I love using contrasts in decorating. I’m definitely a “high contrast” kind of girl. Some people like calm, monochromatic spaces. I like deep blue mixed with white. Dark floors in a cream room. A primitive cupboard filled with silver. I think contrasts make a space look interesting. This is one reason why I am attracted to junk haunts as well as higher end antique stores. This is also why I look for things that are humble as well as those that are show-offs.
This leads me to my topic today…dough bowls.
I’ve wanted one for a long time, but never found one at a price I was willing to pay. I love the hand carved marks, the worm holes, the warmth of the wood, the shape.
The Nester wrote a great post on dough bowls a few months ago and that amped up my desire. Have you ever noticed how seeing a friend, holding her find victoriously, can make you want that object even more?
She’s so cute and she looks so happy with her dough bowl. Anyway, she found this one (and another) for a steal at $49. I found mine a few months ago, but had to shell out more than that. I’ve learned that some pieces are worth splurging on and this was one of those for me. The one I found was an antique dough bowl from Holland. It’s now on my dining room table…filled with lavender bunches.
(The French inspired drying rack is from Laurie Anna’s Vintage Home.)
I have been fortunate to find a few more and sold one at the Lucketts Antique Market in May and another out of my pavilion a couple of months ago. Part of me hoped they wouldn’t sell, so I could use them for display, but that’s the way this business works.
Although dough bowls have a reputation for being very “primitive country”, they can be striking in a modern space, utilitarian in a traditional space and right at home in a cottage space.
Do you think a dough bowl would work in your home?
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Love dough bowls.My sister has a home decor store,sadly it will be closing .She does have two bowls.Very large from Africa,1/2 off. Call 727-286-6121 if interested. I think one is 5 foot.
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Mary
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Just found your blog about a week ago and have been pouring over your old posts–love it! I'm wanting to order some wax and also some paint, but am still not clear about the paint. Do I order Chalk Paint or milk paint? Do they look the same when they go on and serve the same purpose? The milk paint is definitely cheaper. Thanks so much!
You always have a way of making me add MUST HAVE items to my already long list. Where did you find them? Have you done a post on your dining room rug? It's beautiful.
You are full of inspiration and I love pictures of your store vignettes. Keep it coming!
Years ago, my mother-in-law acquired a wonderful dough bowl. Unfortunately, she decided to stain and varnish it. Fortunately, it's still beautiful and she gave it to me!! It's on my dining table, but I just don't have a clue what to put in it.
I bought one for $20 from a neighbor who was going to throw it away! I also got an old school map from him and a vintage wine press. Score : o )
A wooden dough bowl is on my list of 'things I must have'. Ab-so-lute-ly love them! I do have a huge antique tin dough bowl with a lid, but I NEED a wooden one.
I have always loved dough bowls. I agree they can be used in just about any design taste. I used to work for a designer that would have a florist create a work of art inside them. So pretty!
-JoAnna
http://www.re-Ublog.com
I've had small one for about 15 years, but I finally found a large one like yours last year at the Nutcracker Market in Houston! I grabbed it and like you, paid more than I wanted too but I love it. It moves all over the house! You can do so much with them!
Oh yes… I can see it.. and I can also see that my cats would think it just the right size to take a kitty-nap in
Maddie- rolling in the truth today
Who has cats on the table?
You have a gorgeous blog. Beautiful interiors.
Yes, will you be giving one away to a lucky reader….?
I love these and will be on the lookout now….thank you for the inspiration….xv
I am on the lookout…wanted one for some time.
Your dough bowl is terrific! I have one, though it's not that old. My husband's grandfather used to carve dough bowls and sell them. He gave one to my parents in the 80s. After they passed away, it came to live with me and my husband. It is a cherished piece.
I think anything you endorse would look great in my home.
Kate @ welcomedtempest.blogspot.com
I've wanted a dough bowl for eons but have never found one I felt I could afford. Yours looks wonderful and I love the lavender in it! I too must have color and texture.
xo
Pat
Jealous! I want one!
I love your quote about being a "high contrast kind of girl". Me too! I have some modern in my home, mixed in with vintage finds…I agree – without the contrast the space doesn't have enough personality for me… BTW I absolutely love the lavendar in the dough bowl – gorgeous shot!
I love dough bowls and yes it would work in my house, if you want to, you can send me one!
Thanks,
Debbie
Yes, and I just found a very nice one. Now I need some lavender.
$49…WHAT, what, did I read that right? I have been searching for one I could afford forever, what a steal, I would be smiling from ear to ear myself
I think dough bowls can work in any space. I love the rustic wood in a modern space for a mix of textures or in a space like my own which is much more of a mix of all sorts of styles, and a constant work in progress, what can I say, I love a lot of things!! Looks great on your table!
beautiful, and it was worth every penny, I'm sure!!
xoxo
Beautiful admiration from afar. Maybe as an "I don't get it, but okay" Birthday gift one year.
Bernadette @b3hd
It's on my list of items I would love in my home. So yes, absolutely it would work for me in more than one spot – I'd probably move it around every so often. Such a great post!
About 10 years ago I too coveted a dough bowl. I had seen them in antique stores and they were running about $400 at the time. These were the real "antiques" and proudly displayed in shops. Imagine my surprise when as a retail home decor buyer, I walked into a booth at the Alanta gift show and there were stacks and stacks of "antique" dough bowls for sale, all made in China. For the very low cost of $49. I lost my interest in dough bowls at that point. I Have only ever seen fakes in antique stores, and warn buyers to know what they are getting for their money.
As an antique dealer I have to agree with anonymous that most of the dough bowls you see now at antique stores are reproductions. I have no problem with that as long as you know that when you buy them and don't think you are actually getting an antique. I have to agree that they make beautiful decorative pieces.
Hi Marion:
Your bowl is beautiful, I have two of these beauties, but they are very very old, and smaller. Is the one you talk about for $49.00 a reproduction, because I paid a lot for a very small one in Maine.
Anyway, yours are beautiful,
martha
In a word: YES.
I think they're beautiful and the wear and tear make them all the more lovely in my eyes. 
Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful dough bowl and love the lavender touch! Yes, yes, yes- a dough bowl makes a fabulous kitchen, fireplace, dining table, or bath/bed accessory. My very large, very deep dough bowl is home to all of my decorator magazines. I found it in North Carolina ten years ago and paid $79.00 for it. I found this one in Denham Springs, LA and could not get it to the register fast enough with its $25.00 price tag! http://placesinthehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/071.jpg
Reproduction dough bowls are flooding the market. Authentic dough bowls carry a three figure price tag as a rule. There are still sellers who do not realize what they have and treasures can still be found. A reputable dealer will fully disclose to the buyer if their merchandise is a reproduction and most antique dealers are very reputable. A nice reproduction is a great choice for an affordable option.
Darleen
something new for me to desire.oh my….
Love 'em. When I was in college I had an elderly friend who would invite me over for tea or dinner or frappes on the patio, and she had the loveliest home. Wonderful antiques and New England style. But not stagey, just lived in. Anyway, she had a dough bowl that she'd put evergreen boughs and apple or oranges in at Christmas. I've been looking for my dough bowl for awhile now, and I know I'm gonna find it someday!!!
Ally
Oh Miss Mustard Seed, you never fail to inspire me. Please continue doing so.
I inherited one from my husband's grandfather…talk about a treasure. It is one of my prized possessions. I keep mine on top of my upper kitchen cabinets. Probably should find a better place for it, but it looks so pretty up there and is too big for my table right now. Maybe out on the porch we just enclosed. They are wonderful though, aren't they. Glad you were able to keep one.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE dough bowls!!! Where I live, they are an easy find but like you – I love the contrasts of displying different shapes, colors and styles. Picture a grouping of them hanging together on a wall….Instant modern or primative art!
I had completely forgotten dough bowls. Now I'm on the prowl. They're awesome. Simple, clean and you can fill them anyway you like. Way Cool!
I love your table!! Where did you find that?! It is exactly what we are looking for! Thanks:)