It is soooo funny how things change!
I can't believe how much my style has changed not only on the last 10 years, but really in the last 2! I've gone from a mish-mash of a completely traditional-eclectic, hand me down, MESS to what I would call a lighter eclectic- bohemian. I still like a bunch of different styles, but I really like things to be light. I think what I really like is contrast. Dark against light. Layered patterns and textures. I resisted going lighter for so long, that now I love it. I can't believe I didn't do it sooner.
I'll admit. It took me a really long time, and the kids getting a little older to find my style. For a long time I was just trying to keep my head above the water with them, let alone get serious about decorating. Then there was time and extra money, is never an option around here, so it all had to be done on a super tight budget, getting things as I went along. But it finally did happen.
Now just so you know, I am really baring my soul here. Be kind. Some of this is really the good, the really bad and the scary-ugly.
So share, share, share and don't let me feel so alone. :)
Here are the rules:
1. Tell us what you think your style was and what it is now. It doesn't have to fit in any category or have any specific label. It's your fab style, make it your own! Show us the before and after of your evolution. If you don't have entire rooms to show, you can share projects that have changed with you.
2. You must link to this post in your post and directly to your post, not your blog. I have to delete rule- breakers only because it's too hard for party-goers to find what they are looking for.
3. Don't be afraid to show us the ugly. It's therapeutic. Really.
Here we go. I'll start off with the least ugly:
My entry way stair wall before about 1 year ago. Check out the gross carpet.
Now
Entry way door wall 1 year ago
I actually really hated this bench until recently. It was a $7 yard sale find.
Now
I really like it. It just wanted to be green.
My living room 2 years ago. Very traditional. Lots clunky of big pieces of furniture.
Living room now.
It still needs some tweaks like a bigger mirror, and I had to blot out the coats. I can't believe only 5 people live here, It's like a commune of coats. If I could turned back the clock, I would've upholstered the couches more neutral.I must've been in my gold phase. For some odd reason, I had a really hard time getting out of yellow.
View from the dining area. 2 years ago.
Now.
Okay folks, here comes the ugly. Hold your hats.
Eat-in area 2-3 years ago
Eat-in now
And the big change. The horrendously ugly...
Dining room 5-7 years ago.
When we moved in all the walls had been white. It was our first house. I painted the dining room walls deep red. on 2000 it was so chic and so early Pottery Barn. It was the talk of the neighborhood. I don't know if that was good or not.
3-5 years ago
Then, we went kinda Tuscan. I was a furniture-painter, muralist and faux finisher. I was into dark and heavy. And also, obviously into McDonald's, and dressing my kids in Happy Meal boxes.
Then, the kids were suddenly big enough for me to have some energy to think about changing things.
My first change was actually to get the table out of the middle of the room and really use the space. I have a very little house, every inch counts.
2-3 years ago
It was better already and a better space planning option for us, but I still wanted lighter.
Now
For the first time last year, we bought real kitchen chairs. The kind that don't wobble, need another nail, or threaten to break when the larger family members sit in then. And by larger I mean any one over 80 pounds. They were that bad. It was a joyful occasion.
And finally, the kitchen...the poor old dear. She's been through so much this year.
First, when the dining room was red: she was decorated in Tuscan.. with grapes and all.
5-10 years ago.
Then came in gold and faux. I know, I know.
3-5 years ago.
And there were those darn, dark cabinets I kept contemplating about painting. And the top of my fridge looks so much prettier now.
1-2 years ago.
And finally this year.. while it was a struggle. The paint cans came out, the floor was replaced and all was right with the world. :)
I am finally feeling like there is a flow to our place. It's becoming more us. Looking back through all of the pictures I had, it was crazy the way our tastes have evolved and what an utter mess our house was. Change can be good.
So link up! ... And thanks for sharing my story by the way.
Jen
