Is country style decor still in style or not? When I went shopping for new accessories I had a very rude awakening.
Come along on my search for country and see what I found out!
Nothing dramatic, just little swaps here and there, to update my rooms. After all, we've been here almost twenty years and not much has changed.
This week, I went shopping for floral wallpaper and fabric to recover my beloved floral sofa.
I hit all the small shops and boutiques in town, and boy oh boy, it was quite an eye opening experience.
As an avid DIYer, I wasn't used to dealing with salespeople or decorating professionals. I usually go into stores or shop online, find what I like and leave.
No assistance, no input, but this was totally different.
I went in with a vision, props and pictures, hoping to describe what I wanted and have a professional point me to the sample books where I might find it, rather than wasting hours with my computer, online.
You can shop my style here if you love country style too!
Apparently, what I wanted was wrong. It was kind of surprising.
What really got me though, was everyone's reaction to the description my style. Wow.
When did "country" become such a dirty word?
I mean, the minute it came out of my mouth there was a visceral response. All negative, as I'm sure you've already guessed. It was like I shouted a curse word.
I received a nose scrunch, with a negative nod.
A muffled gasp.
One disbelieving chuckle.
And even a very blatant, Oh, honey, no.
Mostly though, as I tried to elaborate, the reaction was one of confusion. Like I was speaking another language.
You mean, Joanna Gaines. Farmhouse. No. I do not.
I think I further complicated the language barrier when I confessed that I'd never even seen Fixer Upper. That simply didn't compute.
So I tried again.
Industrial Farmhouse? Rustic Farmhouse? Prairie Style? No. No. And No.
I tried to be more specific to get the idea across.
My home is a 1920's bungalow. I respect its classic cottage style vibes and have decorated it accordingly.
I have a floral couch, a big red wall....lots of Waverly fabrics, (remember them?) and rooms filled with color.
And while I do love and respect French Country, Modern and Rustic Farmhouse, and have pieces from each of those genres in my home, I don't fit in one box.
I guess if I had to define myself I would say Cottage Style...but to me, that's still just a fancy way to say you're decorating a small house in country style decor.
Braided rugs, white pitchers, rocking chairs, silver platters, decorative wreaths, old cabinets, brass candlesticks, matelasse, primitives and folk art all sit in harmony, right next to one another in my rooms.
Country. Plain and simple.
I don't care if any of it is in style right now and I don't care if it makes me seem old, outdated or behind the times.
I only know that when I'm in a room filled with softness and warmth, cozy furniture and flowers, I feel good.
Open windows with lace curtains blowing in the summer breeze and the smell of blueberry pie as it's pushed through the kitchen gets me every time.
Of course, I didn't say all that in the store. I mean once I said big red wall and Waverly fabrics, they all looked at me like I was standing in front of them in a Gunny Sack dress. It was over.
I clearly had no style, since I wasn't shopping for one of today's buzzwords, so no one could really help me.
Which was fine, I was ready to leave. After four shops, I'd had it with explanations and lectures regarding recent trends.
It was time to go. I said my polite goodbyes and quietly slunk out of the stores.
Although, one woman did yell after me before I exited her shop.
Don't worry doll, it'll come back.
And she's right. It will. (Update...it's back!)
Until then it's apparently just me.
In my outdated little country style house.
Oh well, I don't mind being a rebel.
In the meantime, I've got my computer.
And thankfully it speaks my language.
😉
How about you?
Do you think country style is still in style?
Happy Decorating, Friends!
Your style is absolutely lovely - stick with what appeals to you - you're doing it right.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Karen! And at this point, I’m too old to change anyway! Ha!!
DeleteThanks for the visit and the comment…Have a great week!
Quite honestly Kim, I don't care what's in style. I decorate the way I love our home. I love French, French country and some cottage touches. Not because others like it, because that's what grabbed me in my 30's.
ReplyDeleteThey didn't know who Waverly was because that would mean they have to actually learn what fabrics have been around for years. I have loved Waverly since my 30's and will love them forever.
I love toile and will forever. I don't understand the rudeness. It seems to be the way of life now. Oh my am I showing my age?
Fixer Upper watched and I'm so over it. I painted our house all different shades of white 32 years ago. Been there done that. I would never go back to it, ever for us.
I love whites but it seems if you embrace color you're the out of style one.
Niw blue is the big thing, quite frankly I never thought blue was bad.
Give me my computer over rudeness any day.
Cindy
I agree, Cindy. It's always been my firm belief that our homes are our havens, so we need to fill them with what makes us happy. I follow my gut...it has the final word on what I choose. To be fair, I understand where the salespeople are coming from...most designers are just not making the types of things I'm looking for at the moment, so they were trying to help me find something in their shops that may go. Unfortunately, most people were pretty blunt about my choices...all good though. I'm a tough cookie. 😉
DeleteYes it is still a style. I get Country Home magazine delivered to my door 4 times a year....why would they print a magazine of out of style décor? I love your style!
ReplyDeleteExactly, Penny! I agree...Country is classic, it's just the old game of repackaging things so they seem new so we'll all go out and buy new stuff. I like my old stuff. And thank you so much!
DeleteYou have such a lovely home, Kim! I think country is still here...we just call it a lot of other things with a lot more categories lol. We have to do what feels right for us!
ReplyDeleteThat's it exactly, Linda! Country encompasses so many things and style is very personal. We should fill our homes with things we love - I enjoy the diversity and all the different interpretations of country style I see every day online. And in real life. It would be boring any other way!
DeleteGood for you Kim for not letting them pigeonhole you into one of those trends. Real people don;t live that way and I applaud you for being true to your home and yourself.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary...and you're 100% right. Real people don't live that way. 😊
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI hear you and my style is even worse....It is Victorian...Maybe Country Victorian! I am sure if I went into a furniture store and asked for Victorian , they would all have a stroke!! Just the other day, I decided to return to my roots and got out a whole bunch of my Country Victorian magazines and spent a few hours enjoying all the floral patterns, antiques and picture of wonderfully beautiful homes that look like what they now call Grandma style! I may not be a grandma but given me that style any day...I too am no fan of Fixer Upper, Joanna and Chip Gaines and Farmhouse decor..... I do enjoy watching Home town because they do seem to do afforadable houses and save as much history of the house that they can...... Have you watched that show??? I enjoyed this post because i can so relate but I think there are probably quite a few of us out there who can relate...
Hugs,
Deb
Haha, Debbie, you are so right!! They would have no idea what to do with someone who uttered the words Country Victorian!! I'm finding it difficult for anyone to keep a straight face when I mention a floral couch!! Thank goodness for the antique shops and the internet. Oh...and a few DIY skills don't hurt either! And I have seen an episode or two of Hometown. I should tune in more, I liked her style. I wonder what she calls it?? Haha!! Hugs!
DeleteI say whatever you like and prefer is in style. It's your style. Those people were rude and uninformed. Remember "the customer is always right?"
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I'm with you Brenda. I worked retail for a long, long time before, during and even after college. The customer was always right..even when there weren't! 😉
DeleteYour home sounds like a place I would enjoy. I'm a person who finds pieces that I like and can afford and usually enjoy them for years. I have never understood why people find it necessary to spend so much, or put themselves in debt, to keep up with the latest trend. Country is alive and well and always will be for those of us who do not follow the trends.
ReplyDeleteYes! I haven't done any major redecorating since we moved in back in the early 2000's. I picked what I loved then and have accented it with small changes here and there over the years. I'm not a trend follower at all. I be I would enjoy your home as well! Thanks for the visit today!!
DeleteYour taste is lovely, you could decorate for me anyday. Like Debbie I too have a Victorian, I decorate with what I like. I'm sure a lot of people would cringe at my front foyer with all the natural cherry woodwork and pocket doors but just as many people are impressed with the workmanship. People tend to put things down that they don't have themselves, and be original instead of cookie cutter decorating.
ReplyDeleteOoh..cherry wood work and pocket front doors?? Your home sounds like my grandmother's. It was truly the most gorgeous home I've ever seen. It had a butler's pantry with cherry, glass front cabinets, and cherry paneling and rich red velvet curtains in the living room. I wish I still had photos of the place...Thanks for brining back such lovely memories. I bet your home is amazing!!
DeleteKim your sweet cottage home is beautiful. I am a big believer that we should surround ourselves with what we love and that is what the style should be. If you surround yourself with what you love you will always be happy. It is a shame that those people in the decorating business did not adopt all different styles not just what the popular trend is now. I am shocked at this especially with how everyone loves to have all different styles mixed into their decor. Yikes! then they wonder why no one shops in these places and use the internet to shop!!! I love seeing your pretty family room in the picture. Your signature red along with soft patterns and a ruffle here and there, ohhhhh just love it! My point even though I am not a red lover I still swoon seeing your family room and love it. I never felt after seeing your pictures to say out loud "oh no honey"!!! People sometimes!!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
Thanks Kris! Yes, I was surprised and yet not...I've run across this attitude a bunch over the years. I bet you have, too, since your style is deliciously unique and definitely not cookie cutter in any way. I know the salespeople have to sell what they have in stock, but there must be a nicer way to do it. Big hugs to you!!
DeleteGirls I am so enjoying your comments and looking at your style. I sit in the bathroom of a hotel so my 1 yr old granddaughter will go to sleep. I am from Lake Charles, LA and all my neighbors and I would luv to just have a home right now. You gave me a few minutes of normal. Thank you
DeleteOh goodness, I am so, so sorry. What a terrible position to be in right now. I was watching the news and it's truly devastating. I really do hope that things get back to normal for you quickly. Although I know that's a tall order. So glad that this conversation was able to bring you some cheer...Please take care!
DeleteLove your style! Waverly fabrics are my favorite and I just ordered Waverly red toile curtains for my living room! Sick of all the grays and blues and going back to my reds and greens as fast as I can. I also get Country Home magazine, so evidently, the salespeople are out of the loop.
ReplyDeleteTotally out of the loop, Sue!! I agree. I also just bought a beautiful Waverly pattern and made a curtain for my bathroom. It's bright green...color, color, color!! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! And I really need to renew my Country Home subscription!!
DeleteI have never commented before. I think you should print out a copy of this blog entry and mail it to each of the establishments. Maybe then they will get it.
ReplyDeleteHa! Susan, I just might!! Funny story, I went back to one of the shops yesterday to return the wallpaper books and I struck up a conversation with another saleslady who said, Sweetie, it's all back now...who were you talking to?? Needless to say, I loved her!! 😉
DeleteAnd thank you for taking the time to comment!!!
DeleteI love your country style. You do it so beautifully in your home. And yes...I still love Waverly fabrics!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mandy!! I do too...and I love your new curtains. Still thinking about them...
DeleteKim your post was so refreshing! I'm always reminding myself to stay true to myself and not get caught up in some current trend or another person's decorating style just because it looks so pretty at that moment in time. I love that you know exactly who you are. It makes me so sad to see a person slipping from one trend to another. I too love Waverly but my favorite fabric of all time has been chenille. It takes me back to being at my grandparents, so I just did our master bedroom in Cream colored Chenille bedding and I truly don't care who loves it or not!! All I know, like you it makes me smile and it just looks and feels so cozy. Your home is cozy, inviting and charming!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to read such an encouraging piece. I too love country, but I'm more French country.
Chenille is lovely, so soft and reminds me of the sweet bedspreads in my grandmother's house, growing up. I think there are so many classic things that are disregarded in modern decor shops simply because they're old or have been around for a long time. To me, that's the exact reason why they need to be cherished. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one! Thank you so much for coming by today and contributing to the conversation!! I hope you'll visit again.
DeleteEnjoyed your blog so much! Your decorating style is wonderfully warm and welcome. When I studied design in college, one professor said that "Early American" or "Americana" will always be in style. It is a part of our history as a country and therefore will always have a place in our decor. I've had it with so called designers attempts at brainwashing in regards to "style" or "trends". I've decided that too many people don't really know what they like because they aren't in touch with who they are. Maybe they're seeking approval or want to fit in so badly with what is "current". Perhaps, one day they'll wake up, look around and admit that they actually don't like gray paint, sterile metal, glass and stainless steel.
ReplyDeleteThose were wise words from your professor, Bev! When I was teaching years ago, one of the older teachers said, good teaching will always be good teaching, the textbook makers just need to come up with new methods so they can sell the old textbooks. Boy, was she right! The older I get the more I believe that sentiment goes for everything, including decorating. ☺️
DeleteWell, Wendy Bagwell said it best. "It might be a little old fashioned but it's not out of style." I have struggled with these same attitudes as well. But I'm just me. I live in my house, day in and day out. I thank God for what he's given me and I move it around, add different florals, greenery, and a little spray paint, and I'm happy.
ReplyDeleteYes, as long as you're happy with it, "Country Is Still In Style!!"
I totally agree, Kathy and that's always been my decorating mantra! You live there, fill it with what you like... and I love that saying!! I had to look up Wendy Bagwell...pretty music. ☺️
DeleteI say decorate in a way that makes you happy. You live there, not the trendy pros. If it pleases you, it doesn't matter to anyone else. Follow your heart and be happy.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Linda… and you do that so well!
DeleteI love the Fixer Upper show and the Farmhouse Style, and I love your style too. It does not look outdated to me. I say do what you like. You have to live there and enjoy it - not those salespeople!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Mari and I think that's great that there are so many different styles out there today. You can pick and choose pretty elements from all. I think from now on, I'll just be doing it from home though! Haha!!
DeleteWoo hoo! I loved this post! Your house is fabulous just the way it is, no current labels necessary. "Oh, honey, no", indeed! Just like fashion, the idea is to part you with your money, keeping up with trends. This is not middle school, ladies. I'm with you on the bisque appliances. Not crazy about the upkeep on the stainless refrigerator. If you read Jan Garon's blog, she followed her own heart with pretty colors and fabrics. Sadly, she is no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteDonna, you hit the nail on the head! It's all about sales and there is a way to do it kindly, that's the part that was missing from my shopping trip. And yes I heard about sweet Jan. I just adored her style, all those colorful flowers and bright patterns, she mixed them so well. She will be missed.
DeleteI don't care what is "in style"...I follow my heart with what I like. Different styles are what makes the world go 'round. Think about all the blogs you see...or your friend's and family's houses. Each house has its own unique style and you could automatically tell who the house belongs to. I don't want my house to look like anyone else's. If you still like country, then go for it. All that matters is that it makes you and your family happy.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes, Melanie! Home style is as personal as your choice in food or clothes or books and there are enough choices out there today to make everyone happy. I guess I just went to the wrong shops. 😉
DeleteI've never been happier than when I stopped trying to copy what was new trends and just gathered what I loved around me. And guess what, those new trends will soon be out and on to the next thing. No thank you! Classic like you have never really goes out of style. Authentic styles never do. I love to see all kinds of styles in people's houses if it's their style, if it tells their story. Then it's right for them. But the retailers pushing the latest "style" leave me cold. Give me a good antique mall any day where I can stumble across something I lose my heart to. I wish I had a good comeback that you could have left these people with but that only comes to mind in the middle of the night after you've left, right? Have you thought of something you should have said by now? You could just email them this post!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I'm usually pretty good with coming up with a quick response at the right time, for some reason this time I was really stumped. I think it's because I've spent the last seven years immersed in this lovely land of blogs and decor, where everyone is so open and accepting of decorating choices. Decorating is like art. There are no rights or wrongs, only what makes your eye happy. I guess it shocked me that people in the business, who have a love for it, didn't respect the idea that my choices could still be beautiful, while not trendy. Maybe I should stick to blogging and forget the shopping!! Ha!!
DeleteAs far as I'm concerned, whatever you like is what's in style. Frankly if I see one more ship-lapped wall I'm going to scream!
ReplyDeleteThis was an eye-opener for me when we sold out house a few years ago, along with most of the furniture. When we went sofa shopping it was a matter of "What color brown sofa do you want?" Ugh...we ended up with a brown sofa and I hate it!
Ann...the brown sofa, yes!! That seems to be my only choice, too, brown, light brown, dark brown or gray brown. Oh wait...and white, which with a husband who eats his dinner on the couch, is a no go. Also when I asked for country or cottage stye wallpaper in one shop they responded with shiplap. I just giggled.
DeleteI sent you a post via Instagram. Country decor lives!
ReplyDeleteI'lll look for it! Thanks!
DeleteKim, I think whatever makes your heart sing is right. Trends come and go. I like to call my style curated, it has been developed over the years with things I love. It’s probably more country than not, overstuffed chairs and different colors of wood. I personally hate gray walls and laminate flooring that looks like an old barn, and shiplap...ugh! I too have never seen Chip and Joanna on TV. Your home is lovely, warm and just perfect for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol! It sounds like you live in a very similar home, warm and cozy. We have pieces here that are new, some that are 20+ years old, some from stores, antique shops, the trash...I'm not picky. If I love it, I make a room for it and keep it for as long as it makes me smile...trendy or not!
DeleteI am sorry that you had such a bad experience with your shopping. A good salesperson is worth their weight in gold. I don't always need assistance but when I do I truly appreciate someone who is interested in my project, asks good questions and keeps any criticisms to themselves.
ReplyDeleteYes!! Funny story, Lorri, I went back to one of the shops to return to a wallpaper book yesterday, and saw a different sales person who could not have been nicer. She even said to me, I don't know what they're talking about, because all those styles are coming back…and in most homes they never really went out. I told her if I needed to look for anything else I would be calling the shop to see when she was working!!
DeleteIt seems most salespeople in these stores have no imagination and just want to sell what is currently on trend probably because that is all they have in the store. And it’s frustrating that every store seems to carry the same stuff. I love your cozy home Kim and I admire you for sticking with the style that is true to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, JoAnne, and yes, I agree. They need to sell what they have, what's hot and in stock. I don't really blame them for that, but you're right they all carry the same stuff. I love it when I find something a little different. I guess that's why I went to so many shops...hoping!! Thanks for the visit and the comment. I hope you'll come back!
DeleteOh I feel sorry for those ladies...how narrow minded.
ReplyDeleteExtremely Jenny!
DeleteDon't don't carry which country, French, English or Cowboy Country, I'm just a County Girl, too!
ReplyDeleteRight there with you, Christine!
DeleteI love the Farmhouse Country--nice and comfy and just as it was when I was growing up on the farm. I guess I'll just be out of style! My home, my style!
ReplyDeleteYup. I feel the same way! And it sounds like your home is just lovely and warm and comfy!!
DeleteI love your home, Kim. My own home is what I would call country cottage style and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I don’t care what the latest trend is!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Laura! ☺️ I think so many of us feel the same way!
DeleteFirst, I LOVE your home. Second I'm unsurprised by what you encountered. I look all over for decorating blogs or items that aren't "Farmhouse" or trendy, or one sign after another. Frankly, if I hear "farmhouse" one more time and see all white, I'm going to barf. But anyway, if you're going against the grain, you're not of the herd and that to me is awesome, but it ticks off many! I miss real decorating - what people actually like. Now it's all store-bought same, same. Can't tell one home from another. Except yours and I LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Ann! And I hear you! It's funny, the farmhouse trend is pretty, and I do see some of it in real life homes near me, but really, most homes look like mine. They are full of items they love and have collected over the years. That's my favorite kind of decor, too! I do see a lot of the farmhouse style on Instagram thought and you're right, hard to tell the houses apart.
DeleteNow, you have got my dander up, Kim (Let them try to figure out what that means!). I love looking at how everybody and anybody decorates their homes knowing that they decorate the way they want to. But to some, there is only one way to do it and that is what is hip and true RIGHT NOW! I get so tired of seeing the shows on TV where someone can't see beyond the paint color or how EWW, it looks like something my grandmother would have done. So What? I get tired of seeing cookie cutter rooms that all look the same, the only difference is how much did that cost? A good friend of mine years ago who was an official decorator told me that you must make your bedroom feminine, because that is the room that your husband associates with you the most. That may be true or not, but it does speak to the idea that you do what you like and if you are happy then what does it matter. If I never hear the words "Oh, that is so dated" again I will be happy. Country comes in many forms, all of them just right. So what if it doesn't seem to fit into your era. But to more serious things: are you recovering your beautiful sofa. If so, I hope you can find some of that gorgeous Waverly fabric..Happy Wednesday..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteJudy, I love your comments. You always share from the heart and have me nodding along with every sentence. As soon as I say cottage style or country style I get the same looks...even in antique shops. They are just as trendy around here. Plus most of them sell furniture now which probably is why I get the face. My old floral couch is a Hickory Hill special from a collection called Grandma's Attic. Of course they're out of business now, but that sofa is divine. I can't find anything that compares either in design and comfort or fabric. I'll keep looking because I don't want to spend $5k (INSANE!!) to reupholster or slipcover it...but it's not been easy. I told my husband he needs to up his DIY skills so we can do it ourselves. I'm almost that frustrated!! Thanks for your passionate reply my friend!
DeleteI wanted to comment today.....regarding "customer service" people. I keep hearing on the local TV that we should "shop/buy local".....however, lately my "customer service" experiences in the stores have not been positive experiences. I have such a hard time getting good customer service that I usually end up shopping online. Local shop owner....pay heed....we have money to spend but if we do not feel like our presence in your shop is appreciated we will gladly shop elsewhere... To me: Bad customer service is a path to failure in any business...
ReplyDeleteI so love your way of decorating.....and I dare say it is not your "decorating" that draws us back to reading your blog posts.....it is that you find so much JOY in making your home happy and welcoming to your family, friends and fellow bloggers!! You always make us feel welcome.....and we love you for that!! ....Vicki
That's a very astute observation, Vicki, and you're right. I try to shop locally for other things as well and if they don't have what I need, I get pushed toward what they do. I understand that, it's the nature of the business, but there's a way to do it kindly. I guarantee you that among the many, many fabric and wallpaper samples in those shops combined, thousands I'm sure, there were some I would've liked. I was so turned off by the experience though, they lost a sale.
DeleteAnd thank you so much for the very, very sweet comment. I feel very blessed to have found a community with so many who feel the same way I do about homemaking, crafts and DIY and do try to create a welcoming place to meet. It's great to know it feels that way.
As always Kim, fantastic post. I love your decorating, it is very much like the way I decorate.
ReplyDeleteAnd as far as customer service or even being able to find anything in retail shops anymore. My son Sam was on the hunt for a simple night stand. Do you think we could find one! Out of Stock at one furniture store. Goodness! We went on the hunt again, and the same thing Sam found another night stand he liked. Out of Stock!
Then we went on the hunt for underwear.. out of stock. That is when I lost Sam .. he said "I have had enough wasting my time running from store to store. I am shopping on line!"
Thank you, Carla! I totally get your frustration and Sam's. It seems like the stores are pushing us to shop online, doesn't it? Their inventory is low, it's rare to find someone who really knows what they're talking about and the Wi-Fi is spotty so you can even Google to get an answer. It's easy to see by the younger kids just want to shop from home. Smart.
DeleteI agree with everyone else. You go with what YOU like. Don't listen to those biddies. When I listened to the biddie experts who talked me into painting something brown in my home when I wanted white or pale yellow, I went with their suggestion because it was in and they were the experts. I hate it then & I hate it now. So I say again...go with what you like. I can just imagine their condescension.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's hard to know what's right and what's wrong so we do rely on the so-called experts, but ultimately yes I think we have to go with what we like. Did you ever repaint, Florence?
DeleteOMG! I am so in love with your house! And I do totally get what you're saying. Like you, I live in a small house (especially compared to my friends), but while I LOVE decorating and love my own cozy, country-cottage style, I have not accomplished the neatness of your home because I simply have too much stuff right now. However, I'm in the process of cleaning out and clearing out. Beauty such as yours provides me the inspiration to keep going! (So glad "Cozy Little House" turned me on to your blog!)
ReplyDeletePamm!! You just totally made my day!! ☺️ Thank you so much for the lovely comment. It made me smile form ear to ear...and I totally get it. We used to have too much stuff, too. I spent years simplifying. I wrote all about it. After I saw my sisters downsize and we moved my mom out of her house, I realized how much we had that we didn't need. I was preoccupied with cleaning it all the time. Don't get me wrong, I'm answering comments today staring at a sink full of dishes and baskets of laundry, but at least the clutter is gone. I wish you luck on your journey and thanks so much for coming over!
DeleteWOW Kim, that is just plain terrible customer service and very rude of the sales associates. I can't believe that they weren't more helpful with you! I love your country style and no it is not out of style. My mom had country americana that I loved and she got so many compliments on her home and decorating style. Your home reminds me of her house! What is IN style does not always look right in everyones house. Good luck with finding new wallpaper and fabric.
ReplyDeleteIt really was disappointing, Julie, I was so excited to shop...and it wasn't just one store, but several in a row. And thank you for the lovely compliment. Americana is classic and I'm honored that you think my home resembles your mom's. ❤️
DeleteI'm so sick of seeing 'farmhouse this' and 'farmhouse that' everywhere I look....I mean, come on already with the Joanna Gaines farmhouse look, no more!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I adore your style, and you should decorate with what makes YOU happy, not anyone else!! I do not follow fads, and there's a good reason....they're in, then out....then something else is in....give me a break. I go home, my house is cozy and warm and welcoming, and to me that's my style, whatever it may be.
ReplyDeleteYour home is lovely, Debbie...I think we both have very, very similar styles. Your home just probably smells way better than mine from all the delicious things cooking in your kitchen! Take out doesn't have the same aroma...☺️
DeleteOh for goodness sake. Some people and their addiction to being seen as "on trend". Who the fudge cares. If they want to live in a magazine house, that's their problem. I would far rather come sit at your well-loved and worn table and smell that blueberry pie any day. You have a real home Kim, filled with caring and love and words and whispers and memories. And that's priceless and maybe one day those sheeple in the stores you went to will realize that, and celebrate it, instead of making you feel like your beautiful style isn't worth their time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michelle! I'm with you, I'll take real life decorating any day of the week. I want a home I can come into and feel at home, familiar. Trendy styles change too much. I wouldn't know where I was!!
DeleteOh haven't you heard it has a new name...it's not country or cottage style. It's now called Grandmillenial....which is short for Grandma millenial style. I kid you not... Just go on over to pintrest and type it in...you will be amazed. See all those people who think country is a dirty word now like it but can't admit it so they renamed it so they could claim it as a new trend all their own. But us little more mature gals know the truth....
ReplyDeleteGrandmillenial? I'll have to look that up!! Who knew I was so on trend. Thanks Dena!!
DeleteHi Kim, country style is THE style on which every other style is built on! In fact, all the other styles are just a different iteration of the core. You know what, it never will come back, because IT NEVER WENT AWAY. It had been hidden lurking in plain sight all this while. And you had the sharp eyesight to spot it! Stay awesome dear!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, Andrea!! And thank you so much for the lovely comment! You've made my day.
DeleteIve loved the colonial country since i was a kid. My mom decorated in that way. Didnt change with age. I agree with some of your other commenters that the names have changed. I see country in the farmhouse style and the shabby chic style, and have incorporated "those" in my decorating. And waverly has ALWAYS been whats caught my eye. I also agree with you that you do whats comfortable for you, but, i hate walking into homes that are one style and theyve decorated it in another style. You dont put victorian in a mid century modern.
ReplyDeleteGreat comment and great point about the decorating houses according to their styles. I couldn't agree more!! Yes!!
DeleteI grew up in high ranch and my mom did it right. It was decorated in a very traditional style with a warm flair, but it all "fit". Our first cottage was a tiny two bedroom, sweet, sweet space with bright windows...like a dollhouse really. I decorated it in purples and yellows and whites. My very agreeable husband went with my uber girly theme, because the house called for it.
This house is much different, still a cottage from the 1920s, but it has dark beams on the ceiling and a large stone fireplace. It calls for something totally different...it would look silly with very modern furniture or even the pastels I adored in the other home. You need to let the house tell you what to do! Love it!! Hope you'll come back to visit again and share more of your thoughts with us!!
I own and live in my grandmama's 1912 home. It is country, of course. My daddy was born here. Has it changed in all those years, since 1912...not much.kitchen was ALWAYS yellow....
ReplyDeleteYou sound super lucky! I often think about my own grandmother's kitchen, which is what mine is modeled after. They just don't make homes or decor like that anymore. I think it's classic and it makes me sad that more people don't recognize that. Too many gorgeous homes ripped down or updated terribly. Enjoy your yellow kitchen. I bet it's just beautiful! Happy New Year!
DeleteI came across an article in "Country Homes and Interiors" magazine (a 2008 issue) were it said: "English country style never goes out of fashion". Amen to that!
ReplyDeleteIndeed!! It's a classic and I believe with the younger generations infatuation with cottagecore it's only going to get more popular!!
DeleteYour home is beautiful and reflects your personality. I wouldn't change a thing. My home is not country, but I have wreaths, antique wood furniture including rockers and wing chairs and color on my walls. I have always just called it eclectic. I like to think my home reflects my personality, too. I gave up on JoAnne Gaines when she started selling sofa throw cushions for $100 plus. I make my own. Thanks for sharing. :-)
ReplyDeleteYour home sounds lovely Karen, the way a home should be... a collection of things you love and that make you smile! As far as JoAnna Gaines goes, I'm sure your cushions are much better and much less expensive!! Thanks for the visit and for taking the time to add to the conversation!
DeleteI just wonder if all those salespeople redecorate their houses every time styles change.
ReplyDeleteHaha!! I love this comment and I would be willing to bet that no, they do not!! Thanks for sharing and for the morning giggle!!
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