Rustic decorating elements

I absolutely love this room!  The reason is it so beautiful to me is the mix of the rustic elements with the more traditional furniture. 
The Cyprus panels behind the chairs lends itself to a sea-inspired texture - as though the wood washed ashore, battered by salt wind, and sand.

Coastal Living Magazine

I really love the casual sophistication that this room has.  It's monochromatic color scheme makes me want to curl up and have a cup of hot chocolate.  I wonder if there is a fireplace in this room? 
Coastal Living Magazine
The kitchen in this home has the same style.  Simple and clean.  The rustic cabinets make this kitchen feel casual but the French chandelier over the island dresses up the space and gives it stylish sophistication.  The scroll work on the chandelier is so beautiful with the contrast of the  light and airy shades.   The marble counter tops and the mosaic tiled back splash have smooth and glossy surfaces adding such class and charm.  The above stools are reupholstered in slick outdoor fabric that can wipe clean in a snap, a great idea.
I've been on the hunt for several items for homes that I'm working on right now. 
Today while I was out antiquing, "junking" as I call it, I found this wonderful LARGE wooden wagon wheel.  It's the real deal, not a reproduction.  Fun treasure...
Wouldn't it make an amazing mirror? Another option would be to have thick glass put in the opening and place it on a wrought iron base and it would make an incredible coffee table. 
Isn't the "rustic" finish divine?
I went all kinds of crazy over these old doors that I found too.  Wouldn't these look amazing next to each other in an entry over a console table or even above a mantel. What a statement they would make, especially in a formal or traditional space.  Adding elements with interesting texture and character totally transforms a room and can make it more inviting, a conversational piece and make the space casual and approachable. 
Tip of the Day:  Just because you have a traditional house doesn't mean you can't add a few rustic elements to your home.  You will be surprised at how it adds more style and the "unexpected" to your design.
Ruthie

The life of a skeleton

I have a very creative friend, Carolyn Ann!!! She is not only incredibly creative she is an incredible cook too. She is always full of ideas and adds so much spice to the lives of everyone she knows.
She and her girls have had such fun this Halloween season with their skeleton friend in their front yard. Every week this October, they have redressed their skeleton named "Big Bertha" and posted a picture and caption on Facebook.
Big Bertha No.1
"Big Bertha is ready for the game, got her nachos and popcorn ready"
Big Bertha No. 2
"Is it really October?  Feels like May!  Where's Autumn?" 
The "call me" part had me laughing so hard!!
Big Bertha No. 3
"Come on, Rangers! Resurrect the game that got you to the World Series! We didn't literally mean that we had "died and gone to Heaven" over this...Big Bertha may have, but we're still here!"
Big Bertha No. 4
and today.....she posted this...
"Big Bertha, the Church Lady, sings today! Hallelujah! Amen Brothers and Sisters!"
I love it Carolyn Ann!  You have such a fun sense of humor and I'm sure your girls have enjoyed this creative energy!  I'm sure you have been the talk of the whole neighborhood!

Happy Halloween Everyone! 
Ruthie

Jewelry...why not a home accessory?

I found this strand of wooden beads about 5 years ago at a rummage sale and fell in love with them.  Every time I wear them I get so many compliments.  
I store them around this bust that is outside my bedroom in the hallway and I think it adds some character to this grouping of items.
How do you store your jewelry? 
(Some of my favorite necklaces)
I have some tall glass jars on my bathroom counter that I store items in that I use daily (cotton balls, q-tips, etc).  The first thing that I do when I come home after a long day working is take off all my  jewelry.  I became lazy and started hanging my strands of pearls and other necklaces on the lid of these jars. 

After a while, it started to grow on me and I enjoyed looking at these jewelry pieces. 
One of the jars has slowly collected all of our favorite shells that my family has found on our beach walks while on vacation.
My oldest daughter made these little clay "Mom and Dad" treasures and of course they went in the jar too.  I love looking at them while I get ready for the day.  These are the kinds of things that make me smile and bring me great joy because there are memories attached to these treasures.
My favorite bracelet that I purchased while visiting my family in Africa a couple of years ago has also landed on the lid of one of the jars.  I wear it ALL the time.
Why not put your jewelry items out where you can enjoy them, they make a great home accessory! 
Ruthie tip of the day:  Necklaces make great curtain tie backs.  I've used pearl, wooden & shell necklaces to enhance the drape and make an unusual statement.
Do you have a favorite place to hang/place your jewelry?
Ruthie
Visit DecRenew Interiors for more ideas and before and after pictures.

Cheese Pumpkins Anyone?

"Betty Crocker" Recipe
Here's what I'm going to make for my guests this weekend!
Aren't they adorable?  I'm going to serve them with assorted imported cheeses and some fresh bread!
MINI CHEESE PUMPKINS

8 tablespoons smoked Cheddar cold pack cheese food (from 8-oz container)

2 teaspoons finely chopped peanuts
4 butter-flavored pretzel spindles or sticks, broken in half
16 tiny pieces fresh parsley leaves

Line small serving plate with waxed paper. Roll each level tablespoon cold pack cheese food into a ball; place on waxed paper-lined serving plate. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes for easier handling.

With end of toothpick, draw ridges around balls to resemble pumpkins. Dip bottoms of cheese balls in chopped peanuts. (I'm going to use crushed pretzel crackers for mine).

Just before serving, insert pretzel halves into cheese balls for pumpkin stems. Decorate with parsley for leaves. Store in refrigerator.

On another note......My youngest daughter made this pumpkin with her cousin this weekend and I thought I'd show it off!
Good old sharpie markers work great on pumpkins!
Have a great "spooky" week!
Ruthie


Estate Sale Treasure - $1.00

I love a good find! A treasure!
I found this oil painting (29w X 29h) at an estate sale for $1.00.
It spoke to me......It said "fall is around the corner"

It's now placed in my entry as a reminder that it will soon be cool.  Love the "sketchy" little cabin and the simplicity of the natural surrounding it sits in.  It looks cozy and I can almost smell the fireplace wood burning and the potato soup on the stove.

Thank you hubby for these fall flowers....given to me just because you know I LOVE the small things that touch my life.
Live beautifully today,
Ruthie