Escondido and Solana Beach, Calif Shopping Inspiration

It was my stepdaughter's graduation from high school this past Friday, so we sent the dogs to the Pooch Hotel (for a luxurious stay in the presidential suite—a stay we won at our elementary school auction) and we spent the weekend in San Diego County. I think our dog's hotel room was nicer than ours--but no matter. I got to shop at some fabulous shabby antique shops, such as the Urban Barn in Escondido, Calif. The prices were pretty reasonable. And I got so many great ideas! Take a look. This pic above shows how great old reclaimed wood looks next to a white chandelier and a mirror.

The pillows piled a top this cute dresser were made with Rachel Ashwell fabric. Pretty. And the dresser is just a pretty gray color I'd like to duplicate somewhere in our home decor.

There is so much crammed into a small space, you have to stand and stare for awhile to take it all in.

This shot just shows you the size of this place. Out the back is the outdoor/garden area.

Who knew an old ladder hung from the ceiling could look so interesting. Where could I put this? Hmmm.

Good ol' drop cloth curtains. They are heavy, made of cotton and just have a lovely shabby look.

Another vignette in there somewhere.

One of the back rooms at the Urban Barn. I took this shot because I loved the ruffles on those curtains. Not sure if these are drop cloth, too or just linen. But so pretty.

I was loving this old cast iron bath tub. But don't have any place for that.

If you're interested to check it out, the Urban Barn is located at 155 W. Crest in Escondido 92025. (760) 743-7225.

We spent Sunday morning (quickly) walking down Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, Calif.  It's a design district and is chock full of decor and vintage shops. I love to get ideas just from looking at the design of the quaint store fronts, such as this one at House Vintage. Some of the shops—including this cute one—are closed on Sundays. But I liked taking a peek from the outside anyway.

How cute is that door?

My daughter is into mermaid's right now. So, we had to take a pic of the mermaid sign.

Interesting signs (and one with yet more mermaids) and assorted junk.

There are a few garden shops as well. I love the layering of the plants as shown here. And that fountain planter in the background.

I like the rocks and drought tolerant plants shown here layered on the slope.

And here...

And somebody got really creative with some drift wood to build this horse.