How I Found My Style Sundays- must love junk

Hi, everyone!  I'm Susan from 'must love junk' and I'm so excited that Pamela has asked me to be here!
I really enjoy this series, and I'm honored to be a part of it!

Come on in to my 1929 Colonial home...

My home is an eclectic mix of styles.

In it you'll find a lot of rustic, some farmhouse and vintage, a touch of industrial and a little bit of whimsy thrown in for fun!

My style has really evolved over the last few years, even though I've always loved using vintage items in my decor.  To me they just have so much more character than anything shiny and new.

I think the most dramatic change in my decor was about 4 years ago.   I used to use a lot more color (think painted furniture in pinks and greens) and 'cottagy' accessories.  But when we had our carpet pulled up to reveal hardwood floors underneath and had them refinished in a dark stain, I was drawn to start replacing my pastel color scheme with more natural, rustic wood pieces and accessories in cream and brown tones.

I do still like a little green especially in our dining room where the walls are painted a pale celery color.

I've even recently started to add a touch of blue here and there!

(Blue even made it onto our back stoop at Christmas!)

I love to shop flea markets, antique shops, garage sales, and thrift stores.  I'm definitely a bargain hunter! I've gotten most of my decor at unbelievably low prices.  However, if I find something really unique or it's something that I truly can't live without then I'll occasionally splurge (like I did on this little unusual cabinet.)

My mom and I have a little shop called 'Home Sweet Home' so we're always on the hunt for great treasures.
The shop really comes in handy because I'm always swapping things out.  My hubby says that he never gets used to where something is because it probably won't be in the same spot for very long!

One of the most commented on pieces in my home is this huge, heavy coat rack. It came out of an old library and was given to us by my mom.
It's in our hallway and one of the few items that won't be going anywhere anytime soon! (This sucker is heavy!)

Another favorite is my stack of suitcases.  I've been collecting these babies for awhile now, and I never tire of them!

Anything rusty, well-worn, chippy, or weathered gets my heart beating faster!  The shabbier the better!
(Hence 'must love junk' :)

To create a beautiful, interesting home I recommend using things in unconventional ways, like I've done by hanging this old pair of shears.  To me that adds interest, and makes your space unique!

I love when I find a fun, quirky item like this menu board!  Again, adding these kind of things here and there keeps your decor from becoming too boring, and gives you a look that no one else has!

Sometimes I like to add a touch of industrial, like here in my kitchen.  It mixes things up a little, and gives your decor a bit of an edge.

I have a lot of pieces that I love but my one of my very favorite finds is this industrial factory cart.  We use it as a coffee table in our sunroom.

It's extra special because it came from the company that my dad worked for for over 40 years!  He started as an apprentice and worked his way up to upper management.  When the company closed a few years ago there was an auction, and I was SO thrilled that my parents purchased this cart for us!

Not only do I love the look of it, but it has sentimental value, too.

I believe that if you buy what you truly love then it will all work together to create a space that makes you happy, and that reflects the true you.

 And isn't that what a home is all about?

Thank you for joining me on this little tour of my home, and thanks again Pamela for having me! :)

I just love Susan's home and all of her amazing treasures! Thank you so much Susan for coming over today and sharing your style with us and giving us so many inspirational ides for our own homes.