I want to thank Pamela for inviting me to participate in this series. And thanks to each of you, for reading along!
As a wife and mom to three amazing, active and growing boys (ages 11, 8 and 5), I consider our home to be the backdrop to our lives, our own little sanctuary where we create family memories.
I am a nester. Big. Time. (I'm guessing you can relate.)
I aspire to create a home that is comfortable, welcoming and evokes some "happy!"
I would say that my decorating style is "vintage farmhouse."
I also enjoy adding in french and shabby chic touches.
We moved to a mini farm (with a little over two acres) exactly one year ago this week. It was really a dream come true and an answer to our prayers. Something about "country living" really called to us. We love that our boys have room to run and explore. We moved into our home with one solitary cat. We now have two cats, a yellow lab, a rabbit and chickens.
At our last house, I decorated in more of a traditional, french country style. I used lots of warm colors and more formal furniture. Gradually, I started to want more of a light and airy feel.
I love using a lot of white and neutral colors.
Our home is full of life (often loud and somewhat chaotic!).
Our home is full of life (often loud and somewhat chaotic!).
Having a more neutral palette provides a calming background to our lively days.
I adore chippy, weathered furniture that seems to have a story to tell. These types of pieces are a good fit for our family since they don't show wear-and-tear as much as sleek, pristine new furniture would!
When we moved to our current house, it was a fairly easy transition to achieving the light and airy feel I was hoping for since the home already had white wood accents, wainscoting, and many double-hung windows that let in a lot of light!
Some of my most treasured finds for our home include the canvases of our sons and family, some of which are in antique frames I've collected over the years.
Another favorite piece is the Swedish Mora clock we purchased for our 10th wedding anniversary. Since my husband and our boys are of swedish descent, and we have traveled to Sweden, this rustic 1800s clock has special meaning to us.
A fun find that we recently added to our family room are the vintage tin chicken nesting boxes we found at a local antique store. At first, my husband was a little confused that I imagined them inside our home and not out in the coop. But, he ended up buying them for me as an early birthday gift. (He knows the way to my heart!)
I was asked to share some decorating tips...
I would suggest that if you don't already know what your style of decorating is, find it! Flip through magazines or look on Pinterest. What are you most often drawn to?
Keep in mind that you will probably appreciate many different styles. I know I do! But most people can't pull of a super chic, minimalist design in one room and vintage farmhouse in another. You want to focus in on what feels most like you and your family so that you can achieve a cohesive flow in your home. This often takes years!
Second, I've heard many people say that if you love something, it will work in your house. I agree to a point; your home should be a reflection of you. There's nothing wrong with mixing different styles.
That being said, if you have a certain style and/or color palette you are trying to achieve, not everything you love will necessarily work towards your end goal.
Sometimes when I shop, I remind myself what color scheme and style I'm trying to stay true to… or I could be all over the board!
Lastly, I would also suggest that you bring texture into your home for a feeling of warmth and depth. You can add texture in many ways! Try adding throw blankets and pillows on sofas and beds. You can bring in pops of color and texture from the outdoors by filling containers with flowers, branches or greenery. You can soften the look of a dresser or buffet by adding a runner. Add texture to a mirror or mantel with a fabric garland and/or wreath...
And lastly have fun with it! Your home is your canvas. Don't worry too much about what someone else might think (unless they happen to live in your home too!). Enjoy your God-given creativity and share it with those you love.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
What a pretty home Julie has. I love how she is using the nesting boxes inside...and that her hubby loves her!
ReplyDeletedanke für die tollen bilder und inspirationen!!! einen schönen sonntag wünscht angie
ReplyDeleteI adore Julie's style and her lovely home! Great feature:)
ReplyDeleteSusan
What a beautiful home and farm! I can't get over how gorgeous that Swedish clock is and it looks absolutely perfect in Julie's home, love, love, love it!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous home and I loved reading about it. I will have to go check out more!
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous furniture! Love her shed too. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJulie has such a charming and warm feeling home...love it all!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Linda
Linda, your home is wonderful! Thank you for sharing. Your style of decor is very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving, Ladies!
Darla
Thank you again Pamela! It was so fun to participate. And thank you all for the very nice comments! Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteOmg! I love that clock! Is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteRegards from spain.
Leti
Julie has a beautiful home. I love how she's decorated it, and just how welcoming and comfortable it looks.
ReplyDeleteI love Julie's shabby chippy look! The clock is amazing, and the chicken coops add a dose of whimsy...Love it all.
ReplyDeleteJudypimperl.blogspot.com
I love Julie's style. Her style is one that I can relate to with all of the white and mix of painted furniture and antiques. I loved her advice of sticking to one style in order to have a cohesive look and not worry about someone else liking it or not. I believe that too. My mom is not really a fan of my style, but that doesn't bother me. She is a different generation and likes lots of color and prefers a more traditional style. That is not me! I also find some people try to have a piece of every style in their home. Then, I don't feel there is a certain feel or look to there home since it's all over the place. Now, if I could just steal that Mora clock that she has, I'd be in heaven! That's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSuch a warmth to Julie's home...thanks for the intro, Pamela!
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