‘Tis the beginning of the year and my eye for decorating seems to intensify.  The beginning of Autumn and the beginning of the year is when I start nesting.  I redecorate in the fall, but in January I have time to deep clean and paint.  My closet was cleaned out this week.  So many clothes were in the small farmhouse closet that I could not find my shoes.  Two large trash bags went to the thrift store of clothes I do not even wear (but might someday!).  The girls’ bathroom is on my radar this week.  A light cheery yellow, I think……

You have seen my decorating style in my posts about home and design.  We don’t take ourselves too seriously.  Whimsical, a bit of humor, infusions of our love of New Mexico, and farming posters line the walls.  We have antique furniture from family or Craig’s list, and lots of cats to make everything cozy.

I have begun pairing down which magazines I receive.  Magazines are my vice.  I need monthly shots of inspiration.  I have noticed that my magazines that are supposed to be country or cottage style are all becoming very modern.  That isn’t country.  There is not enough fun in that style of decorating to me.  Hard angular chairs and pristine blank surfaces make me nervous.

I picked up some old Country Living magazines from the library that someone dropped off.  I was a subscriber in the 80’s and early 90’s but I recycle magazines as soon as I read them.  I could easily keep two hundred magazines to look at later, but I would rather not.  So, coming across this old magazine was like rereading an old friend.  It gave me the giggles as well.  I think we begin to forget things like style and design, remembering select events and fuzzy faces only.  As I opened the pages of this magazine I was instantly transported back in time.

A time when my best friend, Susan, and I were drinking pots of raspberry coffee in front of foreign films, trying to be ever so sophisticated.  Curling our hair and listening to classical music.  Talking about boys, and school, and life as we knew it.  Going downtown on the bus and perusing the stores, loving the Laura Ashley designs that were so popular.  Watching romantic movies and wanting to be beautiful like Helena Bonham Carter in A Room With a View. 

Gunny Sack dresses and books full of beautiful floral fabrics.  Of big curls, and romantic design.

I still love that look.  I do not think I will go with the flow into modern decorating and sleek outfits.  I am going to curl my hair big, put on a pretty dress, and decorate with soft florals, books, and roses.  And paint the bathroom yellow.