home about me our home

Sunday, August 12, 2012

What Is Simple-Understated Elegance?

 


There is a term I use frequently when describing the design aesthetics that I prefer, and hopefully have achieved in my own home……Simple Elegance, or Understated Elegance.

This is a term that might not have a clear definition in the dictionary, but the words…..


Restrained

Graceful

Refined

Tasteful

Harmonious

Timeless
.

…..all come to mind. I think once we see a room with these qualities we will almost always recognize it as, “Simple, or Understated Elegance.”

I like my home, and even my wardrobe to reflect this aesthetic. 

Over the years I have grown to realize there is a very, very fine line that is easily crossed if one is not careful when trying to achieve this look.

Once crossing this line the room, or outfit will no longer fall into this category of Simple-Understated Elegance.

Today, I would like to show you some examples that I believe exemplify this design aesthetic……



This first image is not of an interior, or an outfit, but of an outdoor entry. 
As simple as this  looks it exemplifies so many of the reasons I mentioned above that represents, Simple- Understated elegance.

It is timeless, graceful, harmonious, restrained,  tasteful,and timeless.

As you look at all the following images, keep in mind the definition words I gave, and see which one’s you think apply to each image……..



Even though this image has primitive beams it still exudes simple, understated elegance. Notice the timeless pieces and the gentle curves of the the furniture. Simple, restrained, beautiful.




This next image is one of my all time favorites…….
 


Another favorite!

Before I leave you today I must mention a blog that exemplifies, “Simple Elegance,” completely and honestly. 

If you are not familiar with, "Tone On Tone," written by the ever-so-talented Loi, you must go and visit if you love this look as much as I do. 

NEW FEATURE

For those of you who did not noticed a new little feature on my side bar, I will be showing a blog post that really inspired me during the week. 

This week, Tone On Tone,” is the very first blog to be featured, and rightfully so.

I hope you all are…… “Enjoying The Process!” in what ever you are doing this week.

Another post I did on Simple elegance can be found HERE, if you would like to read more.

For those that would like to see more images be sure to visit my Pinterest boards, HERE!

 
 

15 comments:

Woodside Park said...

Hi, Kathysue - What a FABULOUS surprise!! :-) I'm super honored to be featured on your blog. Thank you, friend. As one of your followers, I know you have very loyal and wonderful readers. Thank you for sharing my blog with them. I really appreciate it, Kathysue.
xoxo,
Loi

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

Hi Kathysue. You and I speak the same language. You used the most gorgeous images to convey your style and taste. I loved reading this post. So you. So me and my taste :) Off to check out Loi...

prince snow farm said...

I'll take the kitchen with the gorgeous rustic table! Right up my alley!

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

I can "see" it and I get it!!! Perfect examples of Simple "Understated" Elegance!
Tone on Tone is one of my favorite Blogs!!! Loi is a marvel, his work is outstanding, way above the rest, and he takes the time to read and comment on small little blogs like mine. That says a lot!!!!!
Thanks for this Post Kathysue, it was a great Sunday afternoon treat!

NanaDiana said...

Kathysue- You nailed it! All of those rooms have a timeless beauty. I don't know that blog so I am going to pop over there now. xo Diana

Hamptontoes said...

I too love understated elegance if it fits the clients lifestyle, needs and desires. Beautiful examples!!

michele said...

i do love understated. i do. but now and again i like a little overstated humor thrown into the mix(remember my SCREW MENOPAUSE painting????). i love how a room's decor can evoke a mood, emotion, a vibe.

love loi's blog!

smiles.

michele

The enchanted home said...

Understated elegance is my favorite kind....you showed such perfect examples, love that first pic, Will check out tone on tone, have a great day!

Unknown said...

Loi exemplifies understated elegance, that's for sure. I love your post and your pictures. It is what I strive for also, but I have to add a little whimsy in mine :)
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

vignette design said...

Great examples of understated elegance KS. Loi's aesthetic also is a great example. I love his style and blog. And, he has Tibetan Terriers that look very much like my late Dexter! He was so kind to write me when he passed. Such a nice man.

Stacy CUrran said...

I love this look but have been known to "gild the lily" in my own home :) Getting my home to look more like these images, especially those by Phoebe Howard, is always a goal. Great post!!
Stacy

Victoria said...

All your images certainly are simply elegant, a style I also love. As for exemplifying this style, you could not have chosen a better representative than Loi at Tone on Tone. He is a special talent in both interior and landscape design. Thanks for another lovely post, Kathysue.
XO Victoria

Karena said...

Kathysue thank you so much for coming to visit! I adore all of these images. I too was so very happy when I discovered Loi's site!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
2012 Artists Series featuring Harrison Howard

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I love this look and I love this post!...Simply elegant as you say!...

Lee said...

Love that last image -- so inviting. Thresholds get me every time and this one illustrates your points so well. And thank you for introducing me to Tone on Tone.