Serving up Country

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The look of country, is the feel of my mother's style. My mom loves dark earthy colors, I prefer light colors but we both dig things that are peeling and standing on their last leg. All junk is not junk. Some old things have just the right touch of rust, peel and patina… where other things don't. Some might say the trick is to know the difference between what is junk and what is cute junk. Or maybe the trick is knowing how to put it together. I grew up with a mom who knew how to make nothing special look cozy precious.

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My mother is very practical, but not in her style of decorating… take her desk for example it is in a kitchen cupboard. The pencils are in a tin pitcher, the mail is in a loaf pan, stamps in the spice tin, and a pencil sharpner just for looks. Sitting on a dictionary is a French antique tin box (Goutee= snack pail) simply because it is just too cute to be put away.

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I have been known to sell everything in my house and start over, I think my mother is to blame. Growing up I saw my mother wheeling and dealing, trade, sell, change and redo things in our home constantly: I daresay daily…  My mom's idea of fun is to mix things up–  her style is not dictated by what she sees in magazines, or at any shop. Take her bathroom window,  just look at it… there isn't a curtain for privacy, instead hangs a cow bell or two. Why not?

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Playfulness. Whimsy. Country style from a true blue country girl. It stacks up delightful and carefree. Though would you believe my mom is a neat freak? Dust and disorder have no room in her book of housekeeping. Let me tell you- even the bird's nest that she collects haven't a speck of dust in them!

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Serving up country with no bones about it. In her plaid wallpaper dining room sunflowers from the garden brew up in the coffee pot.  A wagon, yep you heard right,  a wagon is used as a end table and pillows are made out of an old tablecloth. Nothing is for naught and everything can be a show girl once in awhile!

Country. Home. Heart. The coccon called home that my mother has created will surround her with grace, and one day she will be back to her routines that show joy to those of us who have been nutured by her creative force.

 



Comments

41 responses to “Serving up Country”

  1. Those are such great photos. I love how it all looks like it’s from a country home magazine or something but that’s it’s not, it’s just actually a real life country home. Gorgeous. I’m a bit jealous about the dust free bird nests….dust and me…er…well I must like it as I have collected enough…..

  2. wonderful Corey!!!!! everything is so touching and beautiful! as yourself A big hug

  3. Love you my darling friend.
    Thanks for sharing your heart and your life
    Love Jeanne

  4. Barbara Sydney Australia

    Now I understand! The apple never falls far from the tree.
    Bless you both.

  5. Like Mother Like Daughter.

  6. Everything looks so cosy and comforting…like a resting place for the soul.
    Love the pictures!

  7. Comfy cozy 🙂
    I love when things are used for something they weren’t made to be used for. She’s given me some good ideas!

  8. I love your mom’s house!! It is warm and inviting and just perfect. She and I must be kindred spirits – I do the same things as she does. Change is good for the soul and other than family pieces, nothing is safe from being gifted, sold or bartered.
    Thanks for giving us that little peek!

  9. Isn’t it interesting that you and your mother both have a great eye for decor that makes me want to read your pictures like a book, but your styles are so different. I love them both!

  10. What a mom, I love the sell everything and start over. Just great.

  11. She’s quite the visionary! 🙂
    Joy

  12. It’s pretty obvious that you and your mom have the gift of making a house into a love nest that embraces all within..absolutely lovely!

  13. She’s so inspiring!
    I love that cowbell window treatment! Genius!
    Very pretty. Creativity is in your genes!
    Becky

  14. What an amazing woman your mother is. I pray she is comforted in her whimsical coccoon. The cowbells in the window are my favorite.

  15. I love your mom’s touch with her home; the best part is that it’s not “decorating,” so much as a visible expression of her warm and loving heart. I know you must so enjoy your time with her!

  16. I love your mom’s earthy, country look. It probably wouldn’t fly in France but in rural America it’s just perfect. I love things that have some history and patina.
    – Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife

  17. Altho’ you have different tastes – both of which are gorgeous – it’s easy to see where your creativity and great eye for placement and design came from. Love everything your Mom displays, casual and elegant at the same time, especially the cowbells and her ‘desk’. The sofa slipcovers are great – love mixing the stripes with the florals. It all looks like a truly beautiful and comfy home.
    Blessings to your Mom – I know she will miss you so much until the next visit.
    Hugs – Mary.
    P.S. My birds’ nests ARE dusty!!!

  18. Your Mom’s home is gorgeous! So beautifully decorated but yet very welcoming. Wish I could pop by for tea and cookies.

  19. Your mom could style for a magazine.
    I love her look.
    Thanks so much for sharing.
    Rosemary

  20. I love it, every bit of it. Your mom is one amazing gal! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
    Teresa
    xo

  21. Toni Mason

    That day for your Mother will be here soon. We can see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice…Love Toni

  22. christy t.

    I remember the snack pail. From your home to hers. feels good to see the comfort of familiar things Always Christy T.

  23. These photos conjure up such warm memories.

  24. What a nice post. I grew up with a mom who had price tags on everything in our home. If someone said they liked something, she’d offer to sell it. Even houseplants had a price tag on them…literally! Real handwritten tags with prices.

  25. What a comfortable home. My mom-in-law had a home like that. She could make things out of “cute junk” and yet when you went into her home it always felt warm and cozy. My favorite of her window treatment was the old wooden ironing board that was placed in front of the living room window and served as a coat,hat,purse,or anything you wanted to put there stand. I loved it.
    Kris

  26. Paris Parfait

    Obviously the apple didn’t fall far from the tree! What a lovely, comfortable home she’s created. xo

  27. Excellent…marvelous….inspirational….both your Mom’s home and your terrific photos and layout!!
    Great blog….a bit of poetry to our days!
    Thanks,
    Bailey
    http://baileyzimmerman.blogspot.com

  28. To my mind, this is authentic decorating……..an out-picturing of the person who lives there. You learned well, for your style is not a duplication, but another genuine expression of an individual.

  29. This is lovely Corey. We’ve had a busy spring and summer, I’ve enjoyed catching up with you today. I will be back for more catching up, soon!

  30. What a fun, warm family home your Mother has created
    Alison

  31. mmm corey….seems like th apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree..:)
    xxnancy

  32. Your mother’s home looks so comfortable and welcoming! To be surrounded by memories and things you love is what truly makes a home.
    xo,
    Lynda

  33. Your Mom radiates LIFE and love and soul. Gorgeous1

  34. Great personality, your mother…cowbells in the bathroom! Love it!

  35. A beautiful tribute to your Mama, dear C.

  36. Elaine L.

    Your mother’s home needs to be featured in Country Living Magazine. I truly appreciate what’s she done. I think that it is unusual given her age. Most people, I know, that are her age view old things as junk.
    My dad can’t believe the things I buy.
    ~elaine~

  37. Wonderful decor! Home Sweet Home!!!

  38. I’ve loved all of the pictures you’ve shown us of your Mom’s home and garden, which are truly worthy of a Country Living article when you get around to it.
    Love to both of you creative ladies!

  39. We grow to heal as we heal to grow. Your mother’s decorating style comes from the inside out — she will continue to rearrange and restore resulting in beauty, comfort, delight. Prayers flow …

  40. You can really see the heart in your mum’s home… it’s gorgeous, warm and welcoming, just like I imagine your mum must be.

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