Summer light spilling into the living room yesterday evening was so bright and warm that I had to capture it! Ethereal and fleeting in its beauty the lighting was perfect for a study in white…
Playing with color and then the absence of it in editing was fun! After the brightness of our earlier patriotic mantel taking everything down and starting anew brought a fresh look which I love ~ I hope you do, too.
 |
| The original photograph. |
Over the years my decorating tastes have run from the primitive antiques and country blues of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s and to then to brighter colors with purple pillows, floral sofas and mauve recliners.
Then with the new century something happened, or rather my friend Kathy happened, and I found decorating in white…
 |
|
Friends Kathy (left) sitting beside another good friend of mine, Julie.
Oh! Julie just opened up a store online and she is making wonderfully
scented all-natural soaps. Her Instagram account is @Rosecottagesoaps.
You’ll find her soaps online at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rosecottagesoapshop
|
At her previous home in San Diego County about a half-hour from mine in Riverside County, I found the ethereal home I had been craving as a busy working mom. Unfortunately the one photo I shared a year ago put me in hot water… So, no photos to share though her new home is absolutely stunning with a large peaked beamed ceiling in her living room, a gorgeous white carved framed mirror over a white painted fireplace, white and pale bamboo furniture draped with old white tablecloths and linen, lots of natural light coming through many windows.
She decorates with crystal and wire chandeliers in every room, glass-topped end tables and a large round coffee table set with the prettiest crystal decanters draped with beaded covers, cut-crystal bowls filled with those cute grass balls painted white, and always candles of all sorts but especially mercury glass with its mottled look…
My style evolved from hers with a little more whimsy as I love animals and they do show up in my decor as you know…
😉
Here on this summer mantel I’ve brought in the reflective sparkle of Kathy’s mercury glass with vintage crystal doorknobs overlaid with fresh white cotton bolls and my great-grandmother Julia Foley’s cut-crystal serving bowl set atop a small white cake plate.
The silver in the doorknob parts begat looking for more silvery items. Recently unpacked, a pewter creamer my mother had given us as a wedding present makes its debut. I love the richness this one piece of pewter brings to the vignette!
A sparkly swan and a small white bird, both really Christmas decorations, and two tall altar candlesticks add their pearly beauty. With this we’ve almost finished our vignette…
 |
| The 1990’s didn’t completely leave as this little angel got to stay… |
I didn’t have any fresh white flowers but I did have some saved white German statice which promptly went into this little white bucket with its embossed heart on its front ~ a gift one year for Valentine’s at a tea given by my friend Gloria.
Love the details shown in this close-up of the mantel center
with its horizontal layers of golds, silvers and whites!
The addition of a favorite framed card I have had since we first married set against a vintage Limoge plate complete the scene.
Here is a list of some other “studies in white” posts I have shared over the past five years. A breadth of etherealness for you…
Sharing with
Thursday Favorite Things ~ Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Share Your Style #216
Friday at the Fire Station ~ A Fireman’s Wife
Happy summer daydreams…
so pretty, Barb. I love the light and airy feeling, and oh my the swans are lovely. I went through the same decor stages as you, but mostly white and neutrals are so much easier to live with long term. I get bored with \”color\” and love a basic neutral palatte. Happy weekend.
I love the swan. It's a darling touch. I love my neutrals.
It looks very pretty, very romantic and warm. You have styled beautifully. I will visit your friend's shop in Etsy.
Beautiful styling. I'm loving vintage swans these days!!
You mantel is so lovely and feminine Barb! I really love that picture! Thanks for sharing! Hugs,Tee @ Teediddlydee
This is so pretty, the all-white look is a classic!
So pretty. I really enjoy seeing others decor especially when they share a story.
Very pretty, I love this post !Thank you for hosting dear friend.Hugs,Fabby
Thank you, Debra! <3
Thank you, Katie! I love neutrals, too. Hugs,Barb 🙂
Hello Loren, thank you so much for your lovely comments! I know you'll like Julie's soaps and her shop. Enjoy your week,Barb 🙂
Thank you so much, Nell! Swans are so pretty. Glad you enjoy them, too, in your decor!Have a lovely week,Barb 🙂
Hello Tee, thank you so much for your kind thoughts! I have had that card so long now it's \”vintage.\” Hugs,Barb 🙂
Thank you, Roxanne! I do love an all-white decor. Enjoy your week,Barb 🙂
Thank you, Patti! This was a fun post to write with many good memories.Hugs,Barb 🙂
Thank you, Fabby!