Okay, listen to me ... but only if you want to - otherwise, of course you may feel free to completely ignore my very unprofessional pearls of decorating wisdom. ;-)
But pretty please, listen to me.
You know how there "is no crying in baseball?"
Well, there is NO crying in decorating. And no rules either. This is what I want you to hear ....
Throw the rules out your precious glass window! Try to stop fretting so much over picking the perfect paint color and this and that and this and that. Fill your home up with whatever your creative heart desires. I mean look at me! Geez .... look at my Granny Room! Look at my stairwell!
It's all a little odd. It's all a little off. It's just not quite right. Hmmmmmm .... so that's why I smile when I go up and down these steps. ;-)
But really - what is RIGHT? And yes you either love or hate my quirky, colorful decorating style. And that's OKAY. As long as YOU and your family love what you have created for your own home, then that is ALL that matters.
ALL THAT MATTERS.
Right? Right.
You are in control ... you can do whatever you want to do.
You can keep your blankets out in the summer if they still make you happy ...
You can don your kitchen cabinets with roosters or fish or prickly porcupines if you'd like ... who cares if they are "in or out!" To me the "in and out list" is like polls - did anyone ever call and ask YOU?
And yes it IS okay to fake it. ;-) Fake it 'till you make it sweet ones.
And double yes not only can you wear red cowboy boots in the summer you can decorate with them too!
The bottom line is this:
THE ONE PLACE IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD THAT YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FOLLOW SILLY UNIMPORTANT RULES IS IN YOUR OWN HOME.
Your home. Your sanctuary. Please please please let it reflect YOU. I only say this because I so DEEPLY care about you and want you to be content and happy with your own home-sweet-home.
And while you may have the key to your front door on your ring, you need the free-to-be-you-and-me key too.
Oh, and speaking of reflections ....
Perhaps there is ONE tiny rule we should follow ...
Keep those mirrors clean!
Off to find my Windex and paper towels. Back soon.
Love,
Kim
Point taken and may I add...beautifully said!!! pat
Posted by: patricia eaton | June 16, 2010 at 12:16 AM
So well said. I will do just that... love myself and love my home.
Posted by: Carrie@ My Kinda Boring Life | June 16, 2010 at 12:39 AM
Kim I just love you to death girl!! You are so down to earth and proud to just be you. You said this so well and I couldn't agree with you more :) Hugs!! ~ Laura
Posted by: Laura | June 16, 2010 at 12:59 AM
YEA!!!!! Great words of wisdom. I WILL stop fretting over the perfect paint. It is only paint. And, I will stop living like a college student in my own home....you know with minimal furniture and no fixing up anything....
My parents are visiting right now, but as soon as they leave - let the decorating begin!
Posted by: D'Ann | June 16, 2010 at 01:06 AM
Well, I began my day with you and now I end it with you and I so agree! I have as many chickens on the tops of my kitchen cabinets as you! I love to look around my home everyday and it always makes me so happy! I love your advise...it's true! :D
Posted by: Julie Harward | June 16, 2010 at 01:08 AM
Oh Kim, thank you....I have just really started feeling OK with what I love....I used to second guess myself to death! I would try 20 different paint samples, to get the right one. Now I put up three and make a decision! That is progress for me! I love color, just like you! The more red and yellow I have the happier I am! When I come out to my kitchen in the morning, it just feels good! So many people worry about what other's will think....you are 100% right, you are the one that matters, you and the people in your home....and sometimes, they don't know what they want! LOL
Posted by: Sandy McClay | June 16, 2010 at 01:14 AM
You are the queen of eclectic style. And I love those red cowgirl boots :)
Posted by: Kayte | June 16, 2010 at 01:23 AM
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog and I love daisies and cottages and YELLOW!!!! Your style is AWESOME! Will be checking back here soon for more inspiration. I'm glad you do what you love - it looks GREAT!
Posted by: Melanie Beilner | June 16, 2010 at 02:02 AM
I am so with you on this, girlfriend! Bless you for reinforcing the decorating un-rules :)
Posted by: pogonip @ meadowsweet cottage | June 16, 2010 at 02:04 AM
i love what was said - your right be and reflex our own personality - that's what makes us who we are - can you imagine robots, doing the same, looking the same and decorating the same - no way, no how - i won't have it either.
thanks for the advise - i shall persue my happiness, my way and love what i do best.
love ya, maria - cottage feel -
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Posted by: Maria | June 16, 2010 at 02:05 AM
I love your unique style. I love when I go into a home and I see things I have never seen before because they weren't bought at a big box store. I love things inherited, thrifted, found. Things that were previously loved and are now new with a coat of paint. Things that have a story to tell. When I look at your pictures there are many stories I see waiting to be told! Have a wonderful Wednesday : ) Sherri
Posted by: Sherri@lavenderfields | June 16, 2010 at 02:20 AM
Dear Kim~Thanks so much for this post.
Posted by: Hasmade Designs | June 16, 2010 at 03:52 AM
I love your style, which basically is similar to mine. A free for all. I love it, however, my family and friends think I'm nuts, but happy nuts. Great post. And blog!
Posted by: Laura | June 16, 2010 at 04:25 AM
Yay!! This is so true and something I needed reminded of. It's easy to get caught up in rules, but so much better to have a home that makes your heart smile. Thanks once again for you encouraging words of wisdom Kim!
Posted by: Rachel from A Cupcake For Moose | June 16, 2010 at 05:31 AM
Yes, I agree. Especially the more I shop at the thrifty stores. I buy what I like for my home. Sometimes I feel that it doesn't all go together. But when I look at something in my home. I really like it or love it. Great post. I just love your stacked afghan blankets. Did you make those yourself? There beautiful. Have a nice day!
Posted by: Anne | June 16, 2010 at 05:41 AM
Kim, got to love you girl. I'm relating but I learned something from one of my students. I taught scrapbooking classes and once a week the class of 31 would sit and listen to me and go over my photos and scrapbook albums, nothing got done but lurking. After 2 weeks I invited one of them up to the front with 3 pieces of paper, and their photos. I started just putting together pages in minutes and they all watched for the next 2 weeks. Then one of them said "it comes so easy for you." All along I was saying just do it, just Git-R-Done, and it wasn't happening because of not knowing how to. People look up to you for answers when there are no rules, but it comes so easy to you. Have a great day :-)
Posted by: Cindy (aka Grandma C) | June 16, 2010 at 06:00 AM
I love your style too, it shows a creative woman lives here, a woman who is brave and flouts the rules sometimes, a woman with her own sense of style, a woman who doesn't care what outsiders think, so long as she and her family love the home they are in, the one she has created for them. I studied interior design, even qualified, back in the early 80's, but then I asked myself who the heck I was to tell people what they should and shouldn't have in the way of colour and style in their home. Sure, you can guide people if they are completely clueless, but often, just doing that a little bit, leads them to find their own style. I have the kind of home that friends come into and immediately kick off their shoes, make a cup of tea, sit with their feet curled under them in one of the easy chairs, grab a cushion to hug, read a book.... one friend, who came to visit after returning from an overseas trip, wa so jetlagged and so comfortable, he grabbed a throw and fell asleep for a couple of hours! Some might consider that rude, he was a close enough friend for me to just feel pleased he was so comfortable in our home.
Posted by: maggie | June 16, 2010 at 06:11 AM
Oh, Kim, did I ever need to read this post!! My kids have been helping me paint and have been harping at me how out of date my color selections are. Now I will be more bold and tell them it is MY house and MY choices!! YEAH!!!
Posted by: Patti VZ | June 16, 2010 at 06:36 AM
Kim
Thank you Thank you Thank you once again!
You have inspired me to decorate my home with things that I love and my family loves it too!
Since I have been visiting your blog, I have decorated my kitchen and it makes me smile every time I walk in. I have painted my shutters and front door YELLOW and I love, love, love it. I smile every time I drive into the driveway. I totally agree with you DECORATE WITH THINGS YOU LOVE and NOW I DO
(((((Hugs))))) Can't thank you enough
Posted by: Marianne | June 16, 2010 at 06:43 AM
That old in and out thing is a marketing tool we should all ignore and do our homes for us, with what makes us happy, Kim. My design philosophy to a tee!:-)
Posted by: Pat@Back Porch Musings | June 16, 2010 at 06:53 AM
You ROCK GIRL.I just loved this post...I LOVE your stair well and I'm on my way to having mine look similar to yours. Instead of prints that I have found, I'm using pictures that hubby has taken of nature scenes and using them, with slowing but surely mirrors, mirrors, mirrors everywhere. I'm on the hunt for a collections of crosses also to add too. Now my children keep asking me how vain I am with all those mirrors I have going on,,LOL..."and who is going to see themselves up there mom" my daughter asks when I placed one mirror up high..my answer..'angels sweetie'...
((hugs))
Posted by: Angela | June 16, 2010 at 07:09 AM
How absolutely charming, Kim. Your happy home squeals with lovely! The mirrors are so cute - and red! Love that! I love that collection of sunflower prints, too. Just yesterday I buried quite a few sunflower seeds in the garden, hoping the blackbirds don't sniff them and eat them before they can grow into happy pie face glory.
Posted by: Pom Pom | June 16, 2010 at 07:24 AM
Amen, Sista, Amen! Wonderful words of wisdom, Kim :)
Posted by: Kim-HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs | June 16, 2010 at 07:25 AM
As always a beautiful post with words of encouragement to be yourself and to embrace what you love.
Your staircase says "Kim" and I love the new color. Can you tell us what shade of blue you used? I know it was LA Olive 4 before.
I never pass a Goodwill store that I don't think of you. LOL
Hugs,
Connie
Posted by: Connie | June 16, 2010 at 07:38 AM
So well said Miss Kim!!! That's been my motto for many years!!! It's funny because where I live in the south it's ultra conservative and very southern traditional decor. So, when local friends visit or my house is on a tour of homes, people are in "awe struck" of my decor. Not something you usually see. I stay true to ME!!!! :) Thank you for your beautiful inspiring post! BTW....I LUUUUVE your granny staircase! All the picture frames on the wall feel so "homey" to me. :) Have a lovely one! XO,Jenn
Posted by: Jennifer Hayslip | June 16, 2010 at 07:40 AM
Kim....what can I say.....your home is beautiful....your words are beautiful and your a beautiful person......I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, this post...the words and the pictures......you simply amaze me.....oh, by the way....when my 30 year old radio alarm clock went off the other morning (with music)...."your song" was playing......made me smile and think of your lovely Daisy Cottage......smiles, Linda
Posted by: Linda Evans | June 16, 2010 at 07:51 AM
Great post, Kim. And I really believe this extends to life outside the home as well. I've never been one to follow the IN list of anything. All that should be IN is what's IN your own heart. Thanks for the inspiration as always! xx
Posted by: Josephine Tale Pedder | June 16, 2010 at 07:55 AM
i so absolutely LOVE the stairwell and the red boots! your colors make me smile.
i wish i had your gift for pulling diversity together--i like so much STUFF (to my husband's chagrin at times, though he is incredibly patient)--and i like to MOVE the stuff around--it gets and remains quite cluttery at times.
of course with four kids home all the time because of homeschooling, we really live live LIVE here, and it is tough just keeping the laundry off the floor!
thanks for sharing your cheer and encouragement!!!
Posted by: april | June 16, 2010 at 08:01 AM
great point! loved this one!
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | June 16, 2010 at 08:12 AM
love, love, LOVE the post!! everyone in blogland, no everyone EVERYWHERE needs to read this and take it to heart.
i so agree with you. i have quirly things in my home that i know others look at like i am crazy. thats okay, i still like them!
thanks again for this great post!!!
kim
Posted by: kim | June 16, 2010 at 08:13 AM
I knew I felt someone looking over my shoulder as I hemmed and hawed about things looking the way they "should". Thanks for the reminder Kim!
Posted by: Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse | June 16, 2010 at 08:16 AM
Thank you Kim. The daughter of a friend of mine snickered at my thrift store/garage style decorated home. At first I was hurt. But I have decided to let it go. I love my style. It makes me happy!
Posted by: sandy | June 16, 2010 at 08:25 AM
Sweet words of wisdom. Your style makes my heart sing!
Posted by: Patty Boyd | June 16, 2010 at 08:34 AM
Great words Kim.
I figure I have it right when I walk into any room in my home and 'smile'. If it makes me smile and feel happy and content then it has to be right
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | June 16, 2010 at 08:38 AM
Well said! Gotta love your STUFF and create your own unique style!
Posted by: Theresa | June 16, 2010 at 08:39 AM
You are such an encourager! Thank you!
Posted by: Chris | June 16, 2010 at 08:42 AM
Amen ! It's all about the things you love!
Great post! Have a grand day! Enjoy!
Posted by: Lynda Bee | June 16, 2010 at 08:47 AM
Amen and Amen to that!!! have a great day Trish xox ;)
Posted by: Trish Rowley | June 16, 2010 at 08:47 AM
Such good advice! I have to say that after coming to your blog my style has changed. Instead of trying to make my house look like the magazines want it to look like I am going more for how I want it to look. I am so much more happier with it now. Seeing all my favorite things out and about instead of packed away makes me smile. Who cares if they aren't cool or in style, I'm not!
Posted by: Maggie | June 16, 2010 at 08:53 AM
What a delightful, refreshing post. It is a timely & important reminder for me!!! Love it & will bookmark it when I start fretting over something that I perceive is not quite right!
Posted by: Vera | June 16, 2010 at 08:55 AM
Will you be my long lost sister? Once again, you have given awesome words of wisdom, I know I've gone the "me" direction...LOL! Oh girl, I love ya!
xo
LeAnn
Posted by: LeAnn | June 16, 2010 at 08:58 AM
Oh, thank you for the encouraging words. I have always had my own style. Last year our house was on the market but didn't sell. I still sit here in this neutral space with the family photos that I love packed away. Last week I started to bring them out. I do like the uncluttered look but need to get my personal touches back out. I don't want to paint again so will do so with somewhat a neutral back drop. On the other hand you can make anything look good. I wish I had that knack. Thanks for sharing your colorful home with all of us.
P.S. Don't put those cozy blankets away for the summer, hah
Posted by: Debby Messner | June 16, 2010 at 09:00 AM
Amen to that! Love all the color in your home. My walls are filled to the brim and no one ever thinks I can find space for one more thing, but where there's a will, there's a way. Most folks on this side of the world think I am crazy to have so much stuff, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Best wishes, Tammy
Posted by: Tammy | June 16, 2010 at 09:04 AM
Amen... when my daughter was in high school, one of her friends told me that our home was "so homely"... I'm still hoping she meant HOMEY! LOL... love your "style"!
Posted by: Judi in SW Florida | June 16, 2010 at 09:18 AM
Well, you are still so pretty, Kim, dirty mirror or not! : ) I totally agree with you here and I decorate the way I want at home AND I tell clients when they ask, "I like this, if you think it would look okay" that it is THEIR home, not mine and we will work whatever they like in. I have a quote on my website from old time Hollywood decorator William Haines that says, "The only real freedom we have is our home. Only there can we express anything we want."
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | June 16, 2010 at 09:18 AM
YIPEE! WHAT A LOVELY TREAT! SOOOOO HAPPY TO SEE THE HOUSE AGAIN! DOESN'T MATTER HOW MANY TIMES~EACH AND EVERY TIME I SEE PICS OF YOUR HAPPY, BRILLIANTLY DECORATED HOME, MY HEART BEGINS TO SING WITH INSPIRATION! MORE MORE MORE!!!!!!
THANK YOU!!!! ALWAYS! XXOO
Posted by: Suzanne | June 16, 2010 at 09:28 AM
Good Morning Sweet Kim,
I couldn't agree more. Home should be a collection of things that make you feel safe, and happy. Thank you for that reminder :)
Hugs,
Dena
Posted by: Dena | June 16, 2010 at 09:34 AM
So true, Kim! I have to say, you really do have a talent. You have a way with color, an eye for balance, and the ability to put it all together resulting in a home that is filled with whimsy, artistry and joy. It's brilliant!
Posted by: mary | June 16, 2010 at 09:38 AM
As is said in some circles, This will preach, girl!
I have a Granny room too, and it's only sensible since most of the furniture in it once belonged to my Grandma and to my parents. I've reupholstered the couch and chairs, but it all sings to me of family, home, and comfort!
Even in decorating, it's whatever floats your boat!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | June 16, 2010 at 09:39 AM
You are awesome Kim. I just can't help but smiling every time I'm over here. Great post today!
~Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | June 16, 2010 at 09:44 AM
Didn't even notice the not-so-clean window- too busy looking at that beautiful reflection in the mirror called Kim - inside and out, very beautiful lady!
Kim, also, don't forget- newspapers work better than paper towels for cleaning glass- it repurposing it for one making it GREEN - and also does the streak and icky bits free thing, which is why we use them. Try it, I was skeptical first but now a believer.
Thank you for your advise. Sometimes I know I overdecorate, and then skim back and miss what I have put away. I think I will go back and bring them out again. You are RIGHT.
Hugs and smiles.
Posted by: Michele | June 16, 2010 at 09:53 AM
Love your words of wisdom and thank you for this great advice. I have struggled with decorating my old farm house for the last two years, until I went to the attic and decided to use the stuff that a dear old friend gave me 37 yrs ago. Have great friends that seem to be able to put things together so beautifully, but finally realized that is not me. Since you became my friend I have been able to use these seasoned things with confidence. Hugs and have a wonderful day. Judy
Posted by: Judith | June 16, 2010 at 09:54 AM
You nailed this topic beautifully,Kim!
While reading this post, I found myself almost sounding like a southern preacher....AMEN and DO YOU HEAR ME?
Everything but pounding the pulpit...or in my case; the laptop :)-
And...I say the very same thing when it comes to those "polls"..."nobody called me" !!
Thanks again Kim, for such a FUN and informative bit of information.
I too decorate how "I" want to...maybe it is the ole half a century age thing...but whatever it is...it is FUN and very empowering and I am wonderfully FREE to be ME!
Suzy
Posted by: Suzy Miller | June 16, 2010 at 09:55 AM
One word attached with a special thank you AMEN!!!!!!!
Love your wisdom. Your encouragement is like a B12 shot of energy. I feel like I have had a decorating illness and am so much better now.
Yay!
Debbie L.
Posted by: Debbie L | June 16, 2010 at 09:55 AM
I love your post...it is so true. I love color, I love white, I love farmhouse style, I love outdoor rustic style, I love romantic style. Can I make it work? Yep!!! Because like you said it is my home...and no one called my to ask me what is "in". So thanks again for a sharing your words of wisdom and I hope all listen!
Posted by: KayC | June 16, 2010 at 10:05 AM
We are renting and I have yet to unpack my collection of thrifted landscapes. Looking at your collection makes me miss mine...off to the garage to dig in some boxes.
Posted by: Tina | June 16, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Good Morning Kim,
So true, that is why I have tea cups all around the house! LOL. Me too, I fill my home with everything I love and that includes the family!. Now if I can just finish unpacking all the boxes and get back to blogging. I really need to post, but I have been having such a time with AT&T.
By the way love the blue up your stair case.
Big hugs, Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth Marchus | June 16, 2010 at 10:18 AM
I agree with you completly.
Posted by: Renee | June 16, 2010 at 10:23 AM
I am so with you! I love having a home that makes me smile at every turn. Thanks for saying it loud and clear!
xoxo
Sara
www.shinyredhouses.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sara | June 16, 2010 at 10:24 AM
Preach on sister! A woman after my own heart.
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon Carstens | June 16, 2010 at 10:33 AM
I totally agree! Love all the red!!!
Posted by: Sheri Howard | June 16, 2010 at 10:33 AM
AMEN AND AMEN!!!!!!
Posted by: Jennifer | June 16, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Good morning, Kim. I've been visiting your delightful home and taking lovely trips with you for quite a while now. I have wanted to comment many times, but today I just have to. I so totally agree with you. Your home is just that, YOUR home. It should reflect you and your family and the things that make you happy. I live in a two bedroom apt. with off-white walls that I am not allowed to paint. I choose, however, to use those walls as my canvas. I only have things I love in my home. I read a book about 15 years ago written by renown decorator and author Alexandra Stoddard entitled "Daring To Be Yourself". In it she brought home the point very strongly - don't decorate to please others, or because that's the way your mother did it, or because that's what's "in" at the time. Dress your home (house and yard) to please you. If you don't love it, don't keep it.
I am partial to blue, any shade of blue and my home reflects that everywhere. However, I do have a strong love for bright yellow and a touch of red here and there. Green also makes a showing and ooops, I even see a bit of pink. It makes me smile when I come in the front door and I love it. I shop yard sales, thrift stores, antique & resale shops and get a kick out of finding treasures. So, dear Kim, please keep encouraging and delighting and sharing your home. It's a daily treat to visit and I thank you very much.
BTW, I love the pictures of Maggie and Marley napping! Sweet darlins'.
Posted by: Julie | June 16, 2010 at 10:53 AM
What do you mean I could keep my blankets out in the summer? I didn't know that!!!!
Gotta go find em!!!
thanks.
Posted by: Mary Lou | June 16, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Sweet Kim,
I agree with you, do your own thing and let the world either enjoy or walk away. I'm sure at your house they would want to stay. I love all the red, it is a happy color just like you. You make me smile everytime I visit your blog. Keep up the good work.
Hope you have a very blessed day.
Jo
Posted by: Jo | June 16, 2010 at 11:06 AM
People always tell me how cozy my home is. I leave the fleece blankets out all year too ! I need them sometimes when the cooler is on. Besides, where else would the cats lie !
My home is chock full of l eclectic pieces of this and that, but each item holds a special memory of a special time. And that's what I love about Daisy Cottage, it doesn't follow a pattern, but obviously does follow your heart. Blessings to you and all readers today.
Posted by: Jeannie | June 16, 2010 at 11:11 AM
I agree 100%. I surround myself with things I love! I don't care what style they are, if it fits in my decor. It works because I love it! Great post!!
Posted by: Mariliz | June 16, 2010 at 11:23 AM
I could not possibly agree more! Thank you for saying it so perfectly. Hugs, Elaine
Posted by: Elaine/MuddlingThrough | June 16, 2010 at 11:25 AM
I totally agree with you, our homes are our havens during good and bad times. I want for people when they visit my home to feel good and not worry if they touch something that I will get mad. My sister who is such a neat freak--her house is never messy, everything is perfect. I cant live like that. I want to have my things out so that I can look at them, touch them and maybe remember a story behind why I bought it.
I love your blog and I so much enjoy reading it.
Posted by: cindy | June 16, 2010 at 11:28 AM
I can not agree more! Our little cottage is our haven, our nest. We like to be comfy and let Bentley sit on the sofa with us, so there is a slipcover that is easily removed and cleaned. We both like color and so we have lots of it in our cottage. The way our cottage is decorated is the one thing I can control in life. I want it to always reflect who we are and what we love. No current trend can change my mind about the warm and happy feeling I get when I walk into the door of the cottage we love. As you do, I stay true to my own decorating scheme. Thanks for visiting me yesterday Kim. It meant a lot to me!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Posted by: Susan Freeman | June 16, 2010 at 11:37 AM
So so true!!
Posted by: Kim Nichols | June 16, 2010 at 11:48 AM
This helped me so much today. I have been wanting to put up beadboard in my master bath, and have been fretting over resale. How silly is that. I'm not even planning on selling!
I'm putting it up!
Posted by: Debbie Billings | June 16, 2010 at 11:49 AM
So love your stairwell! How fun is that walk up those stairs! I'm with you, a home tells a story, your story, your family's story. It's not meant to be a museum, but a home, a loving home to enjoy....to welcome guests into. Enjoyed all your beautiful photos!
Posted by: Lynn Paterson | June 16, 2010 at 11:54 AM
PREACH IT TO ME SISTER!!!! I'M LISTENING...........
Posted by: Jenny in Alabama | June 16, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Ohhhh, this is why I love you Momma. <3
Posted by: Shannon | June 16, 2010 at 12:04 PM
Hello there! have to agree with Suzanne I just LOVE pictures of your cheerful home you decorate with what you love and boy what a result!! there are may people who can afford to "throw" money at their homes but hey who has the most fun?! Keep up the good work x
Posted by: Sharon Forward | June 16, 2010 at 12:12 PM
THANK YOU!!! why do we need permission to be ourselves?? We feel like we have to be some pottery barn catalog! I'm all done! Going back to what I love, quirky as my home will look. It's all mine and I love my decor!
Posted by: Prudence | June 16, 2010 at 12:21 PM
Yep.
Posted by: That Esther Sunday chick | June 16, 2010 at 01:13 PM
Oh Dear Kim... I feel that you posted this just for me...I'm totally serious here. I have LOVED visiting DC for all this time but wasn't confident in my own style, loves etc... You are so so right, and I knew it all along...I'm now doing this for ME and that is what matters.....For the first time in a very long time I am venturing out, pulling out all those things that I have accumulated and using them so that I can see and enjoy them every single day!!
You are sooooo special!!!
Hugs
Posted by: Carol Adams | June 16, 2010 at 01:27 PM
You are very right, Kim. Love your home, love all the color! People tell me I have too much stuff sitting around, I answer to them, "my home, my treasures". I couldn't imagine not having them to look at all the time and not having all the colors I have in my home surround me. Why others seems to think they can tell another how to live is beyond me. I love visiting you and your surroundings. I love how you photograph your quaint town. It "almost" makes me want to live there, then I remember it's very hot there and I am very much a snow and winter child!
Patty.
Posted by: Patty | June 16, 2010 at 01:34 PM
Everyone has already lamented my sentiments but I'm glad you said this...WE love our decorating shows but sometimes they make us feel that we are not decorating properly...have too much color or what we are all probably guilty of...too much stuff. We love our color and stuff and should be surrounded by all that we love...it makes us feel safe...and if we habitually watch the news...we are made to fee unsafe...so Color up those abodes and pile in that stuff!
Posted by: kim | June 16, 2010 at 01:37 PM
Well I love your quirky colorful decorating style!
Thank You! I totally feel the same way - do what you want and what puts a smile on your face. Please yourself and the other's that live with you (can't forget about them)!
Manuela
Posted by: The Pleasures of Homemaking | June 16, 2010 at 01:55 PM
Bless you and all of your wisdom. Could you please run for political office!
Posted by: Peg | June 16, 2010 at 01:56 PM
That's why we love you Kim. You always encourage us to follow our hearts and our own creative tastes. I like your statement about polls. That's exactly how I feel. Thanks again for the encouragement and inspiration. Luv Ya!
Posted by: Megan | June 16, 2010 at 01:58 PM
What a delightful post Kim! You are right! When I moved to New York five years ago, I was so bored! I started walking up and down the coast around where I live a few times a week and began finding boat parts from sunken ships, which had washed ashore, old horseshoe crab shells, and all kinds of weird nautical things, and that is how my living room is decorated. Well half of it - the other half is a library. It's kind of odd, but suits my husband and I just fine. We really love it! The only thing is that the room needs painting and and we need a new couch for it - but asides from the library, we have very little money put in the rest. I have crates for tables, one wicker chest of drawers that I found - so the only thing, other than the library half, that we really put any money is is some paintings hanging up of ships and things. It's really delightful to know that I did it with most things I found - old buoys, rocks, shells, etc.
In my kitchen, I gained my inspiration from you though! It's yellow and bright and happy! I am not sure how I will do my bedroom yet. We are doing it slowly and it's fun.
Love you! ♥
Posted by: Kimberly Padilla | June 16, 2010 at 02:03 PM
Amen kim...I get tired of reading what you should and should not do in decorating, and tired of watching people follow what is in, when that is not what they love! be yourself that be what makes you completely happy to be home!! LOVED this post! and love all of the quarly elements and color in your home, always have!!xo
Posted by: tara | June 16, 2010 at 02:04 PM
You and me sister!
Words to live by, Kim words. The heck with all those blah decorating channels.
We LOVE our colour!!! The world should follow : )
Love Ya Kim
Love Me Claudie
xoxoxoxox
Posted by: claudie | June 16, 2010 at 02:39 PM
I visited an angel's website today and it was yours! You are so cute the way you word things, I just laughed at what you said. Love your stairwell! I read words of wisdom today in decorating, so very true. My house is decorated in a traditional theme, since hubby is very traditional, but my antique booth in town, is another story. One of these days when, am not so busy will try to send some pictures. Meanwhile, I love visiting your site everyday. Thanks for inspiring all us fans!!!! Cindy Okla.
Posted by: Cindy | June 16, 2010 at 03:27 PM
That's the way to think about your house! Only YOU can make it your home.
Cheers!
Rita
Posted by: Rita May | June 16, 2010 at 03:59 PM
Kim, I love it when you preach this stuff! We all need to hear it over and over. I'm with you, too, on the faking it. I have used lots of silk flowers around - because I love flowers, and I enjoy seeing them in my rooms. There's only one teeny problem...........I also have a cat that loves to pluck off my silk flowers and "attack" them. So, we have this running battle going.
Posted by: Mary Lou | June 16, 2010 at 04:20 PM
My friend Deb told me about your blog & thanks to you I think my front porch looks the best it ever has. Saw your red chair on one of your post & had to have one. Walked right outside & spray painted a chair! I had never used red & yellow but really love it.
Posted by: Lisa Price | June 16, 2010 at 04:30 PM
I'm SO glad you said that! Not many people "get" how much I love to decorate and appreciate the cute little goodies around my house that make me smile. Just like your staircase, my house is made to make ME feel at home with cherished objects, photos, etc. I'd be depressed without some sweetness around me. I could never be a minimalist. Thanks for sharing!!! You're the best!
Posted by: ann | June 16, 2010 at 04:36 PM
I've been so worried about painting my kitchen cabinets blue because I am afraid about selling my house in ten years or so and "What will people think?" But, you know what? I'm going to do it. Because I LOVE blue cabinets. And, after all, they're my cabinets. It will make me happy to paint them blue.
Posted by: Sara Achuff | June 16, 2010 at 05:16 PM
Thank you!, you made my day! I didn't know if to paint my "little Corner" purple but now I'm sure I'll painted purple it's not going to happened this weekend but it will before 4th of July :p
Thank you for your inspiration!
Chely
Posted by: Aracely Cortes | June 16, 2010 at 05:19 PM
Hi Kim,
I haven't told you lately, I don't always comment, but ALWAYS look for you first when the computer goes on, I LOVE YOU!!! You made my day and inspire me more than you know. You are an earth angel my dear. Don't ever stop blogging! Please! Hugs, Rosemary~
Posted by: Rosemary~ | June 16, 2010 at 05:29 PM
Have I told you lately how lucky we are to have you in our lives? You make me smile on a day that was gloomy because someone close to me hurt my feelings! Gloria Gaynor in the background "I will survive"..g
Posted by: janet | June 16, 2010 at 06:00 PM
Thank you for validating my kitchen cupboards without doors and flannel sheets year 'round. And thank you for Daisy Cottage. It opened a whole new blogging world to me that I'm seriously thinking about joining.
Posted by: Gayle | June 16, 2010 at 06:04 PM
Love it!! Can we have a tour of your house??? Please!
Sue
Posted by: sue silva | June 16, 2010 at 06:09 PM
Thank you! I have my afghans and quilts out year round. I am known to cover up with one every evening watching TV whether the air conditioning or heat is on. I may even have one or two favorite holiday decorations still out.
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | June 16, 2010 at 06:46 PM
Thank you, sweet Kim - for handing us the "free-to-be-you-and-me" key - it's going right on my key-ring today! I am in the process of doing just that with my apartment, and it's all because you gave me that precious key - can't thank you enough!
Posted by: Pauline | June 16, 2010 at 06:52 PM