I get asked a lot at the “coop” whether I use only real plants or artificial in my own home & decor. So…I am sure there are some who would cringe at this post, but yes, I use both! Honestly, I love fresh plants. However, my life is too busy to constantly be caring for & maintaing fresh plants throughout my entire house. I have also found that a little green can soften a display & brings the sense of the outdoors in. I only use fresh plants outside, on the deck or porch. However, inside, I use a combination of both. I am very picky when it comes to artificial plants but in the right container and tucked into little groupings throughout my home, it works! When I stage homes that are on the market to be sold, I obviously can’t be there each day watering and so I have to use artificial. If you have a green thumb & the time to care for fresh plants throughout your home, there is nothing more beautiful! If you don’t, it is more than ok. (no guilt here!)
Creating a space with warmth & character
This past week I staged a home that Jeff, my husband, was flipping. As I was bringing in furniture & accessories, everything felt new & fresh, but lacked warmth & character! I started thinking about how to create an inviting space. I began to bring in a few vintage items…an antique mirror, fan, vintage suitcase…and the look began to take shape. The key was to add pieces with patina & history. My favorite rooms have been built over time and include those less than perfect pieces that maybe have some chippy paint, a little rust, and yes warmth! It is the same in my own home. Although it is appealing to look at a Pottery Barn magazine and want to “stage” my family room with all new furniture & accessories, a truly inviting, interesting, space is built over time with less than perfect pieces. Let’s face it, none of us have perfect lives, and so really, a perfect home wouldn’t feel like the right fit! I would encourage you to take your time to fill your home with treasures that have meaning to you, create nostalgia, interest & warmth! 
“continuing education”
There are a lot of “perks” to this job. One of those, is the justification that reading design magazines, browsing Pinterest & watching HGTV is really just “continuing education”. However, the down side to this, is that I am constantly flooded with fabulous new ideas & I am always wanting change! I actually like change, at least when it comes to decorating. Those of you who come to the “coop” know this about me! My home is no exception. We purchased 5 acres and a fixer upper 1 year ago. While we have done a major remodel, it is still a work in progress. I am constantly tweaking, changing, moving furniture & trying to achieve that relaxed, warm, country look that I love! So…thought I’d post a picture of my kitchen table which is new to the space & chairs which I’d been on the hunt for. I am a serious bargain hunter & rarely ever buy anything full priced! (another justification) We will see how long this look lasts before I am painting, switching, and moving something around. Just continuing my education!
The Grand Re-Opening…
We have set a date for the Grand Re-Opening of the “Coop”. Mark your calendars for February 13th & 14th (Valentine’s Weekend) 10-4. Today, tongue and groove is going up on the walls inside the new space! We are almost there…
I also want to say a huge Thank You to my amazing husband & Dad. Thank you for all of your hard work! This new space is because of them. Love you both!
The New “coop”
The New “coop” is really starting to take shape! So exciting to have heat, a roof that isn’t leaking & even a bathroom! Hooray. Fingers crossed we will re-open the first weekend of February.
Hello world!
I am finally taking the advice of many friends & customers and have created this blog for the”coop”. I hope it will keep you inspired with new creative ideas for your home as well as up to date on all of the goings on at the “coop”. I will make sure to add lots of pics, because if you are like me, a picture really is worth a thousand words! So….hang in there as I learn all about this world of blogging.
blogtheurbancoop 