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:
And then there is this bright blue room that is, no doubt, beautiful. But just isn’t us like we thought it was.
I was a color-pinning monster:
I also thought that we were really into super contemporary design.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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
Hahaha. Nice.