Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Organic Rustic Pared-Down-Traditional Style


A s much as I strive to define my style, it keeps changing. A fickle beast, my taste.
But in truth, I've begun to notice something constant about my taste and it is this: I love *organic* style. I don't necessarily mean things made from organic cotton and sustainable wood (though I do like those too!). What I mean is a rustic sort of "au natural", simple, found-object kind of style. A style I don't really have words for!
I love references to the sea, pale colours, whites and blues and greens, and beachside objects like found sea stars and weathered woods.

I love rough wood, natural fibres like linen and cottons, hand weaving, hand made pottery. I like tables and objets made from salvaged wood, driftwood. I love antiques too, as long as it has a form and shape I like, and a worn heirloom feel. I like old-fashioned things.

I love traditional decor too, so I'm not all about "rustic" and "primitive". But in my traditional decor, I like things to pared down, a little more spare, not cluttered but clean and textural. I gravitate to classic armchairs, but prefer when they are covered in simple cottons or tone-on-tone jacquards so they are textural but not too visually busy. I love pattern most when it is simple, organic, or curvy. I like leaf patterns, simple florals, pale colours. Patterns that come from nature.

I'm not really into contemporary decor and the chocolate-coloured wood that is all matchy match and industrial chic. I find a lot of the pieces just lack character when they are too polished and linear. And while I'm not a huge fan of pine and light woods, I like my woods to be mid-tone or dark, as long as it looks like wood and not something made in a factory. But I do like having one or two pared-down contemporary or modern elements in a room, as they give the eye a rest from all the curvy organic goings on....

What I do love about modern is the art, mostly the paintings, for their spareness, I think, and amazing saturated bursts of colour. Though I am also fond of old-fashioned etchings, drawings, and architectural sketches.

Defining my style is a work in progress. And as much as I hate to sound so out-of-the-box, one of my favorite styles is the Pottery Barn look. All the photos in this post are from their recent catalogue, in which I found a lot to love!






8 comments:

  1. I love your style, built over time, aquired, full of character, time worn, not I just picked it up from Leon's give the matching table, three seater two seater and chair, sorry to anyone who does , but yuck , not thought involved at all.
    Your's and my style developes over time , is ever changing and has a classic look.
    Thanks for stopping by agian, i am glad you found Linda, she and I have so much in common, she is a doll.
    Chris

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  2. Just found your blog via a comment you made on Restyled Home. I love your sense of style! Can't wait to read more on your blog!

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  3. I loved the way you articulated your individual style!! I think that is the hardest thing to do. Most people say "I like Pottery Barn Style" when they mean what you just described. I think Pottery Barn is a great way to get some inspiration and a few pieces from them is good. It's just when people over do it and their whole house looks like Pottery Barn that it ends up lacking individuality.

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  4. Hi Terri, the new focus is lovely indeed. I have been enjoying your posts.

    My vaction on the east is coming to a close. I will email you when I am back in province, perhaps we could set up a visit. Would love to see you and talk to the wee hours of the morning.

    much love. a

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  5. What a nice comment you left me... you are so sweet. These past few weeks have just been a whole "when it rains, it pours" kinda idea. My social life has definitely been decreased by a whole whole lot in general with the headache junk, and especially lately. I'm trying to keep myself going, distraction-wise! I've got my grad class twice a week, but I have to be able to drive an hour for that... and I'm involved w/ a bridal shower this weekend, so i'm still goin... us headache gals gotta stick together and keep each other goin'!
    Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

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  6. Beautifully written...I just discovered your blog this morning, and can't wait to read more.

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  7. I totally agree. I love that tree ornament on the wall :)

    PS - I finally got up photos of my living room on my blog!

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  8. From what I can see, your style is impeccable!! Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog...

    Linda

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