Lessons Our New House is Teaching Us

    

Three months ago we got the keys to our new home, we moved in at the end of November.  

Time is flying by and going through the Holidays here was so fun. With the new year here, it is time to get back to work!

I have committed to go through one box a day. I still have boxes of STUFF! Nothing that we truly need just a lot of little pretties, and accessories.

Space is limited so I have to be reasonable about what I keep, which is hard for me. 

I have a lot of really pretty accessories and some are antiques or vintage. I am trying very hard to get into the mind set of, " it's just STUFF!" 

We all know that STUFF clutters our lives and minds so why do we hold onto so much. I know, how much, is relative to each individual, however with limited space the house is telling me how much STUFF I can, or should keep.

The house is telling me lots of things, as I knew it would as time went by. 

One of the messages I am beginning to hear loud and clear is this house does not require a lot of accessories. 

It does require larger pieces that make a statement, but this is a less is more house for sure.

I love the wide open space, tall ceilings and all the great light that comes in through the windows. 

We have lots and lots of windows and not a lot of wall space so what ever I put on a wall needs to make a statement.

When we first moved in we literally had things pretty well set up within the first three days. The move went seamlessly, then there was the Holidays so now is the first time I feel like I have had time to really play house, and I have been taking time to listen to what our new home is telling me.

Of course I have some big plans for the future, but for right now I am just trying to make it feel like OUR home. I realize we will do things in stages so I am moving slowly and cautiously.

TRIED AND TRUE TEST!

I have moved a few things around, only to put them right back where they were originally. It is all trial and error. I have what I call the, "First thing in the morning test."

If you love something first thing in the morning when your mind is clear then you will love it long term, but if it feels a bit off, or you are compelled to tweak it, chances are it is not right.

CHANGES 

 

This week we made a few changes. Our dining room shutters were installed!

 BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

I took down the pagoda wreath even though it really does work for winter time. I found a mirror I had forgotten all about so we tried it there and it worked.

We use to have this mirror in our guest room years ago.

 I like the shine and sparkle it adds to this area.

Changes Are In The Air

The initial plans I have for this area involve paint. I have had this Queen Anne low boy for over 30 years. It is cherry wood and a classic shape. I have a bend towards traditional, however I like to freshen it up a bit.

There are plans in the works to paint this piece. Actually I have had plans to paint it even before we moved here.

Once we placed it in the dining room and it seemed to work nicely I knew it HAD to be painted. With the wood floors, chairs and the low boy it is just waaaaay to much wood for my liking.

Here are a few examples of what I have in mind for this low boy....

 This is a piece in Tobi Fairley's entry hall. Her piece is also a classic piece and she updated it by painting it black and white. Now it looks fresh and fun.

Another classic piece, this time painted a fun cobalt blue. This color would also work in our space.

This piece shows all black with just a white outline around the drawers.

These are the three options I have in mind.

With every change you need to consider other things other than just the one piece.

How will this piece relate to other pieces in the room?

With this thought in place I need to think further down the road.

For instance I also want my Windsor chairs painted black.....

This is one my all time favorite rooms and the inspiration for painting my Windsor chairs black with a wood table.

Speaking of tables I will also be using a full length tablecloth on my dining table. It is a look I love, and have become accustomed too.

This is where I could add color and/or pattern.

Here are a few table coverings that have caught my eye.

 This first one is just fun!! It is also one of my favorite patterns. It would marry well to the rug in the adjacent family room.....

 My reluctance with the striped cloth, is it too much of a good thing?

 I could also add a bit more blue since there will be so much black and white, and I do like the horizontal direction of this blue striped fabric.

I go back and forth in my mind so I know I have not found the perfect combination yet, but I am getting close.

With a new home I am finding I am feeling as if anything I do here is FINAL since it is my retirement home. I have to get away from thinking this way, it is putting way too much pressure on me to make the perfect decision.

No matter how many homes we have or how many years  you have been designing or decorating you will always be on the learning curve. One of the many, many things I love about design.

Stay tuned, I will keep you posted on my decision, and how I finally came to make the decision.