Building A Cafe, piece by piece

I have always had a clear picture in my head of what I wanted the look and feel of my cafe to be like. I wanted it to feel like you had just found your way through the twists and turns of the old bazzar until you came upon this hidden treasure tucked away, waiting to be found.

There needed to be colors, textures, and history. An old fashioned cafe, that feels more like home than a strip mall complex. As I pulled together pictures and ideas from pinterest, arranging them on a corkboard in my hallway, items began to show up and present themselves.

It has been a delightful journey as I meet with them like old friends who havent seen each other in centuries.

The theme seems to be Mid-20th Century Isalmic antiques from about 1960’s. Copper and metal lanterns will be hung from the ceiling. Copper etched trays will be placed amongst rugs and cushions to serve as tables.

A hand-carved Italian walnut Savonarola chair from 1890 will display lightly folded textiles for sale such as Turkish towels, Pestemals.

This chair is copied from an ancient Roman form and has carved lion heads on the arm rests. These are not the only lions that have presented themselves of “guardians” of the cafe. Chinese Foo Dogs adorn the brass water Samovar on either side, representing yin/yang or balance and wisdom. They may be called “dogs,” but they are actually lions and are protective.

The Mid-20th century Iranian hand carved brass incense burner is one of my favorites standing just about as tall as I am! Hidden in the corner of a random Estate sale, it begged to go home with the others.

However , my golden nugget of a find was a French Provicial Maison Jensen Tea cart from the 1950’s. Do I get giddy at the prospect of wheeling someone tea on this beautiful chrome cart? You Betcha!

These are just a few items in addition to glassware, vintage silver ware, display cases, and framed prints that just appear.

Now…if only I could find an old Victrola Record player…