Keeping the Country Spirit Alive and Well

The year was 1978.

A new magazine hit the racks called Country Living.

It's hard to believe that was more than 40 years ago. It certainly inspired me 

(along with John Denver's songs) to move from California to Colorado in 1979.

The nascent magazine eventually would lead me 

down a winding path to develop my own decorating style. 

Yes, we go way back and I still enjoy this magazine that was 

"committed to bringing warmth back into readers' homes."

Here's an early issue that I still have. Check out that price of $1.95!!

Granted I worked my way through many looks before finally settling
on a style - French Country.

But that was after I'd lived through Southwestern, Farmhouse, Country,
and what Ron called  my "Mary Tyler Moore" look.

Mauve and black, oh dear.
I do wish I'd kept that chaise lounge though.

I recently found a beautiful coffee table book published in 1988 called
"Country Living Country Decorating."
It's a compilation of the best of the magazine over the first ten years
and sure brought back a lot of memories with lots of gorgeous photos.

My favorite feature in that magazine was always "Country in the City."

So this post is a tribute to that time-honored magazine and especially that feature.

I learned to appreciate ironstone,

Mom's dishes that had been handed down,

and hand-stitched samplers.

One of the things I learned from "Country in the City"
is that you don't have to live in the country to feel like you do.
And so many country things complement French Country style. 

It's the feel of a room rather than a particular style.

Country living is all about homespun and heartfelt.

It's about hooked or braided rugs, folk art, baskets, and quilts,

primitive painted furniture and wooden bowls . . .

 and all those things that honor individual expression. 

A wood-burning fireplace warms a room but a gas flame works just as well.
And nothing says country like a roaring fireplace.

Thanks to Country Living magazine for reminding us of the value of home, heart and hearth
and for keeping the country spirit alive and well.

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Linking with:
Little Farmstead, Dwellings, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life,
Follow the Yellow Brick Home, French Country Cottage

How to Blend His and Her Styles

Aren't we ladies lucky when our mates embrace our decorating styles?

Well, maybe embrace is too strong a word.

But it is a blessing when he says, "Do whatever you want sweetheart" without rolling his eyes.

My ironstone, his dominoes.

Actually, I think most men could probably care less what color throw pillows we choose. 

If it were up to Ron, he would banish all throw pillows from our home. 

Still, I bounce ideas off of him before deciding on big purchases. 

I think he trusts my style although he usually points out we don't have room for the item. 

So how can we incorporate some items into our style that makes him happy too?

Let's take a look at how some of his favorite collectibles

could be blended with mine throughout the house. 

Here his little silver dog, Mack, (a hood ornament from a Mack Truck)

 looks sculptural next to my pretty old hardback book. 

Fortunately, Ron and I have similar interests and enjoy antiquing and thrifting together. 

So he is on board when it comes to vintage decor. 

A room looks more interesting and thoughtful if all the furniture 

didn't come from the same store on the same day in the same fabric.

Vintage wooden furniture makes a room feel warm and cozy

whether it's a masculine or feminine room. 

Most men like a clean, uncluttered look with just a few well-chosen accessories. 

Everything in this photo is mine although it could easily be his. 

Something from his occupation can add interest to a room and make it more personal. 

Before retiring, Ron was a photojournalist. 

He has a nice collection of old cameras that add interest to a vignette.

His hobby can also provide unique ideas on decorating a room. 

He's an afficianado of model trains and creator of historically accurate layouts. 

This layout even includes an antique store! 

(and yes, it's in the basement!). 

His collection of old railroad lanterns fits right into our farmhouse-style sunroom.

These brightly-colored metal tool boxes look industrial yet farmhouse.

I want one!

And family heirlooms like this syrup pitcher filled with marbles 

makes a simple masculine statement.

Antler sheds always look cool in any style room. 

Probably the most important item for a man is a big comfy chair. 

This chair and ottoman I found at an estate sale is comfortable and masculine and I like it too.

Men tend to prefer big heavy furniture so a mix of light and airy 

with more masculine furniture creates a good balance. 

If Ron had his way, he'd probably choose an oversized chair in camo from Cabelas!

Hold the throw pillow. 

Another decor item of his that blends nicely with my French Country feel is this
old newspaper announcing American aviator Charles Lindbergh's landing in Paris. 

It adds an authentic touch of history to our guest room.

One thing that he would probably want that I can't budge on, let alone have space for, 

is one of those gigantic manly TVs.

I'm thankful that those enormous 1970s stereo speakers have been downsized 

and flatscreens can be hung on a wall. 

Still, I'm looking forward to the day when we can watch TV
by pressing a button to project a holographic image on the wall.
I think he'd like that too.

***

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Linking with:
Shabby Art Boutique, Blue Willow House, Dwellings, Little Farmstead, The Dedicated House,
Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life,
Savvy Southern Style, Designthusiasm, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, 21 Rosemary Lane,
Petite Haus, French Country Cottage

Favorite French Country Posts for 2017

Slipping into a new year, I thought it would be fun to look back at 2017 

at some of my favorite French Country posts.
So, please join me as we view my Top 10 picks from the year of 2017.

To read more about each post, just click on the link.

1.  French Country: Romancing the Home

A romantic home has a feeling of being transported to another era.

2.  French Country's Friend: Ironstone

Ironstone is the perfect accessory for a French Country look --

that timeworn feeling of simple comfortable elegance.

3.  French Wine Crate Find

Who knew this French wine went for up to $3,500 a bottle!

Definitely one of my favorite finds!

4.  French Country Farmhouse

This white rooster . . . love at first sight.

5.  Cafe Bleu Reveal

Before & After -- a private French Country retreat.

6.  French Country Garden: Pretty in Pink

My June garden is so pretty, it's blushing! I'm yearning for Spring.

7.  Romantic French Farmhouse

Here are some simple tips to set a romantic mood.

8.  French Country: A Quiet Transition into Fall

Inspiring Fall touches to quietly complement the season.

9.  French Country: Get Galvanized for Fall

That rusty patina captured my heart!

10.  A French Country Christmas Dining Room

A simple French Country look for Christmas without a tree!

Looking back recaptures fond memories and teaches us a few lessons along the way 

while looking forward brings exciting new challenges and fresh ideas. 

I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog this past year
and hope you stay tuned for a fun year in 2018.

***

If you enjoyed this look back, I hope you'll follow me in 2018.

Just subscribe (it's FREE) in the upper right column of this page.

You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.

Thank you for a wonderful year and I wish you a happy and peaceful New Year.

***

Linking with:
Shabby Art Boutique, Blue Willow House, Little Farmstead, Dwellings, The Dedicated House,
Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern Style,
A Delightsome Life, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, Designthusiasm, 21 Rosemary Lane,
Petite Haus, French Country Cottage

A New Arrangement

If you're like me, you probably have a closet or storage space that holds accessories you don't
use all the time. Christmas decorations, faux fall leaves and gourds, silk summer flowers. 

Isn't it fun to shop your own "home store" to create new arrangements without spending a dime?

When the itch hits me, which is does with seasonal regularity, 

I like to change things up and design new arrangements.

Look at things you already have with a fresh eye.
This wire basket had previously held a stack of wash cloths in the bathroom. 

Now it contains old books, a brown glass bottle, and a striped croquet ball in the guest room.

I brought this outdoor urn into the dining room and
added some faux boxwood to extend the summer season. 

Accessories are the easiest way to craft new looks, and you don't even have to move
heavy furniture (although I like to do that too, just ask Ron)!

I needed something to balance the furniture on each side of the dining room mantel 

so Ron moved the sewing machine base from the front porch for me. Perfect!

Infusing a few new finds can give your old arrangement a fresh look. I found this unique
galvanized milk jug and mason jar candle at an antique store while visiting Ohio recently.
Mixing in a wooden bowl from the dining room filled with pine cones and walnuts
adds warmth and brings the outside in. 

These green bottles and jars look completely different when they are all displayed together. 

Like one of our Colorado magpies, I'm always attracted to bright shiny objects!

Switching out vintage books and a pair of opera glasses for a bird's nest 

under this old glass cloche was an easy makeover. 

I also use the cloche at Christmas to hold a holiday arrangement. 

I've been incorporating a horsey feel to the guest room so I rescued my toy horse from the attic. 

He usually makes an appearance at Christmas giving stuffed teddy bears a ride under the tree
but he looks great under this tall window. 

It seemed like the perfect time to move my black velvet riding helmet to the nightstand shelf.

The simple addition of Edgar, the raven, (named after Edgar Allen Poe) 

added a moody dimension to my foyer display. 

I'd been thinking about trying my hand at creating a gallery wall in my stairway.

I used pictures I already had, either in storage or hanging elsewhere, that had a similar feel. 

I laid a stair-step arrangement out on the floor first then measured and marked spots for nails. 

The verdict? From bland to beautiful!
(And there's plenty of space to add to the gallery in the future.)

And finally, a new arrangement on the dining table brings a touch of romance to the room
with a fall centerpiece of candles, autumn leaves, pine cones and nuts.

I found the pretty toile tablecloth at a yard sale.

The two champagne glasses have a funny provinance . . . when we moved into this house, we discovered these glasses tucked into the rafters of the basement where a teenage boy had hidden
them along with his poor report cards! We always think of him whenever we use them. 

So, are you ready for a new arrangement?
Have fun and good luck!

***

If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.
Just subscribe (it's FREE) in the upper right column of this page.
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Thank you!!

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Linking with:
Shabby Art Boutique, Blue Willow House, Little Farmstead, Dwellings, Stone Gable,
Between Naps on the Porch, A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern Style, A Delightsome Life,
Designthusiasm, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, 21 Rosemary Lane, Katherine's Corner,
My Thrift Store Addiction, French Country Cottage

Get the European Look

Looking for European inspiration for your home?
Well, check out these three Colorado stores that are
"Bringing French Country Home" 

with their unique vintage goodies and European-style gifts. 

Inspired by a Simpler Time of Life

At Farmhouse & Co. in south Denver you'll find a brand new shop filled with
wonderful treasures for the home like this French apron. 

You know me, if it's got a chicken or rooster on it, I'm in love.

These white pie plates are so pretty and even have a crimped edge. 

Lots of hand-poured candles in cool jars to choose from too.

This small space is decorated so creatively, you won't want to leave.

This little piggy sure caught my eye.

There's even an organic herbal apothecary.

Check out Chelsea's web site at www.farmhousedenver.com for more information.

New Owner New Look

The Tended Thicket on Old Gaylord Street in Denver has been around for years
but recently had a major makeover under new management.
With an exciting new look, you'll find lots of European items
such as French hand cremes, English garden pots and fresh flowers.

The first thing you see is this beautiful room that makes you feel like you're in France.

The decor is elegant and tempts you to slow down and notice all the special little touches.

The back room has been transformed into a flowering patio complete with a fountain
and fresh bouquets that remind me of an outdoor French flower market.

For more information, check out www.thetendedthicket.com.


Antiques and Special Shoppes in The Barn

Take a thirty-minute drive south of Denver to a small town called Castle Rock
and you'll find a unique store called The Barn.
Inside it's filled to the rafters with specialty items for the home.

More than 100 years old, this huge building was once home to horse and buggy rigs
and now houses more than twenty amazing shops.

This beautiful bedroom is sure to inspire you.

Feeling like you're in Europe?
Love that basket.

You thought I was kidding about the rafters!
Every inch in this old horse barn is overflowing with goodies.

Step outside and enjoy a yard full of metal arches, gates and garden ornaments
while another old barn across the way sets the tone.

So, are you ready to go shopping with me yet?

***

If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.
Just subscribe (it's FREE) in the upper right column of this page.
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.
Thank you!!

***

Linking with:
Shabby Art Boutique, Blue Willow House, Little Farmstead, Rustic & Refined, Dwellings,
Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life,
Savvy Southern Style, A Delightsome Life, Have a Cup of Mrs. Olson,
21 Rosemary Lane, Katherine's Corner, My Thrift Store Addiction, French Country Cottage