Today I am absolutely thrilled to have Debra from Common Ground as my feature. She is such a talented lady and loved by everyone in blogland, so being able to Show Off and Brag about her a little is such a pleasure. Her home has inspired most of us in some way, either by her style or her diy projects. It is such a delight to have her share her Fall decor with us today. So settle in while this gracious and lovely lady takes us on a tour.
I was so thrilled when Marty asked me to be part of her “Show Off and Inspire” series, and so excited that she asked me to do it in October, since Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love to decorate with the seasons, and since we live in the lower Mid West, Southern Missouri is a place where we have some of the most beautiful Fall foliage around.
We bought our home a little over ten years ago, and at that time, as I think many of us were, I was very into color and deep earth tones. Since we’ve been here I’ve repainted almost every room, to bring in a lighter and brighter feel. Three years ago I decided that not only the walls, but furniture too, was going to become part of the lighter aesthetic, so I painted out over 20 pieces of furniture to finally get to where I am today. Using neutrals as the base and backdrop in furniture and wall color let’s me add in seasonal hues and texture, which to me is an important part of decor.
Our home is 31 years old, and is very traditional, with a little French flair. I’m big on letting the architecture and styling of the home be a guideline for the furnishings and decor. My first love is “vintage”, so I like a mix of old and new playing off each other, as I have a lot of sentimental family antiques and keepsakes.
I’ve always loved French Country and English Country, and by adding in vintage pieces, I feel that I’ve combined the essence of both throughout our home. I like to layer elements, like the old house shutters and the mirror hanging from them, below. Then using old prints and florals, I like to keep it always changing and different. I get bored easily with my decor, so I’m glad that I can rotate elements to make new vignettes and centerpieces seasonally.
One of the first things I wanted to change when we moved in was this monster chandelier, original to the house. It was almost 5 feet in diameter and bright shiny brass, which blinded you when you walked into the room, whether it was “on” or not. I spent one weekend 12 feet in the air on ladder as I painted it out while it was still hanging. What a difference that made in the feel of our living room!
Befores of the Living Room and the onset of my
furniture painting extravaganza!
When we first moved in we had purchased almost all new furniture, but I wasn’t happy with a “showroom” look. It took me several years to add my personality back in to the house. Using vintage prints and elements like my big vintage window box in the Dining Room, have helped do that. Adding the custom chair slips made a big difference in the feel I was going for. Relaxed and bright.
Befores of the Dining Room wall color from what I had painted when we first moved in. I still love the green and toile, but it made for a really dark Dining Room.
My sunporch is one place I love to play and it’s the place that changes the most here at the house. I can do “fun” and “Holiday” to my heart’s content! I have a lot of old quilts that are the basis for my seasonal color theme out here. There’s a change up at least once a month. This would be my “therapy” spot, because if I need a change, I just head to the sunporch.
Three years ago I also painted out the kitchen cabinets and changed the wall color. I think this was the most dramatic change in our home, and I know, the one that’s made me the happiest. I’ve done most of the diy work myself. I get an idea in my head and then it just has to be done. I don’t like waiting for or paying someone else to do what I can do myself. I have a supportive hubby, so he’s usually on board with my ideas.
Before pics of Harvest Gold paint and hardwood cabinetry.
Gosh, it was dark here, too!
I’m a collector by nature. Nothing that’s important or expensive, just odds and ends of little things, like ironstone, transferware, and my little sheep and lambs. (which always find their way into my decor) Since I started blogging 4 years ago, I’ve realized how much photography is an important part of my life, and how much I actually love sharing my home and life through the lens of a camera.
Life to me is best expressed in the details.
I enjoy the small things in life.
I’m blessed to live in an area with many shops and flea markets, and so many people that also have a love for vintage and a connection to the past. I really enjoy taking my readers along to the different shops, sales and markets we have in the area. I’ve become great friends with so many like minded people since I started buying and selling vintage goods as a business a little over 8 years ago. Recently, I shared photos from two of my favorite shops in the area.
Leola’s Vintage Home and Garden
I really enjoy styling and display, and miss having an antique space, so right now I just try to enjoy decorating all the nooks and crannies around here. One of my favorite seasonal areas to have fun with is my “Holiday Cupboard” in my downstairs sitting area. Here it is decked out for Fall last year.
Creating a warm and comfortable home has always been important to me. Whether it was taking my girls to pick out their pumpkins, baking a batch of Snickerdoodles, or just having a warm quilt to snuggle under, I enjoy the comforts of family and home. I hope you’ll come visit over at my place, Common Ground, where I have two weekly parties. Be Inspired focuses on vintage items and decor, and The Marketplace is a showcase for Etsy and Online Boutique listings.
Thank you so much, Marty, for inviting me over today, I really appreciate you sharing my blog with your readers!
Isn’t her home absolutely stunning. I drool over all of her gorgeous vignettes and photos, so much to see and be inspired by. If you don’t already follow along with all of her projects, then you need to rush over and click the follow button. You really don’t want to miss a thing. Thanks so much Debra for allowing me to Show You Off today.
Common Ground
I am linking to the following parties:
Imparting Grace for Grace at Home, My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Stuff and Nonsense for Friday’s Unfolded French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
The Thrifty Groove for Thrifty Things Friday, Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home , Chic On A Shoestring Decorating for Flaunt It Friday
Finding Fabulous for Frugalicious Friday, Jennifer Rizzo for Fabulously Creative Linky Party
Tatertots and Jello for Weekend Wrap Up Party Friday
Redoux Interiors Friday Party, A Stylish Interior for Stylish Friday Finds
Classy Clutter for Spotlight Saturday, Pieced Pastimes for Saturday Sparks Linky
It’s Overflowing for Overflowing with Creativity Sat.
Funky Junk Interiors for Party Junk Interiors
Let’s stay in touch, click below or follow with Google Friend Connect
