My antithesis to the more cluttered look that I posted about last week is restrained, simple style that makes me think of a well-appointed farmhouse. The furniture is antique, but not fussy, and the accessories are usually utilitarian objects displayed in collections. Fabrics are made of elements found in nature (cotton, linen, maybe even leather), and the colors are quiet.
This Texas Hill Country house is a perfect example, and this one is a more refined version. Trina from A Country Farmhouse has this look down pat. Tricia Foley is another master.
I love this look, but am definitely not disciplined enough to make it happen. Does it work for you?
Photos: All came from the new-to-me blog Brabourne Farm; click to see the original sources.
Great images! And I love Brabourne Farm's blog... so much great stuff there.
ReplyDeleteI'm forever trying to simplify.
Hmmm, I think I could make some of that happen, but not all of it. Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteso pretty. that big C could live in our house as could the basket that sits under it.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I think I could live with that look. If I were (like you said) disciplined enough to make it happen.
ReplyDeleteI read the post about clutter on the walls. I like the look and always have but in other people's spaces. After a while I have to take things down as if I am being overwhelmed by everything (or memories from Mom's house).
ReplyDeleteI would love my house to look a bit like above but right now I feel like it looks like a daycare with the kids' toys and blankets. These are great sources for inspiration!
I love every inch of this simple set up
ReplyDeleteI love that checkerboard floor! We went to Fayetteville this past Saturday and it was so darling!!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
love the color of the blue china cabinet! what a pretty collection of images.
ReplyDeleteIt takes me forever to commit to hanging things up. I tire of stuff so fast. The pix are stunning. I follow that blog because the posts are always so beautiful.
ReplyDeletei think in pursuit of finding your balance between cluttered and spare, you might appreciate a post i did a few months ago on the georgia idea house - it kind of combines both ideas in certain ways. here is the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://honeyliving.blogspot.com/2009/10/bright-ideas.html
also, i don't think your home has to be all one or other other. in some rooms, like a cozy den or kitchen, the cluttered look might feel more homey and right, while in other spaces designed to be more relaxing and serene like a bedroom or formal living room, the spare look might be just the thing.
HL -- I totally agree! I think I'm liking my living room cozier with the kitchen looking a tad more spare.
ReplyDeleteI love this look. It's what I'm working towards in my home. I fear I may never see it happen, since I seem to like changing things up so much. Plus hubby is not fully on board with it. So for now I'm just adding what I can, when I can and taking alot away until the rooms look light, bright and comfy to me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great link. I had never heard of it before, can't to check it out.
I think thsi look is beautiful and peaceful, but I nowhere near disciplined enough to pull this off. I've tried, but I like stuff and color too much.
ReplyDeleteI could die happy in this home. When you grow up in a "collected" home as I did you either continue that theme or move to a more de-cluttered, simplified life. I chose the latter. I work at it every day though--forcing myself to toss out what is really not 100% sentimental or provide me happiness
ReplyDeletedrooling over these tonight.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing! :)
mmm mm sooooo pretty!!! i try to live like this & sometimes do but most often have mess all around :) .. in winter & fall i want more stuff around me & in the warmer months I put it all away.
ReplyDeleteso sorry i haven't been able to comment on everything but want you to know how much i just adore everything you post... your style is amazing & i LOVE the photos of the tulips of course!!
xoxo,
lauren