Thursday, February 23, 2012

Stepping Outside my Comfort Zone

Sometimes the most unexpected thing can spark a collection and in the case of my strawberries, it was their vibrant red color and the need to step out of my comfort zone.  I'm a product of Laura Ashley's well-deserved popularity in the 80's and 90's and my decorating (and clothing) had pretty much been dominated by little floral prints and soothing pastel tones for many years.  Graduating college in 1987, my first apartment was decorated with what I could afford from the Laura Ashley Home store in my neighborhood.  I coveted the bolts of ditsy floral fabrics and learned to sew out of necessity so I could make curtains and pillows when the fabrics went on sale.  Flash forward many years, and I realized my color choices in decorating were still the comfort zone choices of my younger days and that I needed to challenge myself to bring new colors into my home.  
I found this red ceramic strawberry pitcher at an antique shop in Atlanta and my new passion for red and strawberries began.  A nice jolt of color, but it still mixed well with the softer, pastel tones I had.
I have even been able to find strawberries when searching for vintage linens.  And did you guess my new favorite color combination is red and blue?  
Have you done anything to step outside your decorating comfort zone lately?



vif187

8 comments:

  1. Oh my! I love these appliqued pieces beyond all reason! Strawberries no less! But I can see you love embroidery too. Looks like you still practice the vintage arts. There are some lovely things on your blog!

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  2. Strawberries are definitely one of my favorite things to collect. Thank you for stopping by my blog today. I'm one of your newest followers. I'm looking forward to strolling through your blog.

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  3. oh i love them!!!! the are a burst of fun! i sadly admit that i have not stepped out -- just been too busy : ) LOL!!!!! sending hugs and hope you have a ton of fun blog hopping!!!! it's addictive you know and NO CURE! : ) ENJOY!

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  4. I love that appliqued and embroidered strawberry linen! I mean, just look at the red and white crocheted lace trim! What a fun treasure.

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  5. Really cute.My mom had her kitchen decorated with strawberries in the 80's-now it's roosters.I love the pitcher-I have one like it except it's a lemon. So not exactly alike, but you know what I mean,lol.

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  6. Hi!
    Just linked over from ATG. I recently realized that I too am in love with strawberries! They remind me of my childhood (I grew up in a town that has an annual Strawberry Festival), summertime and France. Last year, in honor of entering middle age, I got a small strawberry tattoo on my left leg. I told my husband that it's cheaper than a sports car and far less complicated than an affair.
    xo
    Pam

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  7. Love your strawberry finds, and I particularly love your embroidered/appliqued linen. The colors and patterns are so cheery and pretty.

    Blessings,
    Marianne

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  8. These are so cute--love the colors for spring! Thanks for linking up to Share the Love Wednesday at Very Merry Vintage Style!
    Mary

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