Hello sweet friends. The other day I posted this photo and IG and it got a lot of attention. Lots of people private messaged me as well as left comments so I thought I'd post it here too. It pretty much sums up the way I've been living the last couple of years. I call it fewer/finer. I've slowly been decluttering and somehow making this place mine without erasing Larry. It's a delicate balance. I know some widows that don't touch anything after their loved one has passed away and I know widows who have sold the house and moved for a fresh start. I say whatever works for you and brings you any amount of peace is the way to go.
For me that has meant a slow but deliberate clean out and upgrades here and there. Btw, July's budget was blown to bits bc of a few upgrades. But to me overdue and well worth it. I upgraded my window hardware using Pottery Barn Teen rods. Their regular range of hardware was a little too big and overwhelming for my room and I love it. I also purchased their Belgium linen drapes. I'll leave links below. These have an ethereal feel allowing light in but giving lots of privacy. You eagle eyed readers will also notice a new landscape which I adore too. So small shifts here and there feel good to me. My home is feeling a little fresher, feminine and above all serene. xo
Serenity and elegant are the two words I would use to describe that room. And yet, easy care too. Slipcovers can be washed, a quick once-over with a damp mop and you're done! What a clever lady you are. I check your site daily to see if there's a new post. Thrilled this morning. Thank you for sharing your beautiful surroundings that give you peace.
ReplyDeleteSo simple yet incredibly beautiful. Your photos and words are so calming to me. I look often for your posts and so happy to see this today. I hope you are well.
ReplyDeleteYour home looks like it breathes easy. I love your "freshened" look and I love hearing from you.
ReplyDeleteThis room looks beautiful. You can appreciate everything in it as there is no clutter to distract. I wish I could get to this point. Always so happy to see a new post from you.
ReplyDeleteDarby
I am glad you are slowly getting back your footing. And your esthetic choices are always spot on.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see a post! It looks light, airy, elegant! Love it!
ReplyDeleteYour room looks edited and beautiful. I've wanted to read a post from you since I am recently a widow. My husband for 48 years lost his battle with cancer in early August. Because we were renting I'm moving to a smaller unit and will live in it as long as I like since family invested in the unit. I will enjoy decorating the new place in early November. You are an inspiration and I love your style.
ReplyDeletexo,
Karen
Karen, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you have some stability as far as your living situation. Be gentle with yourself.
DeleteIt looks lovely. I especially like the chair in the foreground. It all looks very you, and very comfortably elegant. When my dad died, my mom immediately eradicated most vestiges of his presence in the home they'd lived in together. She had a bonfire, she gave things away (not to me, the only child), and she basically had a decorating hissy fit. I appreciate your dignity and gentleness with your transitions.
DeleteIt was so nice to see your post in my inbasket. I love seeing the changes to your house. So simple, elegant, and peaceful. The portrait is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteColleen
You always put a smile on my face when I see your post. Lovely,peaceful and always in good taste.That is my take on your home.xo
ReplyDeleteThrilled to see a post from you today. I love the all white look. So simple and classic, yet sophisticated at the same time. I love these subtle changes you're making, it's inspiring to see what you're doing over time. Thank you for brightening my day. xo violet
ReplyDeleteThanks for this elegant post; the linen drapes and hardware are so lovely. Making upgrades like this remind me of the adage about having fewer but better articles of clothing, like French women (or so I read!). I love your posts and your living room looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteYou are a master at creating calm and welcoming spaces. I love your style for both decor and fashion. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I love it!
ReplyDeleteFirst, glad you are back posting.
ReplyDeleteLove this, so simple, so clean. Have always loved white linen.
Sincerely,
Debra from SENC
It is all so beautiful & calming Janet. I love the landscape...have always wanted one, but not so easy to find the right thing. It seems that you are moving forward in a healthy way, but it is never easy. It was so good to see your post...thank you!
ReplyDelete...all is grace!
Just passed my one year mark of becoming a widow. I just sold our home of 32 years and downsized to a beautiful small townhouse on the bay. Sold most of the heavy leather manly furniture (that I loved) and bought the white slip covered couch and chairs and new kitchen table. I felt I truly needed the fresh lighter "mood". It's helped me- not sure why it was so important to me but it was and that's okay. Every little thing matters.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful room. Love how Larry is still there.
ReplyDeleteEvery time, I think you can't make it prettier, and then you do!
ReplyDeleteDelighted to see you are back. So very lovely the image of your living room. To sit and enjoy the room and feel peace is such a joy. Changes you would have made even if you were still a two. Thoughts are with you. Bev from Oz
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely!
ReplyDeleteYour living room is lovely. I'm so glad you're finding your way. I think you would enjoy the youtube videos and instagram account of Rajiv Surendra, especially his house tour. He is such a creative inspiration!
ReplyDeletethank you so much everyone for your sweet and kind comments! i still cannot respond to ea comment like i used to be able to. so karen i'm so sad to hear of your husbands passing. much love to you. and pam the one year mark is a big one. you made it. we can make it. and lynn, i'm obsessed with rajiv! everyone here should google him and watch his home tour on youtube. he's one of a kind. thank you all again. xo janet
ReplyDeleteYou have made a very calm and serene space for yourself...so you Janet! Thanks for the post and checking in with us.
ReplyDeleteLinda
xo
Your home is as lovely as ever!
ReplyDeleteMy best friends husband died in June of Covid. No children, one sister 2000 miles away. I've thought of you these last 3 months while being with her. Tough days. ❤
Dear Janet, your home does indeed look serene but also very elegant and it is always interesting to see what new treasures you have found. In hot weather I run the house rather like a ship, with blinds and curtains drawn as the sun moves round the house. It is quite effective at keeping out the heat. (Although not something we have to worry about too much!)
ReplyDeleteLarry knew how much you loved your home, he would be delighted that it is still somewhere that gives you pleasure and comfort.
Thank you for sharing with us. Your home is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi. 4 years for me and I am gradually renewing my house within my budget. I keep touches that remind me of Bill. His favourite picture hangs on the wall and his crystal putter stands by the fireplace. I'm decluttering gradually without erasing. Your home looks beautifully serene.
ReplyDeleteCurated is what I am calling my current sweep through the house. I like light and freshness and small changes are good. Lovely home!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you Janet !
ReplyDeleteMissing you and wishing you all blessings for this New Year
ReplyDeleteSending thoughts your way. You are loved and missed.
ReplyDeleteBeth in Reno