allsorts

Restyled shelves two ways... which do you like better?

Another tada! This is my attempt at restyling the shallow shelves in my sitting room nook, Version One. It's very similar in vibe to the coffee table I showed in my last post. But I wasn't entirely happy with the result. It just seemed kind of cluttery, and the colors didn't excite me. Also, my eye kept being drawn to the structure of the shelves. So on a whim, I added some red gingham shelf edging and next thing I knew, the shelves looked like this:

Two rather different looks, wouldn't you say? I like the bright graphic quality of Version Two, but it has more of a vintage kitcheny vibe. Version One has more of a reading room/library vibe, but is less colorful and graphic. Hmmm... Here is the before pic again, which gives context to the shelves in their little nook:

I need to pick one before I tackle redoing the other shelves, and I'm on the fence... I just cannot decide. Which one do you prefer?

Cheers,

Jenny

Revealed ~ my restyled couch and coffee table

Tada! I finished my first two assignments for my styling class, the coffee table and couch in the living room. I didn't plan it this way, but clearly I ended up channelling a version of Vintage English Childhood. I managed to address each of the fundamental elements of good styling: needs, shapes, color, pattern, texture, placement, bling and botanicals. Justina also suggested we add some 'life' to our scenes, and that's how the vintage stuffed dog ended up there, and he conveniently provided the texture. A few detail shots:

Stepping back for the full view, showing the restyled couch as well...

I'm behind in my assignments, though. See that little dog? He... um... ate my homework.

Cheers,

Jenny

Hey, I'm gonna be styling like a pro!

How fun is this? I'm taking an online class with the uber-talented Justina Blakeney, called How to Style Like a Pro. The photo above was my first homework assignment, finding an example photo that demonstrates the eight fundamentals of styling, and the calling out the elements. I am learning so much, and really being forced outside my usual box of thinking when it comes to arranging stuff around my homestead. Part of the challenge has been that my style is soooo different from Justina's. Look at her blog, and then look at these before photos I snapped around my house. We were instructed to choose five key areas we plan to restyle. A sofa and coffee table...

Shelves... (I chose the book nook in the sitting room)

Bed... (I stripped the entire room for some reason to take this pic. Weird, I know)

And a console... (this one is in a hallway by the upstairs gallery)

See what I mean? Justina's design sensibility is wildly colorful ethnic Bohemian (she calls her house the 'Jungalow') while mine is... well... not. It should be very interesting.

Have a great week! Wish me luck...

Cheers,

Jenny

Afternoon sun on a Sunday afternoon

I couldn't resist making a try at capturing the lovely afternoon sunshine, as it poured into our new little sitting room this afternoon. After much discussion, Ro talked me into a deep yellow for the walls, and I'm so glad he did. Glorious. And here is the new reading nook, with another tiny window and cozy little shelves for books and whatnot.

I've already spent some quality time cozied up in there, window open, happy as can be. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite rooms.

Even better, blessed by the afternoon sunshine.

Cheers,

Jenny