Saturday, April 6, 2013

Mom's Style/Daughter's Style ~ Can They Agree? Part 1


Hi y'all.  Come on into my kitchen.  It's a rainy and cool spring day and
I am putting together a ham casserole per hubby's request.  However, I
want to chat about merging design styles, so pull up a stool and let's
start dishing.

David, my Mom and I have been talking about moving in together.
Mom is feeling a little fragile these days and although I have a woman
coming in to help her a couple of days per week and I am there on other
days, she would feel more secure with her family around full time.
Fortunately, my dear sweet husband is fine with the idea. But ...

How To Merge Two Very Different Design Styles???



As you know, I love the ease and comfort of cottage style.  I like
pups on the slipcovered sofas, put your feet up on the coffee table
friendliness of it.  But my Mom is very different.  She likes rooms that
are quite formal.




Here is an example of a living room that appeals to my Mom.
It's elegant and formal. This room is very much like her own living room.







I am thinking about a room more like this.  One that takes sophisticated
elegance and lightens it up a bit. I love the slipcovered furniture.  Did you
notice the pup on the sofa?   An important feature because you know
that Bentley will be on every sofa and chair in the house!  I like the
sea grass carpet and the blue and white touches too.  Mom has an
extensive collection of blue and white, so I'm hoping that she will
like the idea of incorporating it into the living room.  Oh and Daddy
brought back a leopard skin rug from Africa that was a gift to him from
a business associate in Kenya.  It was in Daddy's study, but Mom
picked it up because one of their dogs started chewing on it.  Yuck!
We might just leave that out.





She has all kinds of blue and white we can choose from.  I want her to have a living room
that she will feel at home in with her favorite pieces while making it comfortable
enough for my hubby too.  While I want to tweak her style to make it a bit more
current, it still needs to have her mark on it.

Now the family room is my territory and I am thinking about a room
more like this ...





So that's it for now.  Better get back to fixin' the ham casserole so we can
go out and play for the rest of the afternoon and dinner will be a snap to
put together when we return.    Have a fun weekend everyone!

Happily Joining ~

Seasonal Sundays
Sunny Simple Sundays


Bentley just ran out of the house to see the biggest Alaskan Malamute
I have ever seen run by with a jogger.  That dog's head is bigger than
Bentley's whole body!

Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

















22 comments:

  1. That will be quite a task to merge styles and come up with something you three will all be comfortable with, and I can see you will be successful. Whose home will you live in?

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  2. Bentley, be careful around those huge dogs!!! Susan, good luck combining households, I know you'll do it right for everyone! Hugs ~ Mary

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  3. I think you're going to have a lot of fun with this project!

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  4. That will be quite a challenge. My Nana lived with us growing up from the time I was about seven. It was so precious of my Dad (as well as your hubby) to welcome her into our home. He was always so sweet to her and never complained at all. Good luck with the merge.

    Bentley, be careful around big dogs. They may think you are a snack.

    Judy

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  5. Good luck in merging your styles, Susan. I know you both will pull it off with your wonderful styles. I look forward in seeing the changes.

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  6. I admire you so much for not only wanting to share your home with your mother but to incorporate her decorating style into your house. That is so loving, generous and thoughtful...any of those rooms seem beautiful, homey and comfortable to me! I am sure you will achieve the balance you're looking for...
    Jenna

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  7. I think it's wonderful that your mom and you will be living together. I know how much my mom loved having family around when she was feeling fragile.

    Since you both have excellent taste, your home will be a beautiful combined expression of the best of both of you!

    Happy Sunday!

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  8. Susan, I have no doubt that you three will merge both decorating styles and lifestyles with ease. It's very thoughtful of both you and your husband to want to share a home with your mom. My grandmother lived with my family when I was a child. It was a special experience for all of us. Both you and your mom have great style sense, so merging the two should be fun and refreshing. '-)

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  9. Sounds like you have alot to do. Bless your husband who is wanting to welcome your Mom into your home. I am sure Bentley will like curling up in Grandma's lap too!

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  10. I have to admit that I prefer your more casual chic style--complete with the pup on the sofa! What a wonderful thing to be able to do--all the best for your integration :-)

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  11. Good luck with combining two households. It isn't easy, but I know you will come up with a way to do it beautifully!

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  12. I'm sure you will come up with something. I think it's wonderful that you and your husband are welcoming your Mom to your home. Merging styles should be the least of your troubles!

    - The Tablescaper

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  13. I am in need of slip covers for my large sofa with t cushions and matching large chair. I just do not want to pay a fortune for them. the furniture is excellant condition but needs covers. Where can I purchase them. thanks

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  14. A very interesting and timely subject as so many of us are dealing with aging parents. It'll be interesting to see how it all unfolds!

    http://northislandcottage.blogspot.com/

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  15. I think it's so sweet that you are going to live with your mother just when she needs you most. I think you will be able to blend more than one style in each room. I can't even begin to define my style...it's just a big mix of what I love. Maybe let her have free rein of her bedroom and bathroom and then coordinate some of her pieces with yours. Good luck. Will you be moving?

    XO,
    Jane

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  16. How lovely of your hubby to agree to that. Your mum must be so well loved for you to consider her taste too. Good luck with the transition. x

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  17. Susan, I am sure you are going to have fun decorating with your Mom. Your hubby is so sweet. I am sure everything will turn out beautifully. Bentley, beware of big doggies, he might just think you are a salty snack.

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  18. Good luck, Susan. I have been living with my mom for 3 1/2 years and it hasn't always been easy. It will of course depend on personalities and willingness to cooperate. I hope it will be lots of fun for all of you.
    Hugs,
    Laura

    P.S. Bentley, you go get that big dog :)

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  19. A new venture for you. I think you will have fun with this.

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  20. What a special venture for you to undertake. Consideration for your Mom's preferences to meld with yours is very thoughtful. Thanks for stopping by my AtoZ Challenge post about quilting. I hope you come back for more stories about the LoneStar Quilting Bee. Happy Weekend!
    Sue CollectInTexasGal
    AtoZ LoneStar Quilting Bee

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  21. I hope this is a wonderful experience for both of you! What a great opportunity to explore the stories behind different pieces. The conversation would not be about decorating, not really, it would be about love. I, myself, fall somewhere in between your style and your mom's, but I love the light colors of your cottage and your beautiful china!

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  22. I hope this works out for the best for all of you. We had my Mom for 5 yers prior to her death. But it was a different situation, she was very ill. Both of your styles are beautiful and I am sure you will blend them well. Best of luck. XO, pinky

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Oliver and I LOVE and read every comment.

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