Let’s talk about Natural, Neutrals and Nature.
Good Morning dear friends.
Today I want to delve into a subject I mostly try to stay away from which is trends in decorating our homes.
Why?
Because I am certainly not an expert and well,… I decorate with what I like and trends tend to…well trend into something else.
Years ago, when we moved into our home here in Florida, we were thrilled with the Spanish Colonial Architecture of the house.
Our home in Kansas City was more of a Mediterranean or Mission Revival and our existing furniture blended beautifully in our new home.
Fast forward to “the trends” of this new year which is suggesting more natural, neutral and nature inspired homes.
Trends are okay but are open to not only interpretation, but can be influenced by one’s location or where you live.
Example: Here in Florida, the “trend” is toward the Spanish influence, hence all the stucco homes among the palm trees look.
Our stucco home in Kansas City was certainly not the norm, as stucco structures are few and far between among the sticks and stones and bricks of the midwest.
Which, by the way was why I loved that particular home.
The block we lived on in KC was not a cookie cutter block although many of the houses were in the natural colors of nature.
The tans, rusts and moss greens.
After moving to Florida, if one drove down ANY street, one could see the Tropical/Spanish influences of beige, terracotta and and a few pastels of the Key West type look.
This year it appears the trend is homes that are in the earthy colors.
In our current home, I love our barrel shaped terracotta roof tiles, and they complimented the warm, creamy beige on the exterior walls with darker earthy accents on the arched windows and doors.
Inside our home, the darker cabinets and busy, busy granite made the home seem darker, but the cabinet tops kept true to the Spanish Architecture.
Current designers are suggesting home owners think about changing kitchen cabinets to warmer neutrals.
Amber Interiors is showing some good examples on their website.
As many of you know, for several years, many designers and home owners were following the trend of the all-white Kitchens, which fit right in with the country farmhouse look that has been very popular the last ten years or so.
I will admit that white cabinets do not really go out of style as they will always be popular.
There is something about the clean look of white cabinets.
Personally, I like the softer cream colored cabinets teamed with the nature inspired warm neutrals, which is what I have had in my kitchen for the last 6 or 7 years.
I like to use natural accents such as wood cutting boards, old beige crocks filled with wood utensils, vintage Spanish basket covered bottles and a few sage green plants in the window.
I believe my love of Spanish architecture came when living in New Mexico for all those years.
I have many Native American baskets and vases that I bring out for a few months and then I move them to another room in my home as I like to keep these pieces close.
I really appreciate artifacts and items that have sentimental value including turquoise and silver jewelry.
Basically, the trend for 2024 seems to be earthy tones, while also adding in a bit of greenery.
Sort of like bringing the outdoors inside.
And that suits me just fine as I have been doing that for several years now.
Perhaps you have too.
Speaking of outdoors, we have had to re-surface our pool and courtyard…some due to wear and tear and a lot to do with Hurricane Ian.
I have to admit I was tempted (for about 10 minutes) to completely eliminate the oranges, rust and browns of the pavers in the courtyard and the waterfall.
I did pick a lighter color for the courtyard pavers which consists of a tan-ish paver with sea shells and other natural materials embedded.
Eco-friendly we could call it.
So if you have decided this new year means a change in your old decor….stop and think about what you like and what you treasure….what you might change and what you might leave “as is.”
Let your heart decide what is trending in your own home.
You and your family live with it on a day to day basis.
And next year, someone will tell us of a new trend.
Have a Blessed and Wonderful week.
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.” Psalm 5:11
Hi Kari, I decorate and furnish our home with things I like and not what is the latest trend. Perhaps I have keep things I love maybe too long. Case in point are the appliances in our kitchen. All are Coppertone. Believe it or not my sixties refrigerator is still working but my oven just quit. Have to make some decisions soon. Love your decor.
thanks Jan….I remember coppertone…I had it in one of our homes and loved it. In fact, I spray painted our fridge to match, as the fridge was white. LOL I also had gold in one home too. I keep things way too long also…My daughter says she doesn’t want any of it. LOL She is a minimalist…not sure she is from my loins. 🥰
How about those Jayhawks playing Oklahoma St? 90-66!!!! I was so glad we had a game where I was not sitting on the edge of my seat! They played like a winning team. I hope they continue like that but we have some tough games ahead. The easiest games seem to be the ones we have the most problem with. 🥴
Our daughter doesn’t want any of our things either. Not one dish!
Yes, it was nice not to have a nail biter. What a game Furphy had. We were also watching former Jayhawks, Joel Embiid and Christian Braun when the 76ers played Denver Nuggets. Great game too.
My style for years has been English country with lots of fabrics, textures, and wood. It speaks to my heart! I love that people decorate their homes in their own personal style and not cookie cutter. Your style is perfect, Kari and your home is beautiful, it reflects you! ❤️
Thanks Pam…we are not all alike but separate individuals. God made each of us unique and how wonderful is that!! I love your beautiful home and I also love that little ray of sunshine known as the Sunshine Cottage because they both have your personality. Hugs
You are a sweetheart, Kari!
Maybe one of these days you can check out Dublin decor Kari ????? I like my wee house too. It’s a typical Dublin mid-terrace built in the 1930s. My style is muted floor and walls with lots of colour in soft furniture and a mid century, slightly industrial vibe. I love paintings and mirrors and lamps so they figure in every room. Happy New Year darlin.
Mags xxxx
Your home sounds wonderful Mags…I love mirrors too and have one in my courtyard! They can warm up one’s home. You are wise to have lamps and paintings in each room of your home. So pretty and homey.
I have always loved the homes depicted in the movie “the Quiet Man” with the rolling emerald green pastures with rock fences and thatched roofs. Sigh! Someday I hope to visit Ireland, the Captain says we will after he retires which is coming up faster than we think.
Hugs from across the pond to you my dear friend
hi Kari! I don’t do trends either, I use what I like! I remember when the trend was all white, then farmhouse, etc etc. I am a firm believer in surrounding yourself with what you love and is comfortable. I am lucky enough to have 2 homes, and it’s fun that they are so different, my house in Birmingham is formal and the beach house very much the opposite. We got snow last night, crazy cold today!
Jenna
You are so right Jenna and I find that with trends, I tire easily of the trend of the day and go right back to what I love.
I know it is cold up there and we have been having rain and flooding down here which makes it damp and very cool. brrrrrrr. Stay warm and put on a pot of soup, that always warms me up. hugs
We are at a time in our lives where we are starting to get rid of things and thinking of moving into independent living places. It’s a hard chore to do because it’s so hard to part with things. It has to be done, or our families will have to do it and they don’t want to do it. Sad! I have always liked earth tones for our home.
I hear ya Sandy…I know my family has stated there is nothing they really want of my “treasures” except maybe a cook book or two. LOL. But that is ok. Downsizing is difficult because of the decisions we must make about our beloved decor. Hang in there dear friend, we are always praying for you and Ron….and I love earth tones.
I tend to not follow trends. I enjoy what I enjoy. Does that make sense? 😊
I will agree that where you live tends to decide how you decorate. And the age of your home also decides as well. Having two homes in two different locations and one a lot older than the other makes for different decor.
Neat post! Happy New Year!
Thanks for stopping by Nancy…I don’t follow trends as my decor is simply what I like and what my family likes. You having two homes understand the location differences. Happy New Year to you too.