When I look at these images I love that they are all so casual and not overly decorated. I am leaning towards this more pared back look in our new house. I want it to be a home where we can relax and not be too worried about the white slip covered sofa when the big 1 year old {yes he turned 1 yesterday} Golden Retriever jumps up on it.
I am dreaming of faded denim fabrics on sofas, washed out florals and checks and stripes and mismatched pieces of cane furniture on the verandahs - not new cane - old mismatched cane collected over time. I will retain all of our Antique pieces of furniture which Brad & I have collected over the years. That's what I love about Antiques...they transcend fashion and trends, they are the pieces we hold onto and they are the pieces we pass onto our loved ones. I find I never tire of my Antique pieces. It's the mass-produced pieces I tire of very quickly.
This time round Harry and Brad have made me promise not to have the floors painted white. My obsession with keeping our current white-painted floors clean is all too much for my boys. All the internal walls will be painted my usual white but this time I think we might just sand back the old wide plank floorboards and apply an oiled, not glossy finish.
Everything about this house will be about living and enjoying and adding to it over time. I find that so many people {me included} rush into renovating or decorating a new home. I have learnt that you must live in a house for a period of time before you start the process of change....something my mother has been trying to instill in me for years!!
This time, I am going to take my time and enjoy the process of decorating the house which my children will call home for many, many years to come.
image 1 - pamela easton's home via creative homes, image 2 - deborah needleman's home via lonny, image 3 - via charlotte, image 4 - via charlotte, image 5 via lonny
I love your philosophy for your new home. Sounds lovely!
ReplyDeleteAfter many, many renovations, we learnt that a house will tell you what it wants if you give it time! Many a room suddenly fell into place after we had lived in it for 6 to 12 months. Problem is just when it all came together and felt wonderful we were off again!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post Anna. In this day and age of needing to have everything right now, it's those homes with soul and character that really stand out from the crowd. Perfect imperfection.
ReplyDeleteK xx
I'm with you Anna! my farmhouse is going to be a family home, a blend of old and new, pieces I have collected and plan to collect over time, no matter what you do I can imagine it will be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you all the way on your philosphy. I've now been in our home for 18 months after we renovated and there is definitely something to be said in living in your space and getting to know it before you rush into changing it. I've found that by taking it slow our family's personality has started to transition into the pieces of furniture we buy and the treasures we display.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fabulous plan for your next adventure. I'll enjoy reading about it.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I bought our first home last year, and I'm craving for all the things you just mentioned! I chose to go more modern in the living room and antique/vintage in the bedroom, and I've already tired of the "new" pieces! If only I could re-decorate so soon ;)
ReplyDeletewonderful post and lovely musings. agree with so much you said...enjoy the process...that is really the best part of creating a 'home,' isn't it?...
ReplyDeleteI think the slow approach of taking your time to make a house into a home sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing us how your home and style grows, I look forward to seeing what you do in the future home. I know it will be wonderful for you and your family. Best of luck!!
I have lived in near empty rooms as well as made the rucsed mistake of forcing something too quickly.
ReplyDeleteThe former is always the best way to go in the end!
Good luck! I am sure it will be absolutely beautiful!!!!
I've found after being in our house 2-1/2 years, that our original thoughts from when we first saw it have completely changed. What I thought would be my office, is now a playroom, and our dining room turned into my husband's office for several months. I'm so glad we didn't do everything right away.
ReplyDeleteIt will be genius in your hands - can't wait to see it.
ReplyDeleteThat is the best way to decorate a little at a time if it's a big house. I found buying in a rush is
ReplyDeletenot good, then there are returns.
Great post. Lovely rooms.
yvonne
i stumbled upon your blog today and totally adore it! it's going to be an inspiration for my home renovation and decor ideas in 2011! :D
ReplyDelete- serene, singapore
somethingboutrenes.com
I too think taking time to decorate a home is important. I'm aiming for authenticity which requires time and experience. Your post is perfect and lovely, thanks:)
ReplyDeleteI just moved into my first home this week. Everyone keeps telling me to live in it first but it's so hard since I have so many great ideas (at least they seem great now--in my mind) Thanks for the reminder :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy this posting and have to say I agree with your point on "everything about this house will be about living and enjoying and adding to it over time"
ReplyDeleteWe bought our house seven years ago and even though we immediately opened up the whole of downstairs,did the kitchen and dining space, I can finally say that our Master bedroom is finally done...Take your time honey.
ReplyDeletewe've done the same and our visitors always comment about the atmosphere in our home. It really gives that sense of time and love and comfort without that contrived feeling. I adorre the picture frames in the bathroom image.Anna i could only imagine your home being such a sanctuary of style. love, mela
ReplyDeleteLike a good wine, decorating your home should be tackled one joyous sip at a time (this will ensure that you really, really, really love everything you bring through the door). Enjoy the process!
ReplyDeleteHello Anna
ReplyDeletePaint those floorboards white ... otherwise you will have tan everywhere. White floorboards gives a lightness of being.
We have wooden floorboards in our weekend cottage - I glare at them everytime because the hassle of moving everything to do it - it's just too hard.
Best wishes
Michelle
The bathroom photo is amazing. That is the exact look I'm trying to re-create in my second bathroom. So classy, so rustic, so beautiful. Love it!
ReplyDeleteYou new home is sure to be beautiful and it will be fun to tag along and see the choices you make.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your blessings of new home and family ~ life goes by very very fast! I can't wait to see your ideas for your new home. You are truly gifted.
ReplyDeleteLovely, as always Anna! Bit of a cheeky question, but what is the white you use to paint your walls? I'm contemplating Solver's Paper White with Parchment for the skirting boards. Any suggestions? Am also starting to put together my cluster wall, it's taking a slight pink, brown and red theme which is unexpected. Where do you source most of your pics? Antique stores, online?
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I couldn't agree more! But I do have to remind myself of this when I get frustrated about not having a finished (as I see it in my mind) space - no one knows what's in my mind!!!
ReplyDeletehear, hear Anna, I absolutely agree with everything you said - enjoy the process :)
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to how your new house becomes your new home! I myself prefer a more laid back look so this is going to be a real treat.
ReplyDeleteLou
xx
Did you see me nodding in agreement? Did you hear me saying, by golly, she really does have all of this figured out, just living and enjoying truly is what it is all about! Cannot wait to see it all happen! Show us.
ReplyDeletepve
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteThis is my first comment on your blog! My husband also made me promise not to paint the floors in our cottage white. They were so much work in our old place. But I miss them terribly. I do like the wood finish, they are easier to care for but boy do I miss the white!
~janet
I love all of the beautiful pictures of your home! Your decorating style is so delightful!
ReplyDeleteDeirdre G
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