And so it was with my parent's home--a fourteen room house that was built by my Grandparents in 1948-49. . .It was pretty well dated. . .I think the last time Mom did any major decorating was in the 1980s. . .They maintained the house well, so it was mostly cosmetic work we had to do.
A challenge?. .Yes it was. . .I wanted it simple. . .I was also limited in cash flow. . .so I decided to paint most of the rooms in soft whites. . .but in the guest room to leave the walls blue with lots of soft white accessories and linens. . .I also wanted to see how many items I could remove and not put back. . .see how simple I could make it. . .I had no budget for the change and would have to rely on my fabric stash and items on hand. . .I've known for a long time that style doesn't have to cost a fortune. . .In fact, it doesn't have to cost much at all. . .A little imagination can go a long way.
One of the secrets of implementing simplicity is choosing a minimum of colors, keep it light and neutral, choose larger objects as focal points. . .The heavy mahogany four-post bed with lots of draped satin fabric had to go. . .Walls and shutters painted soft blue and an off white carpet remained to gave the illusion of a room much larger than it's 10'x12' size. . .Once I removed the other heavy mahogany pieces the room began to fill with light . . .It was fine for my Grandmother and then my Mom but I was feeling claustrophobic. . . I checked my stash. . .2.5 yards of single knit lace. . .9 yards single knit sheer stripe fabric. . .one thrift store woven cotton bedspread with the fringe missing. . .miscellaneous pillow shams and cases. . .a make-do round table from the back of the closet. . .
I started with that table. . .
Using the louvered windows as a back drop, I thought the flowered shams in blues, pinks, lavenders and white would be a good transition from the blue walls to the white linens. . .There is a short headboard behind the pillows but I kept it low so that everything flowed for the eye. . .
Remember. . .I decorated this room several years ago. . .What is the trend today? . .Well. . .We're seeing pastels on the net more and more--soft blues, pinks, and yellows teaming with whites and neutrals. . .Lots and lots of pale blue. . .Now I ask you. . .Am I a trend setter or just lucky? . .(a wink and a grin). . .Maybe a little of both?
3 comments:
You've created a warm, lovely room!
It looks lovely and I think you're on to something. :)
Dru, it's very lovely, Warm and calming, at the same time. You did a whole lot for the look by removing the heavy wood furniture, and it probably was beautiful then, also..Happy Wednesday..Judy
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