Let’s talk about decorating and have a little discussion about it today, shall we? I’ll start and then you can pick up with your own thoughts in the comments section. Ready? Okay. When I was a little girl, I would beg my mother to take me on night walks around our neighborhood so I could see what homes looked like inside. I really loved to catch glimpses of the magical places where people lived, and though I didn’t press my nose against any windows, I certainly loved admiring the many homes from the sidewalk as we strolled by. I particularly liked to see what was in the window. Sometimes a little cat relaxing on a blanket, or I’d notice plants and flowers in pretty pots, stained glass, and window decorations like glass animals or paper mobiles. It was always a treat to take night walks and today nothing has changed. Whenever I’m in Boston, I like to walk around the Back Bay (especially in early December) to see the twinkle lights and to catch peeks of the gorgeous brownstones that line the streets.
via Candi Mandi. She made her own headboard with fabric paint creating the word, Love.
In Germany, my vacation apartment is in a small city the size of Boston in a neighborhood with many gorgeous Jugenstil style buildings from the 1800’s. Our night walks here are always a delight, from sparkling store displays to a glimpse of someone’s apartment, even if only their window decorations. Many of you are the same, it’s not so unusual to enjoy seeing how real people live. That is why I love Flickr. I find so many homes there of some pretty creative people who live all over the world, and I never tire of viewing them because I see so many things I like and feel inspired by.
via Nestled In who has a lovely blog too.
When you view the magical world of interior design magazines it can often be a double edged sword. On one side you can become seriously inspired. On the other, if you take what you see too seriously, you may find yourself depressed, feeling as though your life will never be as glamorous, wondering why ‘they’ have it and you don’t (and let’s face it some of us will never live in a posh flat in London or on the beach in Malibu). I call these rooms “smoke and mirrors decorating”. Sure, these places are real in most cases but it’s important to remember that they are often designed by pros, styled to perfection by pros, photographed by pros, with some of the most expensive and luxurious products and furnishings on the market, and then presented as though this “perfect” home is absolutely normal and attainable — like we should all live in the rooms that the magazine presents as ‘the’ lifestyle. In America it’s often sold as the “American Dream”. In this economy some of us may need to learn to appreciate what we have and not lose our joy focusing too much on what we do not have. Goals are good to have, but many who become obsessed with trying to mimic what they see in a magazine are often disappointed with the end result because they forgot that what is in a decorating magazine (in most cases) is much like what you view in a fashion magazine, it’s a “model” of what part of society views and the other part should be viewing (in other words, what we are being sold to believe as the perfect body, the perfect room, the perfect products to buy, etc.) as completely normal, the lifestyle we should all be aiming for. Am I making sense yet? I’m trying… I’m trying… :)
The work studio of Lovely Design in Vancouver.
I think that it’s obvious when you read certain magazines or even blogs, sometimes it’s as though everyone is decorating in somewhat the same way and professing to be unique and not “mainstream” yet they are all unique in exactly the same way, you know? I’m guilty of this as well, I often fall into seeing something on a blog or in a magazine and hopping on the wagon incorporating a look into my home that isn’t really “me” but because I saw it elsewhere I decided that I should try it out. I’s normal to do this and certainly nothing wrong with it, but it’s important to remember that no one should be given the authority to tell you what is “good” decorating and what is “bad” decorating, just as with art it is open to personal interpretation (to a certain degree of course, skill is something you can measure to a certain extent but that is an entirely different conversation). There are those naturally born with very good style and this translates into their home and by good style I mean that they possess the knack of pulling things together in a way that is visually appealing. Like the home owners featured in this blog post, they’re all extremely talented with such a gift in my eyes. I think though that it’s important to keep in mind that the most commonly accepted style is usually considered the ‘best’ style but it doesn’t mean it is truly THE BEST, it’s just the most commonly accepted style during a certain period of time.
Nicole - A habitat of being, also a blogger.
In the end I’m simply trying to say to create a home, a room, a corner of your home, any space that belongs to you (even half of your dorm room) into a space that has your fingerprint on it — something personal and special, a place that supports you, the invigorates, refreshes, inspires. If you like it, that’s what matters the most. The homes that I enjoy most are those real spaces that I recall seeing as I strolled hand in hand with my mother many years ago, the rooms I see as I walk at night now with my husband, and the homes I see of my friends, family, clients, and those on sites like Flickr. Warm, lived in, special places where there is a sense of pride, history, present, and future. It’s hard to describe in words so the photos I’ve placed in the post are a visual interpretation of what I’m trying so hard say.
Moline, aka Yvonne, a neighbor of mine here in Germany who lives about 30 minutes to the north. Her home is utterly breathtaking. More here and here.
From Christianna’s Earthly Delights.
From ZAI Couple in Latvia. They also blog here.
Kleofea in Switzerland.
From -Haust-
From the amazing Herz-Allerliebst in Germany who has a lovely relaxing home.
An entry to a beautiful New York home, Door Sixteen does decorating so, so right. She blogs too.
Via Posidriv in Norway, her blog is here.
Jasna Janekovic in Germany, who sells things that she creates here in her DaWanda shop. She even hand painted polka dots on her fridge!
Alex The Girl from Girl At Play based in Santa Monica, CA. Her former living room is to die for in my opinion.
Do you have your own opinions on what defines a real space? I’d LOVE your thoughts so please share them below…
(images linked to their sources above)
December 1st, 2008 at 6:58 pm
This post struck a chord with me. Sometimes I fall into the bad habit of looking around my house and being dissatisfied because it doesn’t look ANYTHING like a magazine layout. None of our belongings really go together - there are souvenirs from our travels all over the world, a few mandatory Ikea pieces, and a lot of Craigslist finds. Some of our things have taken a beating, like the leather sofa that our new kitten scratched to bits. And yet when I walk through the door at the end of a weekend away or even at the end of a long day at work, there is no where in the world I’d rather be.
cathrobis last blog post: First Snow
December 1st, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I have to agree with you, to be honest. Especially when you say, “…something personal and special, a place that supports you, the invigorates, refreshes, inspires. If you like it, that?s what matters the most.” So, so exactly what I’m feeling about it right now. My only worry is that I’m decorating more for me in my home than I am for me and my husband. But he seems to agree with a lot of the ideas I have, so hopefully he’s not just going along with me, and he’s actually as comfortable as I am in our home!
I think its funny that you posted about looking in peoples’ windows. I don’t know what it is about doing that, but it makes me feel so connected and warm and comfortable inside when I can see into someone’s home. I only hope people get the same feeling when they catch a glimpse into our home!
I can’t wait to check out the links you provided! I’m new to the blogging about decor/design world, and finding new blogs and inspiration is such a treat!
Jennifers last blog post: Their favorite time of year…
December 1st, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Oh, I so absolutely agree with you on the picture-perfect-shiny-magazine-home thing. It’s hard for me to see so many lovely, perfectly curated homes without wanting that for myself. But then I think, “wow, the books look great organized by color like that, but I would never be able to find the specific book that I want” or “those open shelves look gorgeous, but what a pain to keep all that china dust free.” I can admire what others do in their own homes, but I need to balance form with my own personal need for function and affordability. However, what I actually find myself MOST jealous of is the fantastic architectural detail of certain homes. I think it’s easier to decorate when you have great bones to work with. Everything looks good with beautiful hardwoods, thick moulding, etc., right? It’s like the decorating world’s version of the perfect little black dress.
P.S. I also love to take night walks and catch those glimpses of interior coziness. It’s one of my favorite things to do after a batch of fresh snow has fallen - the external ambient light from the snow mixing with the lights from homes - amazing.
Dianes last blog post: A thankful week
December 1st, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I am a newbie to your blog and just love it! I’m a graduate student in Boston and absolutely love walking at nighttime during this time of year. The brownstones are lit up and you get to share a little bit of each person’s festive decor.
I love the sign from the living room of Alex the Girl from Girl at Play. It says, “it’s beautiful here.” Just perfect.
Thank you for creating such a wonderful blog community :).
December 1st, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Jennifer- As a guy, I would say that your husband is happy, if you are happy. I doubt he is coveting the pages seen in a house magazine. It’s why we wear clothes that are 20 years old. We go with comfortable over fashionable.
I don’t read lots of the design magazines, but I will occassionally pick up one at the bookstore. I think the last issue I picked up of Domino magazine, there was one article about redoing an apartment for a college student.
And it looked great. But it wasn’t college apartment reality, in my opinion. The dining table shown in the photo cost several thousand dollars. Thousands. I suppose a few people might could have spent that on 1 table, but not the average college student.
I often find myself browsing flickr. Usually pet photos though.
Andy Mathiss last blog post: Bridget in Da’ House. And my giveaway is back.
December 1st, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I agree with much of what you said about how real spaces should express the occupant’s personality. I would say too - that quite a few of the trends or looks I see in blogs seem repetitive to me. I see too many owls plates, moose sculptures, charming pillows and modern furniture. I do like these things and often love these spaces but I sometimes long for a little bad taste, carelessness and little less fuss. Many times I often think do men live there are all?
December 1st, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I have always loved sneaking peeks into other people’s homes as well. I always leave the curtains in my living room mostly open so that others can see into my space…I figure it’s only fair.
One of my favorite parts about my job (I work as a dog walker and pet sitter) is that I get to go into other people’s homes and see all the different styles that people have. Some of my clients have really lovely homes, and I have been able to see all different kinds of places that I never would have seen otherwise. From condo’s in the new Ritz Carleton, to South End brownstones, to loft spaces in Chinatown, to huge single family Victorians in JP, I’ve seen it all. One brownstone in the Back Bay even had a personal art gallery on the entire top floor, the owner had given us to okay to go up and check it out, and it was really cool…some beautiful pieces and even a full suit of armor on display! Some places down by the waterfront have amazing views of the harbor. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to see the inside of so many different kinds of places!
December 1st, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Wow. This post really could not have come at a better time for me. In the past year, I’ve experienced this horrible sense of urgency to have everything picture perfect in my life, coupled with a terrible feeling of not meeting my expectations. I thought when I moved into my own place, I’d have the most adorable, magazine worthy apartment. When I find decor inspiration, it’s immediately met with a feeling of envy. I hate it! My apartment may be coming along slower than I anticipated, but it’s my HOME, and it’s filled with love, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
December 1st, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Hi-hi, just a while ago I was thinking of this, how much I like to look into others’ homes through their windows. And each time I feel as a kid, trying to catch as much as I can, but not getting caught . When we came to Germany, I was very surprised that people are not pulling the curtains when the night is coming, as often as where I come from.
About decorating, being a novice, I just think that we shouldn’t follow so many rules and instructions on how to decorate better. For example, if we choose one color, then there are only certain colors that go well with the first one. We should be free to pick everything we like and feel that makes us happy. And the same about furniture and decor-elements: if we like very much something, we should find a place in our homes for it and definitely we will create a personal and a real space.
Very interesting post, Holly and can’t wait to ‘visit’ all the houses you described with those gorgeous pictures.
Vica (Flying Umbrellas)s last blog post: A gift idea - your personal book
December 1st, 2008 at 7:50 pm
First of all, I was delighted to see my bedroom in your insightful post! Thanks! And secondly… I totally agree with your opinion on decorating. It’s freeing to see how people put together things they love, and in turn create a unique space that’s lovely to live in. I love letting my interior decorating style evolve with my own personality. To me, creating a space/home environment is a process. Finding things at thrift stores that are looking for a loving home. Accumulating furniture/items that I love, changing things that just aren’t me, and letting go of some things that just won’t work no matter how hard I try.
So, I guess I would say that real spaces are ones that are ever evolving according to their inhabitants. Real spaces are never truly complete.
Mandis last blog post: Catch up time!!!
December 1st, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Thank you for this lovely post, Holly. I also have very warm memories of walking with my mom after dinner and enjoying the warm glow of people snug inside their homes. I do devour design mags, and while I love them for what they are, I sometimes do find myself feeling anxious — I can never have a house like that! I am trying to take these tough economic times as an opportunity to really take joy in the simple pleasures: fuzzy socks, a pretty bit of wrapping paper, a mug of hot tea; and just let the rest go.
Lauras last blog post: Top 5 TV Alternatives for Young Children
December 1st, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Such a great post! I think you are so right about the magazines. It’s so easy to forget that even if they were decorated by the homeowner, every bit of anything functional but not pretty, every bit of normal clutter has been hidden away for the photo shoot. I used to get so dissatisfied that we couldn’t live that way. Now I try to remember that our home, even though I try to make it pretty, has to be ready for everyday life, not a photo shoot.
I like looking at the homes in blogs and on flickr so much better…stylish yes, but you can also sometimes see where their cell phones are charging, a stack of books and magazines next to the bed, an overflowing basket of toys. When was the last time you saw a high chair in a magazine home? But you will see them on flickr. It’s so much truer to real life. Sometimes our expectations can take away our joy without our even realizing why.
Joyces last blog post: Let it snow, let it snow!
December 1st, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I love this post for its honesty. I find the internet, blogs and flickr to be so visually stimulating. I absolutely love peeking into other peoples homes through these internet pictures. But I seldom look in magazines any more just for the reasons you outlined and even the internet peaks, though they are less “stylized” in some cases, can be a little deadening to my own particular sensibility and imagination. It’s a fine line, I suppose.
However, I always tell my family and friends that there should be some sort of nationall holiday where everyone opens up their home for tours! And I had the same experience as a child of finding it magical to get tiny glimpses of other homes and lives from their windows. We used to drive back and forth from New Hampshire where we live to New York to visit family quite often and at night I would try my hardest to catch any kind of homey detail through the window like you did. Part of the thing that was so mind boggling to me was the awesome fact that there are so many people out there who are leading their own lives as full as my own of happiness and sadness who I will never know.
Lianes last blog post: pillow with oh so good plaid wool
December 1st, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I think a real space is one filled with things you love…at least that’s how I justify not having a magazine worthy home :)
Your real spaces are all lovely!
stacy dis last blog post: valentina design giveaway!
December 1st, 2008 at 9:44 pm
The first line of this post stopped me in my tracks. I didn’t realize other people enjoyed looking in windows as much as I do. It’s not about prying as much as it is about how others live and the beauty that surrounds them.
I just got home from a night time walk at the beach. Made me realize I had to reply!
December 1st, 2008 at 9:52 pm
What makes a home? Defines a space? I love these questions because I can’t really describe it in words…but I’ll try! It’s the details. It’s the tiny personal fingerprint we put on a place when we live there. You know it when you go back and visit a house or an apartment you lived in. It’s the familiarity and the memories that live in those walls. That is part of the reason i started my home portraits…because to me they’re just like people. They have grumpy faces, and happy faces, and crooked doorways, and little nuances that only the people who stay long enough to get to know them are aware of. Homes are like people, which is why there is another level of sadness to the housing market in the US. Many go abandoned and discarded, and the memories start to seep into the plaster never to be heard from again.
December 1st, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I am not sure how I ’stumbled’ upon your blog…but, LOVE it! Still to this day, I “peek” into people’s homes, especially at night. Wondering…who they are, what they do, and how “cozy” from the dark of night their homes look. I live on a beautiful golf course and have always refused to have curtains…so, that not only I can see out, but…if other’s that walk by want to take a “peek”; they can!
Would love to feature your blog on my “Inspiring Women” blog at
http://artfullyinspired.blogspot.com
Keep up the great work! xo…deb (junkin’ yaya)
December 1st, 2008 at 10:19 pm
It’s funny because I’ve found that the best thing that seems to work for me lately in getting a real house I love, is getting rid of all the things I don’t love. I definitely have enough of both, but since I started getting rid of things I’ve always been on the fence about (6 carloads and counting), the leftovers are my favorite treasures. How can I not love that?
Anns last blog post: Happy December!!!
December 1st, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Where in Germany are you living?
December 1st, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Wow talk about inspiring! I’m really diggin’ the LOVE headboard. How cute is that?!
Jennifers last blog post: DECEMBER GIVE-AWAY!
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:00 am
I am humbled to have been included alongside such beautiful spaces. Your post is extremely encouraging, and honest.
Take good care!
nicoles last blog post:
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:27 am
Thanks for posting this, Holly. It’s so, so easy for me to fall into a dangerous rabbit hole when I start looking at beautiful homes in the glossy mags. This is a good reminder that our spaces are our own, and it doesn’t matter if they don’t look like the pros. In fact, it’s better.
The best part about not having a “show home” is that I can constantly change it. Since nothing goes perfectly together, I can add or subtract items on a whim to change up a room. In fact, I just added a small rug to my living room which I thought would really clash, but it adds a bit of much-needed life and I’m glad for it.
Rachels last blog post: Branching Out
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:34 am
Oh I see agree. I have been flicking through a lifestyle supplement recently - they had a table lamp in there for about 1000?, kitchens with price on request tags, honestly. Even worse this stuff wasn’t even that pretty!
I have been decluttering a lot over the last 2 years and I think I (finally!) get the concept of having things that I truly love (no matter how expensive or cheap they are). So I would have to agree with Ann above. Do I love it and do I use it I think are the most important questions.
Spaces evolve as we evolve, I do think it is important to keep that in mind and try to steer away from perfection because that will only make us miserable. No matter how much I’d adore a white sofa, it might not the most practical thing with 2 cats and a dog :)
Oh and I so love to peer into people’s home I love to do that when traveling and visiting a new city. When I was in London a friend and I walked from Notting Hill all the way to Portabello market - oh the things we saw :)
December 2nd, 2008 at 4:53 am
this remembers me so much when I spent lots of time from the mid to the late 90s in London….after Dinner I walked for myself through the dark streets (not afraid about anything….) and take a sneak peak into the windows…I will never forget the bright pink high gloss kitchen with black and white tiles on the wall….jade green walls and white sofas….
I was very impressed about the simple and airy looking lifestyle in London… at this time in Germany when huge cabinets in the living room, crazy looking sofas in crazy colours (I call them “wischiwaschi” Sofas because probably you only like the colours if you are drunken….) and yellow wallpaint where very popular in a way I never liked it.
I love to watch all the magazines…collecting magazines since one of the first Issues of the German Elle decoration…but never felt sad that my home doesn?t look like in a magazine….want to write a little bit more about this but have to go downstairs and open my studio….will be back tonight ;-)
Petra :-)s last blog post: western sahara fabric :-)
December 2nd, 2008 at 4:55 am
These are so lovely! Thank you for including a picture of our home, what a surprise! :) This is why I love Flickr - it’s full of beatiful images of real homes and the life in them. As much as I love interior decoration images I also love images of breakfasts and just bought fresh flowers and the bed not made after sleeping, etc. It’s really the beauty of everyday life :)
Katjas last blog post: Thank You!
December 2nd, 2008 at 6:16 am
I’m so glad to discover posts like this one and to find out I have so many in common with you and the other readers. Being an architect, I had an interest in design (in all its forms) as long as I can remember myself.
Although I love to browse the decoration/design magazines I can’t help to feel a bit dissapointed at my own space afterwards, when I know I shouldn’t!
This year, I discovered blogs like yours and in them spaces I can relate better to than those in the glamourous magazines. As a result I feel a lot better about my home and all its imperfections, I’m proud for some little corners at least! :)
In the course of this year I plan to buy an appartment, the first one I’ll really own and decorate it myself one step at a time. You make it look easy, with your appartment in Germany and all! I’m even thinking of starting a blog about it, and all the things that inspire me.
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:36 am
I find it so interesting that you wrote this post, as I am working on a post at my own blog with a similar theme. I am finding that these tough financial times are some how allowing me to feel better (who knew) about being the creative person that I am. (more about that at Studio g sometime later this week). To your point though, funnily enough, I think that times like these make people become more resourceful (of course they do)…but I think that there is an aspirational tendency that people have in good times that will make them hold out for the three thousand dollar coffee table, because times are good and they might just get there….but the reality of now, I think, forces people to be realistic, resourceful and if they want a comfortable home, more creative in a way that allows them to be more themselves. I am not sure I am making sense…this is a hard point to make. But suffice to say, as a creative person, I have moved through the doom a gloom of recession and am beginning to celebrate it for the flourish or creative ingenuity that I think comes with it.
rochelles last blog post: Christmas lights
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:36 am
Actually, haust and posidriv is the same person (blogger):)
December 2nd, 2008 at 8:23 am
thanks for including my kitchen!
you have a really good taste!! ;)
p.s. a can you please correct our name ZAI Couple (not ZIA couple)
thanks again :)
ZAIs last blog post: Pipark?kas?
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:21 am
I completely agree sweet Holly! If you like it, that is what matters most….the love and warmth you put in will make the space special and welcoming. Happy and inspiring. What a lovely post and beautiful spaces! Thank you, as always!
xo
Melis
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:30 am
I work in an interior design firm and they do exactly what you are talking about. Create spaces that are beautiful and glossy and completely dull in its “innovation” and “uniqueness”. Of all the years that I have worked here I have felt that I work on projects that are reaching for unattainable perfection. That we are striving for THAT look or to impress THIS type of person. Its not my house I am designing for clients, but theirs, and sometimes that gets lost in it all.
I was so delighted to find this post today, because I thought that I was the only one that felt this way about design. Spaces are meant to be lived in and loved. I have always felt that good design is in the eye of the beholder, and in my case the beholder is the client. I am especially happy to read your post today, because yesterday I got laid off, and I couldn’t be happier. I have the wide world out there to design and create and be wonderful. This is the perfect blog post for me to get started.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:53 am
I’d like to take my mom’s approach on this matter. She always used to say that a real home has no chair or pillow you can’t use - no piece of furniture that is just for decoration.
In my mind I live in a huge estate with large gardens and comfortable furnishings - and a HUGE kitchen. In reality, I live in a medium-small apartment with a tiny 1-person balcony. I have learned that the best way to make a “house” into a home is to fill it with personal touches. My favorite is art that I create myself. And, very very functional furniture - like couches that turn into beds, side tables that double as laptop tables, shelves that double as dividers, a sewing machine that doubles as a side table, and a newly acquired “piece” that my husband put together: an old ’50s radio cabinet that houses all our computers (keep the cable clutter and ugly plastic out of site!), mini bar, remote controls, and an old radio.
I know what you mean about magazines making us feel like our spaces are not up to par with the rest, but after a good Ebay, thrift store, or flea market find, I always feel better than any “perfect” room can make you feel.
On another note. My uncle is an interior designer (Brito Interiors), and he changes the look of his apartment about twice a year. That means EVERYTHING is switched out. He told me that most of his furniture is rented so that he can do this with really nice pieces that would be too expensive to own - or too much trouble to resell when you remodel every 6 months. It was always fun to see what new things he had when I was growing up. And, even though I could (currently) never afford the kind of furnishings of his home, as you mentioned earlier, this was a great “model” with great ideas that inspired me.
Nicole from : For the Love of Foods last blog post: My *new* Kitchen - A Tour
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:07 am
You are so right about this! I do have a tendency to look through magazines and envy unattainable houses. But then I visited someone once and their house was beautiful but real. They had a mixture of hand-me-downs and IKEA furniture as well as bits that they picked up on their travels… it taught me that ‘lived-in’ real homes are so much more comfortable than some magazine style homes. I think a REAL space is one that has character and history. Character normally comes from the mixing and matching of furniture and ornaments - you can tell when people have pieces that they really LOVE in their homes, even if they were cheap. And history just happens, but it can be re-told through photos, furniture and ornaments. I stopped shopping for ornaments that match my home, and only looked for things I really liked - whether they match or not. Picking things up on travels and holidays are great ways to add history and character to a space. Photos and paintings make a big difference too - they fill the space with energy. But most importantly, a beautiful space is normally a well loved space - if you love your home, you’ll take care of it and fill it with things that help you and make you smile.
x
Laundrybasketcases last blog post: Pests in the home: Moths
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:15 am
Great post! First time responding to one of your post though. I’m usually taken by all the lovely inspirational pictures and places you blog about. I myself am one of those that simply can’t afford many beautiful pieces of furniture I fall in love in with. However, I use what I have and like you mentioned feel my place offers me and my family a sense of calmness and tranquility. Others may not feel this way but it’s my home and it’s comfy and living in an apartment I think I’ve learned you have to be a lil practical when decorating a small place. The rooms you shared are all beautiful, as usual, so thanks again for bringing tons of inspiration and beauty into my world.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:24 am
I live in Brookline and one of my favorite things to do is walk around Brookline and Back Bay to try and get a peek inside the windows.
I completely agree with what you’ve said about professional styling. I always take comfort in the fact that you never see anyone’s comfy slippers or magazines. Those of two things I can’t live without and I can’t resign myself to keep everything in closed cabinets to have an ideal space.
I find your style so inspiring. Granted, it is almost nothing like my style, but it is so authentic and fresh that I always feel reinvigorated to reapproach my rooms after viewing yours. Thank you!
Rachel Anns last blog post:
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:37 am
I know what you mean about some blogs appearing ‘unique’ when actually their look is more of a blog trend. I think though that many times even though they maybe blogland close, geographically they are actually miles apart.So in their own real life they will be unique.Does that make sense?
I use Flickr and blogs to find ways to display the things I love.Very often just one piece leaps out and I know it will work for me too.
I have moments throughout the week where one room or enough might be magazine shoot worthy but not for long.After all we have to live here!
Love your blog by the way and never miss it even if I don’t comment.Thanks.x
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:41 am
What a lovely post. I thought I was slightly strange for loving to see inside people’s houses when I walk my dog, especially when I move to a new place. I’ve just bought my first condo and it’s mine and I can do ANYTHING I WANT…and I’m totally paralyzed. I actually said to my mom the other day that I want my home to look like it could be in a magazine.
But when I say that, I think exactly of the kinds of pictures you posted above. Those are things within reach - small, simple touches that make a place homey, lived in, comfortable, inviting, but still have a bit of flair without being ostentatious and without the danger of Robin Leach busting through and telling you how much the chandelier costs. So maybe not a magazine, just something that makes me feel inspired, yet comfortable, and incorporates all of these amazing things I see on your blog and other design within reach blogs.
I’m not sure how I’ll get there, but I will. This post is actually really helpful, and I adore your blog. And your commenters too - it’s so nice to see awesome, creative yet nice people sharing ideas and thoughts.
Carries last blog post: Start Spreading the News - NYC Bound Needs Your Help!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:56 am
I feel that when I look at design magazines while I might like an element or two in a room or a house, the whole thing looks too deliberately put together. My favorite spaces are those that evolve organically, over time, with objects that evoke a memory or hold a significance. I love this entry that you put together because it shows real spaces made by real people, not “styled”. I suppose it’s also why I wouldn’t think of hiring an interior designer - I have never seen a space that has been “put” together quickly, that feels cozy and homey. The pictures you posted are precisely the kind of space that I want to create at home - and they are beautiful and warm and real. Thanks for sharing these pictures and thoughts with us.
radishs last blog post: potato latkes
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:09 pm
First off to Morgan May: best of luck in this new phase of your life. Take Holly’s post as a beacon of light for the possibility of the future, rather than the disappointment of yesterday (I really didn’t mean for that to sound quite so lofty. It’s from the heart)
I LOVE looking in people’s homes. I rent a duplex on the edge of a fabulous neighborhood in Oklahoma. And by fabulous, I mean houses that ARE in magazines occasionally (yes, even Oklahoma homes can make it to big time glossies). It can be a little overwhelming to be so near so much wealth. But what I realized is that it isn’t all the houses that make me drool, it’s the ones with a sense of history. I’m not so much into the brand new or majorly remodeled homes. It’s the ones which have housed generations (and since Oklahoma isn’t too old, those houses are few and far between). I am intrigued by the history, but it is the aesthetics of the older homes too. I am a sucker for Tudor style homes of the twenties surrounded by big trees.
It’s funny because my geography physically separates me from “blogger style.” Very few homes in OK look like the saturated blogger style. Sometimes I get confused because what I see online can start to feel common, when around here it’s so uncommon. In a lot of ways, that’s nice, because as a member of the online design community, I have a fresh perspective from people in my city. I’m really hoping that being part of the blogger community can help my business by informing my “fresh” sense of style.
But back to the topic at hand! (Apologies for today’s long winded-ness) I think homes HAVE to have a sense of history, where you’ve been, how you and your family have grown, the people you are. I also think that architecturally there should be a sense of history. Updates are really important, but doing them while maintaining a sense of the houses original style is crucial too. It’s a delicate balance.
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Holly, I absolutley adore your blog. I really appreciate the meaningful posts.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Since I found out flickr I became somewhat adicted to it:P
Houses seem to be loved like their owners treated them with respect and care… They made the effort and I believe some of us don’t:/
December 2nd, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Wow Holly, another thought provoking post. That’s what I love about your blog… it’s not all about the surface, you go deeper.
I am another one who loves looking in other people’s houses at night. I lived in London for a year in the ’90’s and one of my many favourite things to do was walk around Chelsea in the evenings getting a glimpse of the life and style of others.
My aim when looking through interiors magazines is to be inspired… to take ideas and themes and put my own stamp on them. I really don’t believe in slavishly following interiors trends because it means your space isn’t a reflection of you. I’m big on not having clutter in our home, so each piece of furniture or homewares has to be ‘right’ for me. I really think that’s the key to a successful interior.
lisas last blog post: Beautiful, environmentally sound, innovative design
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
I love this post! Well, I like a lot of your posts but this one just says what I always try to keep in mind. It doesnt always work for me though and I often think something looks great in a magazine and want to duplicate it… but it doesn’t work that way and mostly I think you should buy EVERYTHING you see in that picture to really get the same look/feeling to the room you want. But its simply impossible to buy everything, not only for the financiel part but also for some personal items that are added to the room(s) in the magazine which you cant buy or remake.
I really try to be faithfull to my own taste and only try to buy things that I really,really want. For example the copper kettle (from Le Souk) I only bought it after a few months had past since I first saw it at the Style-Files. This way I know for sure (most of the time) that I’ll like it after a few years also and that it completes the rest of my room and will not be shut away in a closed cabinet.
I don’t visit flickr that often but I do visit Picasa (from google) where a group of Dutch women have posted their homes. I love to watch it their are some very creative women on their too and some homes on their are really stunning. http://www.picasa.pimpstart.nl/ through this link you can visit their homes and take a look in some dutch homes :) i’m certain not all are your style but I hope you can take some of their joy they have had with placing their homes proudly on their picasa-site.
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Thanks for including the photos from my home, I’m flattered! :) And as Solveig says in her comment, Posidriv and Haust is the same person; me. ;) I’ve just changed my nick and moved from one flickr-account to another.
I love your blogs, by the way, and I think you have the most beautiful and inspiring homes, both in Germany and in the USA!
Have a nice day!
Hausts last blog post:
December 2nd, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I love the dark kitchen table with the different white chairs around it!!! I love non-matching furniture!
Christinas last blog post: Christian Lacroix Fall 09 Couture
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:12 am
I couldn’t get enough of Moline’s house! Wow! Love the style! So simple and clean yet she has nicknacks. Thanks for sharing with us!
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
My Mother had a beautiful gold charm bracelet that I could be caught playing with in her jewelry box all the time. When I became of proper age for my own sterling charm bracelet I was tickled. Slowly over the years I’ve added to that bracelet. It has on it tiny little symbols of my life’s accomplishments, dreams, vacations, and more. Each little symbol on its’ own is dainty, but together on my wrist, they make a wonderful chingly noise and become a constant reminder of my past present and future. I say this because it is a wonderful anaolgy of my home. I have collected so many items for my home that represent accomplishments, dreams, vacations, family, and more. Each little piece on it’s own is charming, but together, the pieces of my house make it a home. All the nooks and crannies represent our past, present and future. From the markings of the children’s height on the door, to the recently rearranged furniture, each component of our home makes it sincerely a place to come home to and feel loved.
Jenni Hornes last blog post: Some Mini’s and a New Color in the Palette
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:33 pm
i especially agree with julie’s comment about how a space is defined by familiarity and memories. i once visited an apartment we had in seattle. we painted the open shelves in the tiny kitchen (so tiny that only one person could be in there at a time) an apple green. the quirky color scheme extended to the room off the kitchen, whose ceiling we painted gold and walls, blue. not something one would see in an interiors magazine, but we loved it all the same.
the sad thing is that when i was there for a weekend business trip a couple of years ago, i made a point to visit it. it’s a ground floor unit, so i was able to peer in the window…not that i’m in the habit of doing this! anyway, the garden i had planted outside the kitchen window was overgrown with ivy, and the apartment was vacant. it had all been painted white (must’ve taken several coats) and was bare. empty of things, but more than this…empty of emotion, love, and it brought a tear to my eye.
so i think that people, memories, & love are what define a space.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
When I lived in Ireland I used to go for long, meandering walks along the coast where the fanciest houses were. Of course the most grand of the houses were hidden away behind gates - but there were still plenty of Edwardian era ones with big windows for me to cheekily gaze at every Saturday on my walk.
I’ll never forget how one morning one of the houses had their long curtains thrown open and I could see a grand piano with a dozen empty wineglasses sitting on it. I imagined what a fantastic and elegant party it must have been the night before.
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December 4th, 2008 at 7:52 am
hey! normally, i just read your blog, save the pictures which inspire me, and go blog-hopping. but this post hit the nail. you have just voiced out my own thoughts. all those glossies are selling the perfect house decked up with their sponsor’s stuff. its cute, but it’s not us. we don’t have to be that. home is an extension of the people who live there and not a design idea of a pro. i think people should let their home be acc to their own taste, whether its in trend or not.
cheers!
the creatists last blog post: on my wall
December 5th, 2008 at 9:57 am
[...] about our home and blog! Thank you, AT!) Also, Holly at decor8 featured a photo of our home in her recent post about real spaces. It’s a very interesting read, so for those of you who haven’t read it, I really [...]
December 5th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Holly, your post is a much needed reminder.
Truthfully, my home is cozy, friendly, and fun but not very trendy or stylish. If I was single and living on my own, it would be relatively easy to decorate every minor detail. However, I am creating a home for my husband, daughter, and I. That means “perfect” is neither an option nor important to me. My space is more a reflection or how it is used, coupled with my favourite things.
Have you ever read “The Not So Big House Book”? It *completely” changed the way I viewed the purpose of my living space.
December 6th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I love Domino, but I can’t help but wonder “But where is their stuff?” when I look at the featured houses. I don’t necessarily mean clutter, which has such a strong connotation, but just the things one collects and accumulates over the course of life, the things that make a house interesting and unique–the little plate from Stockholm, the candlesticks from Ireland, or even just the old shelf from the neighborhood thrift store.
Just before reading this blog post, I was reading Domino’s article about its recent $20,000 living room makeover contest–in which the author kept stressing their fixed budget. I may never be in a place where 20k seems a tight budget for renewing a living room, but I’m not sure it would be as much fun, either.
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December 10th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Holly, You Said:
“I think that it’s obvious when you read certain magazines or even blogs, sometimes it’s as though everyone is decorating in somewhat the same way and professing to be unique and not “mainstream” yet they are all unique in exactly the same way, you know?”
I found myself chuckling. It reminded me how every waitress at the messenger bike bar has the EXACT same shade of maroonish-red hair, which I have dubbed “alternachick red.”
A good example: One blogger posts some Catherine Holm stuff. The next thing you know, EVERYONE has it, and I think, hmmm, my cousin grabbed all this Catherine Holm stuff from the 60s from her mother’s basement 15 years ago because she dug it, not b/c she saw it in a blog. Everything I see lately looks very “Brooklyn Modern” to me and thus makes me yawn, even though I like the look. It’s a lot like that design overload/oversaturation you spoke of quite awhile ago. I haven’t been keeping up on all my favorite design blogs lately due to travel, and it was a nice break, and I’m also glad to have TONS of posts to enjoy and catch up on.
Glad your blog troubles are cleared up - what a total nightmare! Hope you have a safe trip back!
becky
becky from hatchs last blog post: A Late Start to My Blogging Week..
January 10th, 2009 at 5:41 am
Hi Holly! just stumbled over this post! hugs to you for including me!
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January 29th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Dear Holly,
thank you so much for including the picture from our living room. I´m so delighted.
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