Cleaning is not something I get too excited about, however, I want to be ready to head outdoors as soon as weather permits. That means the dust bunnies must be cleared away from unseen corners of the house first. The problem with me is that I’m easily sidetracked… I not only want clean and tidy but updated and fresh.
As the days get longer and the light comes in more brightly through the windows, I’m anxious to lighten up the interior of my home, too. Ideally, we would change our decor from winter to summer every year. However, that could prove to be costly and need storage, which is at a premium for most of us.
I haven’t changed up the decor in my house for quite some time. Is it because I’ve become complacent, or is it that I haven’t been inspired? When I had the store, I travelled both to find new treasures to add to the inventory mix as well as for pleasure. I loved all the new things in the showrooms, but it was the vintage/antique pieces that caught my eye. Europe opens your eyes to the past, and when I’m in California, that easy breezy style is so refreshing. Ideally, I’d love a European cozy feel for fall/winter and a California casual look for spring/summer. But want and need aren’t necessarily the same!
Finding the right balance between new and old can be tricky, but I believe, like Billy Baldwin, if you fill your home with objects you love, you will never tire of them. Often, we are too insecure in our tastes and never allow ourselves to step outside the box.
My house exterior and floor plan would probably be considered “cottage” style, but I’ve decorated more traditionally. It has a closed floor plan, and I’ve never been tempted to open it up, even though that has been the trend for some time, but I’m ready to add some modern touches.
“There are two things that make a room timeless: a sense of history and a piece of the future.” Charlotte Moss
Adding “modern” to “traditional” can be done fairly easily if you keep your base somewhat classic with symmetrical styling, neutral colours and natural fabrics (cotton, linen, wool). Modern touches can add fun and the unexpected to a dated room.
Last fall, I bought this book, “Artful Home” by Josh Young. It’s always on the table because I find myself flipping through it so often. He is an artist and has decorated his homes in that fresh, modern traditional style that I love.
Below are some of his art pieces. What I especially like are his “scribble” pieces, which are titled. I think the splash of colour over the eyes of a traditional-style portrait is cheeky too! Photos below from left to right are “Paris, 1901”, “Portobello Road, 1962”, and “Willow”.
“Design should be inspired by the life, not the life inspired by the design”. House of Valentina
Once the velvet throw pillow covers have been cleaned and put away, I’ll look for linen covers in lighter colours. For spring, I’d like to take down the heavy taffeta and velvet drapes and replace them with linen, sheer, or cotton.
I also wanted to freshen up the bedroom. For winter, I had a velvet quilted fabric covering the padded headboard (pink photo below left), and this week, I made a new cover using a heavy white (matelasse-like) tablecloth that I haven’t used for many years. “Princess” Charlie has approved the switch from winter to spring! As you can see, I haven’t ironed the sheets or duvet cover…maybe next time!
One day, when I had too much time on my hands, I started scribbling too…these are the names of some of my favourite bistros in Paris. Clearly, I won’t be selling my pieces for thousands of dollars, nor will I be hanging on the wall, but it was fun, anyway.
How are you spending your countdown until spring?
xox Judy❤️
P.S. I heard the geese today…they’re back!
Thank you for another inspirational post Judy, and the book referral, which I have now ordered. I like the idea of using fabrics to change up the look and color of a padded head board. I am going to try it.
It is so true, about never tiring of the things you love. They are the staples in my decor too, and many of them are pieces I purchased at CC on Whyte – two pieces of co-ordinating wall art, wall sconces, bees wax pillar candles, a candelabra, etc.
I like your scribble art, and think you should buy a stretched canvass and do black paint scribbles.
Ironing linen – non, non, non. lol Straight from the dryer onto the bed or table, just like you have it on your bed. (Charlie is adorable!)
Curious if you have started any seedlings in your Petit Palais?
Thank you Karen, I’m happy you are inspired to change out your headboard. I’m sure you will find it an easy project and I know you will enjoy the book too. I haven’t started any seedlings yet but should be thinking about it…March 17, “St. Patrick’s Day”, usually gets me into thinking Spring in a big way. Petit Palais…sounds like you are thinking Paris. I love the garden in the back of the Palais, the staircase, the Rose Window and visiting the Sarah Bernhardt painting (I have the print in my powder room) right close to the entry. xox Judy❤️
Oh, a print of the Sarah Bernhardt painting would be beautiful. The inner court-yard garden of the Palais, where you can sit with a light lunch and cafe cream, is one of my favorite places to relax and feed the pigeons. The gift shop is not to shabby either. haha. Isn’t that black rod iron stair banister a dream?
Hi again, Yes I love my print and have had it hanging in various powder rooms for many, many years. I agree that the Petit Palais is a special place and always try to stop for lunch when I visit Paris…hopefully, you find your way back there on your trip. xox Judy❤️
Hi Judy, I love both your winter and summer headboard fabric coverings…they’re both so fresh and classy and I love the colour choices. I still have the beautiful matelasse that I bought from your store on my bed…..and Cooper has given it the seal of approval as well😂. I’ve also actually been playing with the idea of changing some of the art on my walls. Your scribbling is great and isn’t that so therapeutic to just let loose like that! I think I may have to order that book….the cover page alone has grabbed my attention and looks like the kind of book I could spend hours looking at. Thanks for all the great ideas and have fun with all your spring decorating! Hugs, Karen xo❤️
Hi Karen, It’s funny, I still have a couple of matelasses from the store too. I’m sure they have been washed dozens of times and still look presentable! I hope you like the book. Josh Young has a website that you may also want to check out. It will give you some idea of what is in the book. xox Judy❤️ P.S. Our little dogs certainly know how to make themselves comfortable.
Thanks so much Judy…I’ll check out his website for sure! Yes, our little cuddle bugs sure like to make themselves comfortable. I love all the snuggles I get from Cooper and I laugh every time I think about my “no dogs on the bed” rule that lasted until I held him for the first time😂…I love how he cuddles up next to us on the bed! Let’s face it….we know who really runs the home🐶🥰. Hugs, Karen xo❤️
Hi again Karen, Charlie is our 5th dog and they have all been on the bed…often we had 2 dogs at the same time and it was a struggle to find a few inches to wriggle into! xox Judy❤️