This is the day tha tthe Lord has made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it.

Salmon Falls Prims

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Can We Talk……………..about decorating styles??!!

 

I have heard so much lately about decorating styles. There are so many different decorating “places” on the internet that one can be part of. ~This defines country; this defines farmhouse; Oh that’s not primitive!! This past week I read a couple comments from people; “What does that have to do with primitive?” “Why are you posting that picture here? That isn’t primitive!” Wow! ….That’s all!  Ok I have taken a deep breath. I have been pondering this thought all week.

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There are so many different decorating styles. I for one don’t want to be labeled with any particular one. If someone were to ask me how I decorate my home, my answer would be ~ My inspiration for decorating my home is to step back in time when life was simpler and generations of family gathered to enjoy each other’s company.  The influence of older generations, love of family, and wishing to pass on the joy of homemaking to future generations is my passion.

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~This is a pic of my home back in New England. You can see my son is young. He and his cousin would play here all the time. Nothing was off limits. It was a home to live in and enjoy. Not to be a showcase. This coffee table was an old table that we cut the legs down on. It has a drawer on the side that he would keep all of his cars and tech deck dudes in when he wasn’t playing.~(You can see more of my New England home by clicking on the picture)

My home always has a touch of a patriotic theme and is comfy and welcoming to all who enter. I have filled my home with things that
”I” love! Things I have created and made my own.

I don’t want my home to look like any one else's!! Don't get me wrong, there are so may talented people with beautiful homes in this great world of ours. I love to get ideas from them and I love to share my ideas with others. Don’t just copy a magazine picture; make it your own. So many magazines just look alike nowadays. I am getting bored with the same old same old. Find a color you love (can you tell mine is red??!!), and incorporate into your home. I try to use some of the same colors in each room, because I am always  moving things around. Nothing stays the same, just ask my family. I am always moving furniture from one room to another.

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This is my first “country cabinet” that I purchased

 

Decorating styles also evolve over the years. When I was first married, I remember loving anything silver coated. A glass coffee table with silver legs, a white shag rug, seagull mobiles….well you get the picture. Along came children and the necessity of changing this up a bit became evident. It just isn’t logical to have a glass coffee table with a child that is beginning to walk. Enough said about that. lol. And so the evolution begins. An old chunky wooden coffee table, wooden cabinets, dark rugs……anything that “looks better” after a toy has been thrown against it. Oh how I love dinged up wood!!! Maybe because each little ding has a memory behind it. And that is how it is for me. Each piece in my home has some memory in it. We are now empty nesters (not sure for how long). As I look at our worn furniture, there are memories. GEDC0076

The worn arms on the sofa and chair, where once sat a full room of children and there friends enthralled in video games or movies together. The collection of bears, given with love for all of those holidays that we celebrated together. You see it takes a while to pull together your own “look”.

We are now in a rental. It is a one floor ranch style with a big window in front, sliding door in the back, no window trim and stucco walls . Very comfortable for us and we are so appreciative to be able to live here. But it is a little different than what we were used to. We had a  large New Englander with 5 bedrooms, a separate kitchen, dining room, den, large family room with high ceilings. So we have tried to make this our own. We have done a few things to make it “familiar” to us.

This is before~

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and this is after~

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We have added some wooden shutters and a little simple valance

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This is the kitchen window before we moved in~

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And after~

after1kitchen fall We have added wood trim around a couple windows and also added a faux wall on the back of our hutch to break  up the space a little.

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~back side of hutch

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~side of hutch

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(You can find more pics of my fall home on picture trail by clicking the pic above)

Sometimes your style will become that of necessity and sometimes just because you love something. In my case it is usually a combined effort. We built this table to accommodate all of our family so we could have dinners together.

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Create spaces that bring your family together, or give you a place to entertain. You don’t have to make it fancy. A basic casserole shared with family or friends can make lots of memories, simply because you added love and caring for them. Also don’t forget the seasons and holidays. You don’t have to do much to change to a new season. Sometimes just the color of your tablecloth, a vase of flowers, or a serving piece is enough. (I change things for the seasons constantly~ I will pack up a box (or 2) of things from around the house and change it out with seasonal items ~ dried flowers in baskets or crocks make a simple but BIG statement.)

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I absolutely love antiques cabinets, but I can’t take the old odor. That being said,  I have worked with my hubby to create some unique one of a kind pieces of furniture that “look old”, but are new and clean smelling(I love the smell of pine!)

 

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As you can see my style is constantly changing. Some of these pics are from years ago.

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Don’t be afraid to add personal touches~

maybe your family name on something by the door~

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a verse, or statement you want to share with the world~

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 So…..Country? Primitive? Farmhouse? Colonial? Cottage? Shabby Chic? A mixture?!  Who knows what tomorrow will bring??!! One thing is for sure ~ my home will be comfortable, a place to entertain and always have a little bit of patriotic flare to it. Go find your style! Don’t let anyone tell you something doesn’t fit in. It is your home and if you love something, it will fit in. If you need to be inspired there are so many ideas on the web. (Just remember to give credit where credit is due. So many pics are floating around and you don’t know who the original designer is.) Happy decorating!!

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Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2

Blessings~Sara

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You can visit my etsy shop by clicking the pic below~

 

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Have you  entered my latest giveaway?? Click the pic below to bring you there~ Ends August 23rd at midnight

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ps~ I still have more vacation pics to share with you.Maybe next time. If you would like to see pics of our New England trip click on the pic below.

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linking up  this week~

with Elaine

http://sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com/2012/07/sunny-simple-sunday_21.html

Feathered NestFriday ~http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/07/feathered-nest-friday_19.htmland also with~

32 comments:

  1. Great post! My home is a mix of styles that I love. A little vintage shabby with some french and farmhouse mixed in.

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  2. I have such a mix too. I love prims but my kitchen is straight out of the 50s because it is still from thd 50s so I go more with that in there. Who cares right as long as we love it. The only thing I don't ever decorate in is modern. I could barf going down the pillow isle at Target.

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  3. Love your home.
    My home is a big mix of things that I love and make it MY home.
    I enjoyed your post and all your beautiful things you and your husband having made.
    Hugs & JOY
    Trace

    www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

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  4. Love this post!! I gave up trying to fit into a particular style awhile ago when I realized I liked too many different eras and didn't want to be tied down to one style. What brings my house together is that I just like anything OLD, LOL!
    And I'm like you, my style has evolved over the years and is still evolving. I want things to be comfortable and kid friendly. And I love how the table top that my dad built for our kitchen gets new dings and dents from the kids and has faint words and numbers on it from them doing their homework.
    Right now I'm in a declutter mode and lightening things up, if I had to give it a name it would be "vintage modern farmhouse"? But then again, maybe it should just be called "Tiffaney's style de jour". No matter what it is, I just try to keep it filled with things I love and homey enough for the kids to enjoy.

    Tiff

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    1. I forgot to add... I love how you added the trim around your windows and the shutters.

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  5. I am with you. Thanks for sharing some many wonderful pictures and taking the time to explain your insights.

    Terri

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  6. Thank you for this post. I follow the primitive style but not to the T. I surround myself with things that make me and my family happy so it will never be just one rigid theme and my tast is always evolving with my life stages and experiences so who knows what I will fancy next year. So I'm sort of vintage patriotic primitive romantic country? Of course with a comic book twist for the children and husband...and myself as well...Captain America! All I know is my family and I call this home and we are comfortable and warm and happy.

    I'm always inspired by other bloggers and your home is so lovely and inviting, thanks for sharing.
    ~Christina

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  7. I think one should decorate with things that make you happy. Who made up rules for how houses should look. I don't even watch decorating shows anymore because I was sick of hearing designers telling us how we should decorate.

    Your home is really welcoming and cozy looking. Perfect.

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  8. My house is a mix of all types going from room to room, its whatever makes us happy. All that matters is you love it!!

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  9. Sara, your house is totally prim, Americana, and lovely. I agree with you: our each individual styles can and should reflect our individual preferences. I love a mix of similar styles in home decorating as well as in clothing. I still wear bell-bottom jeans... :)

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  10. Your house is beautiful. I can't believe it is a rental. The trims around your windows look unique and custom.
    I'm not too much of a prim person...after years of just 'doing it' I've finally started taking stock in what I like around my home...and have come to realize I'm more of a vibrant color, vintage eclectic,cottage type!
    Say that five times really fast...huh?
    Anyway...I was blogging and finding so much discontent in my home while reading-- I thought I liked the Shabby Chic White on White style...and was trying to fit that mold. When I finally discovered (took a really introspective look around my home) I like wood. I unlike you, like old wood and love the smell... but I don't so much really like the mono-colored rooms that Shabby had to offer. While I love some burlap... I really love feel of cotton. I love to crochet with cotton thread.
    So can we talk? You betcha! I'm right there with you... your home is an expression of who you are. If you're like me and at 47 have an empty nest, and NO LONGER KNOW WHO YOU ARE... well, just look around at the things you love. They all tell a story...

    I loved your post. Sorry for hi-jacking your comments!
    Pat, via SSS

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  11. So beautifully said. Love this post. I decorate my home with all the things I love. It is a mod podge of all styles thrown into one. Being surrounded by things and people I love makes a house a home. Thanks for putting into words what so many of us feel in our heart. Have a blessed Sunday
    Angela

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  12. Sara -- my first visit here by way of Sunny Sunday. Your home is lovely. I agree and do not want to be pigeon-holed into one *style*. My former husband used to call my style EARLY ATTIC -- I kind of think that best describes it, lol. Enjoy your home and bless those who live there and visit :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  13. I love this post! Came over from Elaine's to visit. I think our homes are reflections of the people who live within it. Your home is lovely and shows that a family grew up together in it with many happy memories and lots of times spent with each other. No labels necessary, but if I had to label yours I would say "Welcoming, pretty, comfy, love". Ann

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  14. Hi Sara! First time visitor from Elaines. I could not agree more regarding trying to fit into a magazine type home. Those homes aren't lived in or loved. I get tired of seeing the same things over and over. Your house looks like a home! A place people can relax and enjoy themselves! A place you want to visit.

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  15. Hi Sara,

    This is my first visit to your blog and I am so glad I found you (thanks to Elaine). I agree with everything you said in this post. I look forward to reading your blog and getting to know you.

    Smiles,

    Debbie

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  16. Loved reading your post. I love primitives, but I would say my house is primitive eclectic as I have pieces from the 1700's to the 1950's. As an antique owner, I say buy what calls to you not because you saw it in a magazine. My kids lived with antiques and now since my daughter's divorce her and our grandkids have moved back in..nothing is off limits to them. They play in antique childrens chairs..do their homework on our 1800's trunk...even their dresser and beds are old...we don't care, more dents make it hav emore character. Loved your pics. Take care, Janice

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  17. I've so enjoyed your post and seeing your lovely home then and now! There is just something about your style that pulls at my heart. I so agree with you about our style. I don't know what my style is, I just know what I like! ;)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  18. I just found your blog and it really made me feel better. I look at all the pictures and blogs on the internet and think everything looks so good and then I look around my house and start doubting. I start thinking I should change everything. Reading your blog made me feel that everyone has there own style and you should just do what makes you happy and not try to be like everyone else. Thanks!Joyce

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  19. I always say go with what pulls at your heartstrings.Then when the fad passes you're not stuck with a bunch of stuff you never really liked anyway.Wonderful post today.Warm Blessings!~Amy

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  20. My philosophy is only have the things around you that you really love. Including people. If you love what you have, you have a happy style and a happy home. Loved your pictures. I also love that bible verse. and RED!lol

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  21. I am a friend of Elaine's. I came over to see your blog from her post today. I love your comfy and charming home. I agree wholeheartedly with your decorating style. The photo that stopped me in my tracks though, was the scarecrow! Is your name Grover?
    I ask because that is my name.
    XO
    Kris Grover

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  22. Hi Sara! I just found your blog and really enjoyed reading your post!! Can't wait to see more of your beautiful home. I so agree with you, not to care what others say and to find your own style, to make your home comfy and intviting, this is so true!! So important to make it a home sweet home.
    Hugs to you, Jannet

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  23. Hi, Sara~
    Wonderfully put~ I love this post~ your home is very welcoming & says come on in, relax & visit a while~just very comfy cozy~
    I just love decorating all styles,I can find beauty in each one~
    smiles
    Teresa

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  24. Hi I just found your blog and your house is so homey, I am the same way, my style is just that mine and I cant wait to see more of yours,,, thank you for sharing.

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  25. What a wonderful home you have !! I love your decorating.
    I have a mish mash myself, a lot of thrift furniture and homemade crochet throws etc. I haven't got a special decorating style.
    Have a great day and thank you so much for sharing your wonderful home.

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  26. Great post, Sara....I so agree with every single statement. While I can drool over a "perfectly prim" or "period" home in a magazine layout, I know full well I couldn't pull it off - nor would I be comfortable with it. Give up my whimsy? Give up my "umm, just because it spoke to me?" - not on your life. I try to surround myself with things I love ~ and if that isn't trendy for some folk, well, guess what? Guess I'm not needing to surround myself with their opinions..... Your home is a wonderful reflection of you and your loving family...I adore those window shutters!! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

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  27. Thank you for this post. I really needed to read something like this, because I was struggling with that 'style-thing'. My colors are white and blue :-).

    Goedele

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  28. Wanted to comment on your site. you have a beautiful family and I'm touched that you weave scripture throughout your blog. Your decor and crafts are my dream, just haven't wanted to start all over recreating our cabin in the woods, but a touch here and there and one never knows how quickly primitive might be the focus.My heart is there for sure. it would be so grat if i won your fall give away, then i 'd have an armful to begin the adventure. this blogging is all new to me and i have to thank or blame my niece jody at cobblestones for sending me down this path.

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  30. Love your house! I have a lot of red in my house, too. And Patriotic is my first love. I can't do the dark primitive stuff-I find it depressing. I need light! My walls are mostly dark colors, though. Bright red, khaki and navy blue. I really enjoyed this post.

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