I have decorating issues and they're driving me NUTS!! While I simply love Nordic French/Swedish styles and desperately want that look, I just cannot seem to make it work in our home. It always seems slightly off to me. I keep trying~tweaking things here, rearranging there but it's just not workin' for me. I swoon over these images in magazines, blogs, and books but I can't get comfortable with it in my own house. What's up with that? The funny thing is, no matter how much I love it, I continue to be attracted to bold reds and soft blues! I know, crazy right? I don't get it. So I picked up my copy of French General the other day and loved everything in it so much that I decided to just go with it. Rather than fight my color urges to stay within an all white/grey color scheme throughout the whole house, I've decided to go more French Country/Provincial in the kitchen and adjoining family room. I'll stick with the grey/blue-grey/white color scheme in the bedroom and in my craft room {It works in those rooms and I love it there} I've just decided to mix it up a bit, throw all the decor rules out the window. I still love my grain sacks and my burlap and they look great with my splashes of red and {gasp} black!
So I've redone things a bit. Added some old clay pots in a basket by the french doors awaiting spring
added a red book to the mantel vignette
put some of my favorite books in a galvanized french tub
{notice French General front and center}
made some pillow covers with oversized red checks
black and white toile
and pom pom fringe {seriously fun}
made some pillow covers with oversized red checks
black and white toile
and pom pom fringe {seriously fun}
except Abigail keeps trying to bite them off!
Then, I painted some of my frames black and threw them in for good measure!
Then, I painted some of my frames black and threw them in for good measure! It feels better in there now. Don't worry, I still love me some burlap and grain sacks and my new {old} bench is right there in the mix too. This is just working better for now.
Have a great day everyone.
xo and God Bless,
Kathleen
being yourself while decorating is KEY! I love how you did this...and in that last picture...that desk/chair in the corner looks so cute!
ReplyDeleteLove it! That's my favorite style, French country/provincial, so I love your ideas!
ReplyDeletej'adore your touches of "rouge"! tres jolie! TFS! :)
ReplyDeleteI always say go with what you love.I Love prim,french country,colonial and a little shabby cottage.If you surround yourself with what speaks to you it'll all blend together and feel like "your" nest.Warm Blessings!~Amy
ReplyDeleteLooks fabulous. Love the red and it works great with your neutrals. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteOh I love what you have thrown in..
ReplyDeleteit looks wonderful...
Have a Blessed day
Tonja
I dig the whole Nordic look too, but not at my house. I need red! I like your updates.
ReplyDeleteThe reds are great! Not too much, not too little!
ReplyDeleteKelly
I think you have done a great job in adding some reds to bring in some color...just the right amount. It actually makes your neutrals stand out more! I love the pillow covers you made and the little desk in your living room is so cute!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Nothing wrong with mixing two styles...and it is what you feel at home with that is the best look for you! Your home always looks inviting! x0
ReplyDeleteOh I am so glad to meet you, I have the problems in my house. I just can't seem to get the whole look either and I too love pops of color. I think what you did looks great, but I also love your french decor pics too.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog from Flora Doora and I am now a follower.
Have a great Friday!
Pops of red and black really liven up a space. I think of red as a happy color. It makes me smile. Your pillows are adorable! If you think about it you did not make any huge commitments if that is what holds you back. You were smart and kept the neutrals and just added pops of color. You'll get more and more brave as you live with these colors. It is your home and you have to feel good when you are in it. Remember paint is cheap and is a wonderful way to transform anything including the feel of a room. Have fun!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Tammy
My mother used to say "every room needs a little splash of red to add life to a room". I quite agree. My favorite color is blue, but when mixed with red and a bit of yellow I feel right at home. The black really grounds the room. I love your style and enjoy reading your blog very much!
ReplyDeleteI think you're smart to go with what feels right. There are some looks that I love, too, but just wouldn't feel right in my space. I love your b&w toile with the red checks, such a classic combo. Blessings, Kim
ReplyDeleteI feel the same, I am automatically drawn to reds, cream, black, green. I love how you brought in the colors with the pillows. Shelia
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see you followed your heart...and it looks beautiful! I bet you are really feeling much more comfortable with it all!
ReplyDelete;-D Kathleen