Our House : A few new pics

If you've been following along for long, you know that my living room goes through a transformation about 10-15 times per year. I put something in, take something out, take everything out, then put it all back in ... ultimately trying to "fix" what wasn't broken. All summer I battled that "fix it now" mentality - struggling with my own creativity and the extreme confines of the space. But, there's something about fall and the rich textures and colors of our collections that really sing in the house and my outlook always brightens just about the time the leaves begin to change.

Our house, built in 1924, isn't all that special architecturally. A sort of bastardized dutch colonial on the outside with a 4-square figure and clipped roof, and an awkward layout in just 1500 square feet inside is finished to feel a little like a traditional craftsman bungalow. French doors to different rooms, and a huge intruding fireplace in the space effectively make my living room dual purpose: LIVING ROOM, and HALLWAY. Still, with all of it's oddities I love this house. It fits like an old pair of leather driving mocs. So, I decorate it ... manically, and habitually.

Remember the foyer got a new "lift" about 5-months ago, when I changed the color from clay to a soft blue/grey that I just love. And now that I have my antique botanicals hung on the wall in the space, it feels perfectly welcoming and completely befitting to the rest of the space.

There's something so ancient about botanicals - even those that aren't "antique" that make them so interesting to look at.

The English secretary is recently dressed with my interpretation of the welcoming winds of fall. The last of my peaking hydrangeas, wicker, glass, and the flicker of candlelight. Do you remember those little copper lanterns (behind the hydrangeas)? I found them in a box in the basement - so I had to break them free of their cardboard domicile ... I think they're right at home!
And the full view. The ottoman was a gift from my friend Melisa. It was when I was in my cowhide rug kick. Now that I have one, I don't know that I've ever used it. This stool though is always tucked somewhere in the house: completely useful and beautiful - it's perfect for a quick seat or a small side table when needed.

Looking from the living room into the foyer.
And the new coffee table/ottoman vignette. Thankfully my friend Allison who some of you know as "Margaret" was kind enough to let me cut a few of her HUGE hydrangea blooms for my Asian pottery.
Remember that post I did on the kilim pillows and saddle bags? Well, I decided to use those saddle bags on the chairs. They're fun and colorful, textural and perfect for fall. Here's what they look like from the back.

And finally, one last look. The zebra is vintage, and probably about 70-80 years old. I love that the colors are more chocolate than black ... it works so well with the chairs and the woodwork.

So there you have it ... the latest changes around the house. More photos to come as I go through more and more rooms changing and editing making the most out of what we've got, and of course, hoping to inspire you along the way.

See you tomorrow for Vignette Fridays! Get your Vignette's ready!