The Evolution Of A Room

After a few hours of rummaging through photo boxes, I managed to find images of our home reaching back 16 years when we first purchased the property. I hope you enjoy them.

Before:

The furniture from the previous homeowner, circa 1995.


After:

When we first moved in, I was drawn toward an eclectic mixture of modern and tribal ethnic designs. I attempted to create this atmosphere for about 3 years. Prior to our home purchase, I decorated my rentals with 80's modern white over stuffed sofas and black lacquered accent pieces until I moved into Southwestern Santa Fe style with Adirondack chairs, Navajo rugs and baskets.



After: 1998

In 1998 I took my first trip to Europe; we spent a week in France and 2 weeks in Italy. The trip transformed me. I became enamored with European Classicism and I began my love affair with traditional interiors. I subscribed to Architectural Digest and there was no turing back. This was my first attempt to recreate the sumptuous interiors I saw in my travels.

The architectural prints were purchased at an arts and crafts fair next to the Spanish Steps in Rome. I loved sharing their provenance with friends and family when they visited. It made me feel like a globetrotter.


Above the mantle is a painting of Venice we got on a subsequent trip to Italy. See the vase of flowers? I cannot believe how long I have been trying to fool everyone with the silk yellow tulips; I still use them today when I'm too cheap to buy fresh.

After: 2007

By 2007, after visiting several European countries, I began to refine my layered style by creating a more neutral color palette that would allow me to continue layering but with textures and complimenting tones.




Today: 2011

Well, so much for total neutrality. When I found the floral fabric for the ottoman and coordinating pillows, I couldn't continue my monochromatic theme any longer. I had to have that fabric in my living room so, Voila!

I also added chair rail and picture frame molding in the room.

My only disappointment with the room are the drapes. I wanted the more relaxed look of the Empire style but was mistakenly given the Kingston style.

I purchased the ottoman from Ikea and upholstered it with a Schumacher remnant I purchased earlier this year. I made 6 matching accent pillows with the leftover fabric.

I hope you enjoyed the Evolution Tour. I'm linking to my blogger friend Susan's Metamorphosis Monday blog party, so please visit her and see many of the wonderful projects she and her talented readers have to share.