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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

i love texture as in... ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE


 I think that plenty of additions of pure TEXTURE makes for a beautiful room...beautiful house.
I love having something smooth paired with something rough..nubby..olden and worn...
I am thinking this is a LOT of what the new rage,
ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE
is all about.
**
The following is taken from MARTHA'S MOMENTS...
Today, the interior design of the homes of many of my friends (and my own home) seems to be guided by a new kind of modernism that embraces light and space with the very definite desire to collect, cherish and display vintage objects that have personal meaning and a whimsical charm to them; they may be inherited pieces, or they may be ''new-old'' flea-market finds, but they are objects we cannot seem to part with.
After asking around a bit, and doing a bit of research, it seems this style has been labeled "Romantic Prairie Style" by the cognoscenti. Its more grown-up counterpart is called "Modern Farmhouse." 
**
 The importance of TEXTURE in your rooms has been around
for a long long time...
I just think people are becoming much more aware of it with
the fabulous things made popular today.
ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE....
don't 'cha love it !
YUM #ONE
 THIS romantic prairie style dining room belongs to
This photo is a pic of a pic so if you want to see how pretty her cottage
REALLY IS...
Go over and check her out.
Take notice of all the different textures she uses
She is such an awesome decorator that her cottage
ended up in this beautiful book, ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE...
and I am so impressed that I could just die.
She is another one that has NO idea how I stalk 
her constantly.......*shhhhhh
 The smoothness of the painted wood against the roughness of the RED brick..
I love it !
I've had these olden shutters for over 20 years.
I happened across several of them at a garage sale, fell in love,
bought them and have never parted from them for a minute.
They have been many colors over the years....
and have been used all over my cottage.
Right now, they reside on either side of my Franklin fireplace.
YUM #2
A ball of string...jute...so much texture...substantial...
things like this, scattered around, gives off the vibes of
*take off your shoes...
*get comfy...
*nothing taken TOO seriously around here...
Romantic Prairie Style !
 ...the nubbieness of the ruffled burlap runner paired with a smooth metal candle holder
just makes for a strong, great look to me.
Of COURSE, now that I have noticed that the runner in THE OLD PAINTED COTTAGE
has writing on it
I WANT IT, TOO !
YUM #3

I just love keys...
these are a couple of olden brass keys, found on Ebay, years ago.
The other, shorter one goes to a vintage clock.
 The clock belonged to my mother and she gave it to
me many years before she passed away.
(I am already 2 years older than she was when she died)
She was wonderful about letting my brother and I have things
of  hers that we loved to pieces.
She didn't believe in *wait until I'm gone*...
she wanted us to enjoy it RIGHT NOW.
I have done this with my children and grands, too.
My sweet momma left me a whole lot more than earthly possessions...
and I hope and pray and work hard at
doing the same for my family.
YUM #4
 I still love the fabulous look 
wine corks give.....
even if POTTERY BARN seems to be through with them. !
I love 'em and have several containers scattered throughout Sweet Nothings.
They offer texture in a HUGE way...
then added to GLASS....ummmmmm
I love them and might carry a few to my grave with me....
The 
rough
smooth
torn
tarnished..
vintage collections..
look of ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE.
BOY HOWDY......I sure do love it.!
*
If you like the look of the coverless books that Pottery Barn made popular,
ask your favorite thrift store to save broken books for you. Then you won't
feel like YOU have destroyed the books.
If you are like me, you were taught to NEVAH harm a book.
My sweetie girl ordered this book for me for Christmas.
It arrived at my doorstep, hot off the press and I've
not stopped reading and looking at it since.
If you buy only ONE nice book this year....
and you love the look of Modern Farmhouse, aka ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE..
then, THIS is the book for you.
I HIGHLY recommend it.
A few rooms, done up in the ROMANTIC PRAIRIE fashion
from the Internet...
I really need a sign like her's...
and to have a kitchen large enuf to add a rocker...
Hey..wait a minute, maybe I can add one to my breakfast room...
I'll be thinking on that....
I DO have the very rocker my dad bought for my momma when I was born..
that's a mighty olden rocker !!
This porch photo is in my INSPIRATION FILE
and I don't have a single solitary clue who it belongs to but
I covet it SOOO much that I am afraid I am going to hell
and that's a fact !  :(
It just takes my breath away and leaves me hyperventilating..
the curtains..
the ticking...
the lemonade...
even  the numbers 105 are cute...
prairie style at it's finest..
YUM #5
My olden bakers rack (actually a $5 display rack from a store going out of business) holding all my thrifted treasures..
some rough, like the burlap bag..married with the smoothness of thrifted dishes...
and I HAD to throw in my
thrifted, stepped on, horse p'd on and then ran over, car ran over it, dropped in the creek,
been thru the mill
COWGIRL HAT...
just a teeny tiny bit of prairie love.

 ONE official dessert of PRAIRIE STYLE living is 
ANGEL FOOD CAKE..
(plain, served with a hot cup of coffee or tea..)
or 
dressed in STRAWBERRY CREME ICING.
THIS good cake is store-bought
 *I heard you gasp*
and the strawberry icing is from a can (turning purple gasp)
but had fresh mashed strawberries  swirled into it.
*remember...I LOVE semi-homemade...:)
♥♥♥
 I'm linking with the following wonderful ladies that allow us to have so much fun blogging....
WOW ME WEDNESDAY
WHITE WEDNESDAY
REDNESDAY WEDNESDAY
GOOD LIFE WEDNESDAY
TOP 5 YUMS WEDNESDAY
VINTAGE THINGY THURSDAY
DEFINE YOUR BLOG THURSDAY
TIME TRAVEL THURSDAY

If YOU would like a chance to win one of these
awesome enamel house signs, just click
HERE
Last day to enter is 4/15
and the winner will be announced on 4/16

My thanks to all the hosts for their time and caring...
My thanks to YOU for stopping in at SWEET NOTHINGS today.
GOD BLESS and much love,
xo bj
I need more WHITE !!
at

35 comments:

  1. Julie HarwardApril 12, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    I want to have a nap in your header! LOL I love your mama's clock, very special. I want to get this book, love it and the whole style of it. I guess I can leave my cow girl hat on the coat trees hook then...I'm right in style! ;D

    ReplyDelete
  2. VeeApril 12, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    Semi-homemade is just my style...it looks delicious. True confessions...I have never even heard of this decorating style. I like it; I've seen it; I'd never pass the test to name it. Thank you for the education!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Blondie's JournalApril 12, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    I just received my book the other day. I was surprised to find that 4 of the homes featured were right here near Chicago and I have met the first three bloggers in the book! Yes, I have actually seen, in person, the porch you are coveting and I will see it again next weekend when she has her Shop The Shed sale! I know I am really bragging here!! Another sweet Illinois lady is having a barn sale when we are away on vacation and Fifi will be there signing the book. I was SO planning to go to this sale, darn it!

    I'm halfway through the book, I savor every page. I think your post really captures the essence of Romantic Prairie Style, all the layers and textures. Great post, BJ!

    XO,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  4. SalmagundiApril 12, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    I think I'm the only one in blogland that doesn't have the Romantic Prairie Style book, and I live on the prairie! Must find a way to get that book. Your home is always full of wonderful texture. Sally

    ReplyDelete
  5. LynnApril 12, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    Color and texture, they're the two things that drew me to the stained glass! All fun pics BJ, but my favorite thing in the whole post has to be your cowgirl hat-too funny:@)

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownApril 12, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Another fabulous visit & dessert with you, BJ. The teacups & clock vignette is so sweet ...
    Have a lovely eve ~
    TTFN ~
    Marydon

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousApril 12, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Hi BJness! Oh, I've got to get me that book! Now, Dear One, in my opinion your lovely cottage could certainly have been in that book! You're great and decorating and I'll bet none of these gals can cook like you! I'm loving your new header too. I just may have to make another change too! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kirsty GirlApril 12, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    Hi BJ! Just found you via blogfrog and I just LOVE your taste! :D

    ReplyDelete
  9. xinexApril 12, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    Thank you for all these beautiful inspirational photos, BJ!....Christine

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageApril 12, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    I enjoyed looking over your post! I love that book too!

    ReplyDelete
  11. weissbuntApril 13, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    So inspiring pics :-). Too bad we live in a very modern home and my husband is very hard to convince that he should leave decorating and the look and feel of our home completely up to me ;-). He is getting better though. He likes most of what I did (or he let me do), except for the creamy chocolate wall in our living room that I so love :-). Have wonderful day - maks :-) P.S. Love the porch, too!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsApril 13, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    I have the book too BJ and I do love it. Fifi- the author did a wonderful job.

    That porch is fab!! I love the little black bench and the ticking.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  13. Sarah @ Modern Country StyleApril 13, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    I loved your post on texture. I loved seeing your take on it. That book does look great, doesn't it? You're a temptress!!!

    Sarahx

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  14. abeachcottageApril 13, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Great pics! Thanks for adding your link to Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays!

    ReplyDelete
  15. LindyLouMacApril 13, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Not sure what we would call this style in Europe but I like it. I spotted your old keys lovely, my husband has just done a DIY project with our collection and they are now hanging up.

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousApril 13, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    I have this great book and I love it!

    Kisses:)

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousApril 13, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    I have this great book and I love it!

    Kisses:)

    ReplyDelete
  18. AdrienneApril 13, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    What fun! I need to learn more about Romantic Prairie because I like it. Didn't know what to call it but now I do. Loved seeing your 'prairie' hat!
    ~Adrienne~

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  19. My Dream CanvasApril 13, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    Fabulous post!

    ReplyDelete
  20. RitaApril 13, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Just between you and me. Bj, you are pretty good yourself when it comes to matching and organizing. You are a talent I wish I could borrow you to come and make my house pretty. Love this post.
    Rita

    ReplyDelete
  21. KathleenApril 13, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    Well, yeehaw! Give me a good looking cowboy any day! See if Tom is available to join us for some of your delicious treats!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Kim @ Too Much TimeApril 13, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    Hey BJ
    See ya down under, because I am dying over that porch and am longing for one just like it...one day!
    Ha Ha
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  23. DebbieApril 13, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    This is a wonderful post with SO MANY wonderful inspiration shots.
    I can't quite decide my style. Every time I think I've settled on it, I find something else I like.

    Now, you have me deciding that I want it to be Romantic Prairie style.

    Why not? I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kathleen GraceApril 13, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    That book is on my wish list! Everything looks so farmhouse lovely. You manage to capture that beautiful individuality in your own home BJ, and that's why I love seeing all the fun things you do to make it more you!

    ReplyDelete
  25. SueApril 13, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    I love visiting you. I always feel as if we've just had a great conversation over a cup of tea and something sweet! I'm on my third day of a diet...I'm seeing sweet things in my dreams!

    I haven't read Fifi's book yet, but I am hearing only wonderful things about it.

    ReplyDelete
  26. The Quintessential MagpieApril 13, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    BJ, I love this post. I adore that style, and the book looks neat. You do it well, too!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  27. ColoradoladyApril 13, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    I love all the white too, and NOTHING in my house is white. Loved this post, everything is so pretty! Happy VTT!

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousApril 13, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    That porch does call to one, doesn't it?

    I'll have to search out this book. Thanks for sharing.
    Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  29. ChristieApril 13, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    Hey bj!
    I just love that romantic prairie style too, and all of your inspiring decorating as well :)
    Loved seeing the pictures you shared and ohhh you are not alone...in wanting that porch...I want that too!
    Hoping you are having a fun and happy week...
    Big hugs,
    Queenie

    ReplyDelete
  30. GLENDA CHILDERSApril 14, 2011 at 12:13 AM

    Hi,
    Just popping over from Sarah's Good Life Wednesday. It is lovely to meet you.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

    Gg - Notes on the Journey
    Good Life Wednesday #46

    ps. I love the little cream pitcher in your header.

    ReplyDelete
  31. JocelynApril 14, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    I love your Mom's old clock. I think it's wonderful that she shared her treasures with you before she passed. Great post.

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sandi~A Cottage MuseApril 14, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    I love to stop by and visit you! I am in love with Fifi's book and am so inspired. I have been trying to add texture to my nest too and am having fun along the way!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageApril 14, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    I've always been a tactile kinda girl - marrying the smooth with the rough-hewn. Maybe that's why my Yankee and I get along so well. lol

    The vignettes you've shared are blissful, dear BJ - those from others, as well as your own.

    Thanks for sharing all the loveliness at my party.

    Hugs,
    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  34. A Shabby Moment in TimeApril 16, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    LOVE your blog and so glad I found it via White Wednesday. Thanks so much for the fresh inspiration. Your pics are breathtaking!
    Blessings and Hugs,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  35. Laurel@ChippingwithCharmApril 17, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    HI there...I just hopped over from the MCS...but now that I'm here I realize that I've visited you before during the FJ Copy me challenge...loved your entry! Such a beautiful blog...think I'll follow along :) Enjoy your day, Laurel@chippingwithcharm

    ReplyDelete

Thanks SO much for commenting. I am blessed for knowing you.