Friday, July 09, 2010

Talk about mix and match

I have read that the longer you live in a house, it tells you how to decorate.  While this sounds like a plot for a Stephen King novel, it really is true.


The first couple of years we lived in this house, I didn't feel comfortable in my family room.  It contains furniture we purchased through the years, the hope chest I received from my mother when I turned sixteen, and a favorite side table inherited from my in-laws.

There is the silk tree which was in Stephanie's college apartment and an oval table that belonged to my parents, along with favorite artwork... not to mention a garage sale item here and there.


As time went on, accessories were added and curtains removed to show off the woodwork around the French doors.  Pretty silk valances were purchased on clearance for the window over the sofa, which reflect the green hue coming into the room in deep summer from all the trees.

 

Vintage suitcases hold old Victoria magazines and my (now) unused vintage picnic basket acts as a side table.  Slowly it has all come together to make a cozy room which we all enjoy (having a ceiling fan also helps in July).


Inherited table and thrift store lamp... love it.


By the way, did you notice who was in the basket in the first picture?  Now I know why my veggies from the garden had to have cat hair washed from them (and with all the other places she could be sleeping...).

13 comments:

Lisa in Texas = ) said...

I enjoyed looking through your lovely photos this morning. I especially love the kitty in the basket. My cats LOVE baskets too!!
Have a great day!
Lisa :O)

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

What a wonderful room! It is so warm and inviting. I love it when a room becomes a personal reflection of a family!

No wonder you like to rest and red there!

Sharon said...

What a lovely, peaceful retreat! I'd love to invite myself over for a cup of tea, some wonderful book-talk, and of course, a sweet 'lil kitty that would fit just right onto my lap!

Anonymous said...

such a warm and cozy room! Great job with the decorating.

Anonymous said...

They say if you're looking for the most comfortable spot in the house-look for the cat. She has a good view out the window from there too.

Connie said...

Your room so inviting. Our cat finishes off the look.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Brenda, what a comfortable and inviting room! Love the kitty in the basket LOL!

Manuela

Anonymous said...

I agree with the saying...LOL!
I've enjoyed reading through a few of your entries and the pictures you share! It makes me wish my camera wasn't broken...but alas it is so I don't share much on a blog any more. Just visits! ;D

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

It looks inviting and comfy... and yes, we did notice a furry tail hanging over the edge abit... haha... they do know a comfy spot when they see it.

Little Penpen said...

You have a pretty home. I think homes with years of "personal" stuff are so much better than the rooms that people decorate (in one day) by running out and buying everything matchy matchy! Love your cat in the basket!

Vee said...

What a cozy vegetable basket for your furry vegetable. Ha! Your room perfectly illustrates what Brenda Leyland has recently shared about good decorating and that is that if it looks as if one could curl up with a good book there, you've done it just right!

Anita said...

I love seeing glimpses of your house, how you decorate, etc. Since I'm originally from Iowa I feel, sort of, like a neighbor!

Heather Anne said...

We have the same 'faith family friends' print - so the kinship continues!