Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Where Does Your Decorating Inspiration Come From?

Recently I was talking to a friend and she asked me where my inspiration comes from when I decorate my own home? It was a fun conversation and I pose this question to you as well. Here is a bit of our chat and thoughts with my friend.

For most of us, we can probably agree that interior design has really changed over the years in styles and color. I know my styles have really evolved over time. But looking back over my college days and studies, one thing remains the same, perspective, scale and good design. I like to think of my own decorating starting with CREATIVITY around COLLECTIONS, COLOR for COMFORT and CALMNESS, all coming together for a pleasing space that is unique. A space that reflects our personality, travels, collections and how we live with the treasures we love and cherish.

My personal favorites revolve around Romantic French Country and Villa Cottage Garden with a splash of Shabby to Chic here and there.

I have studied with many books over the years and my all time favorite is "French Country at Home" ~by Kathy Passero.

This book is just full of inspiration on every page. It reveals in great detail the colors that make up French Design, textures, styles and collectibles. Elements from floor to ceilings that make up a style that is comfortable and very homey.

Two more favorites are Cottage Style and Garden Style written by Mary Wynn Ryan. These books also bring great inspiration for collectibles using vintage and color for indoors and out.
These publications have really influenced my redecorating over the years and I always see something new every time I turn the pages and dream.




Whether it be inside or out, anywhere can be a space to decorate. The following pics are a journey through my cottage sharing display vignettes using collectibles, vintage treasures, and hand paintings. I love to surround our home with vintage books, vintage glassware, handmade treasures and always music.
I love to display my treasures in a way to inspire me everyday. Where does your inspiration come from?






























Along the way, I learned something about myself too. I can't live without lace. I love it, and use it everywhere among my treasures. Vintage lace made by my grandmother is among my cherished favorites.











For me, the decorating journey continues, and more then likely, it does for you too.
Thank you for staying for this long post. It has been fun to share my inspirations with you.
Now it's back to the studio and creating for Christmas in July.
I hope all your decorating dreams, come true!
Blessings, Celestina Marie

22 comments:

A Hint of Home said...

Hey friend,
I haven't heard of that magazine. Looks like it has lovely pictures and wonderful inspiration. Your home always looks so pretty and well organized.
It's always a challenge to decorate a home. It can be fun and stressful at the same time. lol
I just want people to feel comfortable and at home when they are here.
Have a great week creating! Talk to you soon.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Celestina Marie (I love that name, and it's the perfect name for someone who loves lace - so romantic sounding) - Tonight, my inspiration comes from your blog. What beautiful images you've shared. If it wasn't so late at night, I'd jump up and start trying to create some romantic and beautiful vignettes. Thank you for the inspiration. laurie

Ana Paula said...

BEAUTIFUL,BEAUTIFUL,BEAUTIFUL!
CONGRATULATION.
MANY THANKS
ANA PAULA

Julie Marie said...

Hello Celeste... oooh, your home looks so beautiful and your little vignettes are so wonderful... I love all of your little birdies and birdhouses scattered here and there, and I also love that you use so many of your precious heirlooms, like your grandmother's lace... your home looks very elegant, but comfy at the same time... an interior decorator would look at my home and walk out the door... I have no one "style" I guess, other than what I still call "Country"... growing up, our family home didn't change alot over the years and I guess that is the feeling I am comfy with... cherished family heirlooms and collections, time~worn furniture that is loved, and of course all things inspired by Nature... one of my favorite decorating books is simple called "The Farmhouse"... I'm sure I am behind the times, but I am okay with that... I think a home should be what makes the owner happy most of all... your is just stunning! xoxo Julie Marie

Anonymous said...

Many years ago I lived in a home that was very Primitive. I decorated with Homespun & VERY 1700's......
Then over the last 15 years or so I have taken a Love to the Retro Kitchen & Cottage everything else. I have a huge collection of books & magazines & Bloggers also give me inspiration......I also have my childhood that was more like the Cottage Style. It makes me feel comfortable!!
Wonderful Post!
Have a Great Day!
Marilyn

Connie said...

Mine mostly comes from my heart while viewing romantic and country style magazines. Cottage is right up there also. Comfortable is my one word for buying furniture though. It MUST be comfy, sweetpea!
xoxo,
Connie

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I looked through, "At Home with Country" last night to return it to the library today! I LOVE decorating books! But for the ideas I actually use....I get most of them looking at blogs like yours! Thanks! Love your pretty lace! ♥

LillyB said...

I love your blog so much. I am guilty of being so busy that I don't leave you a comment..I apologize for that! Thank you for having an amazing blog!!
Love Lilly

Betzie said...

Such a great post Celeste! I can feel the joy and love you pour into your beautiful home in each and every detail!!! You should write your own decorating book!
Still working on our MB here...decided on a warm neutral called Monroe Bisque. We really like it, thank goodness! Now for the curtains and rods...
My inspiration comes from books too as well as antiques and blogs like yours! I also can't live without old lace! xoxo Betzie

Bearly Sane said...

Celeste thank you for the tour of all your pretties. I love the way your home is decorated and the thought you put into it.
Me and hubby both love teddy bears and that is the theme we have used to decorate our home...more what I call "country cosy" in earthy colours and warm timbers. I have gave up on decorating books a long time ago, as I am happy the way my home is now and I don't really want to change it.
I do enjoy looking at what others do around their homes and I can always appreciate it.
Warmest Hugs,
Sandi @ Bearly Sane

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Celestina Marie,

I loved seeing where you get all your inspiration for decorating your beautiful home.
I will have to look for a copy of French Country at Home, as I really love that look too.
It is great that you have the beautiful lace from your Grandmother, what a treasure.
Thanks for sharing this lovely post with us.

I hope that you are having a wonderful week
Hugs
Carolyn

Unknown said...

I enjoy this fabulous inspirational tour!

Hugs
Charo

Shirl said...

Hello Celeste, beautiful pictures of your home and pretty vignettes. I get my inspiration from books and magazines. I find I don't usually decorate like theirs, they just inspire me to get decorating.
Loved you post!
Hope you had a wonderful 4th.
Blessings, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hello Celestina Marie Sweetie...
I get my inspiration for decorating from beautiful people like you. You so inspire me to create when I see your beautiful home, your beautiful paintings and the beautiful heart that puts them there. Yes, you truly are an inspiration.

I thank you for each and every share that I have read over the last year. Your home is exquisite, just like you. Every day that I look at my little spoon and my cherry basket I think of you and smile in my heart. Thank you for sharing a beautiful piece of yourself with my home. I display them with such pride from a beautiful artist. Thank you Celestina.

Have a gorgeous day. Please know that you are so loved. Country hugs sweetie...Sherry

Ginny said...

I loved your vignettes, Celeste! I like anything vintage, vintage, vintage. I was born in the wrong era, as I love anything from the 1940's. I am fond of vintage lace, linens, and of course china. I am always picking up doilies, napkins,tablecloths, hankies actually anything old! My home used to be very monochromatic with beige, white, and ivories. But I have been incorporating more color especially red and green in my decor. I am inspired by the romantic, cottage, French accents.

Lynn-Teacupstitches said...

Hello Celestina!
What a beautiful post!! I get lots of inspirations from books and magazines and have the "Style" books with I LOVE!
Also from beautiful blogs like yours! All these pictures fill my head with inspiration and hope to someday get it together so my rooms don't look like a mishmash of things HA! I have lots of nice collectibles but just do not have the knack of arranging a room like so many of you talented bloggers do!! So, I;ll just keep reading :-)
Thanks for sharing all the your inspirations!!
Hugs and Smiles,
Lynn

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Hi Celeste! I'm playing catch up on the blogs today as I've been away from the 'puter for almost a week! LOVE all the sweet pictures you've shared from your beautiful home ~ always an inspiration to visit here, dear friend!

Bree just found out that she is having another little boy!! I got to go with her and see the sonogram and hear the heartbeat!!

Love you,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Unknown said...

Hi Celestina! Your pictures are wonderful!
My inspiration comes from talented folks like you, magazines, even the textiles I find with the color, pattern, and textures inspire my creations.

Anonymous said...

Celeste, know what? I'm inspired by so many different things that the only way I can explain it is to say...."I know it when I see it".
Blessings, sweet friend!
Diane

Olivia said...

Oh wow! This is a beautiful post! Soooooo pretty! My inspiration comes from Romantic Country and Rachel Ashwell!
Hugs,
Olivia

Unknown said...

Hi Celeste,
My inspiration seems to come from so many places. Mostly reminders of other places where I have lived. I love reading blogs and finding new inspirations like yours. I have always loved your decorating. I love Rachel Ashwell, and everything shabby chic, although my home is more traditional. perhaps it would be the best to have a home where every room was decorated differently. You have such a gift of staging everything so beautifully.
Karen

roseroomnz.com said...

lovely post Celeste, beautiful photos, but such a tease!!! would love to see whole rooms!!! lol - take care lovely lady - Rachaelxo

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Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..