Sunday, May 16, 2010

Vintage Minimalist

Whew! I am pooped out. We have done a major yard overhaul in the last couple days which I am looking forward to sharing! I am determined to get our pond and waterfall up and running this year after neglecting it to focus on the rest of the house... so we are getting some new shrubs and various other plants to fill the unbelievable amount of over overgrown greenery that was ripped out in the next couple days and then you can see what we've been up to.

In the meantime I want to get all of my inspiration out so that I don't forget what I want to share (and remember)~

I've noticed recently in a lot of magazines and books that the focus is more on pops of color and pattern, as well as warm and homey interiors. They say that in the current economy we want to feel safe and welcomed in our homes, that our homes are our havens. I really like this thinking, but during our trip I discovered that I always have, and always will hold a soft spot in my heart for simple, uncluttered rooms.

It's not something I had thought about consciously before, but I have always had a tendancy to struggle with hanging art and accessorizing our home. Not because I am scared of making decisions, which I know is common, but because a huge part of me says DON'T DO IT! I never really thought about why, but I always thought the "right thing" to do was to place art on the walls and knick knacks on the tables.

But I think it is time to embrace the simplicity of living with less. And in a way I think it is perhaps an even more recession friendly mindset?

The beauty of minimalist decorating with vintage finds is that they take center stage and really feel special. The downside is that you really have to have a few key pieces that can stand alone. So pick and choose wisely!

This room might be on the far side of the spectrum, and a little "sterile" for some, but for those of us with kids you can imagine how much less stress a room like this would be!



This is just beautiful, but maybe a little "stuffy" for our place.


LOVE



This pretty much sums up my idea of perfection. I am no longer going to worry about filling walls, but instead worry about choosing key pieces that can stand alone.


I think I am starting to rethink these dark floors.... LOL



Isn't is amazing how something so simple as billowing white curtains can create the focal point of a room?
Windows windows and windows. I would love to let the view be my art!

Ahhhh, the simplicity of white just never ceases to amaze me!



The quintessential minimalist white image~

I am looking forward to embracing this less stressful approach to decorating, specifically in our living room/dining room where I have been humming and hawing over adding more art besides our driftwood logs.
And I am really excited to pick up some of my upholstered pieces from the upholsterer this week and see what develops with my new approach!
Toodles mon Ami~

17 comments:

Kristen said...

ooo, i looooove the room with the purple bed! i have similar thoughts about simplicity and trying to avoid over accessorizing. there is so much beauty in practiced restraint! the south is full of over-accessorizing, so i think that's why it's always on my brain.

Unknown said...

I really like white floors too, but I love the contrast of dark flooring against white furniture.


Suzy.

Loui♥ said...

Holly..
I'm certainly no "minimalist"..
however,like you..
I feel less is more.
I love clean uncluttered rooms..
art on the walls and only a few items on tabletops.
Plates are for the dining room...
either for food or for display on the walls there.
Bedrooms are for sleeping..
so I go for again the simple relaxed look..
no POPS of color..
just plain simple,restful understated colors.
I don't jump on the bandwagon for the latest fad of decorating as seen in Ballard Designs or Pottery Barn..
my home is a reflection of me..
warm,inviting and welcoming..
you'll see books everywhere..
I adore books!and photo albums..
am an avid photographer..
and photos of family,felines and flowers ..all prominently displayed in places of honor..
also those of delicious beachy times at home in Florida..
these are specifically to ward off the demons of long,cold dismal winters here in Denver.
you'll also see casual living with three felines..
and enjoy the feeling to help yourself to a cup of coffee or a tall glass of ice tea..
nothing formal..
even footstools to prop your feet and relax a spell.
so ..I'm in total agreement..
also love the dreamy whites..
they take me back to carefree childhood days of summer..
roaming the sugar white beach sands of home!
warmest hugs..
Loui♥

A Flair for Vintage Decor said...

Oh, love your vintage minimalist post!! I totally agree-- love white walls/background-- but I try not to "over-do" it with accessories!

Sadye said...

I think I might be a white convert now. I love how relaxing those rooms look.(and the white floors are so clean and nice!) also, (annoying of me I know,) but it's hemming and hawing. Although, I think humming and hawing makes more sense!

Betty Jo said...

I love this post and so glad to someone else writing about more with less. I'm in the process of packing for my next move, although it could me months away, and I've decided to do an experiment and see just how minimalist in decor I can live at the moment. Right now almost all my decorative pieces are packed, with nothing on any of my walls, and I have to admit, I'm loving it. I'm not aiming for austere in my next place, but definitely embracing more simplicity in decor and all aspects of my life.

Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife said...

I completely agree! I love the simplicity, form and function of an uncluttered room!

Seagrass Interiors said...

Holly,

I think white is comfy, and cozy, and homey! White never ceases to make a home feel fresh. It's funny to hear you say that accessorizing is your weakness - that's one of the reasons I love your blog! I love seeing how you accessorize all of your beautiful Whiteberry pieces.

Here's to more white!
Melissa

Seagrass Interiors said...

Holly,

I think white is comfy, and cozy, and homey! White never ceases to make a home feel fresh. It's funny to hear you say that accessorizing is your weakness - that's one of the reasons I love your blog! I love seeing how you accessorize all of your beautiful Whiteberry pieces.

Here's to more white!
Melissa

Unknown said...

Vintage MINIMALIST!! THAT's the term. I kept trying to think of one, and THAT's THE ONE!!

Unknown said...

Beautifully said Loui!!

Aww Melissa, you are so sweet! I actually really enjoy playing and accessorizing, and in other peoples homes I love how it looks. But for some reason here at home I am just always feeling a little forced. I think my brain is trying to tell me that I need to keep it simple (since things seem to be so crowded up in there)LOL.

Kelly | Fabulous K said...

I think you do an amazing job making a minimalist white room look inviting & comfortable...less is definitely more.

Christie said...

Yesterday, I read a post about living with simplicity. No extra "stuff".... The guy only owns 5 shirts etc.... I wondered what was I willing to give up in the name of simplicity ? After much consideration, I have decided to give up paperwork that my kids bring home from school. I don't need all the homework assignments, newsletters etc cluttering up my space ! : ) Can you live in a home like that and have kids ? Can you keep one room like that ? My all white room would be littered with orange foam darts from the nerf guns! ~ Christie

Veronica said...

Can you tell me where to find the couch in the last photo? Please?!

Veronica said...

Can you tell me where the couch is from on the last picture? please?!

Unknown said...

Veronica, it is from www.shabbychiccouture.com!

Heather Mattern said...

Oh I LOVE this post.. very encouraging and inspiring!

 
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