Upstairs at Pauline Manor: A Walk Through Time

There’s a certain balance we’ve tried to strike while restoring Pauline Manor. Some rooms lean practical, others feel a little more personal, and every space tells a part of our story. The main floor of the house has stayed mostly modern. It’s full of things that feel like us. Mike’s movie memorabilia, framed family photos, a lot of plants, and a layout that works for day-to-day life.

But upstairs? That’s where the rules change. I was given full rein to do whatever I wanted, and I’ve taken that freedom and turned it into something that feels almost like a portal. Once you cross the threshold to the second floor, it’s like stepping back in time. Room by room, I’ve been filling the space with antiques that span from the late 1800s to mid-century modern pieces, each one adding a layer of character and charm that just fits the house. It’s not a museum—it’s more like a living scrapbook.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Tucked on a shelf upstairs is this beautiful etched brass pitcher. I found it at an antique shop and instantly fell in love with the shape and detail. It’s probably from the mid-1900s and is styled after traditional Middle Eastern coffee pots, sometimes called dallahs. The hand-etched floral design adds so much texture, and even though it’s not super old, it has that well-traveled feel I love. I don’t plan to use it for anything practical—it’s one of those pieces that just quietly makes the room feel more interesting.

This candelabra was one of those finds that instantly made me feel like I’d stepped into an old mystery novel. It’s heavy, ornate, and covered in the kind of scrollwork you just don’t see in modern pieces. It likely dates to the mid-1900s and was probably used on a dining table or fireplace mantel. I don’t even mind that the finish is worn a little, it makes me imagine all of the places it has been and hands that have held it. I haven’t decided if I’ll clean it up or leave it as is, but either way, it adds a little drama in the best way.

This beauty is a vintage corner table, most likely from the 1950s or early 60s, styled after French Louis XV furniture with its curved legs, carved details, and real (heavy!!) marble top. It’s just the right mix of fancy and practical. The mesh paneling on the sides gives it a little extra texture, and it tucks perfectly into the corner upstairs. Right now, it holds a few of my favorite little things- including a vintage men’s jewelry box with felt-lined compartments and a pull-out drawer that I found at a local antique shop – but honestly, it could be empty and I’d still love it just as much.

This is hands down one of my favorite finds. It’s a Victorian washstand, probably from the late 1800s, and it’s in beautiful shape. The dark wood, barley twist legs, and oval tilting mirror are so perfectly detailed, and the ceramic bowl and pitcher just complete the look. These were used in bedrooms before indoor plumbing was a thing, and I love that it still feels functional, even as a display piece. It fits so perfectly into the corner in my office so I can see it behind me in every Zoom call.

This antique settee lives in my office so I can see it every day, even though it’s as hard as a rock and not remotely comfortable. I just love the look of it. The carved wood details and original vintage upholstery are everything I wanted for upstairs at Pauline Manor. It’s one of those pieces that instantly makes the space feel a little more historic, and even though no one actually wants to sit on it for long, it definitely earns its spot.

This sweet little washstand was one of those Facebook Marketplace finds that I couldn’t say no to. The pitcher, bowl, and chamber pot are all part of the same set, which honestly feels like a small miracle. The floral design on the pitcher set reminds me so much of New Orleans. New Orleans has always been one of my favorite cities (right behind Pensacola, of course), and this piece feels like a quiet little nod to that. It also makes me think of Pauline Graupera, our home's namesake, who came here from New Orleans. I like to think she’d be happy to see a little touch of home upstairs.

There are so many other little antique pieces tucked into corners and shelves upstairs, and I know I’ll keep adding more as I find things that feel right. Part of what I love about this process is the hunt itself, whether it’s digging through antique stores, browsing thrift shops, scrolling Marketplace at weird hours, or getting that little spark of excitement when something just clicks. I’m not looking for perfect or expensive or rare, I’m just looking for pieces that feel like they belong here, like they carry a little bit of history and still have something left to give.

I’m not trying to fill every inch of space or clutter it up, even though this style definitely leans more layered than minimal. What I want is for it to feel intentional, collected over time, and full of character without feeling crowded or chaotic. Every piece I’ve brought into this house has made me smile and made this old upstairs feel more like home, and that’s what keeps me going back out to look for more.