An Artful Room

On a recent visit to a friend’s home I was enamored with her spaces the moment I walked through the door!  Not that I haven’t been there before…but I guess I had forgotten the artful details and ingenious ideas she uses to display all the things that have so much meaning to her and her family!  Her home is layered with memories and representations of those who live there…almost everything in her home had a story–I love that!  I really wanted to share her living room with you today…I think what I love most is how she sees the beauty in ordinary items that are uncommonly celebrated…and yet when displayed in such a heartfelt way, they become as grand as a museum piece!  She truly is an artist…and I know this because I admire her sewn creations but also because I can see how she views uncommon treasures–revealing their beauty in seemingly effortless ways!  When I asked if I could come and take some photos for the blog I knew she would tidy up…I would too if someone were taking pictures!  But I’ve been to her home when it’s in a more “lived in” state…and believe me when I tell you that it still looks equally as lovely and artistically intriguing!  The take-away for me is to display what you love no matter what those things are…and you’ll succeed in creating inviting spaces that tell your story and the stories of those you love!  I hope you find as much inspiration as I did!

look into an artful room…

one step into this room and the eye is treated to surprises in every nook!  almost like a museum but with a soft, welcoming feel that just draws you in!  the daylight dancing around making each hour present a different feeling…from wanting to cozy up with a blanket & book to sunny, motivating brightness!  a peek around the corner and the room invites you in…

i love the array of her cherished items…

the print resting on the floor in the background above is simply taped to the top of existing framed artwork…brilliant!

simple berry branches tucked into a vessel sits beside platters, boxes, and figurines…

i’m in love with her graphic yet simple textiles!

each corner of the room is home to fascinating displays…you just can’t help but snoop around!

layers of prints, papers and goodies everywhere…i adore the calendar tabs & wood egg sitting atop the scale!

and simple tags and flashcards are shown off like artwork…

a stack of books tied with a ribbon is topped with more texture…

so much to see!

vintage tables (in this case a sewing machine) and chairs hold her cherished things…

more books & flashcards…can you tell she love papers!?

in the opposite corner is where you’d find me if i lived here…taking in the view!

i love her idea of using several chairs to display favorite things!

i could spend hours in here…

even her matches look adorable contained in this old tin…

beautiful treasure mixed with simple treasure…

one of my favorites…a tiny monopoly piece on top of metal boxes!  i love the history behind some of her things…how she found it, where it came from, or a child’s creation.  some don’t need to have a known past…just a trinket that caught her artful eye!

see the table in the background?  layered with more discoveries…

a wonderful combo of metal and wood tones!

a beautiful view…outside and in!

one of my favorite spots in this room is the window ledge!  even on an ordinary day you will find all her stuff tucked into wonderful containers…just so artfully organized!

a useful calendar sitting out like a coffee table book…i love it!

and single items in cloches and on platters…simply stunning!

more simple details are so grand–the print on this tin…

an iron star tucked into the windowsill…

and a fabric button on the edge of boxes…i don’t even have words!

as we were chatting about all her collections, she pulled out an old case from under her sofa–inside was a treasure trove of trinkets just waiting their turn…

i was instantly reminded of “The Borrowers”…a story that inspired many of my childhood fantasies!

 

who says art needs to be framed?

i just love the simplistic and imaginative way she displays her artwork!  here’s another favorite of mine…a map hung over her thermostat with wire & clips!

and a framed metal grate creatively displays more of her cherished paper goods…

i can’t imagine that there wasn’t something that could inspire you today!  a true treasure can be a piece of art or a simple button.  lessons we can all be reminded of…

inside an artful room!