Sunday, July 14, 2013

How I Found My Style Sundays- Serendipity Refined



Hi Everyone! I am Kimberly from Serendipity Refined.
First, I want to thank Pamela for inviting me to share my decorating style with you today.  I'm excited to be here!  Second, I have to admit I don't really have one specific decorating style. It's more a combination of several.


My style is continually evolving and,  for me, it has a lot to do with where I'm at in my life and the people with whom I share my home than it does any one style.  Right after college, my style was certainly much more feminine than it is today.

My current decorating pallet involves several shades of grey, beige and ivory.  This might have something to do with the fact that I live in a home where I'm the only female (unless you happen to count Martha Stewart who has lived with us for the last fourteen years. No, not that Martha...the one who lives in our home has four legs and is a yellow lab.)


It also may have something to do with the fact that I wear those colors as the basic parts of my wardrobe much of the time. One of the things that I've learned over the years is to take color cues from the clothes that I love the most. I found that the colors that I wear most often are those that are easy for me to use when I decorate.


I think that my style is best described as evolving and eclectic. It has strong traditional elements but the pieces in our home range from my great grand parents sofa and chair to a brand new dining room table. I also want you to know that that the evolution of my style hasn't been much about me finding my style as it has been about my style finding me.


Over the years, I've continued to be drawn to the same sorts of things.  Most of them are warm...and comfortable.  They've usually got an interesting shape or a fascinating detail.  Many of them have a story to tell.  I've collected, inherited and roadside rescued much of the furniture that resides in our home.  Very little of it has been purchased new.


I tend to decorate with mainly solid, neutral colored pieces and then allow just a few areas like cushions, draperies, rugs, and pillows have pattern. I studied Art and Design in college and I'm a weaver so, I find that I'm drawn to fabric with interesting textures or soft fibers like chenille.


Details (like a collection of vintage ironstone and a few wooden spoons in painted holder or the hand painted tile back splash) help to make our home feel not so "new".  One or two special details can define an entire room and make it feel like "home".


I like to mix things up. I combine natural wood with painted pieces, different types of counter tops in our kitchen,  hardware on cabinets that doesn't "match".   I found that doing this helps our home feel as if it has been "put together over time" rather than the nine year old "new-ish" home that it actually is.


I like down-wrapped cushions and plenty of throw pillows. I like cozy spaces (like window seats) but I find that I also like rooms with loads of natural light and which are open to each other.  This makes it really easy to entertain everyone from just a couple of people to large groups.



I've discovered that my style has become much more casual now that my sons are nearly grown.  I'm also mixing things up a little more than I used to (like combining my very traditional, formal dining room table and side board with a painted cabinet, the park bench from my yard and a hutch that I built from reclaimed barn wood).



The most important thing that I've discovered  is to allow you style to tell your story...and the story of the people who live in your home.  Surround yourself with things that make you feel comfortable...things that make you smile... and don't worry if they "match".



I'll admit that I'm  a compulsive re-decorator and I'm constantly changing things around. I regularly move pieces from one room to another to keep things interesting (and keep my sons guessing).  Having much of my furniture upholstered in neutral colored fabrics allows me the freedom to do this fairly easily.  

Family pieces will always remain in our home decor but, other items are sold (or donated) to make room for "new" things.  This keeps our home fresh but still allows it to have a sense of "history.

More than anything, I believe that a home should be a place where you feel comfortable. Whether it's a sleek, modern, minimalist apartment in a high rise in the city or a charming country cottage, yur home should feel like YOU!

xo,
Kimberly
Kimberly I never get tired of seeing your beautiful home! You did an amazing job with it and I can not wait to see what you do with your new home! Thank you for joining us today.


15 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing this lovely home today, Pamela. It has a great feel from room to room with so many pretty details. I keep looking back through the photos at all the lovely trim detail on doorways, pillars etc. so inspiring!

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  2. Wow!! Beautiful home-from room to room.Looks like Architectural Digest! How can it look like that with a dog? My three corgis always have to add something- like toys or hair.

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  3. What a gorgeous and well designed beautiful home!

    I love her "style!"

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  4. This is just a stunning home. It flows beautifully and I love the kitchen. It is so lovely and the woodwork is gorgeous. The chandeliers are great too!

    Cynthia

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  5. I agree.. home is where you feel comfortable.
    Luvly blend of old and new... formal and shabby. perfectly homey! Luv it. Thanks Kimberly for allowing us to take a nice walk through your luvly home. And Pamela for featuring ...
    Happy today ladies.
    Hugs, Gee

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  6. Such a beautiful home tour. It is so inviting, warm and welcoming!! Thank you sharing..

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  7. I fell in love with Kimberly's style when she remade her dining room last year. I always love seeing how she does it!!

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  8. Kimberly has a wonderful style.....warm, inviting and personal. Love it. :)

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  9. WOW beautiful home! Everything is so warm and comfortable. Thanks for sharing.
    Mary

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  10. I love Kimberly's style and home and can't wait to see the new one. It would be very hard to leave this one. So glad that someone else changes things as often as I do.

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  11. Pamela,
    Thanks for sharing Kimberly's home how beautiful. I love change too and do it constantly so it is all good!!
    I love her style.
    Kris

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  12. Hi Pamela! Oh, I really enjoyed the tour of Kimberly's lovely home. Thanks for sharing with us.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  13. Pamela, What a beautiful home! I am headed to her blog to see more.
    xx,
    Sherry

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  14. Kimberly has a warm and inviting home with so many interesting pieces that are both elegant and very comfortable. She has a great sense of style and design that just pulls everything together. I just love this home!

    XO,
    Jane

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  15. I love touring Kimberly's home and reading about her love of home. I am glad that i am not the only one who loves to move things around constantly..Just love your style Kimberly...your home is gorgeous. Thanks Pamela for another wonderful home tour today!!..love this series...

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