Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Decorating With The Granny Square Afghan

Since the Fall season is upon us with its cool evenings, I thought it the perfect time to pay homage to the afghan. The Granny Square Afghan in particular. I can remember my mother crocheting  one in bright colors on a dark green background. I thought it was so ugly......my how I wish I had it today, what a treasure it would be. 



There was a time when this was the vision you associated Granny Square afghans with. They were stretched out nice and neat on the backs of sofas. I remember hating them!


Then in the 70's we were wearing them.


Who can forget the ponchos.


And packing them around on our shoulders.


One thing about them, it's nice to snuggle up under one for a cold winter read.


Who would have ever thought they would be considered decorative and actually make a lovely accessory for a wide spectrum of interior styles from contemporary to cottage.  Here are some pictures showing how you can decorate with this old familiar face....but with a fresh twist!


Today's Granny Square Afghan is not just something to keep you warm but is an integral part of a rooms decor.

plumandjune.blogspot.com

Stitching can be such good therapy and if you know how to crochet you can color coordinate to perfection. Or maybe you know someone who would make one for you.

countrymaison.blogspot.com

I have seen them everywhere from home decor stores to antique stores, thrift shops and Ebay.


Today they are not regulated to random colors but are more coordinated with other accessories in the room.


Granny Square Afghans also make great tablecloths, especially with the long tassels like this one. A perfect look for Boho interiors.

casapinka.typepad.com

These crocheted lovlies are perfect for the Cottage Chic look.

casapinka.typepad.com

Granny Square Afghans provide just the touch to vintage rooms.


There are many way to use granny squares, even if it is just one big one.


Seems like the ones I use to see were either dark or in primary colors. But today there are so many beautiful colors of yarn available you can come up with some wonderful combinations.


via facebook

bhg.com

Granny Square Afghans work well with other patterns like stripes and roses.

source unknown

www.apartmenttherapy.com

Mix styles of Granny Square Afghans like these on the sofa back.


Bold colors are still a favorite combination for these afghans and with all  the paint, papers, and other accessories to choose from a room can be well coordinated.


Now you will see everything from chairs to rugs crocheted in granny square style.

Gorgeous pastel colored Granny Square Afghan!


There are several ways to dress up the granny square like the rose pattern.


The daisy pattern.




Pretty Cottage Chic interior. Just drape your afghan instead of folding it.


If you learn to crochet you can customize them to your other accessories for a polished look.

etsy.com

I particularly like the solid cream afghan.....for a French Provence Style interior.


versponnenes.blogspot.de

I like the more antique styles with softer colors.



Granny Squares gone wild......great for a Boho look.


The granny square is a popular choice for pillows.


How pretty to create or collect Granny Square afghans and stack in a beautiful armoire.

flicker.com

I like the big squares!


Cozy up in one soon!!


Any new home needs a Granny Square Afghan.What a great wedding gift!




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Lisa Farmer




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Friday, November 8, 2013

Decorating The Rustic Kitchen



I like a kitchen that has style. I have seen huge kitchens loaded to the rafters with all the latest counters and appliances and back splashes that contractors will tell you that you must have in today's kitchen. Usually they come off cold and antiseptic....not what a kitchen is suppose to be at all. Plus when you go next door, there it is all over again. I am not a trend driven person, in interiors or fashion. I am impressed by a sense of style not cookie cutter looks, especially in kitchens.

The focus of this blog is the rustic country style kitchen....a unique kitchen that reflects it's owners charm and personality. Also there will be some country kitchens that give you a ‘vintage’ feel with their overall style, one that fits with an earlier time. I hope these images will give you ideas on how to make your rustic kitchen as authentic as 
possible.  

 Always warm and inviting, never without style, these unique kitchens are delightful and will have you falling under their spell in no time.


Any signs of age only add to the charm of the room. You don't want your tables and chairs to be in pristine condition. The checkerboard painted floor and the sunny yellow trim all add to the warmth of this kitchen.


Most rustic kitchens create a feeling of comfort. Exposed beams are one of the quickest ways to set the stage for the rustic kitchen.  Stone floors will also add to the look, however I think a rug would warm up a space like this that can tend to look cold.

4himglory.tumblr.c

Baskets, buckets and a butcher block all add to the warmth of this country kitchen.

 atticmag.com

The white rustic kitchen is my personal favorite!


White exposed beams are a wonderful design element for the rustic kitchen. Look for an unique work table, shelving other than the conventional kind, and metal lighting. Dry some herbs for a delightful accent of scent.

home-designing.com

Of course rustic kitchens can  be colorful! The beauty of the farmhouse kitchen is in the use of furniture for storage instead of modern kitchen cabinets.

I suggest tables that can double as work tables instead of islands in a rustic kitchen.

countryliving.com

Bakers tables are always nice.

desiretoinspire.net


A  kitchen this rustic is for someone who appreciates wood and stone. 


The more natural stone used in a kitchen, the more rustic the feel.

pinterest.com

What a wonderful space!!!! It would be so much fun to cook in here.



This rustic kitchen is softened by the addition of gingham and ruffles. Notice he curtain treatment of the class cabinet doors.


Touches of a rough-hewn material such as a wooden pantry door or pine island complement this welcoming, and comfortable environment. The touch  of blue and white make this kitchen especially pretty.

google.com

Consider yourself very luck if you have a fireplace in your kitchen. A long harvest table is a must for the rustic farmhouse kitchen.

greigedesign.blogspot.com


This kitchen features an antique baking table, a hood framed with antique beams and a bold stone and hardwood floor. The long wooden trough looks lovely filled with flowers.  Also try something different with lighting....like these wire baskets.

A collection of crocks is a great addition to the rustic kitchen.



sandykoepkeinteriordesign.co

If you like chippy decor, the kitchen is the perfect place for a piece or two.

Who wouldn't like to cook in this wonderful kitchen?


kellyharmondesigns.com

In the farmhouse kitchen you don't want to hide everything behind cabinet doors.


persephonesbox.com


A rugged and colorful kitchen. Kitchens should be fun.....after-all you spend much of your time there.

source unknown

veranda.com

I love furniture like armoires to be used as kitchen storage. It makes for an interesting and authentic rustic kitchen,

sphotos-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net

sphotos-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net

The door, exposed beams, stone floor and  whitewashed walls all set the stage for this kitchen. Now add in the right accessories.....wrought iron chandelier, pottery bowls, cooking utensils that are exposed instead of hidden away, terracotta flower pots. All this adds the charm to the rustic kitchen.



Rustic kitchen come is all styles. This one has a nautical feel.

architecturaldigest.com

Remember you are not looking for perfection in the rustic kitchen. The paint on these beautiful cupboards  is not in pristine condition. This is the charm of the rustic kitchen and you must enjoy the patina of age to be happy with this style of kitchen.


To see rustic French kitchens click here French Kitchens....Keep Them Authentic




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Lisa Farmer


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