Has your look changed over the years? Mine used to constantly change, back when I was working full time as a decorative painter and antique dealer. My home was my workshop and where I experimented.
Now that I don't do either of those professions much, I've stopped the revolving door of furniture moving in and out, but I do still come up with some upgrades here and there.
This was my dining room a few years back, this photo is from Country Almanac, or Country Victorian, I can't remember which magazine.
Here is the dining room now. Less flowery, more neutral. Definitely less country. The hutch in the first photo was a maple one that my mom had, and when she died, I took it home with me and gave it a redo. But it never really fit in with my home, so I gave it to my niece.
Yet another version, this was in Paint magazine. Sometime between the two previous pictures. It was just a little too blue for me. I liked it for a while....
Now, this is a REALLY old version of my dining room (from Country Almanac). It was so different then that it used to be a living room! When we first bought this old farmhouse, we used to move the sofa to the room with the wood stove in it every winter, then switch the living and dining rooms back in the spring time.
I liked the idea of having a portable space, one that you could easily adapt for the seasons. But then, we got a satellite dish and all the TV hook ups and wires changed that concept. It became too hard to switch the entire room, the TV cabinet wasn't easy to move. (with my love of TV viewing, I'd trade a wide screen for versatility any day!)
I can still change the look of the living room for the season just by changing the accessories.
In the spring, I bring out all my rose pattern pillows and curtains, then in the winter, I like to go all white.
Here is a shot of the white version, taken by Carol Spinski when she photographed an article for Somerset Home.
This look was in Romantic Country. Its from when I first discovered white paint and learned how to make slipcovers. I fell in love with light and airy, but burnt out on the over the top floweryness of it all.
I can afford to do the big switcheroos because everything I get for the rooms is dirt cheap. I scrounge and shop garage sales, estate sales, auctions, and have been known to go through a dumpster or two. I find things that need work, are beat up, or on clearance and redo them myself. When I do treat myself to something new, its usually not expensive, like these curtains from Target, or the rug from TJ Max.
And I recycle things from one room to another, this salvaged mantel has been in the dining room, living room and now is a head board in my bedroom. (this photo is from Romantic Country too)
This shot was taken for Romantic Country, almost used twice but rejected at the last minute each time. Funny, I like this look so much better than the previous pictures of my house that were actually used in the magazines.
This was in Country Victorian, I think... there is that mantel again. And the same furniture, different slip covers. I wish I hadn't painted over the border by the ceiling, I kind of liked that.
This used to be what my studio looked like, not too long ago. Twice, I have been asked to be in Where Women Create, but nothing has come of it. I adore my studio and would LOVE for it to be photographed for that publication.
Here is the same corner now. I use the bench (hand built by my son, from an old headboard) at the studio dining table.
I feel pretty lucky to have been in so many magazines, probably about 40 or so at this point. I don't really pursue it, its a hobby. Every once in a while I come up with an idea and run it by an editor. I wouldn't exactly say its a job, even a part time one. Its just a whim, and every time I do an article I think its probably the last time, because I can't believe that I was even chosen to do one let alone dozens.
I'm certainly not a professional writer, or decorator , just one of those people who happened to be in the right place at the right time. Just lucky, huh? Its always fun to do an article, and I really do like having these old pictures chronicling my home's metamorphosis.
If you enjoy looking at before and afters, please check out Jen Rizzo's blog today, she is having a Style Evolution party and the pictures of her home are just to die for. Gorgeous!! She makes me want to redo mine..... hmm.....
By the way, if you'd like to come and visit me and spend time in the studio, sign ups for the spring workshop are coming soo. I'd love to have you come to the cottage! Meeting blog friends is always a good experiance.
Well, that was fun! And I remember seeing the table with the painted lattice type top in the magazine. Probably even saved that picture. How cool to later "know" the owner!
I've been thinking lately about how our tastes and styles change over the years. I never seem to get a look completed before moving on to something else and end up with a complete hodge podge.
Maybe you should do an article on how to submit your home to a magazine. A friend of mine would love to do that and her home is definitely worthy.
Posted by: Wanda @ Just Vintage | February 01, 2011 at 03:04 PM
I loved looking at the transformation pics Karla! Your home is so pretty and was pretty at all the different style stages.
Posted by: Karen | February 01, 2011 at 03:43 PM
Well dear Karla,.......maybe lucky,yes--BUT also so very clever, and with a wonderfull eye for what`s great looking, and for presenting it beautifully--yes simply a decorater queen--I love watshing all your photoes, from your lovely home.
Hugs,Dorthe
Posted by: Dorthe | February 01, 2011 at 04:56 PM
I would rather share my home evolution....than my hair evolution!!!!
XO~Hope
Posted by: Hope Ellington | February 01, 2011 at 05:24 PM
Karla I remember so many of the photos you showed of your home. Your style has always been on my favorite list and I know we will be seeing you in Where Women Create real soon!
bee blessed
mary
Posted by: MARY | February 01, 2011 at 05:28 PM
Karla...your home is absolutely beautiful...thank you so much for sharing your lovely rooms!
LuLu~*xoxo
Posted by: LuLu Kellogg | February 01, 2011 at 05:48 PM
Oh my goodness girl! I could not imagine even one magazine much less 40+ simply amazing! Warm Blessings!~Amy
Posted by: Amy | February 01, 2011 at 05:52 PM
My style has drastically changed! Thank goodness I don't have any previous pictures to prove it!
Posted by: MommaHen | February 01, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Karla - that was fun!
Waiting for the sign up and details of your event. My friend Rachel may sign up too. You've probably seen her at Silver Bella but you'll meet her at Kim's event in March.
Hope you are staying warm!
Posted by: Lisa | February 01, 2011 at 07:17 PM
Wow! The "REALLY OLD" version of your dining room is how it looked when I was there - in High School. Brings back memories for sure. And how great to see my old Mantle still in use! -and looking much better than it ever did when I had it. You certainly have a way of bringing out the best in things. I think it originally came out of an old Texas mansion, and has made its way around the country. I LOVE it as your headboard though. I'll have to steal that idea someday. Eventually, I'll have my own house and will be calling you up for painting/decorating advice. Nice looking at the old pics!
Posted by: Suzie Q | February 01, 2011 at 07:39 PM
Everything is lovely, as usual. Hope Sugarwings get well soon.
You have a great eye for all the projects you do.
Hope this cold spell, leaves soon, I'm so ready for Spring !
Wish I loved closer to come to the Spring
Crafting Event.
But, our electric bills, have been ENORMOUS, THIS YEAR.
Love,
Deb
Posted by: Deborah Woodrow | February 01, 2011 at 08:46 PM
Thanks for the mag tour Karla. I hope to see your beautiful studio in 'Where Women Create' very soon.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Posted by: Kerryanne English | February 01, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Hi Karla! I have to admit that this is one of my favorite posts. I LOVE seeing pics of your home--at every stage!!! I like the Romantic Country, I think, but when it came right down to it, I couldn't bring myself to paint my walls white. Just too stark for me. I painted them a very pale yellow w/white trim. I still want white slipcovers, although my couch is old, and I don't sew. But it is SO encouraging to see how someone who isn't an interior designer by profession, and someone who counts their pennies just as I do, can create miracles on a budget! Espcially w/a look that can be extremely expensive!! Also, thank you for talking to us...even tho you are a celebrity who has been published in a zillion mags. I need your book or magazine, whatever it is. Keep up the magic! Thanks for your inspiration. We are all ever open to as many tips as you can give us! BTW-LOVE that bedroom. The ceiling tiles, the vintage post w/the cherub statue, the old mirrors, the mantle as a headboard. I agree with you, that's one of the prettiest, most innovative rooms I've seen in a while.
Posted by: Diana Connell | February 01, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Great post Karla I love seeing all your old looks but I love the Romantic Country the best , all you do is magic though and isn't it fun to keep evolving. I really enjoyed this post, I'll probably come back for another peep. Hugs to you, give the new baby wit smoochies and hugs to Sugar Wings, Marilou
Posted by: Lulus Lovlies | February 01, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Oh Karla even though some of the photos are dated, I can still see you shining through in all of them.
I love the border in the LR too.
Are you getting the big storm? We're supposed to get get .75 inches of ice overnight!
Leann
Posted by: Leann | February 01, 2011 at 10:58 PM
Karla, I've always loved your style. The 'thens' and the 'nows'. Always beautiful!
Posted by: June | February 01, 2011 at 11:39 PM
Thanks Karla! I love your style. I think what I love best is your pieces are so timeless, even as you change, nothing looks dated. That table with the flowers painted I actually had as an inspiration photo before I started blogging. :) Thanks for joining in on the party and sharing pictures of your beautiful home through the years. Jen
Posted by: Jennifer Rizzo | February 02, 2011 at 12:27 AM
Wow Karla!!! Wonderful pictures, I knew you were talented just didn't realize all you have accomplished, and "dumpster diving" oh yea, you are my kind of person!!
I am trying to go white in certain rooms, with your pictures as inspiration, hope to have some things to post soon,
Celeste,www.victoriantailor.blogspot.com
Posted by: Celeste Hude | February 02, 2011 at 09:36 AM
OMG Girl your good your really good..I loved seeing all your great eye candy..Just beautiful..How are your 2 grand girls doing..hope you have a GREAT day my dear friend..when my house grows up it's going to be just like yours ha ha!! Hugs and smiles Gloria
Posted by: Gloria/Happy To Be | February 02, 2011 at 12:04 PM
A beautiful evolution! I actually remember the photo from Country Almanac! It stuck out in my mind because I had just had my $5 yard sale sofa recovered in denim (durable enough for my then little ones) and I thought your room was really cute with colors similar to what I liked then. Funny. And fun to see how we all evolve.
Posted by: Samantha | February 02, 2011 at 12:07 PM
I love every thing you do! I especially love the over the top roses, stuff... but I like all of the others, too! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: gail | February 02, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Morning Karla...I have seen most of these pics at one time or another...I love them all ,I love your style in all of them...I still cant believe that i corespond with some one whose style i always admired....thank you for the updated...I think all of your phases are cool....change is good...Lorraine
Posted by: LORRAINE BELL | February 02, 2011 at 03:26 PM
How fun, Karla! I'm getting withing three colors of painting my living room -- which will mean furniture and rug changing (actually the rug is the thorn; I don't dislike it but can't come up with any paint that will look right with it!) But I'm close! Seeing your changes does indeed inspire me and remind me it can be done!
Posted by: jeanie | February 02, 2011 at 06:00 PM
Karla, No matter what you do in your home it is always magical and beautiful. No wonderf you have been in so many magazines. I always look forward to your next redo.Have a great and fun day.
Jean in Virginia
Posted by: Jean Eakin | February 02, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Karla,
What a fun post. I love watching the changes. So many magazine articles! And you wrote a book...wow...good for you! We could probably count as the least done but we worked with a decorator and redid a whole house at one time. It is the colors we love and mostly old family pieces...so we still love it! That was money well spent. I hope I can see your house "live" someday...maybe for one of your workshops!
Hugs,
Suz
Posted by: Susan Reaney | February 02, 2011 at 06:22 PM
Everything is so beautiful!!! But I do love your home the way it is now best.
It's not that your just lucky, you are VERY talented. It's not just your decorating skills but your creative skills as well. My favorite is your studio. It would be so much fun to create in there. Inspiration is around every corner!!!
Posted by: Christine N | February 03, 2011 at 12:35 AM
I enjoyed the evolution of your style pictures. Your style has really grown up. I like it more neutral and less flowery.
Posted by: Elaine L. | February 03, 2011 at 01:11 AM
Hey Karla! I remember all these, even still have most of the magazines. I liked your stuff long before I knew you!
Posted by: Bobbi | February 03, 2011 at 10:28 AM
Karla, Did you get hit by the huge snow storm??? You have not posted for two days.
Posted by: Janice Rehmeyer | February 03, 2011 at 02:56 PM
Hello Karla, I love all of the evolutions!!! The
seating bench is GORGEOUS!! Did you paint the flowers
on it?? I bet you did! : )
I hope you are weathering the storms alright. So
many states affected by the ice,snow and freezing cold!
Soooooooooo ready for Spring! Please take care and
plenty of Hugs to sweet Sugarwings.
Hugs,
Janis
Posted by: Janis | February 03, 2011 at 05:24 PM
Dear Karla - What a beautiful space you have here! I adore it and will definitely be back for more. I love how you've taken us along your decorating journey; so much fun. Thank you for stopping by my little blog. It's a continual work in progress, but it connects me with wonderful, creative individuals like you. Nice to connect and I wish you a wonderful weekend! Regards, Sheila
Posted by: Sheila Correia | February 03, 2011 at 09:52 PM
hi karla,
ur event sounds divine. i hate being allergic to dogs!
u ladies are going to have a blast
hugs
Posted by: tabitha | February 03, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Hi Karla,
I love your dining table, your talent is tremendous and i also like your aging the piece.
Now, when you say ~ about the living room staying in the same "room" now and you can easily change out the accessories, you do not mean your cute pups do you??? hehehe
It is VERY strange what those BIG THIN screen T.V.s have done to we women! Turned us into T.V. lovers! huh!
I see your exceptional talent on the walls and pillars also!
Your studio is lovely... definitely book worthy. The right place at he right time... there are no coincidences :)
Those are lucky gals going to your workshops!!!
With Kindness,
Mary
Posted by: mary | February 04, 2011 at 06:29 PM
Karla,
Hard to believe your been a reject! I love the oldest look, the really cluttered one that was old. Also love the Country Victorian shot with the couch in the corner with the mantel. Funny, of all the 40+ mags with your house featured I probably have at least half in my closet. Now I'll be seeing Chez Nathan in the flesh, actually sleeping in one of the bedrooms. Kinda surreal! Lisa
Posted by: lisa | February 04, 2011 at 06:47 PM
Karla, love seeing your evolving style ~ can't imagine why you haven't been in WWC...your studio is dreamy!
:)Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | February 05, 2011 at 12:22 AM
can't imagine why you haven't been in WWC...
Posted by: nike tn | August 09, 2011 at 11:00 PM