People ask all the time what my decorating style is called. Ha! I have no clue. I suppose I could call it – I do what I want. And even though I say that a lot, it’s not very eloquent. The description is wishy-washy and long. So, I thought I’d ask you what kind of style I have. I’ll show you some of my favorite spaces and treasures then you decide. I’ll call it things that make my house feel like me. Still lengthy, but you get it.
Things That Make My House Feel Like Me
Lately on social media (mostly by people in their late 20’s and 30’s), I’ve seen videos calling their home decorating style vintage. It’s not. Some of them call it timeless. It’s not that either. Just because you mix a floral sofa from your grandma with a bookshelf from Ikea or sit an antique lamp on new desk from Pottery Barn doesn’t mean it’s timeless.
I’m not being judgemental. I get it. It’s hard giving your vibe a name.
A long time ago I knew I liked things that were different. Some friends called me weird. I heard – she’s got snap in her garters. That means capable and experienced. lol. Mostly likely, that was me not letting anyone make me feel inferior. It wasn’t until years later I realized they had no clue how to describe my style either.
Take the photo above as a reference. Those are coasters I found last year. I couldn’t bring myself to put a drink on their little faces. I love them so I created a way to prominently display them in the family room.
I wish I could take a photo of all 3 soaps. They are hysterical!
I get why certain people think some of my bits and bobs are quirky. It’s like seeing a tiny dog walk down the street in a pirate costume swinging a sword. Seems a little odd but funny and adorable at the same time.
Are you picking up what I’m putting down?
Most of what I have sitting around my home is just plain cute. Like in the photo above. That little lamp made from a vintage sugar bowl is precious. Or using an antique canister to hold a plant. We can call it elevated, charming, or a great idea, but what is the decorating style?
Can using a tarnished silver plated casserole lid or a candle in a bottle be called Cottagecore? Not really. Can it be called Grandma Chic? Nope.
I enjoy mixing old things with new. And though some pieces are timeless mixed with rusty or chippy ones, you can’t call it Modern Farmhouse or Classic or Shabby Chic.
So what would you call it?
Would you call it classic? That doesn’t feel like me. Modern? That’s laughable. Maximalist? That’s closer because I’ve added quite a bit more to our home since last summer, but still not quite. That look seems cozy but it overwhelms me with a feeling of disorder which is how I know that’s not me. Yet.
There are many decorating styles to name but none of them fit me. Not Rustic, or Transitional or Coastal or Minimalist. Why? Because typically, around 70% of the space should have a dominant style. The remaining 30% is used for contrast, textures, or accents that add personality and visual interest.
I feel I have the visual interest, the personality and a bit contrast, but what is the 70% called. A while back I called myself a Middlist. I even gave examples (you can see that post here). That still fits, although it’s not a decorating style people acknowledge as a true style.
So their loss is my loss!
I feel like I’m floundering here. Like I mentioned earlier, people ask me all the time what my style is and I don’t have a clear answer. And even though I called this post – things that make my house feel like me, that’s not a style. So what would you call it? It’s driving me bananas!
Thanks for helping a sister out. It’s a dilemma I’d like to move on from. 🙂
Wow, you hit it on the head. After blogging for like 13 years. It seems like who would want to look at my ‘non’ style anymore. You hit it on the head though…live with what you LOVE…grins. Sure do LOVE that lampshade…what a great idea. Hugs, Sandi
Author
I put the question What’s My Style Called out on Instagram along with about 5 photos. Most people said cottage. I’m not so sure about that. One person called it Whimsical Cottage. I hadn’t heard that one before but I like it! The lampshade was super easy. All I did was use double sided tape so it could be easily changed. Thanks for the visit Sandra!
I truly love your style. You have a great personality and sense of humor, and it’s reflected in your decorating choices. But you also love all the timeless, vintage pieces. I’d call it “Collected quirk”.
Author
I literally laughed out loud at your description of my “style”. It’s perfect! I had someone on IG say Whimsical Cottage and liked it too. I do love to laugh. Thanks so much sweet friend.
I get happy each time I open up your page. What a delight you are to me becuz of the way you express yourself in your home. It is not by perfection, but by what you like. I love it. Kind of my style also. I piddle in my home, move things around, stand back to look, and then smile and enjoy the items that remind me of my life and the lives of those who came before me. Thank you for your charming inspiration 🎼♥️
Author
Belinda, thank you so much. You made my month! I know some people think my stuff is “different” but I love each piece. I stopped shopping at big box stores (mostly) a long time ago and enjoy the decorating process so much more now. Cheers to both of us for doing what we want and not getting stuck in the trends.
I love your different vignettes with so many details. The display on the coffee table is beautiful.
Author
Aww, thank you so much Susan. I truly appreciate that. Vignettes are so fun. Sometimes it takes a couple or three tries but by the end I’m smiling. So glad you visited and commented today. 🙂
I’d call your decorating style-Humorous cause it makes me smile!!!
Author
Your comment made ME smile. I love to smile and laugh and laugh some more. Thank you so much! I like that description. 🙂
Your home is beautiful! Love your style!
Author
That is so sweet of you to say Helen. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Cindy
I’d call it county Road 407 style. It’s your brand and it uniquely you. Love your humor and great posts.
Author
Oh my goodness Rachel, I’ve never thought of that! You always have the best perspectives. Thank you so much.
In reality none of the styles they call now are nothing like they were ten years ago because they change all the time. I’ve seen real farmhouses and cottages thet look nothing like what they say are now. So styles mean nothing to me and your style is Cozy Chic, lol! I love it so please don’t label it or change.
Author
How do you always know the right thing to say?! Thank you. I honestly thought labeling it would help when someone asked me about it but I guess I need to be happy with it and continue doing what I want. Love Cozy Chic! My kids would laugh out loud at the word chic. The other day they walked in and said hmmm, you are changing your style. And I don’t think it was a compliment (insert rolling eyes). Nor do I think I’m changing. 😉
Whatever it is, I love it. Thank you for sharing. I have things from the 40’s when I was young until today. Some call in junk but I just call it all mine. Keep posting. I always watch for you posts.
God bless.
Author
From the 40’s?! That’s amazing! Would love to see those. I have a hard time finding nice antiques around me. Maybe I should say – around me that I can afford or justify the purchase because the house is getting full. :0 Thank you Jan for commenting! It made me smile.