Tuesday 28 June 2011

Belgian Style: Make It Yours

Hello cutie pips,
And how are you on this fine day?

A while back now, I began a series called 
Belgian Style: Make It Yours.

{While Belgian Style is totally my current Style Crush,
it's not a look I'd *actually* choose for my home.
Does that make sense?}

I love the feel of it, 
the mood it creates 
and the look of some of the images 
but I'd find the look 
too austere and formal to live with every day.


So I'll be continuing on this gorgeous little series, 
which I can't wait to carry on unfolding, 
about how to take the very best of Belgian Style and add it, 
in little bits and pieces, in a way that works for YOU.
My definition of Belgian Style would be that it's all about combining extreme visual restraint and rustic warmth to create elegant, pared-down rooms with a strong nod to an industrial past.

I've only drawn on the elements that I love from this style. 
I looked at huge numbers of pictures of this style, 
discarded what I don't like and 
have tried to make it my own. 
See what you think.

The elements I've chosen to focus on create a more 
restricted version of Modern Country.

So far, we've looked at a muted colour scheme....


and I shared how I've tried to create that in our home....


the use of untreated wood.....


and how we've used raw wood in our home....


....and, finally, how texture can be used to add visual interest instead of strong colours....


and that, my pretties, is where we'll be stopping off tomorrow.....

Now, you'll have to excuse me, 
I'm off to see a man about a blog.

Well, *my blog*, actually.
And not a man at all...

but the very lovely Annie Sloan.
{Eeeek}



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40 comments :

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Eeek too! Annie Sloan. Blimey!

Loving the Belgian theme and enjoyed trawling through the kitchen linky party (I'm not done yet).

While I'm on here, just wanted to say that Spode delivered and I'm in love with my spotty wins. I keep opening the kitchen cupboard doors just to gaze at them. Mmmmmmm.

Meera @ firstsense said...

Hello there, sweet lady! Firstly, well done on your lovely linky party, sorry I didn't get a chance to prepare for it, it's a busy time.

Looking forward to getting back into Belgian Style and of course, hearing all about your meeting with Annie Sloan! How very exciting :-)

Meera xx

Unknown said...

Lovely! So very soothing with the muted tones and all that yummy bare wood.

Living etc! I'm a devotee too. :)

Sherri B. said...

I do like the look of the raw wood as long as it's aged, I also appreciate the fine quality of the furnishings but I'm with you about it being too sparse...It wouldn't hurt my feelings to have a chance to fill it in a bit!!

Debbie @ OtRD said...

So lovely! I do love the exposed wood and muted color scheme!

Margie said...

i love the second bathroom, with the bathtub just floating in the middle of the floor ... it screams luxury to me ... in a sparse and different kind of way! :) does that make any sense?

chris said...

I love the hints you add in your home with "Belgian" flair.

Sweet Young Journey said...

Lovely photos!
hugs, Cheryl

Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys said...

I think I'd be happy to live in that second bathroom. :)

Anonymous said...

Yay! The Belgian style was my favorite series! I like to draw bits from it for my own house. We have modern gray couches mixed with antiques which I think lends to that style.

I'll have to go back and look at your kitchen link party. We just got home from our family reunion. Hope you had a great weekend!

Can't wait to hear about your visit with Annie Sloan. Wowza!

Shell
xxxx

Susan T said...

Did you say Annie Sloan!! I love her paint.

Also love the pared back and muted Belgian Style, until I started blogging I hadn't really thought they had their own style, but now I have seen it I love it to bits.

I have one little shelf of raw wood, the grain is gorgeous. I suppose I could sand down the kitchen cabinets, but my husband would have a duck fit if I did.

camp and cottage living said...

Such good advice! I am drawn to the Norwegian style myself and would like to incorporate some aspects of it into my home.
Thank you for showing us how to do so with balance.
Now I have to google "Annie Sloan"!

Carla @ Hammers and High Heels said...

Gorgeous! Can't wait to see more :) I love Belgian style! You have to check out a gal I know, her style is 'Boho Belgian' She won Oprah's design contest a while back... http://bohobelgian.com/press.html

Little Leslie said...

I really like this Belgian style. Very regal.

the fishermans cottage said...

Hi Sarah, Annie Sloan.. I'm very intrigued...

Love this post on Belgian interiors, the pics are lovely, as are your home too, beautiful use of soft colours and warm wood, look forward to following posts x

lisaroy said...

Do tell Annie that she needs to get her paint down to Dubai!
I'm loving your Belgian series and how you are interpreting it to work in your space xo

Courtenay@Signal Hill Interiors said...

Ya know what? The more Belgian style you show us, the more I think this is a look I actually could use in my home. I love formality, but the style is still kinda timeless and so it's not really over-the-top or impractical... hmm, thoughts.

Evie @ Brown Paper Packages said...

So excited to find your blog!! I'll be back to read more of your posts!

Tricia said...

Beautiful photos, Sarah! I love all of their serene prettiness :)

Cindy said...

I love the untreated wood and the use of texture. Very nice.
Hugs, Cindy

High Street Cottage said...

Love Belgian style! There's so much you can adapt into your home with all the pure whites and calming textures too. Great post Sarah, and thank you for your kind comment, my toe is ok, I'm sitting here with my feet up after a long day, xxx

Prior said...

the starkness of the rooms make each white piece appear sculptural, while the wood warms. a great combo. Can't wait to here about the meeting.


Lezlee

Em from Faded White Linen said...

Lovely photos- am intrigued by this Annie Sloan...who is she????? Great series xx

Catherine said...

Hey gorgeous!!

I have a question: the image with the bath set on those beautiful flagstones, with the chandelier...could that be a bedroom? I would want to sleep there...surely that would be acceptable?

Love these beautiful images...love Belgian style...

Hugs

Cath
x

GoldenValley50 said...

It is my dream to have a bathroom with a chandelier! Can't wait to see more. ;)Sharyne

Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) said...

Stunning post here! Everything looks so perfect here! LOVED IT. Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)

American in Bath said...

Ooh. Ahhh. Your blog is rather like watching fourth of july fireworks without the duds. I'm trying to convince myself that it is ok to my desk and put the bed under the window instead. I'll let you know when it happens.

Unknown said...

A man about a blog! HA! Sorry that did make me chuckle ;) How very exciting!

Loving Belgian style so looking forward to more xxx

Kitty Deschanel said...

I don't think anyone has ever called me a cutie pip before ;)

I love looking through all your pretty photos, though now I want to stay home and redecorate instead of going to work!

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

I too love Belgian Style but as you say it is not something that I have in my house overall. Loved the link party, missed out on it though, will have to try the next one.

Cannot wait to hear about Annie Sloan!

Elizabeth @ pineconesandacorns

jess@balancing the dream said...

i have stumbled upon your blog through multiple link parties that i participate in!! I can tell you that i am definitely hooked!!! I love the beautiful inspiring pictures that you post!!! i'm excited to say, i'm your newest follower!!

Lydia said...

The Britania pillow is ADORABLE

Lydia said...

The Britania pillow is ADORABLE

Becca Bertotti said...

Gorgeous inspirational pics !! And, Annie Sloan is amazing ... I'm addicted to her paints, for sure !!

Anne said...

Oh, the floor in that first picture is sooo gorgeous! You're absolutely right about using texture. Love how you've done the same in your own pretty home!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Every room is stunning. Love the architecture and the soft colors. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

Love the bathtub with the rose petals. Thanks for linking with air your laundry Friday! xo Jami

abeachcottage said...

Bet you are so excited about annie sloan, have fun. Lovely pics!

Mike said...

I love the pillow with the heart on it.

Banksaxyc said...

i love the second bathroom, with the bathtub just floating in the middle of the floor ... it screams luxury to me ... in a sparse and different kind of way! :) does that make any sense?

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