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A Farm of My Own:  Did you know you dress the way you decorate?  |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 22 2005 : 09:07:42 AM
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I have always been a bit bohemian, old fashioned and dress for comfort first...I love a mixture of earth colors/nuetrals with strong colors like reds...oranges and golds. I love the color red ( I am an Aries) but wear it sparingly now that I am middle aged and the color is not as high in my face. I have a bright throw on a cream couch and varied prints and colors in pillows for accents. It is a hodge podge, but I guess that is what I am too. I have a chocolate leather club chair that I accent with a bright orange mohair throw. And the ottoman is a 5 dollar flea market find that is worn out crewel upholstery and wooden legs but I love it.
If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come. |
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phillytoo
Farmgirl in Training
18 Posts
Phyllis
Canton
MI
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - Oct 22 2005 : 5:42:51 PM
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Diane, I wish you could come and help me decorate MY house.
I'm a casual dressing person. Whenever I do have to dress for an occassion, I can hardly wait to change into my "comfy" clothes when I return home.
In our home, I have found 3 things to be constant over our 32 years of marriage. I've always decorated using: ANTIQUES (from our own ancestors or bought), HANDMADE items that I've either made myself or that were handmade by someone else, and items from NATURE like rocks and shells.
The colors in my living room are moss green and pink; our family room has Autumn colors of brown, orange, gold, and beige; the dining room has red and gold tones with beige carpet and cherry furniture.
My kitchen is cobalt blue and white, with oak cupboards and a round antique table.
I want to re-do my master bed and bath, but am not sure what I want to do with it. I'd like to keep it "old fashioned" looking with the antique trunk and old family photos, but don't know what color to paint it or what kind of window treatments to use. It has one big bay window with a window seat on which I have several plants.
Anyone have any ideas or suggestions for me???
phillytoo |
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Fabulous Farm Femmes
True Blue Farmgirl
792 Posts
Diane
Lakebay, Tacoma
WA
792 Posts |
Posted - Oct 23 2005 : 11:35:40 AM
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| Phillytoo, I saw the prettiest bedroom in a magazine once. They had a whole wall of vintage family photos all copied in sepia tones, framed in white , off white, and a soft gold, and the walls were a lovely shade of sage green. That color and the sepia tone went so well together, and I think that color would go well with your other rooms, and with antiques like your trunk. |
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phillytoo
Farmgirl in Training
18 Posts
Phyllis
Canton
MI
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - Oct 23 2005 : 1:36:16 PM
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whole wall of vintage family photos all copied in sepia tones, framed in white , off white, and a soft gold, and the walls were a lovely shade of sage green. That color and the sepia tone went so well together, and I think that color would go well with your other rooms, and with antiques like your trunk.
That sounds lovely.
Shades of green in the home are so popular now too. I think we can credit Martha Stewart with that trend, don't you agree?
I have a lot of pink floral things in my bedroom which would be a good accent with a soft green too, similar to what I have in my living room.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Phyllis |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2005 : 06:44:58 AM
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I'm having a little trouble wrapping my brain around this one.
I dress a certain way because I have to. I end up having to change clothes quite a few times during the day because of the different things I have to do, and I can't wear certain things I'd like to because my lifestyle is too rough.
This time of year, I'm wearing lots of sweats and turtlenecks to keep warm outside doing chores in the morning. Then if I have errands or a trip to the chiro, I change into jeans. If I have horses to work, I change into boots and breeches. I have clothes for going out in public, and clothes that I can get dirty or get medicine on (from the horses) without having a heart attack. I generally change again for chores, and again for bed.
I have lovely high quality jewelry that I can't wear because I spend the bulk of my time around the horses. Even the widest band rings get egg shaped in time due to the amount I have to do with my hands. Bracelets get broken, so I'm limited to a few short necklaces and earrings, as well as a watch. Watch has to have a large face and second hand so I can take a pulse anytime; no pretty bracelet watches for me.
I even choose my coats according to performance. Lots of coats aimed toward riders have plenty of pockets for gloves, hoof picks, treats, cell phone, etc. Some even have reflective parts. Water repellent, wind resistant, microfiber, technical gear. It's horrid to be out for hours on end in something that makes you uncomfortable or inconvenienced. You can look like drek and not care. But nothing pretty or fashionable for me.
My house is almost like an afterthought. I go in spurts of decorating, but then time allowances cause it to fizzle. My kitchen is small and you would call stuck in the eighties, except for a new JennAir stove and Bosch dishwasher. I loff them! Both perform exceptionally. My diningroom is all antique furniture, oak with a hardwood floor, long windows, cookbooks, etc. It's a weird mix of rustic stuff and cut crystal, lace and pottery. My livingroom is probably the best looking room, in sage and pink. It's kind of English cottage, with floral couch and loveseat, an antique mohogany Baker breakfront with a hidden desk inside and a teapot collection in the glass on top. There's also a beautiful three legged curved glass curio that's from the turn of the last century, covered in gold leaf. It's our reading and music room, mainly. Family room is rough wood and leather, primitive stuff, old family pics, and dog hair. Especially dog hair.
I have lots of antiques and family things, yet my choice in jewelry is clean modern lines. I'd like to dress up more, but can't due to what I do. NObody wears slacks to clean stalls or work a horse. Skirts? I have a few, but couldn't tell you when I last wore one. I think in theory I would decorate the way I dress, but I can't dress the way I like due to my lifestyle, and can't decorate the way I'd like due to finances.
Oh well. |
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n/a
deleted
60 Posts
Tammy
Port Orford
Oregon
60 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2005 : 12:00:12 PM
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Diane, I think you are right on the nose. I love people watching this is going to be my next observation for sure.
When I lived in CA, I worked 60+ hours a week in very expensive suits. Everything tailored everything matched. I decorated my house in whites, very luxurious.
When we moved to rural Oregon coast, my white couch didn't fit in and thank goodness neither did the suits. I switched to jeans (everyday) hiking boots, especially with mud and dust all around. So I decided to recover my great-room furniture in denim. I chose a blue with a dark blue leaf print. The print makes it a little dressier but it's very casual.
Now I am busy trying to put together the room. I have a beautiful set of tables (round with a leaf carving on the sides). My hall is painted taupe, I am thinking about carrying this into the great-room. my current accent colors are taupe & wine. Do you think the wine will still go with the denim? I've thought about painting a wall slate blue that carries into the dinning nook (which currently is all taupe along with the kitchen). What do you think?
When I feel spring coming I have to plant or I’ll go crazy! |
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Kay in Kentucky
Farmgirl in Training
35 Posts
Kay
Dunnville
Kentucky
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2005 : 5:11:07 PM
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I wonder what my style says about me?
I wear a uniform at work and my hair style is dictated by work rules so I keep it cut to collar length I don't bother with makup anymore, to much bother at 4:30 or 5 am going to work. After work I get out of the uniform as fast as I can and into something comfy and now warm.
I don't Like the fussy, busy look, I decorate with books; books here there everywhere, projects and work all over. I am eliminating a lot of curios I collected in travels, just don't seem important to me anymore.
I Don't need fancy china, or silverplate; don't want to polish stuff or worry about stuff. Tools of the trade have their own beauty like a well made cutting board or kitchen knife; well worn clothes have character and blend in with well worn rooms and buildings. I guess I go for farm plain. Jewlery is another worry and around animals can be a hazard; what does it do but decorate. A pair of good earings and a watch that works suits me. I leave the ring in the box while working in the barn; it may save a finger. Plain Jane that's me. My fancy stuff is tea cups/pots, good books, photos of family and friends. I also decorate with animals pets here and there; a cat on the back of the sofa a dog on the floor beside me, a horse in the pasture, chickens in the yard, friends were ever they feel comfortable.
Kay
My blog;
http://oakspringfarm.blogspot.com |
Edited by - Kay in Kentucky on Oct 26 2005 5:15:21 PM |
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dg7954
True Blue Farmgirl
129 Posts
Diane
Doylestown
pa
USA
129 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2005 : 08:07:55 AM
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| Tammy, absolutely! Denim is the most neutral color to use. Think about how you dress. Wouldn't you wear a wine colored sweater with jeans? Actually, demin goes with every color I can think of. I like the idea of pulling a color from one room into another for continuity. I personally don't have a color scheme in any room in my house except for the bedroom. I like the drama of using one to three colors in a room, but I love the freedom of using any color any time. My livingroom has white walls with a sage green ceiling and wall trim and hardwood floors. This, Tammy, is just like demin to me. I have art of all colors on the walls, and everything works. It gives me the freedom to put whatever I feel like in the room just because I like it, and not worrying about it clashing with my color scheme. So, unless you are completely in love with one or two colors, try throwing in other ones. The demin will not only go with it all, but will ground the room and pull it all together. |
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n/a
deleted
60 Posts
Tammy
Port Orford
Oregon
60 Posts |
Posted - Oct 27 2005 : 09:46:38 AM
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Diane, thank you so much. I have often thought about what works with a denim pair of jeans. Everything! I love cashmere and lace, as well as every type of t-shirt and sweater. Thanks for the boost, I can't wait to move forward with the room.
When I feel spring coming I have to plant or I’ll go crazy! |
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twigs
True Blue Farmgirl
52 Posts
tiffany
lacie
ky
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - Dec 20 2005 : 09:30:20 AM
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you know when i was younger i was the one who matched everything even down to my undies, hee hee, didnt leave the house without makeup on hair done etc....house was victorian style and it resembled me.....
but i have since let go of what i was raised with and found what i love the true me....bib overalls, jeans, comfy sweaters, and no foo foo hair, i still love my jewlrey and wear them all the time, and have toned down my makeup to just lipstick....and my style is primitive all the way and i love it.....
i do find that my store is more deced out than my house now days just not enough time in the days.
twigs
May you be surrounded by the things of olde that make you feel like a treasure! |
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2349 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2349 Posts |
Posted - Dec 20 2005 : 1:25:23 PM
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I'm glad this topic got revived or I would've never seen it. I read each entry and pictured all of you in my mind. What great descriptions. I would guess that most of the ladies at this Farm are the comfy cozy type.
What insight you have, Diane. You have a great outlook to help the people you decorate for. I bet you make their living space feel just right for them.
I love bright colors and I used to dress in bright colors because that's what I like to look at. Well, then I did one of those make-up color thingies and was defined as an Autumn (red hair, freckles, etc...) and was told that the bright colors weren't best for me to wear. So, when I need to look "nice" I wear all the earth tones that complement my hair and complexion. But, in our home , we have red walls!
It would be interesting to know if we decorate the way we eat, too! The red walls in my home are a paint color called Cajun Spice. The yellow walls are Butter Cookie. The beige walls are Warm Honey. The sage green in my bedroom is Green Tea. I must have been hungry when I was paint shopping.
Blessings!
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
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Patti
Farmgirl at Heart
5 Posts
Patti
Orlando
FL
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - Dec 22 2005 : 10:07:31 AM
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| My husband and I just moved into a condo for a year while our house is being built. Since we were moving almost 1000 miles and didn't know where we would live when we arrived here in VA, we only moved about one-third of our household. The rest is in long term storage. With our furniture greatly pared down and everything in a different place, it became new to my eye which caused me to think about my decorating over the thirty years we've been married. When we started out, it was all earth tones and dark wood, later it became country of the Mary Emerling style with light pine and baskets, and after that a more evolved Martha Stewart-influenced style with those subtle greens and blues like the eggs from her famous hens, and more functional pieces like I remember from my grandmother's house. Those styles have fused in our temporary home and, I find, look pleasing and comfortable together. I can't say whether it's age, experience, or fewer disposable dollars now that I'm not working, but I think I don't need to chase the trend anymore. I've found my style. It's called ecclectic. Anyway, that's what I'm calling it. |
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Snowden Cottage
True Blue Farmgirl
56 Posts
Mumsie
Valley
WA
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - Dec 28 2005 : 3:46:08 PM
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I'm kinda new around here..but just had to make a comment on this whole concept of dressing the way we decorate. I sat with my mouth open when I came across this post! It is so absolutely true!! Once I started looking around and thinking about it..I was blown away! And it has rung true all my life! All the way from being a little girl to now..34 years of marriage and 52 years old!! WOW...well that's it..just had to get that out! Loving this farmgirl connection! GB Mumsie
Live simply... Love deeply...Hope forever! |
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2006 : 01:15:21 AM
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Well that does it! For the last two years I've been thinking of reupholstering my living room furniture in denim. Now I know why.
I'm going to do it.
Marcia
"I suppose the pleasure of country life lies really in the eternally renewed evidence of the determination to live." Vita Sackville-West
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A Farm of My Own: Did you know you dress the way you decorate? |
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Did you know you dress the way you decorate?
