Nothing lasts forever I guess – not that last piece of leftover cake that I was planning to eat for breakfast today before somebody beat me to it, not my favourite little black sundress that’s becoming more worn & threadbare with each passing year, not our garage door opener, which seems to only work when it wants to (such a convenient feature with temperatures dropping below -40℃ this week), and certainly not my home decor style.
I really think our styles are meant to evolve – to change and grow with us as we change and grow. What we’re drawn to changes, not just with the trends, but to fit our lives & meet whatever it is we’re needing in that moment of time. And, more than anything else, I think our styles need to be a true reflection of ourselves and how we want to feel. For me, this is true of both fashion and home decor and is probably why I seem to be on a continual quest, both through my wardrobe and my home decor, to really find & hone my style.
Through the last several years, I’d say I felt pretty clear in my home decor style – often drawn to the simplicity of the “farmhouse” aesthetic. Basically, I just wanted to wrap our whole house in that warm, light & airy feeling. While I did embrace some elements of the more “modern farmhouse” look (shiplap, wood signs, and lots & lots of white), I always felt more drawn to warmer tones that felt a bit more traditional rather than the cooler black, white and grey tones that seem to be the backbone of the more modern farmhouse look that’s become so popular today.
Recently though, I’m noticing a significant shift in the home decor styles and trends that I’m finding myself drawn to. Maybe it’s all this extra time at home, or maybe it’s just my eye shifting with the trends, but after so many years of sticking with that traditional farmhouse look, I’m definitely feeling ready to change things up.
Though I’m still most attracted to the warmer colour palettes (including the warm whites I’ve always loved), I’m also finding myself drawn to much deeper tones, bold wallpaper patterns and rich fabrics full of colour and pattern – basically anything with loads of character.
image sources: @amberinteriors | @studiolaloc
If you’ve been following along with us here for any amount of time really, you’ll know that “bold” is pretty much the exact opposite of our home. But, there are little twinges of it – the stencilled wall and dark furniture in our bedroom, the little black dresser at our front door and most recently our basement, which has a lot of dark, cozy elements.
The thing is, I’m finding myself drawn to two very different looks – torn between this sort of earthy, modern, eclectic look (think @amberinteriors & @housesevendesigns) and a more traditional cottage style (like @beccainteriors & @studiolaloc).
image sources: @amberinteriors | @housesevendesigns | @beccainteriors | @studiolaloc
Though they’re quite different, I’m also noticing that the commonality between both of these styles is that they both evoke a cozy, collected sort of feel, which is what I think I’m most drawn to. I have come across some beautiful Instagram accounts that have a lovely mix of that more formal traditional feel with lots of eclectic, modern touches mixed in – @whittneyparkinson & @parkandoakdesign are two of my favourites.
image sources: @whittneyparkinson | @parkandoakdesign
@ChrislovesJulia is another that has been inspiring me SO MUCH lately with their brilliant balance of traditional cottage elements (think muted, but bold colours and beautiful wallpapers), mixed with a ton of earthy, modern touches. It was actually reading their blog where I first discovered the term “modern cottage” (you can read all about it here) and it was like a lightbulb went off in my head – though I don’t know that their design aesthetic is exactly what I’m looking to create in our own home, I do find the term “modern cottage” to be the most accurate representation of where my own style seems to be shifting. Modern cottage is a perfect description for marrying that eclectic modern aesthetic AND the traditional cottage feel that I’m feeling so drawn to, and is exactly where I see my design style moving toward.
image source for both above: @ChrislovesJulia
The thing is, though I’ve discovered a ton of beautiful accounts to follow and inspiring spaces to pin, I still feel like I’m wading through it all to figure out how exactly they translate into whatever it is my own style will be. My hope is to find a way to marry these two seemingly very different looks, bringing together that eclectic modern style with a traditional cottage feel to create our own version of “modern cottage”.
The truth is, in this moment I’m feeling a little lost about just where to go from here, but at the same time, I’m excited at the challenge to figure it all out. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m really having to stop and think about what actually speaks to me and resonates with how I want our home to feel. What parts of our home I love and how I can transition the rest to better reflect that cozy, collected feel I’m looking for. Rest assured, there will definitely be some changes coming our way. And in the mean time, if you come across any “modern cottage” style inspo, please, please send it my way!!!
I’m curious, have you felt a shift in your design tastes lately too? Are you feeling more clear about your home decor style, or are you more like me, feeling like you still have a few things to figure out?
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day!
Marty says
I totally understand. My style has changed several times, but I am totally drawn to a Transitional style of traditional and contemporary. Hang in there, you will find your way. Then it will feel like the style you were always meant to have.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Marty! I love your transitional style! It’s a perfect way to enjoy both traditional and contemporary looks throughout your home in a way that feels cohesive and makes sense. Thanks again!
Jill says
Ohhhh!! I cannot WAIT to see what you come up with!!! I know whatever it is will be lovely, warm and welcoming.
Kristi says
Awwww, well thank you my friend! I’m just itching to get it all figured out so I can get on with it now. 😉
Christy says
OMG! I feel the exact same way. I’ve been on the Modern Farmhouse kick for about 5 years and now I’m leaning to a warming more traditional style. I love the evolution though. Have you seen @chrislovesjulia. I love her style so much.
Kristi says
Yes!!! I find her SO inspiring too!
Kim says
Yes! Thanks for helping not feel like I’ve gone loco. I’m right in the middle of this, too. After some mistakes and time I’ve narrowed it down.? I grew up on a ranch yet I’m not country or farmhouse and not even modern farmhouse. I’m not traditional anymore – too heavy. I’m not modern or industrial. French country is too much of something. I live in the desert so beachy is out. I like traditional with softer edges – New Traditional? – but not like some Transitional designs I see. What’s left? Comfy Transitional? Maybe it might help you, too.
Kristi says
I couldn’t agree more Kim! I’m still trying to hone in on things too, but I’m feeling more confident in recognizing what I like and why. I find I gravitate towards so many styles, lucky for me I love the coziness of a “collected” look. Thanks so much for sharing!