Yesterday I received my second vaccintation so I’m a little under the weather (a lot of us who had a hard time with the virus report this). Additionally, there are fresh cares in my world which task my personal resources so I’m leaning on everlasting arms and prayer. Hence, today’s post is a little random with its roundup of design inspiration and decor finds for folks who love neutrals and prefer to keep decor simple and clean. Let’s face it, color trends come and go, so why not bring in pops of what is trending while keeping the backdrop timeless? Black and White With Oak + Ideas to Get the Look provides plenty of texture and blurs the line between traditional and modern. And this winning combo often adds one more quality: CALM.
And calm is so welcome in 2021!
Black and White With Oak + Ideas to Get the Look Now!
Did you see this recent post which is less about a neutral interior color palette than the wonder of a house under 500 square feet (and designed by Jeffrey Dungan!)?
In fact, let’s start straight away with wise ideas for calm. Brene Brown’s podcast is amazing, and I found this extremely helpful:
(PUSH PLAY)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
A handmade sign reminds of trips to come for fresh from the farm goodness. (Here’s a wonderful way to support a small business!).
I love that this smart and rustic trunk comes in various sizes…how useful for smart looking storage!
Comfy Things to Wear at Home
Just Add Fresh or Faux
For Your Fireplace
Layering Pieces
Turkish Blanket for Indoors & Out
Closet Organization Help
Black & White Finds
While this next find is neither black or white, it can actually add ‘natural’ to your makeup routine. (Or is ‘makeup routine’ so 2019 you want to smack me?) I especially appreciate how this water-light product evens my complexion!
Also I apply this with my fingers, not a brush, and it stays on all day!
Sweet & Nostalgic
How fast can you pin this next silly pin?
Ha!
Are your closets and pantries and shelves looking more orderly these days? I’m getting there slowly.
Let’s Keep Encouraging Each Other
Knowing what fresh concerns 2020 and 2021 have held, decor may be the furthest thing from your mind…or perhaps it is bringing a little bit of normalcy and pleasure to your days.
In either case, be gentle with yourself. Mixed feelings are completely normal and don’t define you.
I Couldn’t Resist
These slant jars remind me of the penny candy store we frequented in childhood – I like storing treats like cookies and bars in mine.
Just a reminder to keep breathing. Really. In times of stress and anxiety, we may unconsciously hold the breath. And when I say “we,” I mean I tend to do this. Deep inhales from the belly…exhale all the pessimism and worry if you can.
We’re muddling through so much together, and unknown blessings are already on the way.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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I’ve been thoroughly enjoying your blog during my newly found downtime. My husband and I are going to start painting our bedroom tomorrow and after much research are going with Benjamin Moore White! I was curious the finish you used? Your home is indeed…LOVELY! 😊
Author
Thanks, Amy! Nice to meet you. We used flat for walls and satin for baseboard and trim. If you are buying non-Benjamin Moore paint and have trouble having them mix the white, you can always just use Behr Ultra White off the shelf at Home Depot which also is a base without the undertones. Keep visiting me and dig in my archives (click THE ARCHIVES button at top of menu choices) to discover more inspiration!
I love the way you take care of you…. In doing so you seamlessly help those around you take care of themselves. Getting my 2nd vaccine on the 15th. We didn’t have any bad effects from n the first ( thank you Jesus) good thing as we are endeavoring to train our brand new puppy – what were we thinking ???? It certainly isn’t as easy as it was 16 years ago when we brought our dear sweet (best dog in the universe) Phoebe home. But sadly Phoebe died back in January and as you know your house turns very quiet and extremely sad when that happens. Now we are enjoying, loving ,caring for ,and training – or trying very hard to our brand new bundle of ENERGY. She is a havanese like Phoebe and we named her……wait for it ……. Mia Belladorable and call her Bella or Bell or Bellsy Wellsy or Bella boo boo bear and on occasion we may refer to her as That Dog! Ain’t as easy at 61 as it was at 45 but she will be a great dog before we know it and has filled our house with noise , action and laughter once again.
Author
What a lovely new chapter for you with Belladorable – surely this is just the type of new joy we all need to welcome into our homes and lives. While we haven’t welcomed a pet since Bellaluna, we are enjoying our sons’ kitty (Snoopy) and dog (Evie). I bet you’ll do just fine with your 2nd vax since the 1st went okay. I’m feeling a bit better today so that’s a relief! Thanks so much for adding to the beauty here.
Another beautiful post this morning! Thank you ❤️ I hope you start feeling better soon after the second shot. Also I, praying for challenges you are facing 🙏🏻 On another subject, are you familiar with Kelly and Co.? If not, I think you might enjoy her posts. She is on Instagram—she recently remodeled her home at Corona Del Mar here in California. What she has done to her home is pretty amazing. Wishing you all the best. ❤️
Author
Thank you so much for your support and prayers – feeling a bit better this morning so onward and upwards! I will check out Kelly and Co. and am sending you peace right where you are. 🙂
Thank you for the Oak+ ideas… Perfect timing, Michele. My home is over 100 years old with original natural oak woodwork and I’m in the process of redecorating a couple rooms. I’m a bit more of the “Let’s up the ante.” kinda girl, rather than “Calm down.” Luckily, I love wicker with both, so we shall see. LOL Hope you’re better soon. My guess is you feel like enough is enough already! Being ‘down’ just takes too much energy.
Author
Ooooooh, sounds so amazing, Carole. New buyers love natural woodwork as much as my generation wanted to erase the brown with paint! How wonderful to celebrate its warmth, character, and patina. Thanks so much for the kind words – I have recovered and can now celebrate that I’m through the side effects. Getting lots of exercise now as we fix up a tiny house we bought a week ago. We fix up one little area, and it makes the balance of the place look so much worse – a virus for sure! 🙂
Glad you’re out on the bright side, Michele!
Tiny house? I love the tiny house you featured on the 7th. Of course, with that location and landscaping and one more bedroom (somewhere) please. Can’t wait to hopefully see yours and hear the lessons you learn.
Author
Thanks! Oh that my little bungalow could look anything like that Jeff Dungan masterful low country luxe tiny mansion! Since this house needs to become a son’s temporary home, our fixing up is going to be in stages. So for 1.0, some of the ugly textured walls and ceilings have to stay, and we won’t upgrade every floor until 2.0. I am learning so much with each little project. Can’t wait to begin addressing the exterior!