Monday, August 31, 2009

What style do YOU love?

As I've been straightening and cleaning our home after the big move this past weekend, I've thought a lot about style. Decorating style. And how I don't really have one ~
well, not one in particular.....
I mean, I love French Country but no, that's not it ~




I've always loved Shabby Chic even before it was shabby or chic.....
it really is timeless, don't you think?



I love primitive style too. The age, the timelessness of it.....
but that's not really my "style" either.





What about cottage style? Now we're getting warmer.....but I can't say that it's definitely my decorating style either as I love very elegant and fancy things too ~



I finally came to a conclusion about what style I really love and
what describes our home best.....
I'll call it "Gathered Style"!
Because that's what our home is, a gathering of items that don't really match, the wood finishes are different, some items are painted and some not. Some things are elegant, some are very rustic and primitive but each item is gathered because it made us smile.
So it comes home with us and is worked into the puzzle we call home....
filled with the people and things we love.

Wishing you a wonderful Monday my sweet friends,
hugs and love,
Dawn


48 comments:

Nadine said...

Oh, I like that "Gathered Style", sounds like a wonderful decorating style to me!
My house has always had a little of this and a little of that, so I guess this would fit for me too!

Blessings!
~Nadine

Rose Garden Romantic said...

I call myself a decorating schizophrenic. I love so many styles, but my favorites are shabby chic and cottage!!
Michelle

Shopgirl said...

My house is a cottage farm house. I love the cottage look, but I am one of those that if I like it, it's good for me. I love shappy too. I used to collect so many things, but not so much now. I have given things away to my daughter, no place for it.
Love the pictures, Hugs Mary
I am going on a treasure hunt Tuesday...come take a peek.

Barbara Jean said...

Isn't it great that now we can decorate with all we love, and it does not have to stick to a certain style?
there is so much freedom to be us.

blessings
barbara jean

Dorthe said...

Oh Dawn, you express it so right,: a gathered style,--thats the same here,in our home, --old farmer`s furnitures,-painted,and not,christal lamps, and,and,and.......and I love it,-could not live in a "one style" house.
Wishing you a wonderfull monday sweet friend.

Love and hugs ~Dorthe

Lori said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lori said...

"gathered" style...i love it Dawn...you have described it perfectly...that is what i have going on also...i like too many things...and it is obvious as you look around my house...i have all sorts of different things that only have in common the fact that i love them...


i am only half awake...my first comment was an oops...

The Rustic Victorian said...

Gathered Style,,,,sounds like a book title... or The title of an article for WWC..!!!! Perfect!!!
It is just what birds do to make their nest so comfy. It's you Mamma Bird, you are a gather-er of people treasures too.
I love the bird print, and the filler is kewl for creating.
Isn't life a hoot!
Love ya!
Marcie

Ann said...

LOVE it.. that's what I would call my style. I love both primitive and shabby chic. It's a challenge but I make them work together.

Sally L. Smith said...

You've nailed it and coined a phrase at that. "Gathered Style" is exactly what I am, too:O) Thanks.

Sweet Old Vintage said...

Pretty post dawn...

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

Love that Dawn! I've also tried to figure out what my style is and I love all of the above. Just can't choose one so I choose them all. To some it may look like I'm confused but I really shouldn't care! Now it has a great name.

marie said...

"Gathered Style" is perfect for you! Maybe for me too! I've labeled my decorating style as "confused" like Dawn-Hydrangea Home and "schizophrenic" like Rose garden Romantic. "Gathered" is so much nicer!

Anonymous said...

Gathered is a great style...I think I am evolving from several styles...lol! So, "Gathered" is good!

Thinking of you this morning...in your quiet nest.

Hugs,
Lynn♥


~Let Freedom Ring!~

The Country Nest said...

Oh Dawn,
Everyone is so right, I used to say Engish farmhouse cottage for me, some more traditional pieces, some primitive, some shabby. I really did not know it is just a mix of things I love. Gathered is a great name for it. This was a nice post!
Hugs,
Donna

Marlene said...

Love all those themes of decorating. Now I'm adding Gathered. It fits me to a "T". Really love your blog Dawn. First one I read in the morning. Keep up the good work.

Willnnabel said...

Dawn I know what you mean. I adore Victorian. They were true eclectics and dabbled in many styles. I cannot afford to be as ornate. I have found that as I grow a bit older I prefer less although I don't think I will ever get tired of all the richness of that period. Perhaps it is because I am in the north and I love the warmth of it.
Each spring I put things away and lighten up, then in the fall bring out the velvet throws, and pillows. I love what you have shared on your blog with your home. I have always thought of you as Cottage Chic. Somewhere between the two (Shabby, and Cottage).
I wish I had your knack for the neutral palette. It doesn't relly matter eventually it is "your" style that shimes through. For the record, I love it!

Sheila Rumney said...

I too love many different styles... primitive, shabby chic and victorian. I have for years tried to fit myselft ito one, but I just love that now I fit it to all of them... The Gathered Style... Thanks for putting a lovely name to it that brings back so many memories of gathering all those lovelies that I surround myself with.

MJ Ornaments said...

What a very clever post Dawn, and I love shabby chic, but my house is more of a gathered style too.
Take care,
Martha

Sea Witch said...

I have always described my taste as early French & Indian War meets Smithsonian Institution I love American 18th Century, a touch of coastal and art. Kind of a clash of cultures but it seems to work for me. Sea Witch

vikki said...

HI SWEETIE~ WOW! GATHERED STYLE... LOVE IT. SOUNDS LIKE ANOTHER ARTICLE/PROJECT FOR YOU, ALSO! GATHERED STYLE FITS SOO MANY OF US WHO LIKE IT ALL! YOUR FEATHERED NEST/GATHERED STYLE IS ALWAYS SOO WARM & COZY! KEEP MAKING US SMILE, M'DEAR FRIEND! WITH LOVE & MANY HUGS & BLESSINGS ~ VIKKI ♥

Heidi said...

Seems like you have hit the nail on the head for many of us who love to "Gather"! Great post!
:)Heidi

Desires of the Heart said...

Good Morning Dawn, Yes definetly "Gathered" is a good description. From the time we have a "place" of our own, we go through life picking up bits and pieces to weave into the story of our lives. Things that have a "story" bring charm and mystery with them I think. Wondering how many people have sat in this neat old chair we might find at a garage sale. It is sobering to think about it all. Our homes house each of our families for a definite period of time and then they will eventually become part of someone else's story. The most important thing is what HAPPENS in the four walls that we call HOME. Those things can never be sold or transferred to anyone else. They are part of our "sanctuary", set apart just for us. I love having the freedom to create that sanctuary for my family whether the number is 2 or 7. It is where our "story begins" and "ends." and it is a Holy Place. I pray I will always be "grateful" for the dwelling that has been given to me. Have a blessed and homey day. Linda

Sandy said...

I am a gathered style kind of girl too! You should coin the phrase and publish us a wonderful decorating book on that style. I am sure it would be a huge success.

Deb said...

Oh I love that phrase ~ Gathered style ... my kind of style too!! ♥ Little bits and pieces we've collected over the years (like birds do to create their nests) :-)

Sweet Millie said...

Much like all the other comments, "Gathered Style," is a perfectly sweet name for it, you need to coin the phrase, you could be the next Rachel Ashwell. After 10 years and the addition of a shop, my husband used to think I was fickle when I changed around the furniture and had a rummage sale in order to get a little money to do it all over again, but now he realizes that is all a part of it (the creative madness). My current tweak is adding industrialish elements, I love the utilitarian feel and clean lines mixed with shabby and a touch of sparkle.
Keep the great inspiration flowin'
Erica

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

I like that name,Gathered Style...describes alot of us indeed,I know when people ask me what my style is I never know quite what to say, found style is usually my answer!! Great post,Chrissy

Anonymous said...

Everyone is right it's a wonderful name. I always say "it calls my name" or I get butterflies in my tummy when I "gather" that perfect thing for me. Love your blog, please keep "gathering" so you can share with all of us. Have a great week.RUE

Charmingdesigns said...

After reading all the comments I can see we are thrilled that you came up with the perfect name for the style of our homes. Have a wonderful week dear friend. Laurie

Andy's Attic said...

I have always called my style "eclectic" but I like "Gathered" much more. What a great reaction you got out of your readers with that simple phrase! I feel sad for people who go to a furniture store and let some "designer" decorate their home. To me it wouldn't be my comfortable HOME. Annette

Nancy in CA said...

"Gathered Style" the perfect way to describe our home. Thank you for giving it a name. Do I forsee a BOOK coming soon? Have a great week.
Nancy in So Cal

Bumpkin Hill said...

I have been having the same thoughts lately as we are re-decorating some of our home. I love cottage style, but again we bring our own loves together - gathered style is perfect :) hugs, Catherine x

Lee Weber said...

Very true Dawn!! As I contemplate moving, and decorating, I have been noticing that I like a conglomerate of styles- not just one. I'm with you- Gathering Style.

And PS- if we buy the 6 bedroom house, I can do each bedroom a different style!! LOL.

Karen Valentine said...

Yes!! You hit the nail on the head! Don't you just wish you could do a tour of all the wonderful homes with "gathered style" ? I have also always called my style "cottage' but gathered is perfect!

Karen
My Desert Cottage

Rebecca said...

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a wonderful comment.
Love your blog and all your creative treasures.
Blessings
Rebecca

Kim-Fille de Fleur said...

Gathered is such a great word to me because it is what I love to do, what we all love to do!

You find something and no matter if you have a spot for it or not it speaks to your heart and you must bring it into your nest. Sometimes it is small and is easy to carry and it tucks right in.... and other times you push, pull, lift, carry, tug, paint, restore, change, scour, sand, polish and move it from spot to spot till sigh, it fits in! I know God smiles at us as we make our nests comfortable and beautiful, He made us to love beauty!
Great post Dawn as usual, Kim

Elyse said...

hi dawn,

you know, gathered style sums it up very well. that's me, too. i like beach cottage and shabby and lately i have been seeing things that mix brights with pales, like cath kidston and PiP studio and i enjoy that, too.

gathered style. yep, that's me, too.

xo

kathy said...

Dear friend -- OH thank you for coming up with a gentler name (eclectic- arg! ) for what is my style -- thus my name - Countrychintz ( i had that name long before my blog -- a little rustic style -- with tradition , French and Bling - thrown in --( and a word I love from Teresa Mc Fayden --FOofala !! thrown in) --you know ,like a sweet vintage ribbon tied onto a basket handle -- or an antique calling card , a little worn -or antique letters tied together and placed on a silver tray. The style that makes you Gather things that speak to your heart and eyes -- and you buy whether .50 or $50 and love both the same -- and move around
place in several spots til just right --
Dawn -just as your wonderful creations tell a story -- so does your sweet HOME -- that reflects your Heart- one filled with "HIS " love --Blessings Kathy - ga ---

sweetpea said...

Oh Dawn, that is the best description I have heard yet of a style, and it is definitely mine too! I may borrow that term if I may. You are so witty and I love your header.

Hugs,
Shelley

BailiwickStudio said...

That's a perfect description! My house is full of gathered items too, all of them loved. ::Jill

Marilyn Miller said...

I love your "Gathered Style".

Suzann said...

Love Love Love this post.

Jann said...

Lovely post, Dawn!

paperbird said...

What a wonderful description- I am a gatherer. This was a great post!

Wildflowerhouse said...

Oh Dawn thank you! I have a friend who is so into "the right style". you go to her home and you don't dare sit or touch any thing. All lovely but so uncomfortable. She is always saying now what is your style....! I now have the answer. It's GATHERED. That truly is me and it is so comfortable. My friends are always at ease and enjoy themselves. Sharon

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Dawn, I think you've just coined a new style term and I think it's perfect. I would say that that would describe my style too. And what I love about it is that it's clear that a designer can't just produce this in a few days or a couple of weeks, and if they did, it wouldn't exactly be truly authentic "gathered style", now would it? :)

cottage_Charm52 said...

Dawn, that is the perfect name!! I thought there was something wrong with me, that I liked too many different styles. I was told that my house doesn't have a theme! But, now I realize it is my theme, of all of the things I love combined! My kitchen is country, living room is cottage, and dining room a little bit of country and victorian. I would love to see a book with all of the wonderful things you have mentioned.

Debbie

Charlene said...

Well, sooooooooo glad to see others have the same problem. And I thought it was because I suffer from being a Gemini & never know which twin is ruling at the moment. Heck, I can't even decide on A favorite color! I love so many colors, styles, textures....


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