are some ideas...... Above, these antique creamer jugs are ideal for small posies of flowers, and look great on the dining table or a cafe table. Metal pots or canisters look great with flowers, or even as planters. Brass and copper are one of the top trending materials for interior design accents this season. Try aluminium containers for the industrial look. Antique mugs, jugs and coffee pots make interesting vases of all sizes too. Antique stoneware ink bottles and marmalade jars are great if you like a rustic cottage look. Anything watertight, like this Georgian pewter pen and ink pot above, works equally well. Below is a selection of vintage and antique bottles used as bud vases, for an up to date contemporary look. They look great lined up on a windowsill wh...

The other day, with my little helper Woody (a giant black and tan long haired sausage dog) I took some time off for a peaceful walk on Caradon Hill on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall. The Caradon Mining District is a world Heritage Site and is covered with centuries old remains of tin and copper mining activity. Woody has to stay on his lead due to the many sheep, cows and ponies that roam freely on the moor, not to mention rabbits..... The view across the valley was particularly stunning on this warm mid September morning - the mist obliterating all but the highest hills in the distance. The ground was rather soggy, with dew and recent rainfalls, as usually Woody came home covered in mud.  You can really see how many spiders webs there are when the dew is heavy. I feel lucky to live in this part of Cornwall, on the edge of the moor, where you can feel free and close to nature, far from the crowds and noise of cities. At the same time, the sea is never to...

Vintage blue glass bottles come in various shades, from a rich deep cobalt to pale blue. They make lovely bud vases or if they have a cork bung or lid, they are perfect for dispensing shampoo or bath oil in the bathroom, or using in the kitchen for vinegar and olive oil etc.  Above: Cobalt blue glass bottle  Link:  Cobalt blue glass bottle Above: Vintage Milk of Magnesia bottle  Link:  Vintage Milk of Magnesia glass bottle If you can find some, antique and vintage apothecary and poison bottles make attractive vases and are very collectible. Above: Antique apothecary bottle  Link:  Antique apothecary bottle Here are some more blue glass bottles Link:  Blue glass bottles for sale in my Etsy Store I hope you find some inspiration here for your vintage coastal themed interior. Best wishes Amanda More Links:  Minerva By The Sea Etsy Store Facebook - please like us! T...

Minerva By The Sea is a coastal inspired vintage lifestyle store, where you can purchase unique and beautiful treasures and curiosities to bedeck your home and garden. Many of our vintage items are suitable as film, TV, theatre and photo props and we have supplied many film property companies from all over the world. Here is a link to the store:  Minerva By The Sea Above: Salvaged plate from a Shell Oil Tanker wreck - £35 My name is Amanda Hawkins, and in my blog posts I'd like to share with you my love of vintage and coastal decor, and hope you may gain inspiration for your own homes. My store has a section specifically for coastal decor here is a link to it:  Coastal Decor Ideas I spend most weekends sourcing new stock for my store, and as I live in Cornwall, I am well placed to hunt down coastal and nautical themed items, so please follow me for all the latest updates.  Links   Facebook Twitter Etsy...