Do you think that you can change the feel of a room with
just one simple thing?
Maybe a new pair of pillows for the sofa or a different painting on the wall.
Just one thing- but something that is powerful enough that it takes the room
from feeling one way and makes it feel another.
from feeling one way and makes it feel another.
The other day I shared a peek on instagram of a styling I was working on in the kitchen.
A lot of readers loved it but there were some didn’t like it at all.
I expect the feedback will be much the same here.
I expect the feedback will be much the same here.
And that is totally okay.
I wasn’t even sure that I 100% liked it when I shared.
I wasn’t even sure that I 100% liked it when I shared.
It was an element that I brought in for a few photos for a styling
I was working on photographing.
I simply needed something a little colorful for a backdrop for the photos.
But while I was working with it,
that one different thing in my kitchen surprised me.
I was working on photographing.
I simply needed something a little colorful for a backdrop for the photos.
But while I was working with it,
that one different thing in my kitchen surprised me.
I will admit…
when I walked over and got behind the camera after setting up
and peered through the view finder
and peered through the view finder
I actually said ‘Wow’ out loud.
The kitchen felt completely different.
Our kitchen is pretty classic and elegant and serene in styling.
It truly is my feel good, makes me happy, everyday love style.
But in the view that day, there was that same kitchen
but it had a little bit different energy.
but it had a little bit different energy.
I definitely enjoyed playing with that energy a bit while I snapped some photos.
So what was that one thing?
It was just simply a charming black and white striped runner.
And I have learned that if I love something- even if it isn’t my ‘usual’
if there is something about it that grabs me- it is coming home with me
and I bring it in and mix it with everything else.
if there is something about it that grabs me- it is coming home with me
and I bring it in and mix it with everything else.
Because sometimes, it is really about what is different
rather than what is expected that makes the room.
I crave serene and soft and romantic in my everyday surroundings
But I definitely do add color just not in a big way usually.
But I definitely do add color just not in a big way usually.
Though I do love to mix in that little bit bold
something – something
that is unexpected.
something – something
that is unexpected.
In my bedroom, that would be the antique sofa that wears that
big red and white oversized check.
In the dining room,
it would be that chalkboard behind the crystal chandeliers.
it would be that chalkboard behind the crystal chandeliers.
So even though that rug was different and more bold than I might usually choose
for my quiet serene kitchen- it was fun and I had fun playing with it.
And I loved seeing the difference that just that one thing made.
for my quiet serene kitchen- it was fun and I had fun playing with it.
And I loved seeing the difference that just that one thing made.
So next time you are contemplating something in your room that is unlike your usual
but that you absolutely love-
why not give it a try?
why not give it a try?
Give them something to talk about (design wise!)
😉
It might actually be one of those things that makes
your room and style absolutely memorable.
your room and style absolutely memorable.
And you might find that the power of just one unexpected thing in a room
can be pretty darn amazing.
can be pretty darn amazing.
Happy Monday everyone
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Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces says
I love this post, Courtney…the sense of the unexpected is what makes a room interesting and personal to me!
Courtney says
Thank you!! I totally agree Linda!
LL Farm says
Courtney,
This is a great post! We, being the people that live in our homes, should have what we want…what makes us happy…even if it is unexpected for others. Thanks for sharing.
Lori
Courtney says
Yes. Go forth and do what makes you happy for sure! 🙂
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
I actually love the rug, it looks like it belongs to me. Sort of that vintage farmhouse elegant look.
Courtney says
I think it does have a fresh farmhouse vibe too Marty. It was fun to play with it for a bit and see how it changed the look. Thank you for stopping by!
Rue says
I really like the rug in there, but it's your house and if you love it, that's all that matters. I believe that everyone should decorate for themselves and for what they love, or it isn't a true reflection of the person living there.
Just my thoughts 😉
rue
Courtney says
I agree totally. Do what makes you happy 🙂
Mari says
I have mix feelings on the rug, I kinda love it, but love your wooden floors without the runner covering it up…hum does that make sense? Lol….your home is gorgeous no matter what….
Smiles~
Mari
Courtney says
Exactly how I feel. I am a bare wood floor kind of girl most of the time. Thanks for stopping by Mari!
Rhonda says
Oh Happy Monday to you! I love that I actually had a moment to spend here. Beautiful in every way.
Courtney says
Thank you for stopping by Rhonda!
Robin hill farm says
I really like that rug, Courtney. I think it looks great! You're right. It adds a little somethin' somethin' to the kitchen. 🙂
Courtney says
Thank you!! It definitely makes it feel entirely different for sure! 🙂
Unknown says
I love your style and the rug looks awesome. The red check sofa reminds me of one I had 12-15 years ago but it wasn't French! it was in my family room and I loved it for a while! Keep up the great inspiration! I love your decorating style!
Courtney says
Thank you Mary! The red check sofa is a favorite of mine for sure!!
Kathy says
I love it Courtney, but I have lots of black in my home. I cannot remember what you had there before, but I would definitely let it stay until you find something else that may catch your eye. I feel it really gives the room a little extra richness. I love those chandeliers in there and in your dining room too and am in love with the custom blackboard with the chandeliers in there too. You are so talented. 🙂
Courtney says
Hi Kathy, I didn't have a runner there- just the hardwood which is how it is everyday in the kitchen. I do love black and white together- and with pale pink or pale blue- even better!! Thank you for stopping by!
Anonymous says
Hi Courtney,
I tried to think what I would feel about the rug if you had not mentioned it and I just looked at the photo. I LOVE what you have done in your cottage kitchen renovations. Always go with what you love, because that is perfect for YOU. That is the important thing. But, I like subtle and soft, so the boldness of the rug, distracts me from the harmony of the other elements. But, just goes to show how each "ingredient" in a room matters. LOVE IT!
Sarah 🙂
Courtney says
Hi Sarah, I feel totally the same way. I love the kitchen as it is- soft and subdued and elegant- it is me. I also appreciate how much that rug changed the feeling of the same room and definitely enjoyed the different look for the day I was working with it. It made for an interesting point of view the more I thought about it. 🙂
Pura Vida says
I go to a lot of auctions and buy really cool things I will never use, but can never pass up a set of white dishes in a box for a dollar..or a pair if elaborate brass candelabras.. so I have recently decided I am going to fill my soon to be wine cellar with these cool things and every now and then bring them out just like you did with your rug. Why not? One day, one item, a different dynamic. I wish I'd always done it. A good lesson for you to teach us
Courtney says
Love that idea. Enjoy playing with some of those treasures!! Thank you for stopping by!
Unknown says
"One day, one item, a different dynamic". I LOVE this message!
French Ethereal says
Wow is right! It's the stripes… What a pop of color, plus the repeat of stripes from the rug with the new fluted sink, and the baskets with their horizontal "stripes." Really looks nice!
Happy playing,
Barb 🙂
Courtney says
Thank you Barbara!! I do love a good stripe for sure! 😉
Unknown says
Courtney — I had the same experience yesterday — I was decorating our new den and when I added faux topiaries to the coffee table, the room sort of "popped" — delightful! It seemed finished and charming. Thank you for your great blog; I am a faithful reader! — Maureen Ryan
MONICA LIVAS says
Love the stripes! In clothing and decoration… And your rug is so pretty Courtney!
Donna says
Love your home! Where is your barstool and seat cover from? Your whole jouse is lovely!
Sandra at Maison De Jaardin says
Courtney:
Love the rug. I once read a quote by the quite famous designer, Charles Faudree. "It isn't so much the match as it is the mix." I think he is exactly correct. Your kitchen is just beautiful and I am sure you love and enjoy it every day.
Cecilia says
I love it! Your house is beautiful and I like your surprise pieces. The tug looks great in your kitchen!
Unknown says
I like the rug, but I don't think it's "quirky" enough! Your blackboard in dining room and buffalo checks in bedroom: perfect quirkies. I think you should really let go like you did in these rooms . . .