Farmhouse Inspirations

There are so many interpretations of farmhouse style that I can hardly choose one. Modern, which is more spare; country farmhouse, which is most traditional; and a romantic style which carries a more idealized tone, like the antique ruffled baby dress above.

My idea of romantic farmhouse decorating has more floral patterns and curves, and of course lots of airy white.

An old painted wooden door can be dressed up or down. Left plain, or used to showcase your leanings one way or another. An old chippy frame with sheet music is about as fussy as I want to go for now. 

My latest inspirations are a couple of recent design books. The one above by Tricia Foley is about as pared down as it is possible to get. She uses tons of white with a simple, serene environment. I have spent time in rooms like this, and far from being boring, they offer a freedom for engagement with people, or for creative energy. 

When you have a more open area, there is space available for change and variety in a room if you want it. I pulled a few things together in this corner for the light, for instance.

And I like the softness that just a bit of lace can give an otherwise plain room. A sheer curtain also softens the light if you need it.

City Farmhouse Style by Kim Leggett keeps things lighter and more open than a heavier traditional farmhouse style. The mode seems to really highlight collections in an appealing understated way yet still has lots of character and warmth.

But I am certainly no purist and can wander all over the place decoratively speaking!

I can't seem to stay away from beautiful vintage clothes! 

Probably close to a hundred years old, you can see a patch in this baby dress that was sewn in the skirt at the lower left.

Speaks volumes, and full of nostalgia. 

 This dainty style is always waiting in the wings for me when I want it, like this set of ironstone transferware pitchers. The pitchers have a dressier mood than my plain white ironstone.

Here's a last look at this frilly dress showing the detail on the back side. There is only a single mother-of-pearl button left holding it together.

I had the impulse to make a repair to that little tear, but it seems right to leave it to it's vintage honesty. Clean, unpressed, and carrying all the weight of history within its airy folds. 

Hope you're having fun no matter what your style!

So nice that you stopped by!

Jacqueline

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French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday

Between Naps on the Porch~Metamorphosis Monday

Good Things Come In Threes

It seems like it has been a while since I did a little loot shoot here on the blog, but that's because I haven't been out beating the bushes that much in the last few weeks. But it's about time!

And it doesn't take a very big pile to bring a big smile to my face either. A little sparkle, a bit of china, and a few pretty pieces of linen will do it for me every time.

In this case, everything turned up in threes. The silver pieces were sold as a set, and I found a trio of little square plates in one of my all time favorite patterns of white embossed china.

I didn't even know that this pattern, Rose Point, came in a square salad/dessert version, as I already have some round ones. But these are thick and sturdy, and I am thrilled to add them to my growing collection. The mark is shown below if you have taken a liking to them, but I already did some checking around for a fourth plate to round things out and nothing has turned up yet.

I did say three. But you might have noticed a fourth plate underneath. Since I am crazy for embossed plates I have been known to bring home the odd piece here and there and already had a single square plate in house to join the others while I am waiting for a match to turn up. (But, of course!)

This is a Homer Laughlin pattern of which I have not researched the name. Maybe you know it! I just know I love it too. See the mark below. 

The silver sugar and creamer are handsome enough, but I could only take the irresistible little tray if they came along with. And they were priced very well all together. 

The tray is the perfect size to carry a cup of tea to bed or chair side. (Or for the butler to carry in your letters. Ahem.) Maybe to hold a glass of water or to set a vase of flowers upon. There are interesting details engraved at the center, and adorable little ball and claw feet.

I also thought you might enjoy a closer look at the three beautiful pillow slips I found on my hunt. This one pictured here is a single, but having only one would never deter me. A cozy bed made up with interesting different laces on the pillows is nothing but delicious to me! Pile them on!

I am always in awe of the hands that produced such pretty embroidery and crochet lace. 

The other lovely pair of pillowcases is more vintage and unusual to me. A wonderful pattern of cutwork and embroidery. Thrills me to the core. . . .

So nice that you came by to share in the joy!

And wonderful to have comments from friends old and new on my last post.

Thanks so much for stopping in to say hello!

Another January nearly done.

 Many happy moments ahead to you!

Jacqueline

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French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday