About this time each year, I clean out my shelves, closets and over loaded drawers.
I donate the items that have lost their usefulness (at least to me)
But books are sometimes the hardest to part with.
Book lovers would say that a good book never looses its value to the reader and I suppose that is true... but decor and lifestyle books are as bit different.
Like all book lovers, there are the old decorating classics that I can't seem to part with even though they seem outdated today.
But looking through these older books (I found a few from the 80's...yikes) gives me an opportunity to re-discover things I really like.
And what is really interesting is how my taste has come full circle... from when I was young and a new wife and mom and loved really modern contemporary design...
then fully immersed myself into folk art and antiques
and finally here I am today...
back to those more modern and spare rooms which are really appealing again
The blurry definition of what is a "country" look
is really at the center of my decorating style...and I suppose my dilemma.
I like to think today it is more about what is left "undone"
than what is clearly "overdone"
I have been a huge fan of Tricia Foley for many years and find her style to be so wonderfully pure and admire how effortlessly she masters the modern country vernacular
In her book: At Home With Wedgwood
She writes about about the history and design of this most beautiful and popular
pottery and china
and shows the reader the beauty
of the simple well set table
I love how the flowers are not in the center of the table
and the lantern is placed at the very end
The history of Wedgwood is actually really fascinating
and the variety of china amazing
Wedgwood is really beautiful!!!
and all of the settings photographed in this book seem so natural
The fork and knife on the napkin and the spoon on the far right...love that
what is more beautiful than this drab ware with the silver chargers!
Her style is somewhat Wabi Sabi in the true definition:
finding beauty in the most basic natural objects and perfection in the imperfect
everything is set a bit off kilter
but perfect none the less...
perfectly imperfect
She seems very comfortable styling photos that are both formal and rich in texture and layers but manages to find that balance of simplicity and natural beauty in
what are very detailed, formal objects like the Wedgwood lamp
I love this mix of antique with modern
and simplicity with formality...very Wabi Sabi
Much of her design work features utilitarian furniture and basic shapes
Tricia uses a very narrow color pallet too
A beautiful spare house in the country
the trim detail on the back wall
with the sliding doors is just enough...a bit un-done
A loft space in Soho
A penthouse in Atlanta
those chairs!!! and look at the collection of china!!!
and a romanic day bed...simple linen bedding with very formal furniture...
so pretty
you can find more about Tricia
Thanks for hanging in there on my
very much needed
blogging hiatus
I've been a busy girl...but we all are really busy right?!
Cheers dear friends.....xo
kelley