That's My Style: A Series. (A Thoughtful Process.)

No truer words were spoken than from Dorothy:  “There’s no place like home.”

I love my home.  I love the fact that it is a respite from all the craziness of the outside world.  I love that it is where I create memories with my husband and daughter.  I love that it is OURS.  (Well, for the time being it is still the bank’s, but you know what I mean.)  I love opening its doors to friends and family and welcoming them in for fun & food.  But my house needs a little “spiffing up.”

After I wrote this blog, I started searching… soul searching and style searching.  I have never been the type of person who tries to impress others.  I am a “take me as I am” kind of gal.  If I am not to your liking, then you don’t have to be part of my world.  I am not high maintenance.  And now more than ever, I want to spend my time enjoying life rather than being a slave to polishing surfaces and chasing dust bunnies. 

I never looked at a Victoria’s Secret catalog and thought, “Why can’t I look like her?”  I realize that publications like those are a wicked combination of fantasy and PhotoShopping.  But those practical understandings didn’t carry that over to my drooling and swooning over these:

(By the way:  I do have a Christmas tree from these folks.  That does not translate into my sitting outside on the terrace of my villa in linen slacks and a silk tank top!)

So, I believe I have finally found a “look” that I can both relate to AND recreate in our home.  Little did I know that there is name for what I like and for what I have yearned for in my own home.  Call it vintage, cottage, shabby chic, flea market chic, perhaps even eclectic.  All these style terms mean, by my interpretation, use what you love and what you have and don’t worry because it will all come together and reflect your personality.  Follow those decorating guidelines and you certainly will have a unique décor, fun and functional, a welcoming and enjoyable place to call your own.

This epiphany certainly works well with my current budget.  Since I am a SAHM there is less play money in our house.  I am proud to say that I purchased our bedroom set and Kyla’s bedroom set when I was still working full time.  But now I can’t run out and spend a few thousand dollars to update our living room without batting an eye.  Time to rethink how I will spend our money!  Time to let others inspire me with their creativity and frugality!  Time to let myself set the tone instead of a catalog telling me how my house should look!

I have “just” two challenges:  I’m not a DIY kinda gal and I can’t thread a needle.  I am seeking to change both those things quickly.  My best friend reminded me today that somewhere nestled deep inside me, I must have those qualities.  My dad was always EXTRMELEY handy when I was growing up and we never hired out for improvements or repairs.  My mom sewed everything for me from Halloween costumes to a complete wedding ensemble for my Barbies.  We’ll see.  I’ve decided to start small.  I’m researching a basic, “idiot proof” sewing machine and I’m going to try to hang my own brackets for a café rod in the bathroom instead of calling my wonderful brother-in-law with my usual cry of “HELP ME!”

For every decorating dilemma there are a hundred online solutions.  There is no shortage of information and inspiration in the blogosphere.  Just when I think I have found them all, a link within a favorite blog leads me to a fresh idea and new resource.  One of my regular drool sources is The Lettered Cottage.  My husband and Layla’s have a lot in common.  Layla’s hubby is named Kevin, is in a band, and very handy with power tools.  My husband is named Kevin too!

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Um, did I mention that MY husband is named Kevin, too?

So, dear readers, that’s where I stand.  In the coming weeks you will witness and perhaps help in the transformation that I am determined (make that HELL BENT!) to create in our own special castle.  Like that little train once said, “I think I can, I think I can…”

That's My Style and I'm Stickin' To It

As I mentioned in my first blog, “I am the STAY AT HOME mother of a 2-year-old.  Some days I am happy that I am showered and dressed.  I don’t need a wardrobe redo with every new season.  I am happy with jeans that fit, tops that hide fingerprints, and shoes that can be stepped on.”  Naturally I like to look nice when I go out.  If possible, I coordinate my outfit with Kyla for special occasions.  But these two would have a field day with me…

If I spent as much time thinking about how to revamp my wardrobe as I do contemplating how to bring beauty to my home, I would no longer be a “before” ad for a fashion makeover.

I want a home that is comfortable and welcoming.  I want family and guests to feel that they are able to enjoy themselves and not worry about a crumb dropping or leaving a fingerprint.  I think that at the very least I have accomplished that.  However, I will not be asked by Better Homes and Gardens to do a photo shoot any time soon.  I do not have a look for my home.  And I want one.  Badly.

When we built our home six years ago, I was living in an apartment and truly had no idea of what kind of “look” I wanted to accomplish in our home.  I chose very neutral everything… countertops, carpeting and walls.  I figured it would be an easy palette to work with when the time came to choose furnishings and accessories.  There are times I’m glad I made that choice and times I feel like I’m the container of vanilla at Baskin Robins.

When I read other blogs about what I call “homekeeping” I am at once inspired and filled with feelings of inadequacy.  These blogs cover everything from baking bread to refinishing a table.  And they are not from multi-millionaire domestic mavens a la Martha, they are every-day types, fellow stay-at-home moms; some of whom also manage to home school their children!

Some got it, some ain’t.

I would desperately like to move from the “ain’t” column to the “got it” column.  I’m trying, really I am.  And I’d like you to join my in my quest for a sense of style.  (Or at least semi-style.)  A series of blogs is on its way including some before and after photos.  Perhaps you can offer your insight & ideas and together we will create Chez Fischer!