Antique "Hunting" In The Berkshires

I am happy to reveal another resource of mine for you to explore and that is the Berkshire Home and Antique Center in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.  I had an opportunity to pass through the Berkshires this summer on my way to go camping in Upstate New York.  Remember my whole "stalking" post on discovering Cortney and Bob Novogratz's Berkshire home?  You can read about it here.  Well, seeing their home in person and getting a chance to go antiquing in one of my favorite stores had me all worked up!  Too bad it rained the whole time we were camping.  It was like being in a car wash for three days.  Kids loved it and thought it was an adventure.  Maybe I will post on that another time!  Feast your eyes on some of the fabulous pieces that caught my eye.

Adonis Of The Sea $1,600

Every year when we go camping I pass by here.  If I can't stop before I head back home I get very frustrated!  There are so many garden ornaments and outdoor furniture to get your home looking very unique from the outside!  I want one of these for my front blue stone patio.

I am actually considering this gilt chair for my living room.  I actually like the way it looks as is.  I guess they leave it like this so you can recover it in a fabric of your choice.

I love this vignette.  It has a very old world feel to it.  Nothing matches.

This is another table that I was considering adding to my home.  Next to my bed?  Or next to my sofa.

This antique store is filled to the brim!

Another display that I loved.  White and gray are one of my favorite combo's.  I think the time worn patina of this table is beautiful.

Another chair that caught my eye.  I would leave it as is.

Lots of great chairs to choose from.

This piece was interesting and had funky texture.  Looked better in person.

107 Stockbridge Road, Route 7 - Great Barrington, MA (413) 229-3505

Sad to leave the Berkshires.  It is a place that makes me very happy!  The adorable towns like Great Barrington, and Stockbridge have so much to offer.  Museums, restaurants, and of course my favorite, antique stores.  Sometimes it can get crowded with all the New Yorker's coming up for a summer respite.  Many like the Novogratz's (Sixx Design) from Bravo's 9 by Design have summer homes here.  You can read my post on our photo of it here!

Bob and Cortney Novogratz's house in the Berkshires (Photo via my daughter)

Every time I get on the Mass Pike (90) heading West towards the Berkshires (usually for camping) I get so excited to go in that direction!  It is a beautiful place to visit and shop!  If you would like click here to see another fun post about antiquing in Hudson, NY.

Have fun!

xojamilyn

{Photo's via me}

Drive By Sighting Of A Special House Owned By An Amazing {Celebrity} Family...

Does this make me a stalker?  Do you recognize this yellow shuttered house?  (See pictures below for a hint).  Well, I did.  I was driving to go camping in Upstate New York and almost screeched to a halt.  I was with my daughter and I screamed and whipped a u-turn!  She thought I saw a bear or something!  We kept driving by and finally my daughter was able to get a photo for me (she was finally getting into the hunt).  There was someone leaving so we had to be quick.  So embarrassing!  I should have stopped by and introduced myself to Bob and Cortney Novogratz from Bravo's 9 by Design reality show.  Where is my nerve?  According to my family though, I have "nerve" just trying to take this picture!  Their country house in the Berkshires, MA is lovely and unique with its signature painted yellow shutters (you know the house...if you have been watching their show).  I think the whimsical addition of the international flags is just the right touch.  This house really reflects their sense of style and flare for being different.  This just adds to my desire to have a summer home to "play" with and enjoy...   

Just a note....I will not be revealing the location of their home...I am not that bad!!!!  Next time though, I will stop by with flowers or something and say hello!!!! {I wish I had passed by when they were having that terrific garage sale of all their cool antique and vintage finds}.

I think I want to grow up to be just like them...ingenious risk takers with a real great sense of style!  Oh, and they have 7 kids to boot!  Moved a million times and flip houses that they...with no design training... design and build themselves with their own design company called Sixx Design (check out their website).  They take all of this in stride, day by day with a kid on each arm (and hanging on their legs too) and everyday chores on top of it all.  They look great, are cool and are living life to its fullest!  Wow, impressive!  There is no obstacle to great for them...  

 I would never have thought of hanging curtains outside the front of a traditional Massachusetts colonial.  Also painting the shutters a color other than the typical green or black which is a signature color of a colonial here in Massachusetts...like my house....I need to be more daring with my decorating..... (my house still looks pretty though).

{My house, photo via me}

Good for them for thinking outside of the box.  Love their creativity and daring!  We can all learn something from this amazing couple!

Here are the photo's taken by John Gruen for New England Home, May 2008 (below).  After driving by and only getting to see the outside of their home, I am happy that I have found pictures of the inside.

This is definitely not your typical colonial.  I love how they mix things up and yet it is very comfortable and soothing.  Doesn't hurt your eyes to look at it.

I think I have a bit of "vintage nouveauxx" in me too.  I just have to learn to be comfortable with what I like and not be afraid to bring it home.  As you can see, they liked that pink deer head on their kitchen wall..may not be my taste or yours but they loved it and are enjoying it everyday!

This outdoor sunroom is my favorite.  I love the rustic textures and it looks so inviting.

Love this photo wall.  No worries about it being perfect, it is just there to enjoy.

{photo via purestylehome blog}

I haven't had a chance to explore this book, Downtown Chic by Robert and Cortney Novogratz, but have been meaning too.   Another sneak peek into their decorating style.

Well, summers almost over and school is starting up again next week.  Can't believe it.  I enjoyed my summer and we had fun renting a home up in Maine, visiting family and friends in NYC, camping in Upstate New York, and antiquing in Hudson, NY and the Berkshires, MA.  My one consolation about summer ending is that I love the fall and Halloween.  Change of seasons means change of wardrobe!  Love to wear my fashionable boots and cozy sweaters!

Enjoy!
xojamilyn

{Photo of Novogratz house via my daughter, New England Home pictures via stacy's style blog}