Sunday, January 27, 2013

How I Found My Style Sundays: Number Fifty-Three



Hi everyone! I'm Angela from Number Fifty-Three. I'm passionate about decorating on a budget and transforming dated thrift store purchases into something spectacular for my home. I can usually be found painting, crafting and thrifting and I document it all on my blog.  I was so thrilled when Pamela asked me to participate in this series!


1- My decorating style is?

My decorating style is such an eclectic mix! I love a home that is collected. I love vintage, modern country and rustic glam.

Something that really draws me in is the play between things that have sparkle and old, worn, chippy pieces, and I incorporate this into a lot of my decorating. 

A big change for us recently has been lightening and brightening our rooms with paint. I'm really loving how this neutral backdrop makes all of our treasures look so special.


I also think it's really important to bring life and nature into my home.  So much sculptural beauty can be found just from a simple grouping of twigs.


2- How did you "find" your decorating style?

My style is constantly evolving; a lot of it being simple trial and error while decorating.  But, I have really honed in on what I love by looking at decorating magazines.  My favorite from the United States is Country Living.  But, I'm really a huge fan of British publications like Country Living and Ideal HomeBooks like Domino and Decorate (by Holly Becker) have also been a huge inspiration to me. As has Pinterest (you can find me pinning here).  Lastly, reading other blogs, especially those of designers that I love, like Emily Henderson, helps to point me in a specific design direction.


3- What has been your most treasured find for your home?

This is such a tough question to answer! My most treasured item I own is this blue velvet, wing back chair that belonged to my grandmother.  I never met her and it is really the only thing of hers that I have. Plus, this chair was always in our home while I was growing up. My Dad is no longer living and so this chair provides such an awesome connection to the past. Plus, I love that the blue velvet was something my Dad chose and it still looks amazing 30+ years later.


In terms of things I've personally found; did you see the painting above the wing back? That was a $6.99 thrift store find that I think is pretty amazing.


4- What tips do you have for creating a beautiful home?

Don't second guess yourself.
I find the times that I don't go with my first instinct I end up regretting my decision. 

Don't get stuck in a rut.
Realize that it's OK to move furniture and accessories from room to room. Experimenting and rearranging your possessions can create an entirely new look in your home. 


Take risks. 
I DIY a lot. I'm always crafting, painting and arranging.  But, there are plenty of times when even my best plan or project fails. But, I remind myself that this isn't life or death. It's just paint or paper or glue.  Just scrap what you don't like and start over. 

Get Creative.   
There are often times I see so many beautiful things that I want for my home.  There are projects and looks that I want to create, but in reality these are just not in my budget.  So, find pictures of what inspires you and figure out how to make it work for your home and your budget.  For example, my husband and I really wanted a new slip covered, modern shaped, well made couch, but couldn't justify the couple of thousand dollars it would have cost.  Our current sofa was structurally sound, but dated and the fabric was torn, so we began to brainstorm what we could do to update it.  We decided on a semi-fitted white slipcover and removing the gigantic attached pillows that made the couch look so dated.  Our real secret is that my husband replaced that cushioning with an egg crate mattress topper.  Would you ever have guessed?


A huge thank you to Pamela for this opportunity! It was so interesting to really think about the answers to these questions.  Sometimes I feel all over the place with what I love and want to use in my home, but this helped me see that I actually do have quite a bit of focus and a very defined style.  I hope you all will take the time to stop by Number Fifty-Three; I'd love to have you!






Thank you so much for sharing your home with us Angela!



20 comments:

  1. Great post and wonderful style. Hugs, Marty

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  2. The front of your house is so cute! I enjoyed reading your responses...
    Hugs,
    Linsey

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  3. I love her style and looking and reading it has helped so much!

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  4. What a beautiful home! I love that blue chair simply gorgeous!That painting looks perfect above it too!
    xx
    Anne

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  5. I love that you are introducing different bloggers to all who share some of the same passions! I'd love to be featured one day. My castle door is always open at the " royal blog"! Tiffany

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  6. What a sweet girl she is- love her style, too. Thanks, Pamela-xo Diana

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  7. It was so much fun reading about Angela, and her answers to the questions were so interesting and informative.

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  8. Angela has the most wonderful sense of style! She already knows I'm a huge fan!

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  9. Lovely post by Angela. Fun to be invited into her beautiful home!
    Mary Alice

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  10. I love that Angela has found her own unique style and isn't afraid of taking chances with her decorating. I think we can all learn from that. The old pieces of furniture mixed with personal treasures is just the look I love. Thanks for a great post, I have to visit her blog!

    XO,
    Jane

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  11. What a great post! I love Angela's style, her home is beautiful!

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  12. i love angela's home and style! i love an eclectic mix, too! and love the exterior of her home- so charming!

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  13. I love the settee. Am wondering where you might have found it. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.

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  14. Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments!

    Joani--I got the settee in a furniture trade with my Mom. ;) She got it at a little resale shop in central Massachusetts.

    Angela

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  15. Beautiful home...and love that blue velvet chair too!

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  16. Where did you find the slipcover? I have a well made couch that also needs a new slipcover. The store that the sofa was purchased at wants about $1500 just for a slipcover. Ah. I dont think so. I have no idea what to do or where to find one, and I do not sew. What is an egg crate mattress topper?

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  17. I am always a sucker for striped pillows! Love this, so lovely. xx

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  18. Hi Carol Jane--The slipcover is from Sure Fit. Here is the link: http://www.surefit.net/shop/categories/sofa-loveseat-and-chair-slipcovers-separate-seat/twill-supreme-separate-seat.cfm?sku=37749

    The egg crate is a piece of foam that you put on top of your mattress to make it more comfy. You can get it at stores like Target or K Mart. We removed the gigantic attached back pillows which left no padding at the back of the couch. My husband got an egg crate, folder it in half and we tucked it into the crevices. The slipcover keeps in place and everything has held up well to 2 boys and a cat!

    Angela

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  19. I love Angela's style! Such a great eclectic mix! Thanks for sharing! Life to the full, Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

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  20. Hi Angela, You've got great style!

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