Recent trends for a majority of design blogs are a look of perfection. Posts feature rooms in which not a chair, rug, or even a small cup out of place. Even though, this is not real life. Perhaps that is why I find myself gravitating more and more to lovely homes that are Perfecting the Lived in Look.
Perfecting the Lived in Look
I am sure many of you are familiar with the website One Kings Lane. Did you also know that they have a Style Blog? A post on designer Jeffrey Bilhuber’s home recently captured my fancy.
Sections of his home, located on Long Island in Locust Valley, date back to 1668. The home is over 346 years old. Yet it still feels fresh and happy.
He happily pairs family heirlooms with antiques, playful patterns, and pretty florals.
Because the home was built in stages you will find various design elements to include Colonial Revival and Dutch Colonialism.
The cozy kitchen features cabinets painted Pratt and Lambert “Pacific” and the floors are “Courtyard Green” by Benjamin Moore.
I adore how he has named each of the eight bedrooms after Generals from the Revolutionary War.
I find myself wanting to try my hand at wallpaper more and more. Isn’t this trellised sweet pea design lovely?
Of course, I would find his bathroom charming. He has a picture of the Queen!
The playroom with its wonderful checked slipcovered chairs truly brings out the child in me.
You can see more of this well-loved and lived in home HERE.
Laura
Yes, I loved the lived in look because that's how our beloved little home is! My style is actually a mix between shabby chic and cottage – think Pottery Barn with a lived in feel. It suits my family and I and our home. : )
Laura if you walk into my home it is definitely “lived in” and looks that way!
I am neat however books and art are everywhere. Precious heirlooms and children/ grandchildren paintings.
Bamboo mixed with Queen Anne. It is the personal mementos that add so much. A sterile, decorated room does nothing for me!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Coco Chanel
Real homes aren't picture perfect and sometimes we feel as bad as we do when we look around our homes because we compare them to the photos in glossy magazines or the decorating blogs and websites on line. Its the same syndrome as the young women looking at photos of stars and models and not realizing the air brushing and styling that goes on behind the scenes before that photo makes its public debut. Even the the 'real' homes that are pictured, I am sure when the cameras are gone there is a stray sock under the foot of the bed and a stack of dishes sitting in the sink while parents are taking care of other more important things like a child's school soccer game or a walk in the park. (or I would hope so!)
We all clean up before company arrives but real life is messy. Isn't it wonderful!!! 🙂
I really love this colorful, eclectic, lived in and loved home. It's the personal touches and whimsy that make it special. Now, my challenge is to make our recent new rental into something personal and comfortable. Hope you are all okay with the flooding!,,Ann
Well, you've been here, so you do know this is one home that is lived in. Great house and wow, the history it must hold.
Dear, dear Laura,
We looked at a house today which has wallpaper and the granite countertops have failed.
So I came over here to see your countertops post because I remembered you had good advice.
Since your home is not your forever home I say no wallpaper.
If you ever come to MA I owe you a nice dinner, big time.
WOW! I truly see what you mean here Laura, in love with that Playroom too!
Bonjour,
Une très jolie publication accompagnée de très belles photos.
❀ ♡ Gros bisous ♡❀
I love this house and OKL…the colors are so fun and it truly feels loved and lived in…gorgeous!! Lucky children with the bedroom/playroom…
I hate it when the decor seems like no one lives here, chairs at perfect angles but too far away from the coffee table to leave your mug or glass on it makes me cringe. This home is lovely and yet realistic.
That house looks really comfy and beautiful at the same time.
You know how I feel about those pictures of perfect homes 😉
xo,
rue