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Living with Antiques on the Oregon Coast

 

Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.

1/9/07

Secrets of the Season

Living with Antiques on the Oregon Coast

By Peg Miller

Fun and useful knicknacks and gourmet food can be found at Village Market & Deli in Newport

(Wheeler, Oregon) - What flavor is your home? If you're thinking "vanilla," you might want to jazz it up a little. If your place is "mocha-raspberry-lemon-peppermint," you may need to exert some discipline and focus on one preferred style.

Either way, antiques can help develop the character of a room.

Shutters: Long narrow wood shutters make great shelves on brackets. I created a headboard by screwing four vintage shutters to the wall, then hanging drapery panels on each side. Outdoors, shutters on cinderblocks can become a potting bench that you can easily hose off. Window shutters can become a table base. Anchor them in a zigzag with 3" wood braces and you'll have a distinctive base for a glass or wood top.

Fabrics: Table runners soften a room and add warmth. Since hall and living room tables don't get the spills that a dining table might, it's safe to use antique Battenberg lace, a silk scarf, paisley throw or fringed shawl. Old quilts, even quilt fragments are wonderful atop a table even in a bedroom. I toss an old quilt over the stair railing.

Shopping for antiques in Wheeler will yield various delights

Kitchen Things: Free up shelf and drawer space by displaying the things you often use, kitchen utensils, baskets, and trivets. Ceramic canister sets are still available and affordable. I collect copper and have candy dishes, watering cans, candleholders, serving bowls and pitchers in the soffit above my kitchen cabinets. All of these things get frequent use. I've heard people use the term "dustcatchers," but if you display often-used items, they won't collect dust at all

Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms at the Tradewinds Motel are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones with data ports. The oceanfronts all have a queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and a private deck. Some oceanfront units come with all those amenities but the kitchens. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed with a queen bed, small fridge, and coffee maker – sizable for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. There is an elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite that has two bedrooms, coming with a kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For those wanting bigger accommodations for family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms are pet friendly.523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com

Floors: Area rugs provide a chance to add a bit of pattern or whimsy. While they are stunning on a hardwood floor they're just as nice and cozy right over your carpet. Old hooked or braided rugs are casual and homey while Oriental-style is more formal.

Storage: You needn't trek to the attic or basement for a quick update. Use an antique trunk or a wonderful old suitcase to hold vintage linens and quilts. A papier mache box might hold candles and matchbooks.

Lamps: There's something comforting about old lamps whether hefty turned wood or delicate porcelain. They're easy to rewire if need be and a new shade makes it all come together. Give your room some zing that can't come from a big-box retailer. .

DIVE INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES

THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years, The Tides has been a favorite of Seaside visitors. History meets modern luxury here. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Find suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bedroom family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. There are wonderful oceanview cottages that sleep anywhere from two to eight people, with two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds with picnic tables and location at the quiet southern end of Seaside make for some memorable means of play and repose. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com.

Chairs: I have a weakness for wood chairs. Out in front of my building, I have seven ladderback chairs, each painted a different primary color. Because the building is a tourist destination, those chairs have been photographed more times than Britney and are in vacation photos all around the globe. A chair can be of service in ways other than the obvious and orphaned chairs are charming. An old rickety bentwood chair, for instance, can replace a conventional nightstand or can be a bookshelf. An old ladderback can be a man's valet. Throw a cushion over a missing cane seat and use the chair as a plant stand.

oregon coast lighthouses on dvdGlassware: We're blessed to live in a part of the country that provides fresh and lovely flowers year round. I have two windowsills lined with green glass jars of varying sizes and shapes. They look great from inside or out. When I bring fresh flowers, ferns or herbs into the house, there's no rummaging in a cabinet under the sink. Every antiques shop has a variety of inexpensive colored glass. Here's an idea taken from French Style: Use a beautiful glass cake stand for fruit. Imagine a cluster of pears on a shiny clear glass pedestal, sitting near a sunny window. Bring out all the old and forgotten things you have stored away and use them today.

From time to time, I'll be writing on living with antiques and adding more ideas to bring your personality into your rooms. If you have comments or questions, feel free to contact me. Until next time, here are a few words from William Morris: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

 

D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Getting a free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the beginning. Every room is beachfront, and it's all right up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach, next to the D River. Each room, comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some have gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players with movies available for renting (and movie rentals come with free popcorn). There's a heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep anywhere from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates are available, and they offer special occasion packages as well. To make a reservation and see a virtual tour of the rooms, visit our website at www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925.

 

Lincoln City Vacation Homes There’s something for everyone among this selection of wondrous homes: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All the homes are either oceanfront or just a few steps away from the sand – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies, depending on the home: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets are allowed in some homes – ask ahead. Each comes with complete kitchens so you’ll have a home away from home. Most have the seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778.

 

Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. It's Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Enjoy dining in the penthouse restaurant and bar - whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a candlelight dinner. They offer an array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including a decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to one-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Hotel amenities include wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and a year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference and meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive, gorgeous wedding possibilities. Near the south end of Lincoln City at 4009 SW Highway 101. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com

 

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

STARFISH POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport - and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com

 

Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside

Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites, 1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people. Rent our entire property for 20-26. All units close to beach, river and Broadway St.
Suites are designed for two adults; vacation rental units for families. All units have kitchen and many have fireplace, deck and jetted tub. Enjoy comfy robes & slippers, luxury bath amenities, quality linens and more. See us on The Travel Channel's "Great Escapes" show in August 2006. 741 S. Downing St., Seaside. 800-738-6691. www.SeasideSuites.com

 

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