Why Can’t My House Look Like This?
Lately I keep looking at decor photos in order to keep myself focused on the look I really want in my home. When I was first married, I loved the Asian look. Then my sis turned me on to American Country style (I know, quite a difference). This led to a more Modern Country style … and then I met Martha Stewart. Well, I didn’t actually “meet” her but you know what I mean. Now I’m leaning toward a softer Farmhouse Cottage look. Switching from one style to another can get expensive … so I really have to stay focused. Here’s what I’m focusing on these days …
This is the look I’m going for in the dining room, with a few twists. I’m almost done with it.
I have always loved this room, which appeared in Country Living magazine many years ago.
Source: http://www.countryliving.com/
Love the subtle hints of red.
Love the plants, textures, and dark floor.
Source: http://www.french-grey.com/
A little stark, but lovin’ the dark floors and light walls.
Source: http://www.french-grey.com/
Simple, clean, and of course … the rich wooden floors.
Source: http://www.french-grey.com/
Mmmm. Sunny rooms with clean lines and window panes!
Source: http://www.french-grey.com/
{LOVE} the row of windows and Dutch door … and the pops of red.
Source: http://www.housetohome.co.uk/
Blue is cool, too! Dark trimmed windows add visual interest and mimic the dark shelves.
This aqua color is gorgeous – reminds me ASCP Duck Egg Blue.
Source: http://www.mixandchic.com/
I’m really lovin’ this look. Fresh, clean, quaint, but not too sweet.
Now that the dining room is almost done, I’m turning an eye to the kitchen (and every other room
on the first floor). Hurrying to get it done before the weather gets nice. We’ll see.
Partying At …
You’ve chosen some very lovely photos; I could live with white slipcovered furniture–not really practical for my family room–and I dearly love, love linen fabrics for pillows. Great inspiration! Your rooms will be gorgeous-er (my new word;)
I grew up in a house with white slip covered sofas and chairs. Mom simply popped them off, washed them in cold water and put them back on the furniture damp, letting them dry overnight. My brother, sister and I all do the same. Be brave, don’t be afraid of white. And you can bleach it too!
Hi, Jennifer,
Thanks for stopping by. I am loving the looks you are going for now. Clean and crisp, yet cozy.
Good luck on your decorating.
D
Oh, I love that first photo! It’s gorgeous. I love the fact it uses only two colours (white and blue). And the blue on the chairs is perfect.
Hi Jennifer,
I had very county decor when I was married, then I went to shabby chic/ cottage where I painted everything white, now I’m into primitive / country and have painted everything black (lol). When I see pictures of white, robins egg blue shabby cottage, I have to quick move on because I love it soo much still I’m afraid I will want to switch back. I have something from my cottagey days for you, Next time Anthonys over, I need to send it to you.
xoxo
Love so many of your inspirational images. I’ve had the first one pinned for quite some time as well. Wise minds and all that. Can’t wait to see your dining room. Thanks for sharing, liz
So pretty! I love white but its not practical with 4 kids! The dark floors might make it here though LOL!
Sherry’s Bees Nest
I love most of these rooms you showed and the first one of the dining room is really pretty. I hope your dream comes true for you. I already love your dining room so am anxious to see the changes. Have fun! Pamela
I can see why you love all those rooms! Every one is absolutely beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing how all your decorating inspirations come true!
All the photos are gorgeous!! I’m following you on linky followers.
Kathy
All dreamy photos!!!… my house photos don’t even look like the photos of “my house” lol… I push all the “mess” to the side to take a fabulous photo lol
I don’t know what I like best. I think I just like it all. Can’t wait for you to post pictures of your rooms. Bonnie
Oh, I can so identify with you when it comes to changing styles … followed a similar path as yours. It looks like you’re staying focused though and are coming up with some great looks. Loved all of your inspiration!
Blessings!
Geneva
Such gorgeous inspiration, I’m still in transition myself. Love the farmhouse fresh clean look. thanks for linking up to VIF!
I am inspired! Beautiful photos.
Janet
ahhhhh, so many pretty rooms! Can’t decide which is my favorite! 🙂
Melody
ChattyChics.com
LUV these photos, Jennifer! You are certainly spot on with your focus and inspiration! I adore that last pic…..! 🙂
xoxo laurie
Beautiful inspiration pics! My style has really changed over the years or “evolved”. I would describe my style as French cottage garden. I can’t wait to see your rooms as you finish them in your new style :o)
Have a great weekend!
~Des
Well, I’m inspired! Loved these photos, Jennifer! I’m remember seeing your 2nd photo when it came out in CL and still love it as much today as way back then. Thanks for the inspiration!
Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jennifer, I love your inspiration photos, the top 2 are my top 2…. Love the blue chairs that match the cupboard backs with the white & the stair way wall of mirrors with the white, Beautiful ~ I also checked out your dining room post, it is wonderful, I love that Duck Egg Blue color~ Thanks for sharing, make sure you stop on by when you get a chance~
Cheryl
Great inspiration. I have always loved that second picture, the white living room and have had it in my fine forever. From what I’ve seen of your dining room, you’ve nailed it!
Thank you for sharing at Potpourri Friday at 2805!
The way I see it, if you remember a photo from an old magazine, you aren’t going to tire of the look anytime soon. Great rooms, all of them!
Beautiful inspiration photos. I love the look of the wide plank floors. That is my dream in my next house 🙂
Such lovely inspiration! This is my first visit to your blog and I can’t wait to see more. I’ll be following along!
What pretty pictures. So inspiring. I love the aqua cabinets!!! If you have been to my booth at Carters cottage you can probably tell I’m a duke egg blue kind of girl.
Have fun at Kane- i might try to go on Sunday
Sherrie
Love all of those inspriational pics! I like the softer colors of farmhouse cottage too. It just feels so soothing and comfortable to be in. Looking forward to seeing your dining room when it’s done!
I remember that room from Country Living vividly. In fact, I may have the picture in an Inspriration book. It has everything: charm, style and coziness.
xo
Claudia
Jennifer, these are beautiful rooms and I would have no problem living in a house with these features. 🙂 You might enjoy my newest blog: http://ajoyfulcottage.com. We’re having a great giveaway there – a 5×7 print of my husband’s original artwork. He does beautiful classic work. Anyway, I’m following you now and wish you the best. Blessings. Nancy
I could just stare and stare at these photos, Jennifer! They are all so beautiful and inspiring ~ I love all of it! I went through that American Country phase too ~ glad those days are over!
I’m now following you Jennifer as I know exactly how you feel. If we could only have a large eraser to make changing our homes easy and cost free. I’n my mind I change my home a million times over.
Sigh…
~Shirley
Love the kitchen..I hope to one day have one of those farmhouse sinks..ah to dream of a perfect kitchen 🙂
I wish my house looked like that too! Only thing is that it really doesn’t look like anyone lives in it 🙂 I love the white slip covers but in my house I think I’d be washing them once a week.
Have a great weekend.
Susan
Love the whites. I am pinning some of these pictures in my pinterest, if that is Okay. Love to find new blogs to fall in love with.
Your inspiration images are absolutely gorgeous, Jennifer. I would happily adopt ANY ONE OF THEM as my own. 😉
Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday. Hope to see you again this week.
Blessings,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
Very pretty photos! I have a cottage style and love it! One thing is that with the vintage things I love, the cottage style is cheaper to go with since you can find beautiful items at the thrift stores and not pay a fortune for them. I have not gone all white, but there is a lot of white in here. I am grateful for our home and the wonderful treasures I found for it. I do find that finding this “right fit” style right away, like I did, has made it easier for me to tell if something is compatible with the look or not. It is easy to see if something suits the cottage style or not.