A few weeks ago, my computer crashed. It just stopped working all together.
I took it to the professionals and they gave me a grave look, shook their heads, and told me it was the motherboard, which is the mother of all bad things that can go wrong with a computer. They told me it wasn’t even worth it to fix it.
So what’s a Pinterest/blog loving girl to do while she is figuring out a solution to her computer problems? Answer: old school it. I gathered up all my design books and read them from cover to cover.
I have always had trouble defining my style. I like so many different styles. When I was done reading, I put the last book down and smiled to myself. I finally knew. It was crystal clear.
But just to be sure, I turned to my husband and asked him what he thought my decorating style was. He asked me what I meant. I offered examples: traditional, mid-century modern, industrial, flea market, country, and shabby chic. Without hesitation he said, “Oh, that’s easy. You have flea market style.”
That was my conclusion too.
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My sympathies on your computer woes. It’s only a matter of time before I blow our computer up with all the junk I’ve got stored!
There are times I don’t even turn the computer on and sit down with old magazines and decorating books instead. There’s something about a book in my hands that’s so much more satisfying than browsing the web. I think you nailed your style, too!
Hi Mary,
You survived the nightmare of bloggers everywhere: computer crash! But you showed that stupid machine, you beat it! You kicked it old school, then you made a great post of it:) Of course you probably had to pay a pretty penny, but who’s counting, right??
Love the photos, great job demonstrating your “new found” style:)
Di
Hi Mary,
Sorry to hear about your computer, but look at the discovery you made because of it! Yes, I would agree with your hubby, definitely flea market but with a dash of eclectic!:)
Poppy
Hi Mary- What a great post! I LOVE your style and I agree- Flea Market Style has your name on it! I have had a hard time with defining my style over the years as well. I love so many different looks. I often see pictures of Primitive style homes and think “That’s it – I love that look” But then I started to head in that direction and it just seemed too dark and depressing- not that I don’t love to look at it in other peoples homes on-line or in magazines but it just wasn’t for me and my husband did not like it at all. Then, I thought I loved the country /shabby chic look and again my husband [he’s actually very easy going but I like him to be able to relax in his own home so I try to make us both happy-lol] did not like those twiggy wreaths with berries hanging all over our walls- as well as the huge one I had hanging over our bed that fell off the wall and onto us at 1am scaring both of us to death – lol! And the shabby rose floral duvet cover I found on-line years ago for a steal and then found it was too frilly. 🙁 So down the twigs came and out with all the pink floral bedding-lol. Over the years I have really tried many different styles and haven’t really nailed my style yet. BUT, I do know that I love your style from following your blog and then after reading this post I think I may be onto something! Thanks for all you inspiration and sharing Mary. BYW – my cabinets came out amazing with the Murphy’s Oil Spray! Karen
It makes me smile that you turned to your decorating books during your “downtime”! I have a few that I’ve just leafed through and that’s a shame, have to get on it.
I often ask myself the same style questions and sometimes it bothers me that we try to pigeon~hole ourselves. With all the inspiration we see, I think it’s easy to gravitate towards a lot of ideas. But I think your husband is right, you have some really great finds and ways to put things together. And that’s why I love your blog so much!
XO,
Jane
My design books are dusty – and I love what happened when you were “forced” to read yours, haha!! Maybe I should read mine since I, too, wonder what my style actually is. I get so swayed by pretty things and ideas…
Yes you do!! I love it. What are those pretty vases with the pansies on them on top of the turquoise green cupboard? I’ve never seen them before but they are so beautiful lined up together. I’m glad you got your computer going again. It’s good to have you back and you gained a new perspective during your break. 🙂
So , let us know what your favorite design books are. I still love getting comfy with a good book or magazine. You just can’t do that with electronics.
The best style there is! And reading a book is always a good things too – although a break from our precious computers should only be short lived!
Kelly