A little blue and white... and gold.... and green....

Around the house

I was thinking the other day that I really haven't posted many pictures of the places I've lived. I've moved around several times since I started this blog, but, this past summer, I made my biggest move so far. I'm a Southerner, born and raised, and had never truly lived outside of Alabama. Well, I fell in love and followed my heart.... and ended up in Detroit, Michigan.

Antique pier table and dictionary, urn lamp from an estate sale

I'm not gonna lie; it's been a bit of a culture shock. But one thing I love about moving is getting to settle in and nest in a new place. I love the design challenges that a new space brings.

Living room wall with a large map of my home town - still working on sofa pillows

Yes, there were the challenges of combining two people's belongings. But we've got that pretty much sorted now (aka, my stuff wins) and now I'm getting to focus on the details and the palette.

Painting by my Dad, driftwood found at my great-Grandad's lake

Chaise from the house where I grew up

Can you guess what colors I'm favoring these days?

Vases from my aunt, bottles I collected in high school, my ridiculous shelter magazine hoard

I usually tend to have about ten colors to a room, but I'm trying to reign that in a bit to make a more calm atmosphere. I will always tend towards a "more is more" way of decorating, but I try to keep things looking pretty classic and a thread of blue and white throughout a house is one great way to do that.

Bedroom gallery wall - yes, I need two dressers

Can you tell I love collecting? I love this wall in our bedroom because each piece represents a memory or someone I love.... the photograph of Alys Beach at sunset by my very talented sister, a miniature oil painting that my Mom bought me when we were at an auction together, another painting by my Dad, mementos from my travels. That, to me, is what home is all about: representing you and the life you've lived and the ones you love.