I had a comment the other day about the farmhouse style. She had an obvious distaste for it and mentioned it was dopey and unoriginal. Even though my reply was a little lengthy, I said that around here we encouraged people to decorate in a way that pleased them no matter the trends or if anyone else liked it. I wished I could call her and explain why my decor was so eclectic in our Dallas home and tell her the old farmhouse in Navasota would always have a farmhouse-style look. Her comment didn’t offend me. It had me looking back at my multifarious style which prompted this post – appreciating the home decor you’ve had for years.
Everyone’s gotta love a squirrel candle holder.
Appreciating the Home Decor You’ve Had For Years!
In remembering the older stuff, so much of it made me smile. The old photos encouraged me to stick with what I loved instead of feeling like I needed to go out and buy anything. So, my advice to you… Take photos of your seasonal rooms and look at them from year to year. Especially if you pack it up and easily forget what you have.
A thrifted lamp, an old jar with faux stems, and a diy pumpkin are favorites.
Let’s take a look at several of my handpicked accessories that create fulfillment. The pumpkin has been around for years and I still love it. Not because I crafted it but because I remember where I bought the doily and the conversation I had with my hubby when he reminded me that I had said I’d never craft anything again. Fun memories.
An old chippy piece of wood, silverware, antique dishware and lampshades are cherished.
When I look at this photo I still use the long piece of white chippy wood for a base in many many centerpiece ideas. I remember when the hubs also asked why I would bother to buy ripped up lamp shades when he said he could find some for me in the trash. Oh what it must feel like to be naive and inexperienced in the ways of thrifting and junk. 😉
And I won’t forget the quick-draw-snatching when I found the vintage iron candelabra. That was an exciting day.
Another fond memory is recalling the time I mentioned to the Mister that I wanted a mantel in the dining room and 3 weeks later he surprised me with this one found on FB marketplace. He’s the bestest! It’s another gift I will cherish forever. I know it isn’t a working fireplace and I know some people think it’s odd to have a drop cloth curtain underneath. But we won’t live here forever and we needed something to cover the picture rail moulding that we decided not to remove.
Amber bottles can be used to achieve different looks.
Do you have many naysayers in your life? I’ve had some regarding old bottles. Specifically beer and whiskey bottles. I don’t care what they were before their lives with me. They bring an autumn feel that I see as charming.
Something else I will safeguard for decades are the pieces of iron trim from a friends old house. As well as the house basket from my sweet kids. It’s a great feeling when your friends and family know your quirky style. Am I right?
Would you believe I’ve also heard that using an old hardware apron was “tacky”? Honestly, I think that person needed glasses or a hug because I love using it and using it for every season.
Last, but certainly not least since I have dozens of treasures I’ll reuse over and over, are these old church chairs from a client. It was more than a year after I helped her that she called me saying she was moving and asked if I would like them. For free! There are six of those cuties!
Sometimes people can be sweet and understand that style is a personal preference. An affection that brings joy and happiness. Then sometimes people can’t comprehend it. But when you have lived long enough to finally figure out what matters, what doesn’t, and a little of what is wasteful spending and what isn’t, you can look back and snicker as you are appreciating the home decor you’ve had for years. You can smile broadly at your trinkets and walk with your scarred up chin and head held high. Don’t let them bother you. Find the best way you can remember things with happiness.
Happy decorating friends!
I really enjoyed this post, Cindy, and thought how fortunate we are in husbands who are our own little cheering section. My husband, like yours, listens to my ramblings and then surprises me by fulfilling a wish I may have shared out loud. He is the first to encourage me and wrap me in a warm hug whatever I might suggest in the way of decor. I love looking at our home and conversations about things we found and memories that surround each item of decor. Thanks for reminding me that home and husbands are special blessings each and every day of our lives. Have a lovely week.
Lynne
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Such good words Lynne! I totally agree. We often overlook our blessings which includes the precious people in our lives. Glad you liked it. Happy decorating!
There will always be naysayers and grumpy people who feel they need to share their negativity! I don’t care a hoot what anyone thinks! Our homes are Ours… to decorate as we wish! You will always have an appreciative audience with me gf! I love your creativity, and I agree that many items we cherish and hand onto hold memories!
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Yes! Our treasures hold great memories and I’ll keep my chin up and stay the old farmhouse course for years and years. Thank you friend.
Oh Cindy I certainly appreciate this post!!
In this blogging and content creator industry, people will always have their opinions. I love how you always do you, no matter what others think or say.
Have a lovely weekend ahead!
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Thank you Rachel. It’s funny to me that people are bold in their opinions when there’s a screen, state lines and even coastlines in between them. We must not let them get us down. To bad they can’t spew sweetness. 😉
We remodeled the small, falling apart, front bathroom in our house a couple of years ago. I sent my son pictures of the demolition stage and the near to completion stage as we went along. When he came home for Christmas and used that bathroom for the first time, he came out expressing great relief that the “cat” was still holding the door open when the bathroom was not in use. The cat in question was a plaster statue of a cat that I’d hand painted about 40 years ago, lol! It’s not chic, fashionable or trendy and an interior designer would have tossed it out the door with a look of horror written all over her face….but I don’t care much about what other people think of the things in my home that bring a smile to my face. They don’t live here. I do. My “cat” is a permanent fixture in my home!
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I love that story! Thank you for sharing it. And I’m glad to hear you still do you and keep what you love no matter what. Us girls have to stick together (insert enthusiastic clapping)! 😉
I love your style! I have a different style, I try to have kind of a farmhouse cottage style. I love reading your blog and seeing what others are doing. The person who made the rude comment should have just moved on. I’ll bet she’s rude to people in her everyday life also. Hugs,
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Thank you Sandi, I truly appreciate you. It definitely sounded like she could use a hug. Have a great week!
I feel the same way and thank you for your heartwarming posts.
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Yay. Thank you Gail. Happy decorating!
Thank you for this post, and all others as well, love your blog, love your humor. Who would we be if someone couldn’t walk into our homes, and know right away, who we are. Farmhouse isn’t for everyone, but either is mid century modern, or traditional, or minimalist, or so many others. Our homes should feel cozy and comfy, which is something we create over time. I read so many blogs and posts and think that people are only brave and make negative comments when they are shielded behind social media. Cindy, I enjoyed your explanation and reaction so much, keep on doing what you do, I love to see your creative ideas come to life..
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Aww, thank you so much. You made my day/week/month! I don’t feel creative all that much but I do love encouraging others and helping them turn their home into a sanctuary. Hope your have a lovely week.
Amen, sister and I agree completely! I don’t have farmhouse style in my home but, when I see it, I do love the memories of my childhood and being with my cousins who lived in the country. Whatever style I like I still love seeing what others have and how they decorate. You have a wonderful weekend and love both your houses and how you decorate them.
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I really appreciate that Marlene, thank you. I have a big-o-grin on my face. You are always the encourager. I love it! We are headed to Junklahoma on Saturday. Have you ever been? If so, would you recommend it?
Cindy, I thought your response to the comment you mentioned was not only gracious but also made excellent points. Our decor should reflect what makes us happy as well as what complements the home style–your home IS a farmhouse for goodness sake! P.S. I am smitten with your adorable squirrel candlestick holder! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
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I’ve been described as a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kinda person. If my home didn’t reflect us, I would feel like I’m deceiving people. That just won’t do so thank you very much.
I found the squirrel candlestick at The Painted Tree. Not sure if y’all have one of those but it’s a large store with independent booths. There are probably 4 near us and each one is different. It’s kinda strange but you can find some good stuff there!
Wouldn’t you love to see HER house? I’ve had a few of these people over the years, and honestly nothing makes them happy, they just want to be negative. I look at my furniture and see how trends and styles have changed, but so much of what I have and love are family pieces or hold memories and sentimentality like you. I’d rather be different, distinct, eclectic and quirky with personality, than boring, predictable, and have it all come from the big box store as a “set”. My kids don’t have the same style, but they all love the hominess and comfort of our home. Are there pieces I’d like to change up? oh yes, but I’m not at a stage in life where I want to spend thousands of dollars to do something different. Besides, my husband would be a big “uh no.” I love everything you do, and farmhouse/cottage has been around forever and will continue. Stay you, sweet friend. You’re so special!!!
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Aww, thank you Debra. I agree with you. It is hominess we love and need in our lives. I didn’t use to have one sentimental bone in my body. Age changed that and I’m so glad. I wish I had more of it when the kids were little but oh well, we survived without it. 😉 Pinkies up as we raise our cups in holding on to memories, our own style and being distinct!
p.s. totally LOVE the squirrel candle!!!
Such a wonderful post! You were kind in your response, as we should all try to be. Keyword for me is ‘try’.
My decorating style will always be ‘old’. The chippier to paint, the more pitted the wood, the rustier the iron, I just love it more. I know my style is not for everyone and that’s fine with me. Life would be pretty boring if we were all alike, huh? My loving spouse just lets me do what I want in and around the house, he just wants his big recliner and a comfy bed. His domain is the others 27 acres. He’s not one to pay too much attention, but there was a time I just loved a bedspread I saw online. He knew I would never spend the money, it was a bit pricey. He got my daughter’s help and they ordered one for me that year for Christmas. It was a perfect fit for our bed, from a guy who’s happy with soft sheets and an old quilt!
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Oh my golly Lynne, I love that story, thank you. My hubs is the same and boy am I grateful. He has the tractor and pastures and I have antique and thrift stores. It’s a great pairing.
We have friends that have husbands with strong opinions and if that happened to me, I don’t know what I’d do!
And the sound of your style sounds awesome and right up my alley. Keep up the chippy goodness and keep that blessed man. 🙂 Thanks again.
Love your fireplace. It looks fabulous in your dining room. What a sweet hubby to surprise you with it!!!
I love the picture above your fireplace. May I ask where you got it?.
Let’ s keep cherishing our special items in our homes.
God Bless, Chris
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He is super sweet and a keeper Chris, thank you. I got the dandelion print from PhotoWall. It’s linked for you but sometimes their site works and sometimes it doesn’t. Weird and annoying at times. Anyway, I love the print and have ordered from them twice. They have all kinds of goodies. So many so, prepare for a long visit!
Many thanks to you for the info. Happy Fall.
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My pleasure Chris. Appreciate you visiting today!
I love your farmhouse style, CIndy. How small of the person to not even be able to appreciate how well you styled your farmhouse. While my house’s architecture and location don’t lean toward farmhouse style, I certainly appreciate it and love seeing it in others’ homes. Life is too short to be so nasty.
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Good point. We all have friends that have different looks and styles but there’s something we can appreciate about it. And we’d certainly not hurt their feelings if we didn’t like it. Wouldn’t life would be boring if everything looked the same and people followed one decor style? Hope you have a great week Rita. Thank you.