Before I get to the post, I just wanted to let you know that I don’t have the FREE SHIPPING right now, but I do these specials.
The French towels are marked down $5, but that only applies to the stock I have on hand.
Also any order over $100 gets you 10% off. Use the code fall10 <----(That's a zero)
I like to discuss the design styles I love. I'm an optimist and I am probably more focused on form than function. That being said, there are issues, I don't talk about a lot. I just don't like being negative, but I feel that it's my job to inspire and inform. So.. today we're talking about the stuff that isn't mentioned in those pretty magazines and on blogs, at least not very often.
TRUTH 1
White chairs get dirty. I love white chairs and sofas, but you DO have to be careful. If you have kids or dogs, white may not work in your home. I say that as a homeowner that has lots of white chairs. We have a dog, but she doesn't get on the furniture. Our kids are grown, so they take pretty good care of our furniture. I just want to say I know that white is not going to work for everyone. We rent out our mountain house, and I know other people are often not as careful as I am. So I know that putting a white chair there is not a good idea. If it doesn't work for you, then don't do it. White slipcovers can be cleaned and bleached, so they might work, but if I had small kids, I would just cover everything with clear plastic covers like my mother had in the sixties. Well maybe not, but I can certainly understand why she had them. If white doesn't work for you, don't use it.
My daughter had a sharpie on my sofa, and so now there's a big black spot on it. I turned the cushion over, but if this side gets marker on it, I'm in trouble. Of course that would be a problem with any sofa color except black. The good news for me is that I can always make another cover, but it's a lot of work, so as a precaution sharpies are now banned from my house. She also got green marker on a family quilt, so yeah, no markers allowed in the house.
TRUTH 2
Even traditional things can go out of style. I thought everything traditional would always be in style because it had been in style for a hundred years or so. But that just isn't true. Even traditional things can look dated. I hesitate to give an example here, because pretty much as soon as I do, someone 'schools me'. So maybe I'll go without an example. I did include a photo from our first house when we were newlyweds. The room looks dated to me, although most everything in the room was considered classic at the time. I know you are so jealous of our big console TV, ha!
I try to go with things I believe will be in style for a long time. The longer I am in this business, the better sense I have of what will be in style for the long haul. This tray below is classic!
The cabinets in our mountain house.... well. Now I am not saying they are dated because I got in trouble with a reader the last time I said that. So I'm just going to leave this out there and you can decide for yourself.
The reality is things come and go. Some styles are cyclical, like wallpaper that goes out and then back in style. Mahogany furniture although classic is not as hot as it was in the 80's and 90's. I do my best to steer you to things I believe are classics that will be in style the longest, but there are no guarantees.
TRUTH 3
Fresh flowers wilt and die. I love fresh flowers, but they aren't perfect. They don't last for very long. If you want to use artificial flowers, then by all means go ahead. Some people love flowers in their homes and they can't afford fresh ones. I use a lot of branches from my shrubs, and although they are free, they also don't last for very long.
If you feel you need to go with artificial, then go for it. The olive tree below is a fake and I am enjoying it! I have an affiliate link if you want to buy one for yourself. CLICK HERE FOR PURCHASE INFO.
I'm here to provide ideas and tips. I'm here as your cheerleader. I want you to develop and hone your own style. Some of you are seasoned professionals, while others are just starting out. Some of you have great confidence in decorating, while others are feeling their way. Where ever you are, I try to share information with you, to help you make the best decisions for your home. At the end of the day, it's your home, and you live there. Make it your own, customize it to work for you and your family. If you see something that is so on trend, but it doesn't work in your home, you do not need to apologize for not adopting it. And you know what? If you don't follow my advice, or you disagree with me, we can still be friends! I'm not the design police; I'm your friend.
So right on! I love your wisdom and grace!
My husband has a knack of talking me out of “uncomfortable” designs that I love. I hate it when he is right.
So true. I sure have learned the hard way about this. My home is simply eclectic, which means what I love is my style! I do love cozy, comfy furniture and white does not cover anything here.
I pick up that you get negative comments now and then. It iis nt our fault that has changed, and instructive type language is out of style nowadays! I see this all the time now on FB.
We all have something to learn from those who have gone the path before us! Your observations are valuable, and I appreciate your sharing with your readers!
I agree with Mary Ruth and would love it if you’d really just tell us what you think. Your track record proves you know what you’re talking about. You can’t please everybody all the time. Please continue to be yourself and tell us like you see it. Thanks!!! K. C.
Thanks K.C., you are awesome!
When I lived in Ohio I had a very traditional decor with camel back sofa, wing chairs, antiques and reproductions. Then I moved to Florida and caved in and went with the “beachy” look. Sand and aqua color scheme, slipcovered sofas, shells etc. Now I am in upstate SC and hate my beachy decor. My home does not feel comfortable to me. So much for not following your own decorating style!
You speak the truth…keep prodding me to update my traditional home. I would love additional posts on how to update my home without dumping or altering my inherited furniture. I simply can not paint these treasures…in fact, I love them in the original finishes.
Thank you for this post! More honesty is welcome and I am bummed that you ever get negative comments… but I guess we do have differing opinions. I think it also needs to be said that most people cannot switch out large, expensive items as often as the trends change and contentment with what we have is important! But i also think watching trends is important too- even just one or two new things a season can spark a fresh look (as long as it is out with the old!) Subtract something if you add something! So many folks just keep adding…. so that old hand hooked rug (the crafty kind popular in the early 70s) is still on the floor along with Holly Hobby shadow boxes on the wall side by side with newer things! I love the feel of your home- spaciousness and graciousness!
I’m so glad you mentioned the white slipcovers. They are so pretty, but it’s not the season of life for me! Besides, they’ll probably go out of fashion by the time my kids are older anyway!! haha! Have a great day!
Love ❤️ this Anita!
Your friend,
Donna
Wonderful information! Sorry you should get negative comments. I for one, appreciate you for sharing so much with us. Mom always said, “if you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all.”
I enjoy your comments. I’d add that homes also speak to you about style. Right now I’m in a cottage type home that lends itself to that style, but previously I was in a condo that had a more contemporary style. i brought my industrial shelf unit to the cottage and made it work and will bring my current slip covered couch to our next place.
Question, I’ve been looking for a recliner for me. I know, typically men want them and women complain, but I like comfort and want one, but can’t find a cool one? Crate and barrel has a wood and leather one that looks mid century, but not sure about that in my slip covered cottage living room? Any advice?
As far as a recliner I’ve seen some “Craftsman” style recliners that I think would work well for you. They generally have beautifully finished wood frames that would work well with many styles from cottage to very contemporary.
My 90 year old mother decided she wanted a recliner. I took her to several furniture stores and we found just what she wanted at the Lazy Boy store. It was a small recliner – you could almost say feminine. Not one of those huge oversized pieces of furniture. It’s very comfortable and Mother is very pleased with her purchase! Try Lazy Boy.
Great post! Thank you for giving me permission to not use white.
Great post Anita! I love elements of your “classic” living room you showed. That armoire would still be beautiful in any room and those wing back chairs would be amazing with the right pillows on them. Picture that armoire up against a gray shiplap wall with three small boxwood wreaths on the doors…pretty right? The blue chairs could get white linen pillow covers with a pretty soft blue monogram on them. Lovely. The sofa and TV? Well…not so much. I too think classics are classics. So much depends on how you accessorize and infuse a newer design scheme among classic pieces.
Thanks for the inspiration and the chance to rethink….
Have a great day Anita!
Nancy
Those are such good ideas for re-using classics, Nancy. I like the way you think!
I had to chuckle about the white furniture, I have four cats and three dogs, and 7 grandchildren…so everytime I see pristine white furniture, I just know it wouldn’t work here. Instead I opted for some white shabby chalk painted furniture pieces, and a white throw on my couch that can be washed!
Anita – please do continue to provide us with your insight and wisdom; this post is very valuable (I Pin’d it!) and I, for one, am hungry to learn more. I have a whole list in my head of decor trends that just make me shake my head in wonderment. My solution is to stick with what feels right to me, and and based on the compliments of guests in my home, what feels right to me seems to resonate with others. My grandmother and mother both loved mahogany, so it’s in my blood, and I have some beautiful pieces from both of them. I won’t paint them and i won’t hide them. I have incorporated them with other pieces, and styled them with an updated look. But what really makes my hear sing is knowing I have more to learn and explore about design and style. I will be looking for more of these kinds of posts from you!!!
As much as I love white slipcovers, they don’t work in my home. I have two boys, a golden retriever and a husband who likes to snack while watching football. The dog doesn’t go on the couch but my messy boys make up for it! I have one white slipcovered chair in my office. Just from those boys plopping themselves down to chat with me in my office, the slipcover has gotten dirty – and it’s really not used that often! I know everyone says how easy white slipcovers are to clean but I just don’t want to deal with it! As far as the “traditional” furniture goes, I agree with you that sometimes pieces can look dated. But my very frugal husband will never agree to getting rid of pieces that “look just fine”! …I just have to work around a few things…
Shelley
So true, there’s a balance between a classic style & having your house look like a museum.
Where did you get the tray table from, wasn’t that featured a few months ago?
I agree the yellow Oaks are definitely dated. I just refurnished mine to a ivory with a small amount of distress. The beautiful lady woke up.
I do however feel Cherry & Mahogany will never really and truly go out of style. It’s elegance is timeless.
Good read. Thank you.
White coverings for furniture is EVERYWHERE and I agree, it is not very practical. And, although my Mom did not use plastic slipcovers, I remember them in other people’s home. There were practical, I am sure,
but it was uncomfortable to sit on them.
Great insight as always!
I know exactly what you mean (by experience). At one point, everything neutral (browns, beiges, etc.) was in style and I slowly replaced everything with neutrals. Now I wish I had more grays, although that will be gone soon. I love the white, but I have a dog that is allowed on two pieces of furniture. Sigh. But I love your blog and your wisdom. Thank you!
Great post! I can’t do white….just not me. I have to have color.
Thanks!
True “antique” pieces are never out of style ala European elegance where pieces from various centuries come together in a very pleasing mix. Editing and freshening are key as several of the other comments stated.
And while I love fresh flowers, I don’t have a green thumb and an unlimited budget. Thank you for mentioning faux flowers and greenery.
I agree Kathy. Some things fall out of favor for a time, and may not be the height of ‘fashion’ but can still be considered a classic.
I have the “evolved over time” ….”accumulated and collected” look in my home. (“English Country” seems to fit my style of decor.) I just made white slipcovers out of drop cloths. It WAS alot of work…I was “out of my comfort zone” making them…but I love them. They contrast with some of my “wood” pieces that are antique and that I would never paint. I like a “mix.” I don’t care for the all white decor that is trendy to me, in so many homes. I love “pop’s” of orange for fall, red’s and green’s for Xmas, spring pastels…seasonal colors. I want to change out my Karastan rugs for a larger wool, neutral design. That way ALL my colors I use seasonly will not “fight.” I thought my dark patterned rugs were “forever” rugs (and they DO last forever!)…but my taste has evolved from 1991 when I got them. I feel guilty that I want something different because they are still good. My mother had her furniture and decor forever…nothing ever changed out. She was too busy and no money, she said, living on a ranch. I realize that. “HOME” is my pivotal area. I am not “spendy” either but I use thrift shops and garage sales & my imagination to design my home.
Great thoughts! Thanks for sharing practical things and wisdom. I am an empty nester and would love white slipcovers, but with 5 children before, it was out of the question. Appreciate the post.
Anita, I appreciate your insights. I am currently living in an oak filled home on a working farm and trying to find a recliner sofa that is not all pouches in a color other than black or dark brown. Whew!
I’m trying to lighten the look of family antiques that can’t be painted in a sea of oak.
Do you think ivory leather is practical for a sofa in this setting?
Any suggestions are appreciated!
I think if everything else is dark, then you don’t want to go too light with your sofa Portia. It needs to all look like it goes together.
Realizing the beauty of white sofas & chairs, I also realize the impractical use of them even with some adults. A great alternative is to use white pillows. They are easy to replace & can get them in so many styles, fabrics, and sizes. You can switch them out for the seasons – cotton twill for summer and soft, comfy, furry ones for winter.
Excellent advice Sharon.
I am a firm believer in choosing styles you love. White sofas and chairs have never been a fav of mine…I’ve never favored my rooms looking just like every one elses, I guess…I love the LOOK in other peoples homes but just not for me. (I remember everyone was wearing black leather jackets..I mean EVERY ONE…I bought a brown one…ha) I love rooms that take on the owners personality…not every one elses.
Agreed! All things don’t work for all people, but for people who love the white and grays or other current trends — all the others should respectfully close their mouths. Hah. I waited for years for a style that I loved to be born. As a child in the 70s– I hated the colors and felt depressed in brown and beige places. I dreamt of white everything with my Barbie and her imagined home. Couldn’t abide the country blues and mauves and all the geese and ducks as a teenager… did love the deep greens and burgundy,of the 90s ‘cuz green is awesome… I embraced the red and golds of the first decade of the century… but, the whites and creams are my all time favorite and have always found their way into my home… thanks to the Victoria magazine in the 90’s — my affair with white continues stronger than ever…buying white sets me free. Being able to express myself without condemnation is also amazing. So, you have to pick up your whites and ignore the negatives out there. Whether your a decorator or collector– how you arrange your home is personal and it doesn’t matter what other people think. As always– your devoted fan of the chair on the wall– because “you can”… Blessings. Audra
My sister has all white in her home – her house looks like one of the magazines. I really hate her. 8)
She is a big decorator for EVERY holiday so the white helps bring her theme out well.
I would do more white but it’s not practical for me. So I have opted to use white in other areas – ironware dishes and pitchers.
I love your whites. You’re slipcovers are the bomb. Love the photo of you,sitting in your “Anita Chair” with your jeans and boots. It’s JUST SO YOU! Now since someone might be offended by your comments regarding the kitchen cabinets at your mountain home, allow me to carry that burden for you. They’re butt ugly! Now, that wasn’t so hard. And that’s what friends are for!
Your friend, Ginger
Ha ha Ginger, you are a HOOT!! That’s so funny.
Anita, you do a wonderful job and your home is beautiful and inspiring. Please keep giving us your helpful suggestions. xo
My mother loved celery green paint and floral prints. I couldn’t wait to be her opposite. Years later, I painted my bedroom a soothing green.My children warned against putting up wallpaper in my bathroom but I love it.
I decorate with what speaks to me but that has been a long time coming. Trust your instincts and follow your heart. My son in law told me our house feels “warm”. One of the best compliments I ever received
Great honest advice! Your ideas give your readers something to think over. Please continue to be yourself.
I love a “collected over time” and lean toward traditional and “country” styles. I agree that some “classics” do go out of style! My buffet/hutch is French Provencal. I liked the curves and carving but the golden oak finish and the leaded glass doors on the hutch just make it seem horribly outdated. I’ve been looking for an update without success. Last week I decided to replace the glass in the sides and the glass doors with wood and use chalk paint to update the finish. My son-in-law made new inserts for me last weekend. I bought Efex appliques to add some dimension/interest to the new sides and doors. I have to add another coat of Annie Sloan Pure White to the doors today and then I can start the waxing process. I’ve never painted furniture before so I’m very happy that the process has been easy. I’m adding black wax so I’ll end up with a soft gray finish. The new look is more armoire or tall boy than buffet/hutch. I am lookeing forward to having closed storage as well as the updated look!
I’m sorry you get negative comments, but please continue to give your good, sound advise. I love it. Having recently lost my husband, and now luving with my daughter and family, I feel rather lost , getting rid of furniture and wondering what to do with my room. Your posts are valuable whether for a house, or just one room. Thank you.
I love your insight and find inspiration for what I want to incorporate in my own home. If something really inspires me to “do that thing,” then I use the idea. If it doesn’t, then it makes me think about why it doesn’t work for me. That’s truly a gift that you have ~ not in telling us we have to do this or that ~ but in helping your readers think (whether about decorating or otherwise). In other words, it’s about sharing, not dictating, which is what you do so well. There should be no offense taken by you sharing your observations. People read and view a lot of things, whether it be books, media, otherwise. There will always be critics, we know. I understand that when I read any negative comments from readers and just shrug and say, “to each his own.” Keep your chin up but watch out for big birds, as they say! I value your blog immensely!
Thanks so much for sharing that you are our friend and not the design police. I love that. The picture of the silver tea pot, platter, and china cups really strikes me as beautiful. I have a tea cart and I’ve loved the idea of having a silver set. Maybe a tea pot would suffice since I already have a few china cups and I don’t have a lot of extra room for a set. Those pink cookies look yummy too 🙂
I love white too, but as you said it’s not practical for me. I just purchased a sectional sofa (my husband really wanted a sectional) and it is not white but very light colored with gray and tan tones. I wanted to replace our love seat with 2 chairs but he wants another love seat. Someone suggested a leather love seat. What are your thoughts about mixing leather and linen? I hope I don’t regret getting the light colored sofa…3 dogs, 1 cat, and 1 husband!
I think it could be done LeAnn, but it’s not easy to work with white and a brownish leather color. Leather chairs usually work better with darker colors. That would be a challenge.
As a society, we have lost the art of tact. I blame social media and HGTV…everyone is so harsh and quick about calling things dated. People need to remember that once someone was proud of that oak kitchen, the dark cherry Queen Anne table, or a jewel toned sofa. Never mind the inevitable day when all that shiplap, subway tile, and grey is going to look sooooo 2015!
Heather, things go in and out of fashion. I don’t think it’s horrible to call something dated. It just means it is not currently something people are buying. It doesn’t mean you should get rid of it. I like to be informed of what is in and out, but then I make my own decisions about what I will keep. Honestly white is always in style, which is why I bought white a long time ago. But yes the jewel tones come and go. They will be back again. Shiplap won’t be hot after awhile. And yes what is out, will probably come back around again at some point. I don’t think anyone is making fun of anyone’s tastes. That was the point of my post, do your own thing and don’t worry what others think.
I think that people need to do what they love in their houses (and also can afford.) It is not always feasible to change decor everytime the trends change. Just love what you have.
Well said Christine. Love what you have.
Thanks for your observations. I am NOT into the all white look. I crave and love color so my house will never look delicate and pastel like so many of the examples of farmhouse french. The beauty is that we can choose from may beautiful things that make us happy!!
I have loved whites and off whites in my homes for over 45 years…(gosh I’m old!!!) In the early years I had two boys, pets and a husband who thought the couch was for dining! My sister in law used to shake her head and tell me how dirty things were going to get. I would tell her that I could see my dirt and know it was time to have it cleaned. I told her that her dark/kid/ pet friendly practical dark furniture would be also get dirty and go uncleaned until ???? Now tell me, would you rather sit on clean furniture or dirty:-) Also, you can put any color with shades of white…it’s like the little black dress every woman should own! We’re all different and we should respect that and realize that there’s no place like home, no matter what the decor looks like!
Anita,
To thine own self, be true, dear friend!
You have always steered me in a direction that has enhanced my own home decor!
Thank you for a gentle reminder that ‘beauty lies in the eye of the beholder”.
I appreciate all your advise, common sense and money saving decorating ideas!
Fondly,
Pat
You are absolutely correct and I give you lots of credit for being honest enough to do this post!!!
On a lighter note, try a good sized glob of hand sanitizer (the clear kind) on your marker stains. It’s a try and try again situation, but after about the 4th or 5th dose, your fabric should be nice and clean if it has not been washed and dried since the marker got on it. Be sure to use clear hand sanitizer.
Blessings to you,
J
Style like life and family evolves and changes. It’s okay to move thing you love in and out.
Great post Anita! I almost bought a white love seat the other day. It was so feminine and elegant and so wrong in so many ways. Not big enough for a nap, not durable enough for a man and a dog, not comfortable enough for me. But, it was sooo pretty. Hard to pass on these gorgeous things even though we know they’re wrong for us. I”m talking about furniture here people. Thanks for offering an honest look at decorating. More please. Pat at Bringing French Country Home
Another interesting post.
Yes, yes, yes! I can NEVER have a white sofa! Sad, but true. But with frequent visits from grandkids younger than eight and two cats and a dog who think the furniture was acquired just for them, white would look grey quicker than you can blink. So I have a grey sofa!
Also, I have always disliked faux plants and flowers, but recently I found some very nice and real-looking hydrangea blossoms which I bought because I love the look of hydrangeas but don’t have any bushes and can’t really afford to buy arrangements. I’m quite satisfied with them. Many of the artificial flowers I see in stores now are quite a bit more realistic and pretty than in past years. SO, I don’t care anymore if they are real or not. Except for my most favorite flower–the daffodil. Gotta have real daffodils!
And…those kitchen cabinets in your cottage, dear—they ARE outdated, you know. They look just like mine in my house and I quite like them! May I also say that I really DO NOT like stainless steel appliances! They look cold and more or less…grey. And nevermind what the trend is, I won’t be buying any stainless steel.
I love your posts and ideas. Even the ones that won’t work in my own home are still drool worthy . 🙂 I often pass on your link to others who can enjoy and incorporate your ideas.
I remember when I was a teenager back in the 70’s(you know, when dinosaurs roamed the earth) I thought the grandparent’s house was so tacky with its ship-lap looking horizontal wood walls! Who knew it would be fashionable in 2017?!! We disdain sheet-rock walls now, the swirly designed ceiling texture, the popcorn ceilings that are all over my house, etc. etc. I think all this styling cycles are designed to get our money~think about it! I remember when appliances were designed to last, not go kaput after just a few years. My stainless french door refrigerator has already had the compressor replaced twice this year and sounds likes its possessed! I’m thinking of having a priest perform an exorcism (and I’m not even Catholic!) It’s only two years old…
Wow, I bet you think the next thing I’ll ‘say’ is “get offa my lawn!” while waving my cane at the neighborhood kids, huh? OK, here’s what I do…if it’s not an antique, I’ll give it a makeover with chalk paint and dark wax to update it. I’ll sew pillows that I’ve stenciled or otherwise decorated, make curtains when I get tired of the current ones, etc. Just update with some new items incorporate with my old faithfuls. My Mom did this and I remember Grandma making a footstool out of big tomato juice cans she saved and put together, padded, and sewed a cover for. She embodied that old chestnut: Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without. You know, the original upcycle folks, with a twist. Tha, tha,that’s all folks!
Just because something is trending, doesn’t mean you have to follow it. The best way is to curate your own style and tweak it a little bit every once in a while to keep it fresh. I always had my own style ,my whole life regardless of trends. It is Boho Eclectic,and the places that I lived had always reflected that. That is my main decor style and I just tweak here and there to make it personal and fresh but very much me and my independent way of thinking separated from the mainstream.
What makes a room dated is when you have all of the items from the same time period.If you only have one or two pieces that are older along with more modern ones, they compliment each other and gives the room a fresh,unique look.
Also, I have cats and light furniture. They get on them but I protect them with beautiful, washable textile items that cover and protect while complimenting and decorating the furniture pieces at the same time.
Do what you like/love and can reasonably afford, blending well both form and function, b/c they both are essential to good design. Now, if you know you are going to put your house up on the market, well then you have to be a follower pretty much and do what is the dominant trend (b/c most people are phlegmatic and just don’t have bent for art w/ form by truly creative instinct). Most people are not Beethoven either, so I am not being condescending. Put your money on where you’ll get the most bang for resale. Either that or be prepared to perhaps lose some money on resale or possible have your home on the market longer. Timing and good sense are essential. Other than that, if you are an creative, right-brained person, whom can blend form and function well and are staying in the digs for a while, do your thing! I will add that I like many of the suggestions in this article. Love the olive tree. I’d do that. Even real vegetation inside needs to be dusted, so just get something that looks real and simple and keep it clean. I do have an adorable antique mahogany chair rocker, and it has been a faithful charmer. Also, I think we too change as we get older and grow. And who likes to keep the same paintings and decor for eons? You have to switch things up, right? For my family and puppy family, good leather is a must. Also, yes. The white on my dining room chairs is the bane of my existence and always has been. Probably getting rid of that suit soon, and I’ll be OK with that. As for newer shifts/trends…some gray is fine, but too much of it is overdone now. I’m over a lot of it. I bore of white kitchen cabinets and find them cold. I love color and wood but also contrasts. I suppose some is fine. I like the kitchens that blend the woods, especially if there is white cabinetry in there somewhere.