THE EVOLUTION OF MY PINK RETREAT, PART I

I love Shabby Chic decor. I love its romantic appeal, the vintage linens, vintage chandeliers, the roses, and the colors. I love the casual comfort it provides, so feminine and inviting. It's relaxing, like a soft touch. And it's imperfect, like me. How wonderful that all the little flaws and imperfections in a shabby chic piece are considered positive rather than negative qualities. Most of all, I like its ability to lift my spirits, calm me and make me feel at peace. I've had many personal tragedies over the past 2 years, the most heartbreaking being the loss of my precious father. I've also recently become single and am facing the task of starting over. I set out to make my home my sanctuary. Shabby chic combined with my love of pink fit this description perfectly. Here is the first journal entry in my quest to make my space my own, and it can be anything I want it to be. Just like my life now.

This corset is soooo Shabby Chic! I added the antique necklace and brooch for a splash of color.

Fresh flowers also add to the Shabby Chic "feel" and I try to keep a vase full of them around as often as possible.

The bedroom is a work in progress, as is most of my "Pink Retreat". I wanted something romantic and cozy, comfortable and light. I started with the canopy over the bed. The bedspread has to be replaced. It just doesn't fit. So far I haven't found anything that I love and can't live without. So I will be patient and wait for just the right "one", and I can live with this one for now.

I recently found, and fell in love with "wall words". In fact, I love them so much I could easily over-do it with them! This one seemed simple and pretty, just what I wanted over my bed. It does a good job of filling up the space behind the bed since I don't have a headboard yet. It wasn't enough though, so I hung the floral swag above it and that completed a look I can live with until I find that perfect headboard.

The top of a wonderful trunk I found and couldn't live without! It fits perfect in the bedroom and is also practical for extra storage.

A simple picture behind my "Willow Tree" collection.

Antique look clock, without the antique price tag.

Last but not least, a wine alcove mural in the kitchen. It fits the Tuscan decor.

It's all coming together nicely, I think. It's starting to feel like home.

There's so much more to be done, but I'm off to a good start. Most importantly I'm accomplishing what I set out to do, which is make a place that's me, and a place that makes me happy.