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Rally ‘Round

December 16, 2020 /

New Season, Fresh Eyes

The Journey

When you choose a road on which to travel, do you select the one that is straight and quick or the path with scenery, interesting lookout points, and some fun twists and turns? As someone who gets motion sick, I have the tendency to choose the fastest and smoothest route. However, life isn’t always comprised of direct paths. And, as I reflect, it is clear that character is built from taking those tumultuous channels.

 

I will never forget the time when my car broke down not far from our cottage. I was alone with my newborn, Hudson, and without a cellphone. As I tearfully pushed the stroller down the long country road, a group of motorcyclists stopped. After quickly assuring me that they were there to help, I was offered the use of a phone. The following “made for a movie” moment will forever be embedded in my memory. A few minutes after my tearful call, a caravan of cars came over the rolling hills. Three separate cars moved in unison as they came to a stop.  I was crying in relief and had a sense of overwhelming gratitude. I was being rescued! (Well, ok, I wasn’t in any real danger, but I sure did feel like I needed to be saved). As my sisters and mom each jumped out of their vehicles, they came running to me. I mean, seriously, we could have been frolicking through the fields with our arms held out wide in anticipated embrace. The details following this moment escape me as the actual “rescue” wasn’t all that important. What was and still is impactful is the verity that wherever I am and whatever the circumstances, I have people that will drop everything to be by my side.

Living with chronic illness has required me to set pride aside and not only accept but ask for help. I still struggle with this as I have always been an independent person. However, my close friends and family have given me a gift that I may not have ever seen and cherished had I not hit so many bumps in the road. They have RALLIED. This somewhat simple word encompasses the truest form of love.

To Rally

  1. (of troops) to come together in order to continue fighting after defeat or dispersion
  2. Recover or cause to recover in health, spirits, or poise

I find peace knowing that whatever my situation, the sentiment will always be the same. If I need to be lifted up, taxied around, cared for, or fed, MY PEOPLE will swiftly come over those rolling hills of tribulation. Have you experienced the joy of being around a tribe of rally-ers?  

Inspired Designs

As much as I appreciate when others rally around me, I most love the times when I am able to rally around others. So, when my sister bought an 1888 home, I was thrilled to help her make it her own. What made this project even more exciting was the fact that this home had recently been saved from demolition through an extensive remodel. And, unlike many flippers, the remodelers took their time to keep the authentic features of the home.

The Original Banisters Helps to Keep the Historic Feel of the Home

With such effort taken to maintain the structural integrity, it was important to create a design that not only fit into the home but one that showcased its features. Another must was that all of the design choices reflect my sister’s natural, vintage, and slightly bohemian style. So, I started by selecting an inspiration piece on which to build the overall look. As I was searching on my area garage sale site, I noticed a beautifully refinished antique sideboard. Realizing that it fit the criteria for the overall design, I snatched it up. It was also painted in one of my sister’s favorite colors, Sherwin William’s Naval Blue.

Upcycled Vintage

With plans to use it as the dining buffet, I began to look for a statement piece that could be placed on the back wall. As the main floor boasts 10’ high ceilings, it was important that the wall décor was not dwarfed in scale but helped to create a feeling of grandeur. I needed something that could fill the space and add some texture. A wide roll of cork fabric found at Hobby Lobby seemed perfect. This allowed my sister to keep the airy feeling of the freshly painted white room while adding warmth and drama to the area. As I was checking out, the cashier mentioned that I must really like this fabric. I smiled and said, “Yes! I didn’t even know it came large rolls like this.” She continued, “So, are you going to make a lot more of those earrings?” Oh my goodness! I didn’t even realize that the jewelry I was wearing was made of the same material. I guess I really do like this textile!

Gold Cork Fabric

As my sister was a new homeowner, it was important to minimize the design budget. So, when my daughter and I were in running errands and noticed chairs thrown in the parking lot of an abandoned restaurant, we stopped to check them out. They had been sitting in the rain so some of the wood on the chair seats were a little worn. However, they were solid chairs that just needed a little attention. We were able to grab enough to go around her dining table as well as bar height ones to be used in her kitchen. As is, they looked like every other commercial restaurant’s chairs. They were definitely lacking style. Yet, once we painted the metal frame a matte gold, added foam, batting, and upholstery grade fabric, they became an integral part of the space.

Free is always a win!

Once we arrived at my sister’s house, we were able to hang the cork on the wall with vintage looking nail heads that ran along the edge. Next, we layered a mirror over the fabric. Two side lamps sat on the buffet and flanked the mirror. Her previous head chairs were placed on either side of the sideboard for additional seating. The rug and table from her last home were also reused. Then, the newly painted matte gold dining chairs were positioned around the table and played off of the vintage brass pulls of the cabinet.

The adjacent living room went together fairly quickly. She already had the main furniture including 2 chairs and a sofa. However, we bought a new ottoman and recovered it with a classic dotted pinstripe. On top of the ottoman, a tray for drinks and some natural items was laid. To showcase her original fireplace, we placed a minimalist painting from HomeGoods in subtle grey and brass tones. A few sculptural pieces also embellished the mantel. 

I always like to layer a space with various textures. Baskets filled with plants, a small ottoman covered with knobby fabric, pillows, blankets, a subtle-patterned rug, and a tapestry with boho style all came together to add interest. Lighting also makes an impact on the visual texture of a space. So, I added a tripod lamp by the accent chair and decorative tray table with a vintage style light fixture.

It was important to keep the room centered and grounded. The rug was aligned with the fireplace so, naturally, I wanted the sofa to be even with those two elements. However, there was a dilemma. The wall behind the sofa was too short. So, we placed a vintage chest on the perpendicular wall behind the sofa. However, there was still another issue. If I centered a large art piece on the wall, it would either be off centered with the wall or with the couch. To remedy this, two wall vases where hung. These wall features blended beautifully into the backdrop while distracting attention from the misalignment.

As I reflect on the design of the space, I am happy. Not because of what I accomplished but because of the joy that it has brought my sister. I smile thinking about her in this space. The memories that have and will be made. And even though I live 3 1/2 hours from her, in a small way I am with her daily. What could be better than that?

Joy Finder, God Lover, Family Prioritizer, Story Teller, Illness Fighter, Maker, Creative Thinker, Designer, Plant Lover

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