Hello friends! First, while it seems so frivolous to be thinking about home decor when there is so much suffering in Ukraine and beyond, it is therapeutic for me to keep busy taking care of my own family and help wherever I can. These are worrying days, but I pray, hope for peace and help where I can. I’ll leave a couple of links below for direct relief if you can help as well.
I’m thankful that Marty includes me in these tours and always look forward to changing things up in my home, which, hopefully inspires you to move a few things around for a fresh, new look.
If you’re new, you can read about our home in this post.
We’re starting in the living room, which is our main living space, so it needs to function, but I also want it to be pretty – Victorian parlor style since this property has been in our family since the early 1900s:-) I have used yellow as the main accent color the last few years, but this year, I tried to avoid yellow just to show a different look, and it was harder than I thought it would be. However, I’m so happy with how it turned out.
I’ve been sewing since I was nine, so I’m always making curtains, pillow covers, throws, etc., to change a look, and simply because I love fabrics and coming up with combinations. It’s such an easy way to change the entire look of a room, and for spring, I brought back the paisley curtains and velvet lambrequins for the Victorian parlor feel and added some different textures with kilim pillows for contrast.
I wanted to offset the fancy Victorian feel with more organic Native art, which I’ve collected for years, and it gives the room a western kind of vibe, which I love. I’ve mentioned on instagram how obsessed I am with set design, especially older westerns/period shows.
The larger pillows actually came from Target a few years ago, and the kilim was an eBay purchase from Turkey years ago. I’ve countered that texture with velvet pillows.
I bought the Duncan Phyfe sofa several years ago on marketplace from a friend of the family; the rug from ecarpetgallery on eBay, the armoire on marketplace, which I painted and stenciled; and my daddy made the wagon wheel table after a trip we took to visit family in Montana. The wood trim throughout was restored from the old house, and I’m still in the process of restoring and installing it in the rest of the house.
If you’re a regular here, you’ll notice I had taken the Chinese ancestor prints off the windows from the old house back in the winter for a more neutral look. I just forgot to bring them back out! The oil lamp, on great granddaddy’s drop leaf table, is from the late 1800s, and the radio was my great grandmother’s, who is pictured in the photo.
I gathered mountain fire pieris to add some green all around the house. I love this plant and use it all year long as the blooms are red at Christmas, and white in the spring.
Under the windows, I have great grandmother’s chaise, which makes this a perfect spot for reading or a Sunday afternoon nap.
I changed the antique photos I had with some original art by late family members; from granddaddy’s cousin on the left and by my uncle from Montana over the mantel. I really loved the blues and greens in these and the outdoor aspect of the subjects. If you’re new, I built the mantel with wood from the old house a few years ago. The Perfection Kerosene heater is from the early 1900s and also original to the property.
I brought in some green with the nandina branches.
My daughter had given me the Alpaca blanket from Ecuador for Christmas, and the pattern actually inspired a lot of this look.
As much as I enjoyed the more neutral look in this room during the winter, I love color, and it makes me smile when I see it now.
Last week I shared all about this fabric in a post about the 1990s trending, and I’m loving it back in my kitchen.
I really wanted the feel of an old west cabin with utilitarian brown ware alongside Flow Blue and Blue Willow transferware.
Mother bakes all the bread here, and this loaf started out whole, but ended up sliced before the end of the photo shoot:-) The cutting board is a treasure from a local Cherokee artist.
We made the wormy chestnut countertops almost 10 years ago, and I restored and installed the chestnut beadboard, which was saved from the old house a few years ago.
The screen door, also from the old house, leads to our mud/laundry room/pantry, and has our HVAC return, so I fitted the door with landscape fabric and an old lace tablecloth for air flow.
I made a tea towel out of the Queensland fabric simply to add the floral accent here.
At this point I must say, I’d love to have antique-style appliances like Big Chill or Elmira Stoveworks, but they are not in our budget currently, so I’m happy to work with what I have.
Daddy gave me the Magic Yeast box from granddaddy’s store here a few months ago, and I had no idea until doing some research it was pre-1929.
While I’m not a “word sign” kind of person at all, my daddy made this Indian Motorcycle sign in the 1950s, and it’s been here in the kitchen since he let me have it.
For the table, I gathered more mountain fire pieris for my brown drip pitcher. Oil lamps from the old house are always ready when the power goes out.
I made the wormy chestnut table about 15 years ago and had a local craftsman make the base from an antique Victorian railing pattern book.
I borrowed my mother’s Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles soup tureen and platter for the inherited buffet. My late uncle in Montana painted the art. I love the blue and white in contrast with the Native patterns and art especially.
Not only did the bread get sliced and eaten, I also changed the bench back to the dining chairs during the two days I shot photos. These chairs were a marketplace find last November (after selling the uncomfortable ladder backs) and are 1930s era Bassett. I had to do a lot of work clamping and re-gluing joints. I might reupholster them later, but they read pretty neutral for now so I’m in no hurry.
Thanks so much for coming along for my spring refresh;-) I hope you’re inspired to try moving some things around for a new look that costs nothing. The best thing is, there are probably things hidden away in cabinets and cupboards that you forgot about, and using them will feel like buying something new!
Thanks again to Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for all the work she does putting these tours together and for including me. Next up is Kathy at Up to Date Interiors who is also a musician and has a beautifully eclectic style. Be sure to go by there, then check out the links below for each day’s tours. There is so much inspiration and many different styles represented so don’t miss any of them.
See last year’s summer bedroom here:
You can help Ukrainians directly here:
Samaritan’s Purse
Baptists on Mission
Monday March 7th Lineup
A Stroll Thru Life – Thrifty and Chic – Chalking Up Success – White Arrows Home – Pink Peppermint Design – Worthing Court
Tuesday March 8th Lineup
Our Southern Home – Cuckoo4Design – Country Road 407 – Decor To Adore – RemodelaCasa – Calypso in the Country
Wednesday March 9th Lineup
Whispering Pines Homestead – Up to Date Interiors – The Stonybrook House – DIY Beautify – Southern Home & Hospitality – Dimples and Tangles
Thursday March 10th Lineup
CitrineLiving – Hymns and Verses – 11 Magnolia Lane – StoneGable – Southern Hospitality – This is our Bliss
Friday March 11 Lineup
Grace In My Space – Follow The Yellow Brick Home – Quarters One – My Wee Abode
Love your story!!!!!!
Author
Thank you Genie☺️☺️
You know, I too, loved the way the train in the TV show the Wild West was decorated. Since you are younger than me not sure if you remember that show. Yes, you captured that very cozy feeling in your beautiful home!! Love all the colors and textures which adds to your cozy home! The chaise is my favorite but so is the fireplace and that red lamp, stunning!!
You’re right about Ukraine and so glad America is so supportive of this poor unfortunate country. Thanks for the information. We need to pay attention to what bad leaders are capable of, all of them!!
Enjoy Spring!
Author
Thank you so much!! You are so right Linda – we have to work together☺️❤️
I remember seeing WWW but have not seen it as much as Gunsmoke and The Virginian, which have such fabulous sets – even Little House and the Waltons have such a great vintage aesthetic that I’m drawn too☺️
Absolutely beautiful Anita! I love the added western vibe. Those pillows and vases are perfect. Your home is one of my favorites.
Author
Thank you so much Julia!!
Your spring tour is very pretty. I think I love the changed out artwork the most. And what a cool plant that changes from white in the spring to red at Christmas. Glad to have hopped with you this week.
Author
Thank you Cindy☺️
You have a beautiful home with so many pretty pieces. I love all the layering and the colors that you used. Great hopping with you!
Shelley
Author
Thank you so much Shelley!!
Hi Anita!
Thank you for the tour of your lovely home. Your creativity has inspired me to do some shopping around my home. I find modern décor cold and too much white. The fact that you have so many family treasures is absolutely wonderful and refreshing. Well done, my friend! I can smell the bread baking 🙂
Author
Oh I love to hear that!! I am so happy that I can be the caretaker of these things most people would have just thrown away or donated for sure☺️☺️
I always spend hours looking at all the amazing antiques and heirlooms you have and how differently you display them each season. Your home is so warm and welcoming and I love it all. Thanks so much for joining the tour again this season, your home definitely is a favorite to visit.
Author
I appreciate that Marty – thank you so much! And thanks for including me☺️☺️
Anita, your home is as ever so fun to tour! I love how you drew inspiration from that pretty Alpaca blanket to give your room a new look. That bread… Oh my!
Author
Thank you Cristina!! Yes, that bread is even better than it looks☺️☺️
Hi Anita,
I always look forward to your tours! The way you put colors together and your use of various pieces to tie it all together to make a truly unique look is so inspiring! I also love that so many things in your home have been passed down from one generation to another. So much rich history!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful spring tour!
@sunnydaycabin
Author
Thank you so much Carol!! I love working with what I have and trying to make it pretty☺️☺️
Beautiful and inspiring as always. Thank you for sharing ways to help the Ukrainians. Blessings.
Author
Thank you Michele☺️☺️
I love the treasures you have in your home. I’m a seamstress too, but haven’t pulled out the sewing machine in awhile. You have inspired me!
Author
Yes get that sewing machine out☺️☺️☺️
The blue willow paired with the rich reds is so eye-catching. Such a joy to be on tour with you!
Author
Thank you so much Laura!!
Anita, I’m amazed at how you transitioned from Victorian parlor to wild west kitchen, but it totally works! I love the fabrics and layers and all your antiques are so beautiful! I too have struggled with getting exciting about decorating when there’s so much suffering in the Ukraine! We always give through Samaritan’s Purse for disaster relief.
Author
Ha ha, thanks Cindy:-) Victorian style was very prevalent out west, the time frame of that style, and because people brought with them from the east things they cherished, they would have mixed humble feed sack kitchen curtains with flow blue, and in some cases had a parlor with pump organ and fancy portieres:-)
I love that Samaritan’s Purse is always first anywhere in the world there is a disaster:-)
Anita your style is incredible. Every time I visit I’m transported to another time! I would linger for hours if I ever visited! Love everything you do! Happy Spring! xo
Author
I appreciate that Tamara, thank you!!
I love the spring changes you made – I always look to your blog for decor inspiration! And thanks for posting Samaritan’s Purse and Baptist on Mission. Samaritan’s Purse has presence worldwide and is positioned to jump right in when needed. Most people are not familiar with the Baptist Disaster Response Teams that are very active. The Texas Baptist Men (and women!) group has been so active in helping after weather disasters. They also provide aide around the world for other disasters. This is their link: https://www.tbmtx.org/disaster-relief
And just a word on “First, while it seems so frivolous to be thinking about home decor when there is so much suffering in Ukraine and beyond”. Even in war people try to have beauty in their lives. I appreciate the moments I get to spend out of my “real” life looking at your beautiful home. Please continue to provide a wonderful blog (and have I missed posts of you singing lately?). God bless you.
Author
Thank you so much Mary Ann☺️☺️ I haven’t been posting much music mostly because since our church went back to in person services, I don’t get the opportunity to do the videos every week😢 We’ll hopefully get to do some soon🙏🙏
Anita, it’s so nice to meet you and your home! I’m always happy to meet new bloggers on these tours! Touring your home was so fun, especially seeing all the antiques you have! I’m jealous! Hope to see you tomorrow at My Wee Abode!
Author
Thank you so much Julie!!
Hi there Anita! So happy to see your posts, always! I love all the touches of blue and white with your Queensland fabric. Such a unique combination and then add in the western flair. You have such a creative eye. And I love your grandfather’s drop leaf table with the old radio, picture of your grandmother, and the blue and white planter. Just beautiful. Oh, and the gray walls are looking beautiful too. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home. Happy Spring. I keep all those in need in my thoughts and prayers daily, too. We are so blessed and have so much to be thankful for.
Author
Thank you so much for the kind words Sally☺️☺️
This is amazing! I would love it if you would share it on the Fabulous Friday Link Party this Friday, and every Friday after that. You can find the link on my website.
Your home is absolutely stunning. You have inspired me to paint my family the moody blue that you have on your walls. Hugs and blessings to you.
Author
Thank you so much Renae☺️☺️ It’s actually a warm, dark gray, called “Dark Umber, from Kilz Color Collection☺️
Everything is so beautiful! I always love getting tours in your home!
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Thank you so much Kristin!!
I adore reading about all of your treasures and family pieces. The western vibe is so fun and your pictures are always stunning.
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Thank you so much Kathy!!