Signature Style ~ Part 2

In my last post we discussed "Signature Styles", my commenters are a big part of my blog and I "Thank You"! As always, I continued to think about it and thought this could be fun subject as well. I went around my home and took pictures of things that I never put away. Things that I have had for years and thought about why I continue to use them. I have had this little pear for at least 15 years. I had a job decorating a church for Christmas and found a bag of fruit at a Antique store that I wanted to use, but I kept this little pear for myself . . .

This frame has been on my mantel for at least 20 years, never has it been moved or changed in any way. I got it at a flea market for $20.00 , it is very old. I don't think the picture does it justice, it has a beautiful patina . When I got it, it had a picture that someone had torn out of a magazine in it. I took that out and added the mirror.

It is the things that we continue to keep and use that show our true "Signature Style", the things that we keep because we love them, not the person who gave them to us, or the things that once belonged to someone we loved, but the things that we love. I don't think you can say this about larger pieces that are costly to replace, but the things that could easily be replaced are the true clues to ones style. I have had these things in my kitchen for years and I continue to love them.

Same goes for these candle sticks, I brought 8 of them and I use all 8 in my home and never put them away when I change things up for different seasons or holidays.

I brought this print when I was 22 years old. I will soon be 48. It was the first thing that I ever bought for my home. I put it on layaway . . . It is a print by the famous Impressionists "Monet". I did not know that, when I feel in love with it. I just thought it was special. lol

I would love it, if you would do a post like this of the things that you have never tired of, the things that only have meaning to you, things that could be easily changed, if you wanted too. Link back to me , I can't wait to see your "Signature Style".

Signature Style

I've been obsessed with interior design for years and just as with fashion, I now know what looks good on me . . . and what looks good in my house. I know that this chest would work beautifully, I wish it were mine.

I still enjoy looking at all the different styles, from vintage modern to country cottage, but I don't easily get side tracked. I am past the trends! At the same time, I don't encourage anyone to become frozen in time either. Edit. Add. Refresh. A room is never "done". Our homes are our own individual canvases, you will in time, learn, that you don't have to try everything that is new. I find this image very interesting, but it does not fit me.

The owner of this room knows their "Signature Style". A person who knows their own style will stay true to what they love, caring less what the rest are doing. They know what feels good and what is comfortable to them. The personal journey of searching has ended , and it feels GREAT!

I love this style so much and would love to think that it would fit into my humble adobe . . . but in truth, it is most likely a bit too rough. Do you know what your Signature Style is? How would you describe it? Could you define it in 5 words? If so, CELEBRATE ! If not, don't give up, keep searching, it will come. My style in 5 words . . . Old world, warm, unpretentious, uncluttered and patina. What are your 5 words?

Style Maker

San Mateo, CA., Design Consultant, Delores Arabian is a woman of great style. Selecting only five images to share was not a easy feat. The Arabian's have two homes, both are wonderfully decorated, filled with the many things that Delores collects. So be sure to check it out for yourself at her lovely blog, "Vignette Design" http://vignettedesign.blogspot.com/ You will not be disappointed.

Delores also shares her passion for gardening . . . I think you will agree that it shows . Her properties are a "little bit of heaven". Look at this view, I could gaze out at that forever.

She is always making changes and shares these on her blog. This great light fixture was one of her latest, isn't it a beauty?

And can she ever set a table . . . I can see this image in a magazine. I love the mis-matched chairs too.

This was the photo that got my attention. I knew that anyone that could mix patterns like this gal was someone to watch ! I have come to know, that wherever Delores goes, the magic follows . . .

Wood Floor Trends

I don't know about you, but I am loving the "Old Vintage Wood " floors ! I love the flaws, the cracks, the wider boards ect.

I tried to copy that look in my own home. But somehow the new wood just does'nt have the charm , of the older wood, maybe someday . . .

Not long ago, it seemed that the darker the floors, the better. Black stain floors were all the rage.

But today, I am noticing that the pale colors are making a big come back ! I am seeing them everywhere, lots of painted "white" floors too. For myself, I still like the look of the darker stains . . . how about you, which floors are making you say, "ahhhhhh ?"

Decorating v/s Style

Decorating is a learned skill. It consist of following a few rules and incorporating restraint. If you have a desire to learn to decorating, study a bit and you will find the way . . .

However, "Style", is a horse of a different color . . . a room with style often breaks the rules, and still manages to create a pleasing space. Style is not learned, but comes naturally.

To have style is much like being a "artist," you either have it or you don't . . .

A room with great style is a space you will not soon forget. It makes you wonder . . . it leaves you wanting more.

I love to walk into a well-decorated space . . . but a space with style makes me leave dancing. Do you agree that there is a difference between decorating and style? How would you explain the difference?

Things That Make You Go

ahhhhhhhhhhh . . .

Searching for Sun . . .

Sorry I have been MIA, but we took a chance and left our mountains . . .

Searching for the sun . . .

It was beautiful, even with the clouds.

The little guys, played until I had to carry them .

No sun was to be found . . . but we still had a great time. So what's been going on , on your side of the mountain?