Today is another Pink Saturday so click on over to Beverly's blog for all the participants of this wonderful meme.
In the 1980s I was working for one of the very top Fortune 500 companies, highest paid woman, and loving it. Great company, great people who were very supportive, just a great job and, as I said, just absolutely loved doing what I did. I had found my niche in the working world.
I also loved being home and decorating my home.
When we got married we got hand-me-downs from my parents. They were going to move just after we married so they gave us a living room sofa, chair, lamps, tables, a dinette set, two beds and a dresser. It wasn't very elegant but it was very nice furniture and since it came from my parents I knew it was clean and good quality.
Our next furniture, or actually the first furniture we purchased, was a beautiful sofa and chair that was what I called Mexican Colonial. Our neighbors loved it. It was very unique and gorgeous. When we next bought new furniture, it was green avocado velvet but it was in vogue then. I cringe when I think about it now. In the 80s that sofa was recovered in a burgundy fabric. It lasted us several years.
Also in the eighties I discovered crafting. My hubby was thrilled that I had found a hobby since I worked. I didn't feel deprived at all but a whole new world opened up to me with crafting. And that also changed the way I decorated my home.
I then started stenciling my walls. My living room walls I stenciled with a beautiful and intricate design of flowers. Some of my stencils were very pricey, in the eighty dollar range. And if you have any doubts about what I'm telling you, look below at these gorgeous stencils that she sells on her website. Her name is Jan Dressler. I bought stencils from her back in the 80s. She is absolutely the best stencil designer I'm ever, ever seen. Her work is outstanding as seen below on two of her stencils. Going to her website is a visual treat on what you can do with rooms in your home. Do not doubt me on this one. I'm an excellent stenciler and my walls were gorgeous with her stencils. When I was stenciling I was in a world of my own. I loved doing it, and I would still be stenciling if my body allowed it. It isn't the arms or shoulders that get tired; it's the standing on the ladder in hiking boots that started to kill me. (How in the world have I got off topic here?!)
Anyway, I had changed from the fifties furniture of my parents to Mexican Colonial to (shudder) seventies avocado—and with it all the horrid visuals that style brings to mind—to Country in the eighties. I loved Country at that time. But then I discovered formal elegance and that struck me as nothing else could. This is my all-time favorite room. I love this room, absolutely adore this room. I've counted eleven different fabrics in this room. If I could duplicate it, I would absolutely do it.
But then in the late nineties and into this new century I found romantic and shabby chic. I love that decorating style just about as much as I love that room above. While I prefer a more formal living room, the rest of my house definitely leans more to the shabby chic/romantic style. And that's where it will probably remain for the rest of my life. I don't want an all white room as I love color, especially pink, too much to be void of it in a room. I have yet to see a living room I would choose over the one above.
This is a sweet living room. I don't find wicker especially comfortable though, and comfort is the highest consideration along with being beautiful.
In the 1980s I was working for one of the very top Fortune 500 companies, highest paid woman, and loving it. Great company, great people who were very supportive, just a great job and, as I said, just absolutely loved doing what I did. I had found my niche in the working world.
I also loved being home and decorating my home.
When we got married we got hand-me-downs from my parents. They were going to move just after we married so they gave us a living room sofa, chair, lamps, tables, a dinette set, two beds and a dresser. It wasn't very elegant but it was very nice furniture and since it came from my parents I knew it was clean and good quality.
Our next furniture, or actually the first furniture we purchased, was a beautiful sofa and chair that was what I called Mexican Colonial. Our neighbors loved it. It was very unique and gorgeous. When we next bought new furniture, it was green avocado velvet but it was in vogue then. I cringe when I think about it now. In the 80s that sofa was recovered in a burgundy fabric. It lasted us several years.
Also in the eighties I discovered crafting. My hubby was thrilled that I had found a hobby since I worked. I didn't feel deprived at all but a whole new world opened up to me with crafting. And that also changed the way I decorated my home.
I then started stenciling my walls. My living room walls I stenciled with a beautiful and intricate design of flowers. Some of my stencils were very pricey, in the eighty dollar range. And if you have any doubts about what I'm telling you, look below at these gorgeous stencils that she sells on her website. Her name is Jan Dressler. I bought stencils from her back in the 80s. She is absolutely the best stencil designer I'm ever, ever seen. Her work is outstanding as seen below on two of her stencils. Going to her website is a visual treat on what you can do with rooms in your home. Do not doubt me on this one. I'm an excellent stenciler and my walls were gorgeous with her stencils. When I was stenciling I was in a world of my own. I loved doing it, and I would still be stenciling if my body allowed it. It isn't the arms or shoulders that get tired; it's the standing on the ladder in hiking boots that started to kill me. (How in the world have I got off topic here?!)
Anyway, I had changed from the fifties furniture of my parents to Mexican Colonial to (shudder) seventies avocado—and with it all the horrid visuals that style brings to mind—to Country in the eighties. I loved Country at that time. But then I discovered formal elegance and that struck me as nothing else could. This is my all-time favorite room. I love this room, absolutely adore this room. I've counted eleven different fabrics in this room. If I could duplicate it, I would absolutely do it.
But then in the late nineties and into this new century I found romantic and shabby chic. I love that decorating style just about as much as I love that room above. While I prefer a more formal living room, the rest of my house definitely leans more to the shabby chic/romantic style. And that's where it will probably remain for the rest of my life. I don't want an all white room as I love color, especially pink, too much to be void of it in a room. I have yet to see a living room I would choose over the one above.
This is a sweet living room. I don't find wicker especially comfortable though, and comfort is the highest consideration along with being beautiful.
I'm so tired of talking (writing) at this point that I'm not going to say much about the photos. Just enjoy the eye candy I've provided for you.
I do love viewing rooms through a pulled back curtain though. The entrance to my family room is like this.
I have lace on every single window in my home.
A gorgeous way to display lace.
This scene reminds me of a story I'll be sharing with you soon.
Hubby and I have been to these Cliffs of Moher. It is a breathtaking view. You actually look down on the birds flying.
I have debated showing this photo because it almost looks funereal, but it just has a haunting quality about it. I prefer to think of it as ethereal though.
*
The word crisp sounds just like it means.
~*~
Photos courtesy of tumblr and pinterest
The word crisp sounds just like it means.
~*~
Photos courtesy of tumblr and pinterest
Hi Connie! How amazing are those stencils! I have also done some stenciling in the past and I was quite good at it. But, nothing like the stencils this lady has. Whenever I do heavy work and especially when climbing ladders, I always wear good quality sneakers. They stabilize the foot and we don't get tired and they provide good balance. Just try that and you'll see what a difference it makes.
ReplyDeleteI do love that look that you call "formal elegance". That room is exceptional and it's also very cozy looking.
I love that photo with the blue door and the storm of flowers and vines and packed with potted plants. I wish I had an entrance like that.
I'm like you when it comes to pulled back curtains. They make such a statement!
I adore blue and so I love that photo with the blue flowers and the blue accessories!
That beautiful house facade with the balcony is so dreamy! There's nothing like overflowing flower pots to give me the taste for gardening. Although, I do not garden anymore. I never did too much except for one time in my life when I made a huge flower garden from seeds. When it bloomed, it was like a dream! My neighbour had been a farmer and when it came time to get rid of the weeds and transplant, she taught me what the weeds looked like. When she first discovered what I was trying to do, she had found me transplanting weeds and pulling up the good plants. Funny, eh! Well, what did I know? I couldn't have done it without her.
The last photo is atmospheric and haunting! I do love that. I love reading mysteries. Do you remember those horror comic books they sold when we were young? Well, I used to read those. They had titles like "beyond the grave" and things like that. Pictures with corpses coming out of their graves with the flesh hanging from their bones. They sold them for a nickel and we neighbourhood kids would exchange them. I don't anymore, of course. No wonder I was afraid of the dark and stuff under my bed. If I had to get up during the night, I would quickly make a dash away from the bed. I would imagine something reaching out for my legs. And now to think that I hate horror movies! Our tastes do change as we get older, of course. Now if I happen to watch a thriller, I always turn down the sound during the scary parts. It's really the sounds that make it scary.
As for comic books, I discovered the classics through them. I think they sold them for a dime. They were more expensive. I discovered Frankenstein and The Count of Monte Crisco and other classics. They were interesting to a child because of the pictures, of course.
Have a happy Easter, Connie, and don't eat too much chocolates! Hope I haven't scared you. Hahaha!
LOL oh Connie my story and sensibilities are so similar !
ReplyDeleteAs always LOVE the photos.
(())
Beautiful visuals, love your home and the ones you love too. That last photo could write a book! Happy Pink Saturday and Happy Easter. ~Diane (I am #16)
ReplyDeleteConnie your pictures and words captivate me. Your home is to die for with so much texture and interest...I want it all lol. Amazing and beautiful pictures as always and I love visiting you.
ReplyDeleteHPS & Happy Easter to you and yours
Michelle <3
Beautiful photographs! I enjoyed checking out the stencils, but I'm having enough trouble just getting my dining room walls painted. I'd never get done if I was stenciling too!
ReplyDeleteHi Connie -- You've got me thinking of the 1980s too; I'd rather think of all the wonderful images you gathered in your nest for us to oooh and ahhh over. Love shabby chic too! Blessings Terri http://morningdewdrops.com
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures you show.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy Easter.
Hugs Hanne Bente / hbt.finus.dk
Happy Pink Saturday, dear Connie. Thank you for always making Pink Saturday special.♥ Happy Easter and all of God's blessings to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed reading your evolution of decorating styles. Your favorite living room of all time could easily be a favorite for me, too. It is a gorgeous room. I love mixing patterns,
All of your pictures are so beautiful! I think all of us of "a certain age" have gone through those transformations. I know we had my grandmother's furniture (not the nice antique stuff - her other stuff) for the first 3 or 4 years we were married. Browns, avocado greens, burnt orange.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the formal living room. I love that look too and I love the combo french country/shabby chic look as well. Some day we'll live in a house that does not have a formal living room as well as a family room and then I will be forced to choose. Until then I enjoy both. I'm really ready for an upholstery change in the family room right now though!
Have a wonderful Easter,
Robin
Fabulous eye candy in this post.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
Lovely photos...your trip down the memory lane of furnishings reminded me of a camel back sofa we inherited with the most ghastly floral upholstery.
ReplyDeleteI look at photos from our previous home and wonder how it would have looked in today's styling. If I lived there today, I would paint all the paneling white.
Thanks for the eye candy!
Can anyone tell me what happened to Jan Dressler Stencils? In my opinion, she's the only one who actually made Chinese-style stencils. (While there's nothing wrong with chinoiserie as a style, it's not what I'm aiming for!) I bookmarked her site a couple years ago, intending to go back when I was ready to do my living room, but now it seems to be gone.
ReplyDeleteIs there anywhere I can get her stencils?