Tag Archives: design

Heart Shapes in My Home

I’ve had the thought for a while that I wanted to go around my house and property in search of heart shapes to photograph. A few years ago I did a similar thing by looking for and photographing cross shapes in my house and posted it on a Good Friday. So this week I got a chance to look for hearts in time for Valentine’s Day. Some of the more obvious ones I was aware of but I was surprised by a few heart shapes that I found.

This is one of a pair of French chairs that I found at the flea market several years ago. They were covered with bulky, poorly tacked on pieces of embroidery when I found them and I was thrilled to discover the heart shaped backs and (sort of) seats. The oil cloth is starting to come off and I need to decide what to do with that but I love them.

A scrolly candelabra.

The side of a sewing machine that I inherited from my mom.

A cast iron fence piece used for garden art.

Bet you have had these heart shapes in your home at some point, too.

This metal stool is another flea market find. It sits between my kitchen and dining room.

Hope your week is filled with love.

Simple Faux Floral Arrangements

I don’t know about you but once I take down the Christmas decorations I’m ready for spring. The house just looks and feels dreary without the twinkling lights and sparkling balls. And since it will be a few months until spring comes I like to incorporate a few dried and faux floral arrangements back into my décor.

I try to hold back a little and not go full on floral but I don’t like to wait until spring to add some color.

Do you?

This tiny fern was gifted to me by a sweet friend and the old, framed floral needlework is a piece I found last fall at the flea market for one dollar. I love it with all its imperfections.

These little touches remind me that spring is coming.

And that once the cold and snow has gone there will be lush greens and vibrant color to enjoy again.

Until then, I’m content with my simple faux floral arrangements, a good book, a scented candle and if it decides to snow, a picturesque view from inside my warm home.

Soft Goods ~ The Fabric of Our Lives

One of my favorite key components of interior design is soft goods. This is due, I’m sure, to my love for fabric. Although I don’t love to sew, the enjoyment I get from shopping for and choosing just the right fabric and playing with patterns has compelled me to sew things like curtains and pillows when it’s time to change up my décor. I often can’t find what I’m looking for “off the rack” when it comes to these soft goods.

I have also done a small amount of reupholstering, only when it is a simple job like this chair.

An upholstered chair is just right in this space, softening the otherwise harshness of the brick and wood tones. Placing a pillow on a wooden chair would achieve similar results.

Frequently when a space feels like it’s cold or lacking interest, adding textiles and goods made from them is just what it needs to make it feel warm and cozy. Something as simple as a vintage umbrella or hat on a hook can do the trick.

I don’t know about you but all of the sudden I got an itch to go play at the fabric store…

My Wonderful Visit to Jeanne Oliver’s New Studio

A few weeks ago I told you about an amazing opportunity I was given to attend one of Jeanne Oliver’s art retreats in Castle Rock, Colorado. The whole experience was uplifting and inspiring. I think the two things that impressed me most were how comfortable Jeanne made this star-struck girl feel and the quality and character of all the talented women who attended.

We were welcomed with mimosas and croissants while we all mingled and got to know one another.

From the beautiful studio to the art instruction to the lovely people, this getaway exceeded my expectations in every way.

During one of the breaks Jeanne led us on a walk down several of the trails they have created on their property.

I plan on making time and room in the budget some time in the future to attend another event in Jeanne’s Living Studio. I might share a piece or two of art I created while there. In another post.
If I get brave enough.

Our Historic Home for Sale

I’m back from Jeanne Oliver’s amazing retreat and back to real life. What an incredible time I had at the art retreat and I will share stories and photos in an upcoming post.

I mentioned previously that our beloved house is now on the market and I would like to share photos of it with you. I have shown some of them in older posts as we completed projects but I have never shown my entire house.

The Foyer

The Living Room

French Doors leading to the stairs

Sitting Room leading to the Master Suite

The Studio

Guest Bedroom

Guest Bedroom #2

Back downstairs now in The Kitchen

Breakfast Nook

The Dining Room

The Bathroom

Laundry Room right off the kitchen

Wine Cellar

2nd room in Wine Cellar

Back of House

We have poured our heart and soul into this home for the past 22 years. We took it from a house in very poor condition that nobody wanted and turned it into a home that we have loved and enjoyed raising a family in. Although it’s sad to leave, we have been house hunting and have found a few smaller homes we like, one of which I know we will enjoy making our own.

You can read more about the history of our house as well as see more photos of our
kitchen reveal and dining room reveal.

Thank you for stopping by!

Repurposing Frames + A Little Bird Told Me

As I sit at my desk and write this post, I’m watching yellow leaves float by the window. George Winston Autumn is playing on the cd player and the most wonderful smelling fall candle is burning next to me. I want to hold onto this feeling.

I have been bringing fall to many areas of my home. I’ve concentrated mainly on the kitchen and dining areas because we spend so much of our time there.

I love repurposing frames in unique ways. With that as my inspiration for the breakfast nook table I started with a very old chippy green frame. Using it as a tray, I placed the items I gathered inside the frame.

You may recognize the tall skinny birdcage that was a recent flea market find. It adds some rustic texture and height.

This set of dishes belonged to my mom. We ate every Thanksgiving and Christmas meal on them as far back as I can remember. The color was perfect with the frame and the wonderfully gnarly green pumpkin.

The flourishes in the frame are echoed in the vines of the dishes and the raised squiggly veins on the pumpkin. I have to confess, that was a happy accident. Don’t you love it when it works out that way?!

I added the faux berries for a pop of color and a baby boo pumpkin tucked in a berry bowl with a little Spanish moss for a bed.

Switching gears now, I would like to share my weekly segment that I call “A Little Bird Told Me.”

………

It happens to the best of us!

Linking with: Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,The Scoop, Between Naps on the Porch, From My Front Porch to Yours, Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru Life, Ivy and Elephants, Common Ground, Shabby Art Boutique, French Country Cottage, Amaze Me Monday, VMG206, That DIY Party, Funky Junk Interiors,Savvy Southern Style, The Charm of Home, Vintage Charm

Tarnished Royalty

Design Your Life