Inspiration friday- hats as home accessories

    

      Way back in the 80's and early 90's I used to decorate straw hats and hang them everywhere in my home, (I think this was right after the original glue gun was invented...) and I have loved vintage looking hats ever since.

     A new vintage or vintage looking hat to add to my collection is pure inspiration to me. I'll spend an entire afternoon finding just the right spot for my new treasure.
     Here's a hat you've seen quite a few times; it is one of my most favorite hats to photograph because of it's simple lines and great color, and it's just a cheapo with great bones from WalMart about 8 years ago.

     They seem to add a softness to whatever corner or area you add them to.

I have them tucked under tables, like this vintage child's Sunday hat,

and on top of things, like the armoir in my bedroom.

I even have my girls hats (all done up by me to match some dresses they wore for a photograph in 1986) perched on the mantle in the diningroom, next to the actual photograph with the hats in the picture.(**Sidenote: the lace tablecloth hanging off of my armoir in the bedroom is the very one they are sitting on in the photograph)

Next time you're trying to add softness and age to a corner of your room, try placing a hat in the area. You just might be inspired too.

Comments

[June]

What a lovely idea! All your photos of your hat displays are gorgeous.

[Rosemary]

How cute those look.
I love the photos.
Rosemary

[Elaine]

Tracey,
I have those same hats! I love putting hats everywhere. At one time I had an arrangement of hats on my bedroom wall.

I have two vintage suitcases on my bedroom armoir with a hat and pair of gloves - "great minds" - you know.:lol

~elaine~

~elaine

[Kathleen]

I have a couple of straw hats in my bed room on top of my highboy. Years ago I bought a very old straw hat that is hanging on a peg in my hall. Everytime I pass it I wonder about the person that wore this hat (it has a large brim with lovely old faded velevt ribbon. I'm pretty sure it was from a farm community back in the 1800's). You reminded me about one hat I have in a hat box. When I was in Nantuckett people kept asking if it was a *** I forget the woman's name that makes those beautiful straw hats remember Hilary Clinton wore one?. Anyway mine is from TJMaxx for $12.00 ha ha. Thanks for reminding me I have to get that hat out!
Sorry for being long winded,
Kathy

[Dawn]

You are so right, Tracey! Hats are so sweet. Just the perfect thing to add that special something. Don't you find that the most simple hats are the most beautiful? See, I knew your inspiration Friday's would be better that any magazine!!! xxoo, Dawn

[gardengoose]

just found your blog. love the hats. I have a small collection of vintage hats as well. they sure are fun to have around.
I will visit your blog again.love the decorating ideas. have added you to my blog list.
feel free to visit over at my little blog anytime. would like to have you visit. We also have an online e-zine called "Small Town Living" over at www.stliving.net that you might enjoy as well.
Have a great evening!

[Gayla]

Inspired, indeed. I loved your pictures of your beautiful home.

[Racheal]

Lovely photos.
Thanks for shareing them with us.
Racheal x