How I Found My Style Sundays- Tidbits & Twine

Hi everyone! My name is Kim from Tidbits&Twine. I am so excited and honored to be sharing my style as part of this wonderful series on Pamela's blog. She sent me a few questions to answer about my style, so here goes!  

What is your decorating style?

I refer to my style "Casual Elegance" because it's a bit formal and sophisticated, yet approachable and comfortable. If I had to describe it, I would say it's classic, European-inspired, elegant, a little bit industrial, and curated. I like to create a collected look in my home - one that looks as if it's evolved over time and uniquely reflects me and my family. And of course, I sprinkle in a little bit of the old with the new. I like the idea that when I look at something, I feel as if it has a story to tell – a history of its own. 

 I'm happiest when I can mix together a lot of opposites to help create texture and depth in a room. For instance, I have no issues with using a crystal bookmark in an aged book and love the contrast between the two.

 I decorate with a lot of vintage silver for everyday use, but I always leave it just a bit tarnished.

A little sparkle makes me happy, but I prefer to mix it with iron or bronze instead of gold so that the crystal has a more masculine feel to it.

I do alter my style a bit depending on the room I’m decorating and who uses it the most. My dining room and bedroom, for example, are a bit more elegant and feminine.   Alternatively, my family room, which houses the TV, video game systems, and a gaggle of rough-and-tumble kids, is definitely more casual. But it too still reflects our family and our interests with a collected gallery wall of art, family photos, mementos, and objects.

My favorite decorating quote is "Home is not a place...it's a feeling" and I really strive to ensure that my home reflects a feeling of family and comfort.   

How did you "find" your decorating style?

I don't know that I'll ever really "find" my style because it's a constantly evolving process for me - a lot of trial and error and daily moving things around my house! I've always been attracted to vintage objects, as well as European design, though.

When my husband and I purchased our first home, I fell in love with an Italian style of furnishing. But after a while, I decided that while I loved the shape of the pieces and the details, many were too "heavy" looking for what I wanted. I then started to move more toward French furnishings, which still have a beautiful shape with lots of gorgeous details, but with a more feminine feel. My dining room is now a mix of these two styles, where I've mixed my large, dark wooden trestle table with my new French style chairs. I even updated my Italian style chandelier with a bit of bling to add some softness to it!  

I also learned early on that I'm a neutral girl at heart. I like to keep my furnishings, floors, and walls neutral and use accessories to bring in color. It's not that I don't like color, but rather, that I want the option to change the colors I use in my home without the expense of buying new big-ticket items.

Over the years, I've also collected and Pinned a ton of home photos that appeal to me and one day, I realized there was a pattern to what I was selecting. Reviewing pictures of rooms that appeal to me has definitely helped me to better define my style.  

What has been your most treasured find for your home?

That’s a tough one for me since I’ve decorated with several items that belonged to my grandparents and I treasure those items dearly. But in terms of a find that represents my style, I’d have to say it’s my vintage dress form.

I love this dress form because it epitomizes my style. It’s a utilitarian object that I'm using decoratively. It has stains, rips and tears that show its age and I love the contrast between these “flaws” and the pearls that I’ve put on it. It’s also very industrial looking, which is more masculine, but the shape itself is feminine. Plus I have good memories of finding this dress form at the antique faire. It was the first time I had ever been and my husband and I were there, waiting in line at 5:45 in the morning. We didn’t think to bring a flashlight and so were shopping by the light of our iPhones when I came across the dress form. It was love at first sight!

“She” has found a home in my bedroom and I “dress” her up for the seasons.

And even though I’ve had her for a while, I still sometimes catch sight of her in the dark of night at the end of my bed and scare myself thinking there is a prowler in my room. :)    

What tips do you have for creating a beautiful home?

Only buy things you love. I think it’s important to be surrounded by things that make us happy and comfortable and I’m a true believer that you should love every item in your home and should never buy something just because it’s the right size or the right color…or even just because it’s the right price! I find that when I have a piece I truly love, I somehow find a way to make it work and display it in my home no matter how my style or color preferences change. So ignore the trends and stick with what appeals to you. I haven't always done this and I usually regret my purchases when I don't.

It’s okay to mix and match. Mixing different pieces of furniture in a room, using a variety of metal finishes, incorporating lots of different textures – all of these things help to make a room feel collected and will help make your home unique to you.

Create layers! I love to create layers in a room because I think it helps add character and depth to the space. Bookshelves can be “styled” from the back to the front using up the entire space. Plants, texture, lighting and patterns can all be used to create layers in a room and add dimension.

 Include something organic. As you can tell, I use a lot of flowers and greenery and I think plants add comfort and a sense of freshness. Feathers, seashells, wood, aged paper, and even candlelight - they all help to make a space feel natural and homey.

Thank you so much, Pamela, for letting me share a bit about my style with your readers! Please stop by and visit me sometime at my blog Tidbits&Twine.

I am so glad that you were able  to come by and visit with us today Kim! I was truly excited when I found your blog not too long ago. Your style is just fabulous and full of inspiration. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your advice on creating a beautiful home truly unique to us.