I do believe Thoreau had it right, "simplify, simplify", but I disagree with him a bit on details.
This was the first version of my winter mantel - pleasant, yet something was missing.
You can see by the finished mantel that a little detail (greenery in this case) finishes off the look.
I spent the past week freshening up the guest room.
It all started when I found this scarf in the attic as I was "simplifying".
The wool scarf was joined by a wooden box and a knitted scarf found in the attic (saved from the donation pile)
to add some interest to the guest room.
And you'll notice that just like the mantel, greenery adds a little interest.
The old door in the guest room got an update
and staying on theme, a little greenery dresses up the chalkboard.
A bag full of flowers
hangs on a cabinet door.
And an urn full of rosemary
is just what "Little Man" needed.
As I wrote this post, I decided (I hope Thoreau might agree) that flowers aren't details, they are essentials.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I wanted to give a shout out to Ramsign for the cute Guest Room sign I won on a giveaway Linda of A La Carte hosted.
Carol, I am going to have to get my greenery out and get busy. I was thinking things seem drab the rest of this month, this should take care of that. I love the green touches. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteFlowers and greenery are definitely essential. You have so many pretty little spots in your cottage by the sea.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you! I agree that greenery and flowers are essential. I brought home a couple of bouquets just two nights ago from the grocery store. Sadly the zero degree temps must have been too much as they were droopy and dead by last night. I might have to pick up a few artificial ones until the weather warms up!
ReplyDeleteFlowers are essentials! Love the Guest Room sign. '-)
ReplyDeleteThe greens add the finishing touch to the mantel. It all looks perfect for the start of a new year.
I so agree. I think flowers are essentials, too. I wish we had more access to fresh flowers here....even a Trader Joe's would do! The 'fresh' ones we get here are never very good this time of year. Love your mantle and the guest room. I do think a bit of greenery makes all the difference. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI love the "details" the greenery adds, Carol...makes everything feel so fresh!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks great Carol. I love all the updates and all the detail work!
ReplyDeleteWe have snow and the only thing green that I was able to post was some green bushes with red berries. Your greens and flowers do perk up the cottage and guest room nicely. Wondering if you have grey skies at the ocean?
ReplyDeleteI love me a little greenery!
ReplyDeleteBringing the outdoor in with greenery is always a plus. I love all of your little touches, but then I'm a huge fan :)
ReplyDeleteHave a happy weekend!
Connie :)
I have to agree with you on the grennery looks great. I picked a bouquet of roses today and put them in the living room, they look so good.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Carol, You always have such lovely items in your post.
I am loving the rain and can't wait to get more.
Havve a great week,
Mary
The greenery was the perfect touch and gives a pretty and softness to your mantel vignette. Really nice Carol. I have to agree flowers are necessary! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kris
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI agree. Greenery always seems to be the needed finishing touch.
Judith
Hi Carol, everything is so lovely and I do agree that flowers are a must in the home. After all what did God give them to us for. Have a wonderful filled week. xx Jo
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post! As always your home is lovely and I agree, flowers are a necessity.
ReplyDeleteHappy January ~ FlowerLady
Yes, flowers (at least greens) are essential! Very serene, and I noticed that cute sign right as we entered the bedroom. Sweet.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Carol! I am in full agreement with Thoreau and YOU! Some details bring out the best of simplicity, and I've learned that for myself, it's a "natural" element such as greenery or flowers. This winter, I've enjoyed the vibes that having wood, fur, dropped antlers and pinecones can offer. There is a simplified peace there. As we gear up toward spring (in our case, much later than the rest of you!), I will again be adding fresh flowers to the house. Oh the joys of puttering around the cottage!
ReplyDeleteI love the touch of green in every picture you showed. It just shines!
ReplyDeleteI agree...it's all about the details...kind of like jewelry is to an outfit. Loving your mantel with the softening touch of the greenery.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
Love it! And I can't tell you how many times I've retrieved something out of the donation box or kicked myself when I see an idea and realize I gave away that exact same thing lol
ReplyDeleteI think plants and flowers bring life to a room, especially after all the Christmas twinkle and bling have been packed away. I don't have a green thumb when it comes to indoor plants, so yesterday I went out and bought some silk ones to plant. The greenery is the perfect finishing touch to your mantel, Carol. I love the sign you won!
ReplyDeleteThe bag of flowers really gets my interest! I think I'll do that today! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing the all the fresh flowers and herbs, we have bitter cold and snow right now. I did go out to take down the Christmas decorating from outside and when I brushed against the Lavender I could smell it. I had no idea it retained it's smell all winter long.
ReplyDeleteYou are the master of vignettes! Fabulous.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
From the moment I saw it, I was going to ask where you found that cute "Guest Room" sign. Now I must go in search of one. I love the way the bit of green picked up the scenes!
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful, I love those scarves... and LITTLE MAN!! Where did you get him, he's adorable!!
ReplyDeleteTania
You are the best at the little details that make such a difference. I'm so happy to be working on my downsizing. I want to enjoy the things I love without feeling overwhelmed. It's past time to do this. As I age I realize I crave quiet, peace and this must start in my home. I mean there are things that I love that will stay of course, but maybe fewer of them. Love that you used the Ramsign win for a Guest Room plaque.
ReplyDeletehugs.
Greenery or flowers always add the perfect finishing touches. Looking at blogs with everyone playing with decor makes me wistful...I can't do anything in the house for at least a few weeks because next week starts renovations! We're having a pass-thru cut out in the wall between our living room and kitchen (for starters), so we have to literally empty out the living room and kitchen. Can't wait to be able to start playing again!
ReplyDeleteOh, how pretty! Perhaps Thoreau, for all his wisdom, was not an authority on decorating :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
The guest room sign is so sweet. You always make your decor, even if recycled to a new area, fresh and new. I love your mantle look!
ReplyDeleteI received a lovely burlap bag for Xmas, currently hanging on the door. It will be filled with greenery before friends arrive this afternoon for tea.
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative. I would never think to put scarves on a tray with a book. So nice. I love all of the details / essentials :)
ReplyDeleteCopying the scarf idea. Genius. Congratulations on winning the sign. Fabulous. It all looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteA little greenery always does wonders! Love all of the creative ways you have used yours!
ReplyDeleteI do agree. I can't wait to see our flowers again. Love your candle stick holders.
ReplyDeleteExtremely beautiful decorations...
ReplyDeletePlease visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com
Greenery is always a good idea and I don't think it creates a busy look. It's perfect!
ReplyDeleteI agree greenery is essential. You have gone white on your blog too, it looks so fresh! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteCarol I'll blame it on the flu and my relapse but I missed this post. I even posted! I love your guestroom and one day will visit your delightful and creative cottage at the sea. Question is the Rosemary in the urn in a pot with dirt or just in water? I love Rosemary the scent and the aesthetic beauty of the herb.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Vera
I use a lot of greenery...some real...some faux...but the green just seems to finish off a setting.
ReplyDeleteI have been enjoying your blog for some time now, and just want to thank you for sharing your lovely home!
ReplyDelete