Hi friends! Seems like it’s been a while! But I’m back with a new video (linked below) and some winter decorating inspiration.
After Christmas, I like to get things cleaned up, and that usually means a bit of a color “palette” cleanser as well. I love the clear, crisp days of winter and all the color inspiration nature offers, and this year, because I really wanted to use the green colors so prominent on the evergreens outside, I decided to put away the red – **for a bit,** but only because combined with green, it really feels too Christmasy for me. Plus, I get a chance to show y’all something a bit different, and maybe inspire you to look in your closets and cabinets and bring out some things you’ve not used in a while.
I used things I already had including some patterned pillows from Target a few years ago, green velvet pillows and some creamy white pillow covers I made from different fabrics as well as cream-colored vases and candles.
With this palette, I love my evergreens so I used Balsam fir branches, juniper and magnolia. All my plants are in the girls’ room, which is bright and sunny this time of year, but honestly, I don’t really like to use regular house plants with these colors as this is really a winter look for me, and I prefer the evergreens.
I remembered an antique lamp mother gave me, so I added a mid-century shade from another lamp, and put away the Chinese ancestor prints for a season since they have so much red.
I thought this was a good opportunity to use black and white family photos as well in silver frames.
I was so happy to bring great grandmother’s chaise back after the Christmas tree came down, and ironically, she is looking over it in two of the photos on the wall.
My daughter gave me the alpaca blanket for Christmas, and that’s really what inspired the creamy colors.
I took away the red velvet mantel scarf and replaced it with a crocheted runner, which fit perfectly. Books, crystal candlesticks and more Balsam branches really complete this wintry look.
In the kitchen, I started out with a muslin sink skirt I’d made years ago and drop cloth curtains then adding some of my cream-colored dinnerware and the Blue Ridge Potteries Stanhome Ivy Mother gave me, to the shelves. I do love this combination of warm wood, green and wintry white.
I left up some of the faux garlands as well, and love the warmth they give the room. Then, because I cannot keep too much white for long, I remembered this wool fabric I’ve planned to make a skirt out of – since college, and it was just the right amount of fabric to sew a rod pocket in the top and hem the bottom for a touch of color, but also to pull in all the colors.
I made the towels out of granddaddy’s feed sacks years ago and the print has long since faded with repeated washing – as it was designed to do.
On the table, I used a matelassé runner I made from upholstery fabric Mother gave me years ago, filled my silver punch bowl with juniper branches and of course the lanterns from the old house.
I used a matching runner on the buffet and kept the silver tray with some antique silver and crystal pieces, including great grandmother’s cruet set.
A vase that fits inside the wagon wheel hub holds water for Balsam branches.
An old school photo, including my maternal great grandmother, is a treasure I love to have out and enjoy.
More fabric from my stash replaced the red velvet portieres – for a season, and I’m loving how it looks with the trim from the old house and the dark, dramatic gray walls. All of these windows are also from the old house.
Another thing that inspired this winter color palette was the antique leather chair Mother let me borrow. She has a matching settee, so it’s only on loan.
I hope you enjoyed this look at something different here! I feel like I pretty much go with nature’s colors and will add the color inside as each season does it naturally outside. And, of course, getting to use some things I had stored away, always makes things feel fresh and new – just like this beautiful month and a brand new year.
Here is a video tour with footage of what inspires me from outside – including the winter storm we just experienced. Be sure to subscribe to my channel and click the bell for notifications so you don’t miss any new content!
just stumbled on your site. lovely!!!
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Thank you so much Laura!! I’m happy you found your way here☺️☺️
Absolutely beautiful! Each of your home videos shows me something I missed in the previous one. Adore the antique photos as I too have them out.. the plaid sink skirt was just enough color to punch up that serene kitchen filled with candles and lamplight. Meals there must be totally relaxed and unhurried. Would your mom ever consider a video of her home and antiques? Please tell her I enjoyed her biscuit making video and can see why she is so loved. Blessing! From Lin in Michigan ❤❤
Author
Thank you Lin! I’m hoping to have her cooking some more over here and possibly a tour over nex5 door too☺️☺️☺️
Hello Anita
I really love the peaceful serenity you have created here, the wood and lamplight keeps your home warm and cosy but it is fresh at the same time; very woodland-y which is right up my street and appropriate to your surroundings.
I follow every post and video, as I commented previously your artistic vision helped me in pastoral burn-out recovery.
Many blessings to you, Vicky x
(Still hoping you’ll do a book!)
Author
Thank you Vicky!! I appreciate that so much and was hoping showing something different and easy to do would also resonate with people. Sometimes a little bit of a fresh look makes a space feel new and I’m loving the Woodland feel for sure☺️☺️ I hope you’re doing well🙏🙏🙏
Everything is beautifully put together. You have lovely antiques and display them so nicely. Very cozy and inviting home.💕
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Thank you so much Cathleen!!
I love the clean color palette you chose with this. There certainly is something about the New Year that brings me the need to clean, purge and organize. You can’t go wrong taking natures lead. Maybe it’s the thought of a fresh year or clean snow or something else, but I appreciate it and take advantage of it too. You have such a great eye for decor and blessed to have the treasure trove from generations to use. Your home is beautiful!
Author
Thank you so much Jan! And you are so right – now if I can get motivated to clean out and organize some closets☺️☺️☺️
I love the serene winter touches for this time of year, like you, as much as I love Christmas, it is nice to a plainer & peaceful
Look!!!
Author
Thank you Genie!!
I love the serene winter touches for this time of year !
Anita, when I see one of your postings in my email, it is the first one I look at. You have the most unique way of displaying antique and vintage items and I always get loads of inspiration from you. I love the different cream colours you have chosen, along with the greenery, absolutely beautiful!
Author
That surely made my day Kathryn, thank you!! I’m really enjoying the creamy colors as well, and I’ve been wanting to use these dark greens for a while too☺️☺️
I so enjoy your posts. I, too, have some lovely family things and love to display them. It is fun to move things around and create new for these homes we treasure. Thanks for sharing yours each season, Anita.
Author
Yes Nancy, moving things around beings a fresh perspective and let’s us enjoy our things in a new way☺️☺️
Hi Anita! I feel as if we are kindred spirits. I love the antiques, fabric and introduction of patterns. If I was your neighbor, I’d be knock at your door or calling you over for a cup of joe so that we could exchange ideas. You have an eye for the unexpected that blends in perfectly. Well done my friend!
Author
Oh that sounds wonderful Laura!! Thank you☺️☺️
well….looks like I have pinned every single image! Love your use of lighting so much! the use of family heirlooms just warms my heart, and you do it better than anyone. Your blog is one I save for a moment when I can savor every image you shoot. Sending warm hugs & blessings for you and yours Anita…
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Alda thank you so very much for those kind words of encouragement❤️❤️❤️
So, so warm and inviting. Makes me just want to step into each photo and be cocooned. Luscious elegance.
Thanks for posting.
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Thank you so much Beverley!!
Oh my goodness, so many delights for our eyes to find! And stories too! So inspiring Anita, as always…thank you!
I especially enjoyed seeing your work of art cutting board, it’s beautiful! And I’m hoping you will share the story of the very unique candle holder in the same photo one day too. It’s been very cold here in Idaho and your post has inspired me to pull in more greens to match the beautiful evergreens! Thank you, continue to share your warmth and fun new ideas.
Author
Thank you so much!! That beautiful cutting board was made by a local Cherokee artist, who sadly passed away. The little candle holder is one of a pair, and I believe it is McCoy or something like that🤔 Mother might know so I’ll ask her☺️
I’m so loving the green shades these days☺️☺️
Thank you Anita! I so enjoy your home and the stories of the treasures it holds…
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Thank you!!
Oh Anita, everything is gorgeous….and I haven’t even watched the video yet! I was thinking today, if I had to choose that one person on IG whom really inspires me to be me and to be proud of the home I have created for my family, it would be you! You are my favorite…shhhhh. We can have favorites, right?! I so enjoy you! Ok, enough sap…going to get my YouTube fix on!
@sunnydaycabin🤍
Author
Carol I don’t even know what to say☺️☺️ I’m so humbled by your kind words sweet friend☺️☺️ That is exactly what I hope – that people take something I do and put their own unique spin on it to make their homes a refuge❤️
Simply stunning. Love to know how you were able to get the pictures of the tops of the trees! Taking cues from nature to decorate your home, sweet! It’s always so warm, cozy and fresh and that’s why I look forward to seeing your blog. Happy Winter!!
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Thank you so much Linda!! Those are shot with a drone – my husband is an FAA licensed drone pilot so he shot those for me, and they are right here on on our property as well☺️
First time I’ve seen your videos and this took my breathe away, everything about it was perfect❤️
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Jane, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that – thank you☺️☺️
Your house is very beautiful, but why the dark gray walls? That would depress me so much!
Author
I love this dramatic and relatively neutral color and how other colors, art and accessories pop against it. I don’t need light colors to be happy, thankfully, but love a dramatic, warm and cozy atmosphere which this certainly is.