Monday, September 12, 2011

Opposites Attract

I've been noticing a trend around my house lately.  I really like mixing new or shiny objects with rustic or old.  The effect is one that keeps my rooms from becoming stale.  It may be because I've acquired such a diverse group of objects and I just want to find a way to incorporate them all into my home.  Whatever the reason, I think it all works together.  Here are a few examples where I've mixed the two together.



In my family room, I have this antique chrystal chandelier


hanging above this old pine coffee table.



In that same room I also have this antique foot stool with gold painted legs in front of a rustic stone fireplace hearth.


On my coffee table is a black sea fan displayed in a glass container.


On my antique secretary, is a small stack of old torn books beside a silver julep cup.


In my foyer, I have some rustic antlers surrounding a shiny mirror.


In my dining room, I have a large glass bottle flanked by some old shed antlers too.


In the kitchen, I have a  silver champagne bucket holding wooden spoons.


And finally, my iron chandelier over my kitchen table has crystal prisms hanging from it (which I added).



Even my wooden bread board on top of my shiny granite counters has contrast.



I'm using the word "shiny" just to emphasize my point of how some things have contrast with other things.

I believe we all have trends in our house without even realizing it.  It's fun to look around and see what you gravitate towards in your own home decor.  Do you see a trend in your home too?

~ Kelly~

Joining Marty at A Stroll thru Life for TTT

43 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Why yes I do. I have a mix of many different things, too. Good post!

Richella Parham said...

I'm with you--I love the juxtaposition of old v. new, sleek and shiny v. rustic, etc. Keeps things interesting!

I LOVE that photo that contains the stack of books with the cross atop. I have a collection of crosses that serve as a big part of my living room decor. Even inside that collection, I like the fact that some of the crosses are shiny and "fancy," whereas some are very rough and rustic. Variety is the spice of life!

Debbiedoos said...

Yes, I do too Kelly. Funny you should post this because the other day as I was looking at the shiny with the rustic, I thought, hmmmm...is this working? My final answer to myself was YES it's working LOL! Yours is totally working and looks awesome!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Love your style, Kelly, your bread board is amazing. I just did a post last Friday on them, they're a favorite of mine. Great use of the antlers too!!

Lori said...

I have a girlfriend who says her favorite color is sparkle!

cheryl @ nefotlak. said...

i LOVE the silver champagne bucket upcycle! fabulous.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelly,
I love to mix things up. I always like to add a silver piece.I too love your big bread board.You can't have enough of them.

Kathy

Olive said...

Love the antlers Kelly. I have a friend who is happily giving me some. I think having a mix of old with new keeps things fresher and not so museum like with too many antiques. ♥Olive

Tanna said...

LOVE the utinsels in the champagne bucket!!! I think you do a wonderful job of mixing shiny and rustic! Gives a casually elegant feel. blessings ~ tanna

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

I wanted to stop by from Kim's and say welcome to blogging!

I do love the rustic with the shiny. I just polished my champagne bucket the other day. I have it sitting on something rustic. I'll take pictures soon so I can write up a post. I think the balance each other well.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Kelly I love your style! Yes I definitely like to mix things up in all my rooms, it keeps things interesting!! Martina

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Yes, I like to mix "outside the box!" I had a decorator tell me I shouldn't have a crystal chandelier over an oak dining room table, but it's been like that for over ten years now and I've loved every day of it!

Katherine

Tina said...

I'm the same way with my decor. I love 'old' and 'new' together. I like your arrangements...you've given me some great ideas!

Anonymous said...

I love what you are doing with your blog! I have been blogging for three months, so I know what you are going through! I love your style! Everything looks great!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I love the shiny with the rustic too, I think it gives a room interest! Your doing great with your blog and I'm your newest follower! Don't forget to show some pics with your pup, I'd love to see!

Rondell

Elegant Economies said...

Rustic and shiny ARE wonderful together! Thank you for showing us your beautiful things.
Blessings, Audrey

Melissa Miller said...

Kelly what a thoughtful post. I definitely notice trends in our home as well. I tend to buy all warm colors and animal prints. My style is evolving lately and when we move to Maryland next spring I'm planning a much lighter color palette. A more traditional look if you will. I can't wait! Your blog will give me much inspiration. Thank you for starting it! I adore the silver bucket and wooden spoons. Clever and pretty all in one.

Thank you for the kind words on my weight loss!

Warmly, ~Melissa

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love the contrast you show with the different finishes. Sparkle and dull, smooth and rough, I love all of these elements mixed together. Great post and beautiful pics and vignettes. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Babs said...

Love the mix of rustic and shiny. Great use for the champagne bucket. I like using things in a different way from what they were intended. :)
Hugs,
Babs

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Kelly,
Yes...I think they work great together...love your sea fan display. I also love that "NEST" pillow in your header...did you make it or buy it?

Blessings,
Linda

PAT said...

Looks beautiful Kelly. Wonderful post!

d e l i g h t said...

Hi Kelly, yes my trend the past few years is exactly what you are showing and talking about. I love mixing something sparkly with something rusty or chipped. Love the chanpagne bucket with wooden spoons...I may have to try that!!

Ivy and Elephants said...

I love all the contrast, too. I haven't noticed a trend around my house, but I'm about to start one!
Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Patti

The Loops said...

I love the antlers! I'm a new follower. I hope you'll stop by sometime!

Deserae said...

As you know I have had an obsession with all things bright and shinny mixed with anything that has texture for ages! LOL..I'm so excited that you took the plunge and decided to start blogging! I have always loved seeing your gorgeous home when Kim featured it on her blog!!!
~Des

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Hi Kelly! Sorry it took me so long to get here. I think you are an amazing newbie. Your blog already looks great. Best of luck with this new adventure...I did have to laugh when Kim mentioned that it was 2 p.m. and you still weren't dressed! That happened to me most of the summer. I'll be back to visit again. Welcome!

The Charm of Home said...

Hi Kelly,
I have enjoyed seeing your home on Kim's blog. It is so exciting to see your blog too! Welcome to the blogging adventure. It is sure fun and enjoyable too to visit and see everyone's smart ideas. I am signing up to follow you!
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelly! I love your style and all of your sparkly!!
Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!} said...

Welcome to blogging!
It's fun!
And challenging...you will never be the same (and neither will your house, LOL!)
SO HAPPY HAPPY to meet you!
My kitchen utensils are also in a silver urn :)
Looking forward to more!
HUGS and blessing to you!
~me

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Welcome to the land of blog, so glad to see you here. Thank you for sharing all your beautiful treasures. I've seen bits and pieces of your home from Kim's blog and I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Amy Chalmers said...

I love your style and have been seeing your house through Kim's blog. Following you now~hope you will come by and say hi! I just got a needlepoint stool at Brimfield, and it is in front of my fireplace too. Your sister's blog really helped me attract a following, and I am sure you will find the same thing. Welcome to blogland!

Unknown said...

Hi Kelly, glad you joined us, Your sister is the best, look forward on reading your blog, Your newest follower. love your home....

The French Hutch said...

Welcome Kelly, to the world of blog. I see decorating style runs in the family. Love your breadboard. Love how you mix and match decor styles. This is what I do, just use what I like and mix and match styles. Looking forward to your future posts. I'll be your newest follower.

~Emily
The French Hutch

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

Welcome to blogging! I haven't been blogging in a long while due to life issues but wanted to stop by and welcome you! I have been following your sister from our days on Rate My Space. Because of her I started blogging. You have the same flair for accessorizing that she has and I am enjoying your new blog. Keep up the good work but you will find it takes over your life which is mostly why I had to stop!!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Hi Kelly.
It is nice to meet Kim's sister! You have a lovely home. Kim came to my house last fall for a blogger brunch and I got to meet her in person. I hope to have another blogger brunch someday, and maybe I can meet you too!

Come visit me at www.thecomfortsofhome.blogspot.com

I am having a giveaway!
Penny

vignette design said...

Are you sure you haven't blogged before? You're already a pro! Great post! ~Delores

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Hi Kelly,
Popping over from Kim's. Welcome to blogland. I know you will have great fun here! I love your home.

Brenda Pruitt said...

I'm pleased as punch you've jumped into the lake with us girls! I've been waiting for you to do this for some time. Love your house!
Brenda

Anonymous said...

Kelly, you & your sister have a great eye for mixing textures. When I try it around my home it doesn't look right to me, but when I see it on your blog it looks great!

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Hi Kelly! I'm a "newbie" as well. Love your site!! I was having the same problem with posting comments and did a little internet research. It totally solved my problem. Here's what I did: Go to Internet Explorer, Tools, Internet Options, Privacy...and change your settings to allow 3rd party cookies. Worked like a charm! Oh! And I'd love to have you join my site! Hope this helps!!

Betty Sneeringer said...

Enjoyed your postings. I am new also - started in August and am still learning. I have the same trouble leaving comments - just part of the time.
Check out my blog: www.bsneeringer.blogspot.com

SHERRY HART said...

Kelly...I agree...shinny and rustic/wood have always appealed to me!

Christina said...

It is like this in my parent's house too! My mom is a country chic gal all the way and my dad, though he doesn't admit having a style preference, tends to buy the "shiny" stuff! So, they too have this pattern with a shiny chandy topped by rustic-like shades and antique quilts hanging near glossy light fixtures and vases. I'm trying to figure out how to describe this look and so far just say I'm helping them "merge" two styles.