Some people decorate with their eyes. They see something and know, right away, that they've struck gold, but not me.
Nope.
I've always, always decorated with my stomach.
Weird right?
I know. It sounds odd, but hear me out, because maybe you do this, too.
First, I look at things and contemplate whether or not I think they'll go together. Then I bring them home...or order them online...and set them up in the room I'm rearranging.
During the last step, I sit back and take it all in. Sometimes, things look great, other times, not so much, but the final decision isn't based on a look.
I leave it up to my gut.
Sure, several accents may look equally well in a space, but my stomach always knows which is best. I literally get a physical sign when everything feels right.
And it never fails.
Which is how I knew, from the moment the wallpaper went up in the family room, that it wasn't going to work out.
Like I said before, it looked lovely on paper and in my carefully curated photos, but in reality, the flowers looked orange and, more importantly, the room was almost impossible to accessorize.
I couldn't find my footing and my tummy felt queasy whenever I walked by that unsettled space. I rarely ever poofed the pillows or turned on the candles.
It just wasn't any fun to play in there...and let's face it, decorating is my jam.
So, it shouldn't surprise anyone when I say that the wallpaper was a fun experiment, but I LOVE the way the room looks without it.
It just feels right.
It's a calm space. It's a clean palette and I now have room where I can add a variety of accessories.
Swap them out. Change the look.
Decorate for the holidays and each season.
And just have fun.
Of course, I'm not rushing into anything. I love a truly collected look...one where a room naturally evolves and it takes time to do that authentically.
It's slow go, but I have started fluffing and feathering.
For example, I've been in love with this darling fabric lampshade for years.
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| Fabric Lamp Shade In Green |
I've wanted to add one to this room from the day I decided to make it over.
Unfortunately, it didn't look right against the wallpaper. Too busy and the beautiful pattern would never have received the attention it deserved.
However, once those delicious green walls were exposed, I checked for sales and free shipping every day and grabbed one.
Now it's a focal point.
A warm and charming accent that defines the vibe I've been going for all along.
It's perfect.
So much so that UPS is going to deliver a red one to me any minute now...
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| Red Patterned Lamp Shade |
I could say the same about the gold or wood mirrors.
My stomach just liked this scrolled one better.
Yes, we had to take it apart to clean it up and paint it, but it was so worth it.
I also ordered a few new pillow covers.
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| Rose Pillow Cover//Four Corner Floral Pillow Cover |
Aren't they pretty?
They totally pop, in my garden themed, cottage style family room.
And they make me smile.
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| Floral Pillow Covers//New Rug |
They tie in my new red rug and add some well placed flowers back into the space.
Flowers I can swap out with ease.
That I love looking at.
And ones that my gut wholeheartedly approves.
Finally.
Well, for now anyway.
😉
Have you added any new accents lately?
Happy Decorating, Friends!
The room has come together beautifully. And you are so right about the green walls being the perfect backdrop for you to add all the pretty decor. The rug is very subtle with just the right amount of red. Have fun decorating Kim. This is now a great room to play with.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mary. It really is a very comfortable and pleasing room now. I feel much more comfortable in it and love the fact that I can get really creative with different patterned drapes and pillows, artwork and accessories. I guess I'm just a paint girl!
DeleteThat wall color is gorgeous! I'm impressed that you had the courage to realize the beautiful wall paper just wasn't right. That could not have been an easy decision to make. But the results confirm it was the right one. It all looks cozy, warm and inviting and I can't wait to see more photos! I love your coffee table; I've always loved that 'white chunky legs wood top' look. It's perfect in your family room.
ReplyDeletei
Hi Kristine!! Thank you!! Yes, taking the wallpaper down was a big decision. I have to say I thought about it for a long time, but just kept pushing the idea aside, thinking that one day I'd figure it all out. Plus, I always wanted wallpaper and we took the time to put it up...but now that's gone, I know I made the right decision. I don't miss it at all. I'm glad you love the coffee table too, I just painted those legs. It was yet another attempt to make the wallpaper work. ☺️
DeleteAs always, and as with everything you do, the room looks wonderful! I love the shade! I may have to see if it will fit the lamps I have that need new shades!
ReplyDeletePat, you are the sweetest! Thanks so much. I have to say, I love, love, love the shades. I thought about making one of my own, but the pattern and colors were perfect, so I splurged. They come in three sizes. I bought the smallest ones, and they fit my lamps well. The other two are larger shades which are too big for my tiny cottage. You'll have to keep me posted!
DeleteI did order them! I've been looking for new shades for my living room. Although I really like the red, I think that the green is a neutral color and will work best with my seasonal decorating. I hope they fit okay because my current shade is a different shape. I ordered the middle size to fit the lamp properly. Fingers crossed! I also really liked the seagrass lampshade, but not for the lamps I needed them for. Maybe I can find another lamp for it.
DeleteOh Pat that's awesome! You'll have to tell me how you like them. I just received my red one and it's just as pretty. The colors are lovely. This could become an addictive habit!!
DeleteWell, they'll be here Tuesday!
DeleteWell, they'll be here Tuesday. Fingers crossed!
Delete🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
DeleteKim, I love the lampshade. I wondered if you would order the red one. Both are perfect for the room. I'm happy that you're in love with your room.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cindy! It's funny, red really should've been first, or at least at the same time. I ended up having to wait a few weeks to order again, waiting for another sale!! Heehee!!
DeleteI love that shade! It looks like it was made for that room. And yes, you for sure need the red one too!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the green is perfect in that room and makes your accesories pop!
Thanks so much, Mari! I have to say I waited and waited for the right sale before I bought it, so I was super happy that it matched well. You never know when you order something online. This one was a win!
DeleteLove the new look. This is the color (a favorite of mine) I painted my kitchen A year ago. Dining room is next... soon, I hope!
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike! I've always been a fan of green, it so soothing and warm. Good luck with the dining room...and go green!!
DeleteI think it looks amazing now. I love the green. The color in the pillows is just perfect! It really does look calming and peaceful. The new shade is super cute! I'm glad you made that purchase, because it really looks great!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mandy! I struggled with that room for 2 years and in the few weeks since the paper came down, I've been able to make it into a space I adore. I'm so glad you like it, too.
DeleteI just bought a new lampshade as one of mine got broken! Not as cute as yours, but it'll be just fine! I am having fun playing with furniture finds at the moment!
ReplyDeleteYour family room looks amazing!
Deanna Rabe
Thank you, Deanna! This is the fun part! I know you're enjoying your new space and I can't wait to see how the rooms unfold!
DeleteThe shade is gorgeous and the pillows are the perfect accent! The room looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan! I was this close to trying to make a fabric shade myself, but this one was too perfect to pass up!
DeleteLove love love the pillows and lampshade. You now can change things out for the holidays and not be competing with your wallpapered wall. I love the green. Happy Friday sweet friend. Have a great weekend. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kris!! Yes!! Removing that wallpaper has opened the door for more decor!! Hugs my friend!
DeleteThat room just SHINES now...and as much as I loved the wallpaper, this is a better choice and gives you a whole lot more options to accessorize. That lampshade is beautiful and worth the wait to get it. It is just one more layer of love in the room. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteOh Diana, I love that word, shine...that's really how I feel. It's such a pretty, uplifting space and it makes me shine whenever I catch a glimpse of it. Thanks so much for the visit my friend. xo
DeleteNope - zero decorating lately so I am living vicariously through you! Love the rug and the lampshades. This room is sweet!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina! I think I’m finally getting my decorating mojo back.
DeleteOh those frogs... and the lampshade .. hee hee .. the room is lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you, and I love those frogs, too, Carla! Dollar Tree has the best stuff sometimes. I just wish they had lampshades!!
DeleteKim, you know me, I absolutely loved the wallpaper but I have to say, you made the right choice. The room looks beautiful and so rich. You did good..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteI know, Judy, it really was beautiful. There was just something about it that didn't feel right. I'm glad I tried it for two years, but this definitely feels better...and now I get to play! Happy weekend!!
DeletePersonally I eat with my stomach by decorating with it also sounds nice :-) The room looks wonderful, I see many cozy winter evenings in your future, dear Kim.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thanks Amalia!! Eating is definitely my stomach's favorite activity, too (especially if there's chocolate involved!)...and now I can have my cake and eat it in that room with a happy tummy and happy eyes! Heehee!! Thanks for the visit my friend!
DeleteI’m so happy that your gut is happy, Kim. Your room looks so incredibly darling and I would be so happy in there. I like the changes with the new lampshade, the scrolled mirror and those cute pillow covers. Without the wallpaper, this room is so easy to change up and not tire of. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kitty! I really do love the look of wallpaper, maybe I just needed a different one. At this point though, it was fun for the 2 years it was up. Now, I’m loving the simplicity of the space.
DeleteI LOVE this room!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! You just made my day!!
DeleteKim, the room looks so nice now with all of your new pieces. You can now add in pops of red and flowers. I hope you enjoy your garden room.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie! I have a lot more freedom to decorate now and clearly I'm having some fun!!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteLove the green walls...It is very similar to the color I have up in my craft room which truly needs a desperate cleaning...The pillows are stunning!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie_Dabble Blog
Thank you, Debbie!! I have to say that color is very beautiful, it's bright and happy!!
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