Ever since I can remember, I just assumed that any space that I was occupying, even briefly, was mine to decorate as I wished: My half of the bedroom I shared with my sister, the linen closet I commandeered for my studio, tablecloth forts and the neighborhood treehouse all bore evidence of my having been there. I hung scarves and dinner napkins on the windows, pictures on the walls, and filled every available space with my various collections.
I’ve also drawn pictures and made things since I can remember, so the two things — art and decorating — are forever intertwined in my life. A room is like a big blank piece of paper to me. I love to choose colors, fabric and furniture, then mix it all up until I get it just right.
About 10 years ago, I realized I missed my favorite colors of red, green, dark yellow and black, and decided to completely ditch the serene yellow, white and orange scheme I had chosen when we first moved in.
The living room was the first to change. We had it painted a beautiful shade of red and I immediately felt more at home. I brought up all my collections, which had been stored in the basement while I went through my modern and streamlined phase. Antique books, Scotties, tin boxes, tole painted trays and birdhouses all found homes in the living and dining rooms.
We wallpapered the kitchen in black-and-white gingham, a perfect background for lots of art and a collection of bowls and plates, some of which are my own designs. The dining room got an Arts and Crafts stencil all around it, and all my vintage lusterware sits in one of the two built-in glass cabinets. My old, printed tablecloths all look pretty great in there, too. I love changing them out all the time.
And the chandelier! What was once an elegant brass and white affair now sports red and white polka dot shades and is always draped with flowers, ribbons or whatever ornaments go with the season or whatever event we’re celebrating. As a friend of mine said, “That chandelier has all the fun!”
My studio is a big room with lots of storage and its own spacious bathroom. It’s covered floor to ceiling with art — some of it mine, but mainly art by friends and family. The many shelves house art supplies and, of course, MORE STUFF! Robots, dollhouses, favorite books, things my kids made — it all means something to me, and I love to have it all out where I can see it. It comforts and inspires me.
It’s easy to find the supplies I need to paint or make stuff, and I’m lucky enough to have enough counter space to leave it all out until the project is finished. The whole house is very organized, if you consider throwing something in a closet and closing the door organized. I do know exactly what’s in which closet — it works for us.
I know some people find the sheer amount of stuff overwhelming. Luckily, they don’t live here. We love it and I find it an endless source of inspiration.
There is honestly no place I’d rather be!
♦♦♦
From Lori Siebert | I have had the privilege of visiting the home of my friend Mary Engelbreit a couple of times. From the moment you pull up to her charming abode, you know it will be a pure delight to peek inside. As you walk through the door, you are greeted with color and pattern and uniquely curated treasures everywhere you look. Her signature motifs of sweetly drawn houses, mushrooms, flowers and Scottie dogs provide a continuous thread throughout her home. Known for her beloved illustrations found on cards, books, calendars and gifts, her cottage is a quintessential Mary storybook.
Ever since I can remember, I just assumed that any space that I was occupying, even briefly, was mine to decorate as I wished: My half of the bedroom I shared with my sister, the linen closet I commandeered for my studio, tablecloth forts and the neighborhood treehouse all bore evidence of my having been there. I hung scarves and dinner napkins on the windows, pictures on the walls, and filled every available space with my various collections.
I’ve also drawn pictures and made things since I can remember, so the two things — art and decorating — are forever intertwined in my life. A room is like a big blank piece of paper to me. I love to choose colors, fabric and furniture, then mix it all up until I get it just right.
About 10 years ago, I realized I missed my favorite colors of red, green, dark yellow and black, and decided to completely ditch the serene yellow, white and orange scheme I had chosen when we first moved in.
The living room was the first to change. We had it painted a beautiful shade of red and I immediately felt more at home. I brought up all my collections, which had been stored in the basement while I went through my modern and streamlined phase. Antique books, Scotties, tin boxes, tole painted trays and birdhouses all found homes in the living and dining rooms.
We wallpapered the kitchen in black-and-white gingham, a perfect background for lots of art and a collection of bowls and plates, some of which are my own designs. The dining room got an Arts and Crafts stencil all around it, and all my vintage lusterware sits in one of the two built-in glass cabinets. My old, printed tablecloths all look pretty great in there, too. I love changing them out all the time.
And the chandelier! What was once an elegant brass and white affair now sports red and white polka dot shades and is always draped with flowers, ribbons or whatever ornaments go with the season or whatever event we’re celebrating. As a friend of mine said, “That chandelier has all the fun!”
My studio is a big room with lots of storage and its own spacious bathroom. It’s covered floor to ceiling with art — some of it mine, but mainly art by friends and family. The many shelves house art supplies and, of course, MORE STUFF! Robots, dollhouses, favorite books, things my kids made — it all means something to me, and I love to have it all out where I can see it. It comforts and inspires me.
It’s easy to find the supplies I need to paint or make stuff, and I’m lucky enough to have enough counter space to leave it all out until the project is finished. The whole house is very organized, if you consider throwing something in a closet and closing the door organized. I do know exactly what’s in which closet — it works for us.
I know some people find the sheer amount of stuff overwhelming. Luckily, they don’t live here. We love it and I find it an endless source of inspiration.
There is honestly no place I’d rather be!
♦♦♦
From Lori Siebert | I have had the privilege of visiting the home of my friend Mary Engelbreit a couple of times. From the moment you pull up to her charming abode, you know it will be a pure delight to peek inside. As you walk through the door, you are greeted with color and pattern and uniquely curated treasures everywhere you look. Her signature motifs of sweetly drawn houses, mushrooms, flowers and Scottie dogs provide a continuous thread throughout her home. Known for her beloved illustrations found on cards, books, calendars and gifts, her cottage is a quintessential Mary storybook.
