Homes: perfectly imperfect

Sounds like an interesting topic but I have been unable to call up the article in The Guardian.

We might as well just talk about food and get it over with.

Ummgawa, good idea. Going to a brunch tomorrow and in a phone call tonight I was given a description of some of the food so I already am good and hungry. Will be starving by the time we get there.

Standing pat with our decorating choices all of that advice notwithstanding.
Our place is somewhere between a resort lodge and a working man's B&B.
We like it.

Stoney, sounds like a great place.

And could you give us the gist of the article in The Guardian.

We cannot call it up.

the 'gist' : go with 'whatever'... use 'funk' shway...if you like that comfy chair-keep it......oh, and your chairs should  (sic) talk to each other..(that means face each other- - I SWEAR that is what the Guardian said)

You don't "have to use a decorator." Phew, quel relief. I have barely purchased a piece of furniture in my life as the (perhaps) lucky recipient of multiple households. My parents were heavily into interiors and particularly liked mid-century furniture. It all had names--the Nelson bench, the Saarinen chair, the eames chairs, the Resom piece. I did not inherit that gene. In fact when I move, it takes about 6 months for it to click in that I can move the sofa from where the moving man put it.
However, I am a prisoner of my books and collections and thus must have shelves and wallspace (which don't always mix!). And I am also extremely particular about the placement of my objects. If I ask one of my kids to step over to a certain shelf, a great sigh of inevitability washes over the room as once they move one thing just an inch to the left, 4 more things will have to be adjusted.

Our house is a home.  A home where you kick your shoes off, put your feet up and *sigh*, relax.  My grandkids were trying to attribute it to a smell; they thought it was my perfume (Jean Nate !) and so started using it.  It's an eclectic mix with colors that match dropped foods that may stain.  And decorating?  As mentioned before, the children and I "decorated" a wall and us and the floor, with an original work of their art.  It is more or less clean with books, books, books and more books.  A rotating mix of original art, some of it from the aforementioned kids.  We love it and the youngest, every day when picked up from daycare, asks to come over.

We loved the fireplace so much in our first apartment that we put our big brass bed in front of it and lived for a year like John and Yoko sans pajamas. I loved my old Longboard so much I made a desk out of it before hanging it on my office wall and all my albums lived safely and artfully in orange crates when vinyl reigned. The sterility of some houses today take away the opportunity to display the heart of the road warriors that live there and mems like that rare piece collected on a foray into that little shop in Morocco where you negotiated so effectively with the guy in the fez and you celebrated with a kiss on the hydrofoil.

Stoney- I woke up this morning and watched listened smiled at "in the neighborhood". Swordfishtrombone tom waits salutations to ya for that great living songbook about things that warm the cockles

lotlot ~
I was faking having been unable to read it too.

ChefDeb ~
I'm starting to get the picture…

Andy ~
Yours too.

Tommy Typical ~
A "kiss on the hydrofoil" sounds at least semi-erotic.

Morning kids! A few loverly moments w/ the eye before the Saturday morning cleaning.
 
My house is a disaster like always during these last weeks of school. Our house is definitely imperfect & definitely cozy & definitely filled w/ what we enjoy & treasure. And food, glorious food.......................shopping today.......................I love to grocery shop................I am going to make peanut butter cookie dough after I finish putting all in order...................mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......................
 
And after, a trip to town for lunch.................yippee, skippee, life is good today...............
 
Have a most wonderful Saturday all..................................

Morning everyone! Should have had coffee before my first post! What I neglected to mention is that I DON'T like mid-century contemporary furniture...I am much more traditional (my parents always thought I had been switched at birth in the hospital nursery)so my ecletic taste over the years has blended into a mix of just what ANDY called "home." Also, now that mid-century furniture is having a comeback I have had the pleasure of cashing in on some of my least favorite pieces.

BEBE are you going to make those peanutbutter CHOCOLATE cookies?mmmmmmmmmmmm

A- Eclectic Mix "stirs" me. HGTV take note.
CD-Like our unique personalities we are all symbiotic images of old and new & past & future the walking talking sofa sittin' shaggy chic.

As some of you others have noted the article was less than revelatory.  But perhaps because I'm assuming (yes, yes, assumptions are dangerous) that most (MOST, not all) of us are beyond the age where that is so important.  As we are more or less comfortable in the bodies we've inhabited for all our years we are more or less comfortable in the homes we inhabit, as well.   When we were younger and striving for the world's attention--or at least the attention of friends and neighbors--and our homes were new possessions it was more important to us.  I think one of the perks of age is that sense of comfort that we feel with ourselves, our homes and so much else.                      

TT the chair that I am sitting on now is somewhat of an eyesore, but one time my Dad walked by it and said "if that chair could talk" so I have never been able to get rid of it(its also comfortable).

CD- Yes. Chairs talk. Walls have ears. Indeed. If I didn't believe that everytime I sip coffee from my mom's Sloppy Joe mug I wasn't drinking pixie dust with magical powers full of Mom's wisdom and love then slap my boney butt and call me Judy.

TT, I love how you express yourself.  As originaal as it comes.  I hope you write

Georgia-Thank you kindly, ma'am. I write like I golf, a semi-controlled "hack".

Talking chairs? PeeWee's playhouse?

My place is tiny, so most of my furniture is tiny otherwise it would take up too much room and look silly. The only large item I have is a pitch pine kitchen dresser which just happens to fit exactly under a beam and support the upstairs. The place would fall down if it were removed. The ceilings except the kitchen are low - even I could reach them to paint BUT last time my place needed a paint freshen up, I invited several friends to a paint party. The colour scheme is white, white or white so I can put colourful things on the walls. The painting party was a great success - I think I'd invited 6 people, but they turned up with their teenage kids to help out Aunty Haze. The mention of free beer on the party invite must have been some incentive. So my cauldrons of chili got bigger and bigger, extra pan of rice put on and I never lifted a paintbrush. Bargain! The entire cottage took the gang 5 hours to paint from top to bottom - gold medal to the lad who worked out a precarious way to reach the top of my stairwell. Note to self- does my Home Insurance include public liability cover?  Us older ones retired to the patio with nibbles and libations while the youngsters scavenged in the woods for bonfire material, set up music outdoors, and generally got things organised ...... hmmmm As we were stuffing our faces with bowls of chile, more and more teenagers turned up - seems the mention of party on Facebook is more infectious than chicken pox. They had a great time. Only two of them fell into the pond. Next day, my cottage looked great, the kids had filled and turned on the dishwasher and left everything tidy. My eclectic mix of furniture looked good - I think some kind person had polished the wood. Some bits of furniture I could never part with, others if somebody comes in and really  likes a piece I'll sell or barter it. Paid for my last boiler repair that way.

The cottage was recently refurbished and at huge expense, I have a "Wow!" kitchen with one of those range cookers that looks like it might belong on the Starship Enterprise. It gives me great pleasure after years of cranky second hand cookers.

http://www.petermanseye.com/photos/597451

I read the article from The Guardian, and my reaction is this: I put a check mark by each of those suggestions. It described my house decor to a T. Stuff I like and have accumulated over 60+ yrs. is around me, kid paintings framed and hung, mismatched LR sofa-chairs, etc... but all in all, comfy, homey, and inviting for friends to gather and gab. Never realized this was innovation. The clean lines of IKEA leather and steel are just not me. Each homeowner must find his own idea of the comfortable "nest." Nuff said. Sounds as if this Village already has that lesson down pat. Happy Mother's Day to all who celebrate tomorrow!

Hazel - I applaud your technique for interior painting....the food and beer incentive works every time. My handyman who can do everything from electrical to plumbing or painting also thrives on ham sandwiches and cold libations.

Time before last, when my house was painted outside, I did the same for my own grown kids and told them to mention it to some of their friends....sandwiches and beer on me if they'd lift a brush and get the homestead covered in gray paint with darker gray trim....It worked like a charm. With 7 folks painting, we painted the entire outside in a long day, and it has held up for 10 yrs. now.

I like the description of your "cottage" and its coziness. One of the things I like about the series of Doc Martin is seeing the low ceilings, cozy shops and homes, and vicariously enjoying the green fields and flowery gardens. I believe that show is set in Cornwall, which may be similar to your area (?)

Yes, Moose~ that's about right. Ha ha! When you mentioned Doc Martin, at first I thought you were talking about lace-up boots. That's Doc MartEn, I think. I own a splendid dark blue pair that squeaked for months before they were broken in. I love them, but such a performance getting them on and off. Cornwall and Wales have very similar climates, architecture (if such it can be called) and language. I like the Doc Martin series too. This time of year, the gardens are a delight in such acid soil areas, full of crazy coloured rhododendrons, azaleas and tulips and early roses and and and .... a feast for the soul.

Oh, yes ...I remember when my own kids HAD to have Doc Martens for shoes...boots, really! I think daughter had dark green ones and son the black. Bet your blue ones were/are very chic! Very sturdy shoes, but lots of laces....Now, I am more into (and out of ) sandals, slip ons, and comfy flats. I even have slip on sneakers so I don't have to do all that tugging and lacing to go to exercise time. One thing about aging, you tend to do what makes YOU happy, and generally forego the "latest fad"....;-)

On those days when i am confortable in my own skin, home can be anywhere and furnished any how....

bebe, i.d yippee, skippee for warm peanut butter cookies!

The Guadian in th UK is affectionateley known as the Gruniad for all its typos.

Shot myself in the foot there! The Guardian!

Any home interior that fails to make everyone who comes in feel comfortable, is a flop.
As I guest, I watched our hostess warn a very big lady, another guest, away from a Windsor rocker.
It was ungracious.
I bought wholesale a fairly big debt that the thoughtless woman owed to the guy from whom we both bought large amounts of dog food.
When she could not pay,I took the chair instead, hurled it off her porch and didn't quit smashing until there were no big pieces remaining.
Somewhere in there, she figured out why but thought it harsh.
If you have something that fragile and I don't know why you would, get it out of the way.
If you have things children could wreck, same deal.
What's more important?

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding awash in caramel w/vanilla bean ice cream after the bestest celery blue cheese soup makes for sleepy Sat p.m.

Stoney- You are always entertaining angels in many disguises, boss.

From the two apples my daughter painted whenin 2nd grade--framed and proudly on display--to the two, inexpensive star, hair clips my aunt wore as good luck charms when she danced before the crowned heads of Europe, to the mismatched dinning room furniture, it's home, and I wouldn't change it for any decorator, and my guests are always comfortable because they are always welcome.

I've been told I'm "Dis-feng-schway-nal" as a decorator. Man caves are my specialty.

"The Guardian" article was lovely.  What one must do is to listen to THEMSELVES and not to others.  It's important to have things that are lovely, functional, and comfortable in our nests.    

HOURS (and splendid concert by Augusta Children's Chorale before they leave for SPain)
LATER:
 
TTYPICAL me, too, but I don't play golf.
 
STONEY, m'dear, every word from your pen is well worth keeping; every thing you thougfht-then-did is spot-on.  How d'you do it?  Angels unawares, yes, but also keenly aware.  No fool thou. Your originality constantly stuns me. Threwm it rigjht off the porch 'til not one iota was intact.
 
RUSTY, I'm glad I'm not alione in framing and hanging paintings by two-year-olds, four--year-olds.... After awhile the frridge csan't handle any more -- and some deserve a frame.
 
PETERLAKE, ME, TOO, INCLUDING WARM PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES. d'YOU PREFER THEM WITH A hERSHEY'S KISS PUSHED IN JUST AS THEY COME OUT OF THE OVEN SO IT MELTS -- OR PLAIN?   I'll fix some for thesepia train club car -- or any  car: You're the engineer, conductor, the very beating heart of it.
 
oH, DEAR, caps lock STRUCK AGAIN.  i'M SORRY, ALL.  TRY TO DO BETTER.
 
Reading Villagers' names and comments, and coming upon TommyTypical, it occurs to me that no one in our Village is "typical"; each is unique, unusual, with diverse gifts,
opinions, history, worldview....  What good fortune I happened upon y'all, never having so much as listened in to a forum ('forum' IS what we call it, isn't it?)

Georgia, a plate of your to-die-for cookies sounds wonderful. Since i'm just the guy that shovels the coal to feed the mighty beast that powers theSepia, i'll start stoking the engine now to hasten toward the cookies.

Between your's and bebes' cookies, it should be bodacious all nighter. Extra milk and coffee will be arranged.

On Topic : )

The club car's furnishings are very condusive to great conversations, tall tales, toothsome feed, thirst quenching drinks, all manner of pain relief.....except for that which is caused by too many velly laughs.

Floyd finds theSepia's furnishings to be most satisfactory.

Duct taped bean bag chairs.........

The chair has spoken. Time for bed. Nos da, dear people. x

Georgia - I've heard this blog called The Sepia Train, The Village, The Eye, but never a forum. I think we prefer to think of this collection of personalities as a group of diverse individuals who like hanging out int he Club Car of The Sepia Tain, or a Village of web-connected residents who represent the entire globe. (Hazel is in Wales, Spring Fragrance is in Tasmania, and most Yanks are all over the USA map.)

Somehow "forum" may be too formal for this gang. No one is here to instruct the others, but rather each to react to the topic Mr. P throws out, and then to bounce ideas and sometimes knee-jerk reactions to each other's comments or posts.

It is more like a group gathered around a bar, all drinking the libation of his/her choice, and just jawing about what ever comes to mind and comes out. Many have been at this site longer than I have, so maybe they can give us a better definition. I am thinking of putting a coin or two in the coin-operated mirror, giving Floyd a piece of cheese, and sinking into my pillows while I think about it.

Stoney - I loved your 5:18 post....Why should anyone have furniture too fragile to use? I had a garden party with boiled shrimp, pasta salad, and kegs of beer once years ago, and had a very large man sit in one of the yard type fold up chairs ....and it broke! That was a lesson in having cheap yard seats! Now my yard seats are substantial...just in case.... The same for having children as visitors....If you know there are breakables at their level...put them up before the kids get there!

A friend has his house for sale, but he is out of state, so I agreed to be sure his yard gets mowed, walks swept, and hedges trimmed. The yardman I asked to help was supposed to do all that on Friday, but did not. So, today, I got him, got my own clippers, rake, blower, and tools and went there with him to assess what needed to be done,and help.....Just as we got the walks and driveway cleaned off, a realtor pulled up with a family to see the house!

The steep stairs down the hill to the lake were covered with debris from a recent storm, but we kept at it while they toured the inside of the home, and then I began to pick up sticks and pine cones in the lawn so the yardman could mow. By the time we finished, I was tired, sweaty, and questioning my own sanity in volunteering to help out a friend.

(His wife is not well, and he has already bought in another state, so really needs to sell this lake house....It is very pretty and has a good seawall. The rhododendrons are 10 ft. tall, and the Cherokee roses and gardenias are blooming.) Did you ever offer to do a favor and later doubted yourself? All I can say is that I hope along with the friend that the house sells sooner rather than later. I did hear the wife of the lookers say that she loved the house, so maybe that is a good sign.

"No good deed goes unpunished"