For Those of Us Who Love Farmhouse and Beach

Hello!

I was looking at some pictures today of Katharine Hepburn's home in Fenwick,
Connecticut.  It is on the market for a mere 14.8 million dollars.  I'm guessing
there won't be many lookers at that price.  But from the pictures, the person with
a checkbook that big who buys it, they will have a beautiful, serene home.

An interesting history before we enjoy pictures:  her parents built it when she was
5 years old for $2400.  Quite a return for the initial investment, I'd say.  In 1938,
a hurricane that had not been predicted or warned about swept the family's home
into the river.  She was able to salvage a silver service set and 38 pieces of the
family's silver.

I hope you enjoy these pictures.  The house is beautiful and is the perfect
combination of farmhouse and beach.  With a little colonial, too.

The perfect way to say "Welcome"  to your guests!
 

I love the simplicity of the dining room.  And what a view to eat by.

There just are not any words for this kitchen.  It speaks for itself.   I do love that farmhouse sink, though.

I'm guessing the drawer pulls are original from 1938.  What do you think?

The master bedroom.  Blue striped chairs--love love love!  And a window seat!

I would never want to leave this room.

Again, no words.

This is a sitting room right off one of the other bedrooms.

This is the third floor--because everyone needs a third floor, right?

As a mom of many, this would be the perfect place to watch my kids run and play when they
were little.  And run and play with them :).

More beauty!

When the current owner redesigned and redecorated the house, they left the original fireplace
and hearth in place.  A good decision, I think.

I hope you enjoyed these  pictures.  Have a great weekend.  Our first official one of summer!

Hooray for the Red, White, and Blue; Poultry, and Something Pretty

Major blog fail.  So sorry it has been so long between posts. 

It's getting close to summer and I wanted to post some summer displays. 
Of course, you have to go with patriotic.  I also found some really fun linens
for country kitchens--chickens, of course.  And last, I added something bright
and pretty for your viewing pleasure. 

Enjoy.

 
Whether you just go with red, white, and blue or add patriotic items to the colors, you
have to enjoy summer decorating because it is fun and the colors are energizing.  The
frame over the mantle has burlap for the background behind the stars.

You can incorporate primitive American décor for your patriotic display.  The framed
print is the Pledge of Allegiance.

What says summer more than red geraniums?

Northwest Arkansas is poultry country.  So fun to use that décor for a country kitchen. 
You don't even have to have a country kitchen.  These ceramic roosters would be a
perfect fit in a traditional or even French country kitchen or breakfast nook.  The black
rooster on the table is a chalkboard.

Hens and chicks linens.  And checks.  Now how much fun is this?  And summery, too.

Neither patriotic nor poultry (well, the rooster up top is), these linens would brighten
up your kitchen. 

Have a great weekend.  And enjoy the outdoors.  Winter was just a little too long :).

Cottage Style

Hello and I hope your Tuesday is good!

We've looked at colonial decorating and farmhouse decorating and I thought
today we'd stroll through some cottage pictures.

I love cottage decorating but for me, it has it's limits.  If I was a younger lady
and unmarried I would have a lot of cottage décor.  Maybe even a little shabby
chic.  But for me, with a family who each has their own personal style, I just
use it in subtle ways:  flowers, maybe a mirror, cottage frames, etc.  You can
still have your cottage style without making everyone feel like they live in a
feminine boutique.  If you have girls, though, it is a great style to use in their
rooms, bathrooms, even clothing.

I found some really fun pictures of cottage décor to share with you.  Enjoy.

Soft palettes are totally feminine.  Nesting tables are so functional and fun.

So calming and relaxing.

 Miniatures seem to be popular collectibles for cottage decorators.

  In this miniature room, I loved the fabrics and wallpaper.  Vintage cottage.

Don't you feel like you are in an English countryside cottage in the picture above?

 

 

 

So pretty!

This green is so beautiful in this bedroom.  I understand why decorators consider green
a neutral.  You can use so many colors with it.

Beach cottage.

One thing I love about younger designers is their ability to blend modern with other styles.

If you can have a modern cottage, here it is.  So fun!!

  I would like to do a post using pictures of rooms of my readers.  If you would be willing
to share your favorite room on here, please email me a picture and if we have several pictures
to show, we'll do a post.  Send them to theclaypool7@yahoo.com

Farmhouse Decorating

Farmhouse Décor--one of my favorites!

Whether or not you like farmhouse decorating, you surely have to appreciate
its simplicity, its freshness, its ability to decorate on the cheap, and the feeling
of a simpler time and era.  We can almost feel the breeze fluttering through
starched white curtains, and hear the low buzz of a fan.  Or hear the slamming
of a screen door as someone comes in from the garden.  Here are some pictures
you might enjoy as your mind transports back in time.

Who doesn't love a wood screen door?

Love the blue in this picture and the one below.

That's what I'm talking about--a soft breeze and a buzzing fan.

 Cute way to use flour or grain sacks.

 A wooden box, some straw, eggs, a flower in a little glass jar=instant spring vignette.

 Every farmhouse needs a farmhouse sink. Or two.


And the pictures below are from Jennifer at Dear Lillie.  In my humble opinion, no one
can do farmhouse like her.

Hope you enjoyed these.  You can use almost anything to make your house your own.
Go get started!

Spring Florals and Roosters

Hello to another week! 

Tomorrow is April 1 and any other year, we would be seeing lots of buds, new
leaves on trees, and colors.  This year we seem to be running a little behind on
that.  I want to get outside and get some pictures of living things, but until then,
we'll just spread some spring cheer with silk florals.  The colors are pretty.

 This moss nest is nestled in some moss trays.  I love the bright colors in the nest.

 I love this bird house.  Placed around it is a garland of new spring leaves bursting out of a
branch.  And who doesn't love birds?

 Forsythia screams spring.  I have seen two bushes in town with their gorgeous yellow buds.
However, these branches are a close second to the real thing.

 And I loved, loved, loved this when I saw it.  Green bottles with sprays in a metal holder.

 These tulips in a moss and twig basket are unique and fun.


Now...turning to roosters...

I plan on using this rooster in a fun summer display with gorgeous, fun placemates and
red checked napkins.  Stay tuned!
Any of these things that you would like in your home, comment and I'll get back to you
with a price.  We can ship it to you or remember--delivery is free in NWA.  Even better,
come in to the store and see them for yourself.