My personal favorites revolve around Romantic French Country and Villa Cottage Garden with Shabby to Chic throughout. This year I have added lots of white or cottage cream and love it. I have lots of windows in my cottage, but the position of those windows do not bring in the light I would like throughout the day. Adding the white to my furniture and accents has brightened and brought a fresh lightness to my rooms. I actually started adding white in 2000 when my mother passed away and I redesigned her room she had in my home. All the furniture was painted white and I loved it. From there I have been adding white ever since. Although I still love color in the accents, the white has given me new inspiration and a fresh direction. Accents have become lighter and more neutral too
Here are a few favorite design books I love and take lots of inspiration from.
"French Country at Home" ~by Kathy Passero.
This book is just full of inspiration on every page. It reveals in great detail the colors that make up French Design, textures, styles and collectibles. Elements from floor to ceilings that make up a style that is comfortable and very homey.
Two more favorites are Cottage Style and Garden Style written by Mary Wynn Ryan. These books also bring great inspiration for collectibles using vintage and color for indoors and out.
These publications have really influenced my redecorating over the years and I always see something new every time I turn the pages and dream.
And lastly, I have to share 3 more inspiring favorites I read all the time and dream away with new ideas.
Whether it be inside or out, and outside I have made lots of changes too, anywhere can be a space to decorate. The following pics are a journey through my cottage sharing display vignettes using collectibles, vintage treasures, and hand paintings. While these vignettes have changed and evolved over time since I added the cottage cream, I still find inspiration from these past photos. My guy and I love to surround our home with vintage books, vintage glassware, handmade treasures and always music. In the next weeks I will share the cottage cream changes with new pics and new inspiration that I have worked on this year.
I love to display my treasures in a way to inspire me everyday. Where does your inspiration come from?
Along the way, I learned something about myself too. I can't live without lace. I love it, and use it everywhere among my treasures. Vintage lace made by my grandmother is among my cherished favorites.
For me, the decorating journey continues, and more then likely, it does for you too. It has been fun to share my inspirations before the changes I have yet to share with you in my cottage home, garden and studio.
I hope all your decorating dreams, come true!
Blessings, Celestina Marie
