a tisket a tasket, a vintage african basket..

Sometimes, (ok truth be told, this happens to me a lot), an object speaks to you and it’s clear that it is coming home with you. This happened to me recently when a friend and I were on a little field trip to the malibu design center.  This place is a treasure trove of inspiration for people who love organic, natural, modern design! 😉  We spotted an assortment of various size vintage African baskets on a table.  It was love at first sight. I picked out a smallish one, and my friend chose two for herself.  I had no idea where mine was going to go, but knew it was coming to Santa Barbara.  The texture, the color, and yes, even the smell!  These baskets were used by African women to cook with.  You can still smell the fire and feel the soul of these women in every beautiful detail.

When I got home, my first thought was on the gallery wall.  I already have a large basket, front and center, and thought perhaps one more might be nice.

I lived with it for two days, but didn’t love it there.  It was too high up to notice all the beautiful details…which was the reason I fell in love with it in the first place! Down it came, with me walking it around the house searching for just the right place.  Of course! The mantel!  Here is what the mantel looked like before.

I LOVE the basket on the mantel! But, as so often happens when I change something, it started a chain reaction of moving everything around.

Yes, you may have noticed the elephant table made a big move to the corner.  Remember he used to be between the two armchairs?

The cowhide rug also took a summer break. The black sugar gear table from Blaxsand (to the trade only) was hidden next to the Cloud sofa in the living room. I love the sculptural quality of it.

Now I know some of you who love my elephant table are probably hating that he’s been relocated.  Nothing is forever!  But for now he’s so happy living in his own little mini jungle!

The metal table that was here previously, moved beside the sofa where it’s height was perfect.

One little change often leads to a slew of others, but I think that the little African basket will be on the mantel for a long time.