Today I get the honor of sharing one of my longtime blog friends that I have watched make a beautiful creative home in her charming home in Georgia. You are going to love her stunning English inspired home. Amanda has achieved such of her English style with DIY’s and a ton of vintage and antiques, Amanda truly brings the art of collected to her space. She shares all of this at her blog, https://sincerelymariedesigns.com/
Tell us about you, your personal design style, and your home.
My name is Amanda and I’m the owner and blogger behind Sincerely, Marie Designs. I started blogging almost 10 years ago as an outlet after my son, Charlie was born. It’s where I share decorating ideas, renovation projects, and family favorite recipes. My husband, Josh and I got married 17 years ago and have been fixing up homes ever since then.
7 years ago we purchased an older colonial home in a small town in north Georgia. We’ve been renovating and bringing it back to life ever since. It’s in this home that I slowly discovered my traditional English inspired style. Ever since I was a child I’ve had a love of old things and over the years I’ve curated classic antique furniture, timeless floral fabrics and unique vintage finds for each space. It’s been such a joy to create a welcoming and loving environment for my family and friends.
What is your favorite piece in your home?
I have a number of favorite antique pieces in my home, so it’s difficult to pick just one favorite piece. One of my all time favorite pieces is a mahogany chest/dresser in our family room that’s from the 1800’s. I stumbled across it in a local antique store a few years ago and instantly fell in love with the wooden handles and beautiful details and wood grain. I’ve always had a thing for antique chest of drawers. Josh can confirm this to be true!
Why do you love decorating with vintage and is there something that you collect?
Decorating with vintage and antique finds adds life and character to a space. I love that every piece has a story. Nothing screams generic big box store than walking into a home that is only a collection of new things. Vintage finds provide warmth and a collected feel to a space.
What is the best advice you can give to others to achieve the same look?
To create a classic and collected look really comes down to two things –
- Pin point your style and stick with it. (Look at pins you’ve pinned on Pinterest. I bet you’ll find similarities from photo to photo. Those are always a tell as to what your true style it. Don’t bend too much to trends. They come and go and who has the time or money to keep up!
- Take your time to achieve that look in your home. Creative a home is not a sprint but a marathon. It’s easy to get inspired and excited to decorate when we see TV shows of home renovations completed in one hour, but in order to have a collected and layered home it really takes time. Don’t feel as though you have to over-spend or compromise on a piece. I’ve found that the perfect item at the right price has always shown up in time.
Is there anything you are currently on the hunt for, for your home?
When it comes to collecting I’ve always had a soft spot for blue and white and brown and white English transferware. Not only is it practical, but they’re also useful in decorating. You can never go wrong with a pretty plate on the wall.
I always keep my eye out for vintage copper cookware even though I recently had to limit my collecting to only special pieces due to space. My love of copper cookware goes back to the 90’s when I would watch Martha Stewart Living during summer break. I loved her kitchen in her Turkey Hill colonial. Her copper collection was one to behold. I remember thinking, when I have my own home I’m going to have lots of copper!
Other items I like to collect are bamboo walking canes, ironstone and French baskets. All of which I don’t need, but love none the less.
I’m always looking out for framed artwork. Some of my favorite paintings and artwork has come from antique stores. There are several places in our home that are still in need of some pretty paintings or prints. The search is half the fun, so I’m enjoying the process of the hunt.
Creating a warm and classic home isn’t a difficult feat. Just stick to what you truly love and take your time. There’s something so unique and fun about a space that has been collected over time, through travels, antique store hunts and family heirlooms.
You home should be a reflection of you and your family. Only then will it truly feel like home.
Amanda’s picks from the shop!
