Mr. Barefoot and I have recently begun (slooooooowly) making over our beloved Barefoot Manor. Well, Barefoot Cottage, really, because we don't have enough space to really call it a "manor". We're in the very beginning stages right now, just fixing up a few things that absolutely NEEDED fixing before Mr. Barefoot's dad and nephew come to visit at the end of the month. Stay tuned for posts on our bathroom redo, which is almost finished.
Knowing that fixing up the house was going to be a long, drawn out process (and because I love planning and lists) I started showing Mr. Barefoot pictures to see what style he likes. He fusses off and on that I don't let him have a say, so I was doing my best to make sure that his preferences were taken into account.
And then he chose something very similar to this as one of his favorite rooms:
And he liked another room very similar to this. Actually, now that I'm looking at it a little closer, I think my folks have that same hanging light fixture in their living room. Hey, Ma! Check it out!
Now, I am not saying that either of those room are bad... exactly. They are Victorian. That's what Victorian is supposed to look like. Dark wood, dark/busy walls, lots of ornamentation on everything... lots of stuff.
Let's take a look at rooms that I particularly liked.
There was this:
And this:
See the difference? Oh, my.
I'm learning all about compromise and accepting differences, but this is a little much for my little brain to figure out. How in the world can I reconcile the dark, dramatic look Mr. Barefoot adores with the light, breezy look I prefer? How do I satisfy his need for "stuff" out on every surface, and still keep things looking clutter free?
*sigh*
I vow to y'all, here and now, that I WILL find the balance. I will find a way to get the lighter, brighter home I am hoping for without sacrificing Mr. Barefoot's preferences for ornate decoration.
Somehow.
Maybe french country?
Don't worry, folks. I will share every bloody, sweaty detail here on the blog. In fact, you'll probably be sick of hearing about it by the time we're done. lol!
~.... and that's all I have to say about that... ~
3 comments:
While it will be fun watching your progress, I do understand your dilemma. When we moved 12 years ago and started over decor-wise, I discovered that my husband thought that he should have a say in what we chose .... what!? I was floored. Didn't think he cared. Well, it turned out he has great taste and excellent color sense, but - big but - we did agree on style.
I am sure there are talented folks our here somewhere who can help you with your compromise style-wise. All I can say is that you are doing the right thing in trying to involve him. Perhaps find pictures that are more to your liking but fussier and let him choose among those. You are clever and you will find a way!
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
French country is my favorite "style." I love the utilitarian aspect of the furnishings that aren't fussy and require very little maintenance or care.
Of course, we don't really have a style at my house. It's all kind of a thrown together mix of "someone gave us this", "we found that", and "that was a great yard sale/thrift store buy". The only things we've bought new are bookshelves and our bed ;).
Good luck with your renovations. I'll be following with a twinge of envy and plans for my next project. My husband doesn't like to do renovations, and so I usually wait until he's out of town to do something. I'd love to have his input and help, but he would rather not make any changes - but sometimes the change is both good and necessary :).
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