Layers
By the time we start dressing ourselves we know all about layering, it’s almost survival-ish. Like long sleeve shirts under boxy t-shirts, tank tops for no reason under a too-tight t-shirt, or learning the craft of layering to simply cover up. We layer because of comfort, style and function and it is usually quite intentional. I have been layering my clothes and my home for some time now. There were years of my life where I am not even sure I owned furniture, everything was a piece of someone else’s layer they were shedding. A few good layers of my own under my belt and, I again, looked around and was sure I liked nothing about my style – intensely on the hunt for change and inspiration. Finding the perfect inspirational piece, or walking into a store pulsing in my wannabe style is all I needed to get me going in my new direction.
After seasons of store displays and stacks of ripped out magazine pages later, I feel like I am in a good layer. Call it age, but it also has to do with where I live. Living in the South there are plenty of style options. Casual, yet pulled together, eclectic homes fall into place here. I have shopped and rummaged around for each layer I want to keep, refinish, and get to know. My home style is a representation of myself, my husband, and girls, living in Savannah and our adventures getting here. I love to add accessories, refinish and refine the look of my home, weaving in our own style while adding meaningful layers to our surroundings.
My favorite space is the front three open rooms in our historic Savannah home. When you walk in you are welcomed by tall ceilings and open space, and if you are lucky a half dressed toddler being chased by her sister running the width of the house. We eat, entertain, relax, create, and play in this space.
Cool, creative stores in Savannah like Paris Market and 24e are like an amusement park for a design junkie. Craigslist.org also reigns supreme. This city breeds eclectic style and is a bit transient which equals serious deals on artsy treasures. I have scored some amazing finds thanks to my craigslist app! My couch is fresh off a young couple’s hands, and was exactly what I had in mind – structured but still casual. I layer the textures of mossy green corduroy with a white ruffle throw, chunky wool patterned throw pillows, and a velvet barrel pillow in a rich orangey-red color. My credenza looks old and quiet, yet it happens to be Grand Central for our home. Everything seems to end up (or start) on it’s worn out surface. This perfectly distressed piece is another fabulous layer I love. What smells so comforting? The Lowcountry Luxe candle I can’t live without – every scent is a perfect match for my home.
I’m a nut for Do-it-yourself projects. I love a challenge and admiring my amateur work of art is ultra fulfilling. Here are a few of my easy D.I.Y. projects. Antique glass jars or bottles with fresh cut herbs are so easy and the smell will to pull you in every time. Dried Manzanita branch (thank you craigslist.org), an old pickle jar with flowers, sitting on a stitched piece of leather - equals a non fussy centerpiece easy to move around. Dried Manzanita branches also look creative on a mantle or dresser. I want a fun and inspiring playroom for my girls, so I’m always looking for ways to jazz it up with fun fabrics and easy garlands.
My favorite chair I insist on lugging around as we move is a green barrel chair from the 1960’s. It was my Grandmothers. It’s the most perfect dramatic blend of green and velour, and if I sit down…this is where I go. It makes me happy, and so does the rough and colorful pillow. I’m not one for words on walls, but this one from Cottagecoastalstore.com is right on. Fresh flowers make my punchy red repainted table even bolder. Our built in shelves were an old entryway to the house. There is something that does not make sense about this, but the door is interesting and functional, so it works. 
I always have my eye on some new design scheme or a slightly-unrealistic project to overwhelm my budget and creative time. I rubber neck store windows and plot out estate sales because I am always on the hunt for my next layer. It excites me, just like finding a sweet vintage skirt that somehow fits like a glove on me and fits right in with her new best friends in my closet. Here are a few things I am looking for, or really just love to want right now:
How about pillows with words? Ok, maybe just this one (I think it’s the font). Lowcountry Luxe soy candles in New Orleans scent – the candle smells just as fabulous as the packaging and makes me feel like I’m buying it from a chic boutique off Magazine Street in NOLA. I’m into this industrial looking, yet kind of sleek, fireplace screen. Oyster shells are reveled here in the Lowcountry. The love for the oyster shell is odd and alluring, and just about every store in Savannah has a new take on what to do with these (almost ugly) shells. I want to incorporate the artsy pride of the oyster into my home…I’m thinking picture frames. Here is another irresistible message from Coastal - perfect for empty wall space in the master bedroom. After this, I am done with words on walls. I’m serious.
So here is a look at me, getting my house ready to take photos, moving my layers around looking for the perfect style. I even threw in a few tips for easy decorating. Great thanks to my supporters and my husband who has lifted me up every day of this challenge! I’m continuing my writing on www.stylemein.blogspot.com where I talk about style, culture, design, travel, and what to wear wherever you are headed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWbE70uawpM
All photographs are styled and taken by Lisa Holloway unless otherwise credited.
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