There are a few things, I…well…have a thing for. I am not a collector. But there are a few items that I cannot resist buying when I see them. I am a sucker for jacks, keys, stars, and birds. I only have a few of each item…so not a collection, but a few high-impact pieces. They are my idols.
My nickname as a child was Jax and we named our youngest son Jax. So, it may seem silly, but I have always idolized jacks. Imagine how excited I am that oversized jacks are now a hot decor item?! On our trip to Chicago I found a couple silver jacks at Z Gallerie that are sitting on our terrarium platter. This spring I found the larger green jack at Target, which is currently in Jax’s room.
Keys are so beautiful and symbolic. They symbolize safe-keeping and at the same time un-locking or opening. I first introduced keys into my decor with the DIY framed keys in the family gallery wall. Then, just recently I shared the amazing oversized key that was destined for our dining room.
Stars are my longest standing idol. I think it comes from my patriotism. I don’t usually like stars in a pattern, but as a symbol I love them. I have a a huge tin star above the mantel, from Pottery Barn years ago. The big star has a small star friend that also appears on the mantel sometimes. Those two stars combined were about $150. It was the biggest decor purchase I had ever made early on in my marriage. But I adored them and I still do. I have never regretted spending that money. These stars will always have a place in my home. On a much smaller scale, I have two small tins stars in the half bath. I love the stars against the stripes (there I go again with the patriotism).
The birds are a new thing for me. I prefer just a touch of whimsy in my decor, but birds seem to be the epitome of whimsy. I have found using them very sparingly, makes a great impact. I stenciled birds on a wire onto my master bedroom lampshades. I rescued an ugly ceramic owl that is now gleaming in all white in the nursery. I fell in love with another owl in mercury glass for the family room. He actually bumped the white owl out, because I have a one owl limit per room. It is not decor related, but I did make my baby an owl costume for halloween (too cute to leave out of this roundup). My latest bird related decor came in the form of a pair of gracefully curved geese, which hang out on the bedroom dresser.
What are your decor idols? Those things you inexplicably have a thing for?
Mine would be stars through and through, but only stars with 5 tips, not 6 ;)
Some (of many many) examples:
the lamp in my just revamped guest bathroom:
http://heim-elich.blogspot.de/2012/03/makeover-gastebad-das-ergebnis.html
http://heim-elich.blogspot.de/2012/03/makeover-gastebad-accessoires.html
the accent wall-wallpaper in my closet
http://heim-elich.blogspot.de/2011/07/eigenleistungen-tag-18-und-19.html
kitchen utensil holders
http://heim-elich.blogspot.de/2011/01/sale-shopping.html
and of course my blogs background ;)
Thanks for making me think about it, I think I might have to go through my place, armed with my camera and hunt for stars ;)
Jennifer, I never really thought about it, but I agree 5-points only not 6. Your star light is so amazing!! Wish I could get one in the states for my sons room. I also adore those metal star candle holders! Thank you for sharing!
Well I am always jealous of all the great shopping opportunities you have in the US…
The lamp was actually an e-bay find an cost only about 20 bucks. I think it could actually be recreated with wire and glass beads…
Oh – I forgot before: I adore you blog. I came trough YHL and stayed ;)
Your little man is adorable. I love birds as well! Have a fantastic weekend.
I really like reindeer – simple and elegant ones, not too Christmas kitsch-y!
Kelley, I love reindeer too. I have some bronze reindeer candle holders for Christmas. Holiday decor idols is a whole other topic :). Thanks for sharing!
I just found your site and I must say “I LOVE IT”. You have an Amazing design style. I want to change up things in my house to a more modern shabby chic style. My husband suffered a stroke at the age of 40 and I am now a stay at home care giver. Needless to say, my decorating budget is ver limited. I love how you give instructions onhow to do things. I do not sew, so I am limited on what I can do. I love your diningroom. It is beautiful. Thank you for sharing all your ideas. I will definitely be keeping your site often.
Kelly, Sorry to hear about your husband. I am so glad you have found my site helpful. I am addicted to DIY, so the ideas will keep coming.
Mine would have to be mercury glass. I love it. I particularly love candle stick holders (the chunkier, the better!) but my mom and husband both bought me some Christmas trees that I put out for Christmas. Another thing, more for hubby than me, is hippos. I’ve picked him up two small ones that I’ve found over the years and we inherited one 12″ or so wood one from my grandmother that’s an antique. I’m thinking of doing a giant painting of a hippo too for our living room to add some fun. Hippos are also in my daughter’s room in multiple forms (we had a hippo themed baby shower, hippo stuffed animals, a hippo yard chair). Now that I think about it, there’s not much… I’m into toning down the previous homeowner’s paint colors and working with what we have to decorate for the time being. THEN I’ll add some fun things. Hippos and mercury glass, plus the shells we collect, seem to be enough for now (piled in with everything a 3 year old brings along with her and two semi-pack rats!)
LOVE your style. I would love to have some of those stars!!!