Moving Towards Authenticity
Moving towards a more authentic early American style home with the addition of my latest find, a primitive bench.
I fell in love with the austere early American style several years ago. I was used to decorating in what I would call country or vintage farmhouse. Even though I was loving the minimalistic early style with utilitarian pieces that, it has taken me quite sometime to move in that direction. It has been a very gradual process for a couple of reasons. One reason being, probably the most obvious, money. It can be costly to quickly change out all the furnishings and decor in your house, which leads me to my second reason.
My second reason is to be intentional with what I bring into my home. So even if money wasn't an issue I would still want the changes in the style of my home to happen gradually. Your home is a reflection of who you are. It takes time and careful selection to achieve that. So, take your time and enjoy the process.
After rearranging my furniture, centering the couch in the room, I kept thinking it might look good to put some things behind it. A bench was what quickly came to mind. While shopping at a local antique store, I saw one that I thought would be perfect. Rather than snatching it up immediately, although there are times to do that, I decided to think about it a little longer this time.
I decided to move a little white bench from my bathroom to behind the couch. After living with it there for a few weeks I decided I definitely liked having it there although something wasn't quite right with it. The primitive bench from the antique store kept coming to mind. I could just picture it there and decided I would go back and get it if it was still there.
Once I got it inside, I knew it was going to be just perfect! The size, texture, color, everything about it was just what I was picturing.
After moving the white bench and other items I centered the bench on the backside of the couch. Instead of adding the same accessory pieces back to this bench I decided to play around with decorating a bit. First, I tried out some old watering cans. I just love these watering cans and with spring on the way I thought they just might work. They, unfortunately, did not work there this time. (Watering Can)
Then I tried the look I had with the white bench. I think it actually works, but I guess I wanted a little more change though so I kept going.
I ended up leaving it with a basket on the floor ant one end and a throw on the other end of the bench.
Now that the area behind the couch feels settled I decided to place the white bench under the kitchen window. It feels like the perfect place for it! It is just a little creamier white than my walls, but still looks like it belongs.
I placed utilitarian kitchen items on and beside the bench along with my little iron bunny.
Not only does the primitive bench feel more authentic behind the couch, but now the little white bench is adding a touch of authenticity in the kitchen as well. When something doesn't work in one area, sometimes it is just finding the right place for it.
I am loving the changes and how my style is gradually evolving, authentically.
"Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of things you love." ~ Nate Berkus
My style may not be for everyone and that's okay. When I look at the patina of this old wood bench I see history and story and feel happy to have it in my home where I can enjoy seeing it and using it.
Others might see a dirty peace of junk that they wouldn't want in their house for anything! Lol. That's what makes your home authentic to you, though. We don't all have to follow trends that would have our homes looking exactly the same all the time. What would be fun about that, anyway?!
So, whether you like primitives or staying up on all the latest trends or somewhere in-between, the most important thing is to make your home authentically you.
On YouTube https://youtu.be/_qa289rh7aY
Thank you for stopping by the blog!
Happy decorating,
Tammie
xoxo