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Redecorating With Red

April 18, 2021

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I'm redecorating my cottage with more red fabric and accents.

Come see what I have in store and gather some ideas and inspiration to add color to your own home!

Red Roses In The Bathroom

Hello friends! I can't believe it's been two weeks since I've popped in to share. Where does the time go?

Now you might think I've been spending my time at the beach, rather than online.

And you'd be half right.

The weather has been warmer, and even though I've needed a winter coat on most days, the sun's been shining and it's been nice enough to walk on the shore.

Rocky Beach Shore

Sit in the yard.

Or shop!

Ok, ok...so I have been online. I've been scouring the internet in search of treasures to update my home. And when I say treasures, I mean fabric mostly. 

Are you really all that surprised?

I think I've mentioned before that we've lived here for almost 20 years, and in all that time, these rooms have haven't really changed much.

Other than the never ending curtain swaps, and our recent bathroom update, the big elements look exactly the same. To say that I'm pretty consistent when it comes to design is an understatement.

In the main living areas of our tiny cottage, it's all about the red. All the time.

Oh, I've tried to broaden my horizons, contemplated adding other hues, and removing some. But it never sticks. Those crimson patterns pull at my heartstrings and I'm all in, all over again.

I think it's because of that pop. While I have no appetite for drama anywhere else in my life, when it comes to decorating, I'm drawn to it.

The proverbial moth to the flame.

Especially this time of year.

For some very crazy reason, I seem to have the opposite decor color cravings than most. In winter, when it's stark and white outside, I look for less color inside. I add white pillows and muted signs.

Then when spring and summer roll around, and everyone is lightening up their furnishings, I add more vibrant tones.

It's like I'm trying to drag my garden inside.

I mean, really. Can you blame me?

So. What new red have I been adding?

Well, it all started in the bathroom. About a month ago, I got this new red shower curtain. 

Red Shower Curtain In The Bath

I painted the red walls white and added a stenciled accent wall about a year ago, but I missed the red. 

The room needed a little sparkle, and this is my go to, tried and true way to get it. Plus, I had a gift card so it was basically free to me.

Cottage Style Red Stenciled Bathroom

And while I absolutely adore it, I already have a new one ready to hit the rod in  few weeks. When it's up, I'll be sure to share, but if you want a sneak peek you can catch it here.

It's so adorable that I was toying with the idea of replacing the curtains in the living room with the same pattern. Yes, yes, I know, I just made new curtains for the living room last fall.

But, see, this is exactly why I'm a super cheap decorator. I'm fickle and I never want to feel guilty about changing things up.

I'll definitely use those curtains again, but for now, I want a change. And fabric is the easiest way to do that. Hence that shopping. 

Psst-- Turns out I did replace the living room curtains, but I used a bold red check instead

What else do I have in store?

Well, I'm pretty far behind when it comes to sharing, so I might need to catch up a bit with a few extra posts in the next few weeks, but I have a new fun things to share in the kitchen.

Some of you may have already seen my farmhouse plates. Love them so much, I may get the entire set.

Farmhouse plates and red roses

Each one is unique and the colors have prompted me to make some changes.

One fun swap involves major bargain find that I adore. It arrived in the mail today and I can't wait to install.

Also, there's some new fabric...maybe...I'm waiting for samples. The computer screen can be a huge liar. I don't trust it.

But I'm hopeful, especially since I searched high and low, and all the way to London, hunting for cottage style textiles.

They are so hard to find. Kate Forman has the loveliest things, but at over $100 a yard, and scarcely available in the states, it's not the kind of the thing I'd be swapping out.

I have samples coming from her shop though. It can't hurt to look...(she says quietly, but knowing better.)

I did find a back up and the name is my mom's name. Harriet. Meant to be? I hope so. 

Chipped Plate

I also have some new Pottery Barn items on order. We broke quite a few dishes over the last year, but since I'm cheap, I refused to buy anything until I had a coupon...and free shipping.

Although with this brood, what I should be buying in paper plates.

Anyway, I think - actually I know - you'll be very shocked by my choices. Clearly, I didn't add red or white to my cart.

So maybe I am growing...

Red Cottage Style Fabrics

Of course, there are my latest purchases....more red.


So then again, maybe I'm not.

And really, is that such a bad thing?

What color have you been decorating with this summer?

Happy Redecorating, Friends!
Kim Signature


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  1. Love the red shower curtain. No, I don't love it. I ADORE it!

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  2. I love that you decorate with what you love and change things up inexpensively. That makes it much more doable. I am a tried and true neutral girl but I do love a little color here and there. I am always attracted to people like you that love color especially red but it is just not me. I look at your cute and pretty curtains, chair covers etc. and I say I love that and want to try color but I know I would not be happy with that for long. Like I always say stay with what you love and you will never be wrong. Don't you hate when you find the perfect fabric and then find out it is very expensive or out of stock!!!! I know you will find the perfect fabric. Happy Sunday. xoxo

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    1. Hahaha…yes. Every fabric I have fallen in love with is well over the $100 mark and mostly available only in Europe. I think I’m living in the wrong country as a true cottage style lover. I either need to move or get much deeper pockets!! In the meantime, I’m on the hunt for the bargains. In this case that means about $25-$50 a yard instead. Not really much better, but since I DIY it’s ok…

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  3. I love that you keep me on my toes with your changing fabrics. Can I tell you I am drooling over the toile. Seriously, it's falling out of my mouth. I will be a toile lover forever!!

    Can't wait to see what's going on and yes I remember the dishes

    Cindy

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    1. Cindy that toile was a last minute purchase. I just couldn’t resist it. And it wasn't expensive, so I grabbed a yard. I have no idea what I’m going to do with it yet, but I knew I had to have it!!

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  4. You know I love red as well. I've been ordering small items on Etsy and eBay to go with my white plates. Red and white transferware has caught my attention.
    Brenda

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    1. Oh...red and white transferware is a classic!

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    1. Thanks so much, Raj! I love the new pop.

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  6. I have always loved red, and French Country. Love your new shower curtain. I am finding I am having a great time decorating and remodeling our new condo. Not a drop of red in sight! Unusual for me.

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    1. Thanks Penny…and with all those gorgeous water views surrounding you, I would be diving into the blue too! It looks outstanding!

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  7. I love that photo of the beach Kim. It's a wonderful time of year to take a walk on the beach without the crowds of people. I like the new red shower curtain you purchased. I can't wait to see more of your updates on decorating your home.

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    1. Thanks Julie...I love the beach. I go every day if I can. I actually can't get out of my neighborhood without driving by the water, and I never take the view for granted.

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  8. Red is also my favorite. I adore your wood bathroom counters.

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    1. Thanks so much, Robin! I think that red is an addiction in decorating for some, like me. I'm glad you like the counter. I wanted that for years. My husband made it two summers ago and it's still looking perfect.

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  9. I took the sneak peak and checked out that new shower curtain. I love it!
    I'm so impressed by your use of fabric and what you do with it in your house. I wish I had your talent!
    Happy shopping!

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    1. Thanks Mari! I come from a long line of sewers on both sides of the family. Unfortunately, I never really paid much attention when I had the chance, so I’m just winging it over here, but I’m glad it looks good from the outside. 😊

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  10. Aaaaaaaahhhhhh! Perfect!! I just ordered a red fabric with whacky colored florals....It makes me smile just thinking about it!!
    Hugs and blessings to you!
    J

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    1. Uh-oh...I think I might need that link. Even if I don't need anymore fabric! xo

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  11. Toile always catches my eye, Kim. I have several yards of a blue and white toile that I purchased years ago. I never seem to find a good way to use it, but I won't let it go. Some day I will discover the perfect use for it. It's fun to see the changes you make, although I'm quite behind in keeping up with you, I admire your sweet cottage. I know what you mean about UK fabrics. The always seem to have the best, albeit a bit pricey. I know you'll come up with the perfect solution to accomplish your vision. As for my own decorating, I'm surprised how much I like gray right now in my living room. Although in the design world gray has been around for awhile, and I'm understanding that a warmer gray is now more on trend, I am liking the steel gray of my wing chair and have kind of played off that. I added gray curtains with a white embroidery, which I absolutely love. So gray is the backdrop, and I've paired it with neutral and muted tones in other furnishings and accessories. The end result is a very calm atmosphere. In an instant I can change it to a more vibrant room just by switching out textiles. This has always been my MO. Like you, I tend to be fickle, so doing as much as possible on the cheap works for me and my wallet. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Hugs.

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    1. I still don’t know what I’ll do with my toile, Nancy, although, I’m toying with the idea of a sink skirt…with maybe a little left over for a pillow? Right now, I’m just enjoying looking at the fabric tossed over a chair in the kitchen. Your homes have always had such lovely cottage style, warm and cozy. I see it in the new place, too. I think that gray can be wonderful in those warmer tones and I love the idea of being able to change things up with such a neutral background. Have I seen your gray curtains? They sound lovely. I’ll have to go peek to make sure I didn’t miss them!! Hugs!!

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  12. Kim, that shower curtain is beautiful and looks so rich in the bath. I am so anxious to see what your are doing. You know I love those dishes so can't wait to see the changes. I am holding my breath because I know it will all be just beautiful..Stay well..xxoJudy

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    1. Thanks Judy! I love the color and yes, those dishes are on my plate rack and make me smile every day!! xxoo

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  13. The red shower curtain is gorgeous, Kim! While I do love red, I lean more toward blue. I did peek at the new one...could I be rubbing off on you with some blue??????

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    1. Ann, let’s just say that the peacock color of your chair shelf has been stuck in my mind! And something similar may have jumped into my cart. 😉

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  14. Kim, I love that red shower curtain! Gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks Deanna! I love that view…well, when it’s clean. It is my kids’ main bathroom. You know how that goes!

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  15. I like it. :-) And can not wait to see more.
    I would love to take a walk with you on the beach, even if we have to wear our winter coats, I would enjoy it!!!
    Love, Carla

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    1. Come on over, Carla!! It’s awesome with winter coats and even in the rain!!

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  16. Kim,
    You know me...I LOVE red so wherever you use it, i LOVE it!! Thanks for sharing!!
    Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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