Friday, June 19, 2009

ROOM FOR CHANGE...Updated Shabby Cottage Chic Style

GUESTROOM SHOWN 2004-2005
Shades of Sugar Pink

In September 2005 Romantic Homes Magazine came all the way to Oklahoma for a photo shoot of my La Chaumière de Briarwood (The Briarwood Cottage). It was a very exciting time in my life even though I didn't have the first CLUE as to what I was doing. I have to laugh about it today because I would do things so differently now if I had the chance...

I promised to show you some pictures of parts of my home and I thought it would be fun to show you what our little guestroom looked like about five years ago. Back then the walls were painted a soft sugar pink with the furniture a fresh, crisp white. The vintage metal bed was from the 1940's and even though it was charming I longed to find something different.

Now, I love pink! I do! I do! It's my favorite color and always has been. Still, as my taste for cottage style decorating changed I found myself moving towards an even softer, lighter look and feel for the room! By adding a darling vintage 4 poster bed, an old refurbished door, a vintage sewing machine cabinet (that doubles as a table) and a sweet sewing chair the room was easily transformed. I updated the linens, changed the throw pillows, added a gorgeous old chandelier and with the addition of a small metal bench at the foot of the bed the room took on an entirely updated, fresh and clean appearance. More romantic, less whimsy...
GUESTROOM 2009
Shades of Soft Taupe

HALLWAY INTO GUESTROOM

Let it be said that I'm into to changing things! The room has been given a repaint job and now proudly shows off a soft shade of pale taupe. The furniture, all gently distressed, is my favorite cottage white. Although I'm constantly moving things around I must also tell you that I'm into recycling most all the finds I discover. Several times over in fact! Everything shown in the pink room (except the bed) is now being used somewhere else in my home...

Mr. AGPMan's OLD OFFICE 2004

Before we jostled some things around to make better use of the rooms in our home, my Mr. AGPMan's office was upstairs. It was your typical "man room" and sported little style (sorry honey!). About a year ago his designated space :) was moved downstairs and I took over the room and turned it into a pretty retreat. It's been transformed it into a place where I sit and read. Since this picture was taken I've painted the cabinet doors with shabby pink roses and...

TRANSFORMED INTO MY SITTING ROOM

flipped the desk to the other side of the room! I love it much more this way! The vintage Tell City Bench below is now under the window which provides wonderful lighting when I curl up with my favorite weekly read!

SWEET TELL CITY BENCH

You'll notice some of the things in the Sitting Room pictures have been moved into the Guest Room! I told you I move things around!!!

I PROMISE before Summer's End I will show you more pictures of my home! Currently we are working on our space-challenged Master Bedroom! That's the room I gave you a sneak-peak of a few days ago!

Blessings to you as you find the potential in your own beautiful home...Rebecca

30 comments:

My Pink & Cream Cottage said...

ok Reb do you honestly know how envious I am of your beautiful home, it is exactly how I want (dream) my tiny little cottage to look.... I knew from the first time I saw your pretties on ebay all those years ago that you were a very talented (beautiful) Lady but you just never cease to amaze me..... so proud to be thought of by you as a *friend*...

Heaps of kisses & hugs

Lyn xxx

Eclectic Chic Style said...

It's all so lovely. Your decorating touch is amazing. I love the cottage white and taupe, it is soft and beautiful, but you know I have to say it, I have to. I adored the former pink look too!! I love sugarey pink. ;) Everything looks absolutely beautiful!!!! I wish you were closer, I'd borrow you for some much needed advice and shopping. ;)
Have a super day girlie!
♥ Teresa

Anonymous said...

Very pretty, Rebecca!! I like the new guest room better! I *love* Pink, too but I know that not all my guests would. I really want people to feel comfortable in my home. ♥

Laura said...

Miss Rebecca, your home looks like a magazine. It is absolutely beautiful. It also has the look of your beautiful blog: inviting and welcoming.

Enjoyed visiting,
Laura

blushing rose said...

All magazines should be coming to Miss Rebecca for ideas & tips on decorating. I love the pink best but the newly decorated room is breathtakingly gorgeous also. The office is so rich & delicate & beautiful. You do have that magic touch, Rebecca in decorating (& words).

Have you ever had any decorating magazines visit you & your home ... if not, the world is missing out on your talent & ability to take a mere viewer into your vision(s) of peace & tranquility in every aspect of your being.

TY for sharing this part of your life ... TTFN ~Marydon

Anonymous said...

Ha-ha! Sorry those pins and needles are getting to you! Come back tomorrow! ♥

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Just beautiful my friend...as every thing you do just the magic touch...I love it all...May you have a great weekend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Barb said...

Hi Rebecca, just lovely. Your room is soft and pleasing.

I used to have everything in pink....I mean everything but suddenly one day...I changed. If you look at our home now and also looked twenty years ago, you would be shocked! (we have lived here 30 years this coming Christmas) Change is good!

Your home is much like you....soft and serene.

Love and hugs,
Barb

A Southern Rose said...

Oh Rebecca, it is all so beautiful. I just keep going back and looking at your pictures over and over! I like the guest room both ways. Your sitting room is amazing! I can't wait to see your bedroom!

Anonymous said...

OMGoodness, you are a decorating guru. You just always seem to know what goes where & where to put everything. I do o.k. but when I come up with a nice looking vingette I always have the look of suprise on my face then ah-h-h.
I could so-o-o-o move into your house!! LOL!!
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Rebecca,
I just found you and I have enjoy my visit so much. Everything is so lovely, I could come for a visit and feel right at home. I am going to add you to my favorites so I can keep up with you.
Please enter me into your sweet giveaway.
Enjoy your weekend,
Elizabeth

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I think all of us started with a more whimsical, cutesy style of decorating and have "grown" out of it! Your rooms look so lovely! But how fortunate to have been in a magazine. That has always been a dream of mine. I don't move "stuff" as much anymore, but my husband used to get up in the morning and I had moved the Living Room furniture while he slept!

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

Your home is so beautiful. I love when you share with us. I can certainly see the love in every little corner.
Take care, Susan
P.S. Happy treasure hunting this weekend!

Brenda said...

My Goodness Rebecca! LOVE your beautiful home, and can't wait to see more pictures of it in the future. You give all of us wonderful ideas for decorating our own homes. You can tell you decorate with lots of love :) We are hopefully going to a neighboring little town tomorrow that is having it's annual "Townwide Sales", so cross your fingers that we find lots of "Goodies" to bring back with us :) You have a wonderful weekend Rebecca!! Warmest, Brenda

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU SO MUCH REBECCA FOR YOUR PRAYERS. I TOO HOPE IT IS ALL WE DREAM IT TO BE. I JUST WANT TO SETTLE SOMEWHERE, VERY TIRED OF MOVING. ON A BRIGHTER NOTE. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE SOFT TAUPE YOU USED IN THE GUEST ROOM. I TOO AM A LOVER OF PINK, BUT THE TAUPE IS GORGEOUS. I REALLY LIKE HOW THE TELL CITY BENCH CAME OUT. THE CUSHIONS LOOK SO SQUISHY AND COMFY. I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND WITH YOUR FAMILY. P.S.. I DO REALIZE THAT IT SAYS HO HO HO.. LOL, I REALLY WISH THE CIRCLE WAS CHERRIES OR SOMETHING BUT I LOVED THE BACKGROUND. PLUS, IT SAVES ME FROM PUTTING MY CHRISTMAS TREE UP TOO SOON. I HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO HAVE IT UP BEFORE HALLOWEEN. :)

Anonymous said...

Your blog is so inspiring and beautiful.

Willow

Anonymous said...

Oh, Rebecca! Now I know someone who's famous! :) How wonderful to have been published. I probably saw your writeup, as I buy almost all of the decorating books out there! I do love your look now! Your home is so romantic!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Eclectic Chic Style said...

Oh Rebecca, I just read your comment on the teacup lamp, LOL LOL LOL!!!! You are so much fun!!!
Hoping you're having a beautiful day girlie girl!
Big big hugs ♥ Teresa

Anonymous said...

I like how warm the taupe is backdropping all your pretty whites. I've been investigating some greens but have not yet found one I love. I'm not sure yet what i'll do when we put walls back up but there's time to think on it. I at least have your rooms for inspiration! lovely.

English Cottage in Georgia said...

I love to see the before and after pics of your guest room and study. It is fascinating to see how your decorating style has evolved. Both rooms, okay the guest room (not so much your hubby's study LOL) were beautiful, but are now downright stunning.
Your BIL is in my prayers.

June said...

Oh Rebecca, your guestroom was gorgeous then and is gorgeous today. What a treat for anyone staying at your house. Beauty everywhere you look. And that reading room! Let's just say, if I was living there, I'd be reading a lot. I love the view from here.
Hugs,
June

Tanza said...

Ooohhh my sweet humble, talented in every way friend,
First of all, I'm standing and giving you an ovation that tops all others.. Just gorgeous !! Absolutely award winning !! This is just bathing in beauty..You have the most vintagey,cottagey,looking home ever !! Each and every room is a spectacle to behold..There is a lovely touch of dainty panache everywhere.. Every dainty little detail (don't think I don't notice it all).. You'll be hearing from me, cuz I'll be trying to buy from the pages.. You know me !! I see so many cherished momentos, among all that cottage white..The light shining through the windows creates such a warm glow.. I get such warm ,fuzzy,nostalgic feelings looking around each and every room.. Such a true delight..I still think I'm going to grab a cup of tea and my latest issue of Romantic Country to see if you're in there.. By now you should be..Than I'm going to plop right down on that soft cushy bench in your studio, and relax.. I'll sit soft and easy and you won't even know I'm there.. Ooohh wait, you will too,cuz than we have to go to lunch and shop, shop, shop.. You are just Amazing !!! Congratulations on your BEAUTIFUL makeover.. A real treat !!!
Big hugs to you ~tea~xo

Andrea said...

Rebecca, you are so filled with talent and creativity! Your home is pretty, feminine, and romantic!

The Lord has gifted you with great skill in making a house into a home that is nothing less than charming.

How exciting that Romantic Homes featured your home!!! That was such an honor!

My home is cottage-like in its style. I am also forever changing things around. I enjoy fiddling with things, but do not have the flair you do.

Many, many blessings to you this weekend.

In Christ's Love,

Andrea

joanne said...

You are such an inspiration! Your home is lovely and you have a very serene touch. Beautiful...

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

Rebecca, Your home is absolutely exquisite. My only problem is your pictures are not big enough. I'm dying over here to be able to really see it. I wish I had the 2005 mag. to look at, even back then your guest room was gorgeous. You are an inspiration with wonderful taste! Gosh I wish I could come over and soak it all in. LOve it aLL!!! The best of the best-

Blessings and Hugs-

Simply Debbie said...

DEAR REBECCA
AWESOME! BOTH ROOMS ARE ELEGANT, BEAUTIFUL, SERENE, GORGEOUS, EVERY WORD THAT DESCRIBES BEAUTIFUL.
I did not know you lived in oklahoma...so do I...I think we are going to have to get the oklahoma gals together like the texas gals did....I would have also loved to have been with the texas gals...all the bloggers
the transformation of the office is just awe inspiring
I will place Linda and Greg on my prayer list...God still does miracles every day and we just have to cling to him.
please enter me in your beautiful give away
hugs
debbie

Simply Debbie said...

I FORGOT TO TELL YOU HOW VERY TALENTED YOU ARE AND THAT I WOULD JUST HAVE TO MOVE INTO THAT GUEST ROOM...LOL
HUGS
debbie

Sheila said...

Dear Rebecca
Thanks for visiting my page.

Betty's corner of the world said...

Dear Rebecca ... I just finished writing you an email and then decided to come visit your blog for a sec ... I am soo glad I did ..it is sooo beautiful and it just slowed me down and made me feel soo peaceful .. Your home is soo beautiful and your music is soo relaxing .. now I'm ready to start my day full of inspiration.
Everything you do is soo beautiful.
Hugz ...Betty

Melissa/Piney Rose said...

Rebecca, it's hard to believe that it has been that long since I found you on ebay and told Romantic Homes they simply must do a feature on you! Your style was lovely then, and it has evolved into even more loveliness! Hugs, Melissa

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