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Inspiration

Truth Tuesday. I'm Not Who I Used To Be.

September 25, 2012

You know what is one of the best things about owning a home?  Decorating it and painting the walls however you want.  But let me warn you, if you are anything like us, you might think you love something because you liked how it looked in a picture or magazine--so you do it! And you live with it! And you realize, "Oh, wow. This just isn't me. At. All."  We have lived in our home for about a year and a half now and our style has completely changed.  I really thought I loved color and lots of it!  Just check out all of the images I was pinning a year ago:

 
For the record, today, I totally wouldn't.  Although we did end up painting Greta's room green--which we are officially ready to tone down. Plus, I don't think the bright green is doing anything for her sleep habits.
 
 

And then there is this bright blue room that is, no doubt, beautiful.  But just isn't us like we thought it was.

 
You may remember, we did put a blue wall in our family room for quite some time before we renovated it....again.
 

I was a color-pinning monster:

 

 

I also thought that we were really into super contemporary design.

And the truth is, we're not.  But, that's okay.  I think that these things take time to figure out, and it may be different with a different house. Who knows. Style evolves and mine will, I'm sure, continue to evolve.  We have figured this much out--really colorful walls, like the purple one that used to be in our living room, just don't feel like home to us anymore.
 

Our design style has evolved into more traditional (with a modern quirky twist thrown in every so often) and neutrals. And, most importantly, casual and cozy.  I am really digging warm, darker walls these days. Our favorite room in our house right now is our family room because it is just so inviting, calming and cozy.

The funny thing is--that is exactly how we dress ourselves, so why wouldn't we dress our house in the same way?!  We both like classics. Jeans and solid cozy t-shirts or button downs in (mostly) neutral or toned-down colors.  Maybe a hoodie or jacket.  Flats.  Accessories for me usually include a skinny cognac belt, my wedding ring and earrings (pearl studs or hoops). Simple and classic, but casual 95% of the time.

 
My advice would be, do whatever you feel like doing in your home/apartment, but don't be afraid to change it if it ends up not feeling as you as you thought it would. It's just paint.  It's just decorating. So there you have it.  I'm not who I used to be...or thought I was a year ago.  I'm not as crazy about color. I'm not itching for super contemporary furniture.  But I am ready to paint again. :)  That has never changed.
 
How has your style (home decor or personal style) changed or evolved?  There was a year or two where I wore jewelry and heels all. the. time. I wonder what my house would have looked like then.
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  1. Interesting- my style has stayed somewhat consistent (and my consistent I mean consistent in being diverse/eclectic) over the last few years, but I can recall what type of decor I wanted as a kid and we'll just say that I'm very glad that the 80's have come and gone! One thing that I've done to keep myself interesting is to approach the different spaces in my house differently. My main living room upstairs has a dark chocolate brown wall and more 'old world' sort of accents (reds, and rusts, greens, and wood). My downstairs family room is much different- lots of white, yellow, etc. I have a fairly modern office space with a more shabby bed room look. Basically this way I can continue to love lots of different styles and move around the house with my moods too!

  2. Changing over time definitely happens and it is interesting to see how you've captured your changes on pinterest. I am still learning to check with myself on changes. Is this change really "me" or is it influenced by blogs and current trends? Will I tire of it? Do I admire it but not want to live with it? Is it fun to visit at someone else's home? Would it function, not just look good. I still get tripped up some times, but pondering these things has helped me to make more on-target choices in my home. For example, I love watery neutral tones on blogs and in person, but in my home, they feel lifeless!

  3. I was frighteningly into cozy country cottage stuff a few years ago. I do like a little shabby here and there, but I'm probably lucky that Country Home and Country Living folded. And thank goodness for Pinterest broadening my horizons. I've landed in a much more balanced place, and I agree that it's more like how I've always dressed: traditional but in style with some fresh color and feminine touches here and there.

  4. I totally agree! I have actually been redecorating my home over the last year...room by room. Just tired of the same old style and earthy tones everywhere. I wanted to brighten the place up. Actually posting about my living room tomorrow. It's funny the things we pin because they look awesome, but a lot of it is stuff we'd never do for ourselves! Inspiration is always good though :-) http://www.styleoyster.blogspot.com

  5. I love seeing other people's styles evolve! My has definitely changed from our condo to our new house. Our condo was all contemporary, stark and decorated in black, white, and red -- I still have no idea what I was thinking haha Our house is still modern but I've brought in some rustic and industrial touches. I still decorate with black and white (a lot less of it) but have banished red to the curb (until Christmas)!

  6. I totally agree with this post. I have no idea what my style is going to b when we finally have our own house and money to use to decorate. This much I do know, Ryan has more secret opinions about decor and it seriously scares me. This much he needs to understand: when he is working full time being an attorney, I...ME....will be the one making th decisions. I will do the, honey do you like this one or this one? But when it comes to big redesign, reno kind of things, he will most definitely be involved, but for the day to day decorating and accessories, ahhhh I probably won't ask!

    I like cozy, cottage, country with modern elements. Contemporary just doesn't say come in, take your shoes off, and stay awhile.

    I love how daring you are with your paint choices! Some of those salmon, bright green paints would definitely be daring!!

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