inspired by: "I am an American to the bone."

I've mentioned before that I'm reading a fantastic historical series on the Revolutionary War. I decided to take a break and switched wars so now I'm into Herman Wouk's The Winds of War, a novel set in the time of WW2.

I took the book with me up Big Cottonwood Canyon yesterday and found a flat rock in the sun to enjoy being thrown into history with the river and wind as the perfect back drop.  {sometimes I sound like such a tree hugging hippie!}

"I am an American to the bone."

I found these beauties at Red Butte and thought they looked like fireworks.

"...and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor." - Declaration of Independence

Inspired by: Simply Biedermeier

Biedermeier is one of those terms that can get stuck in my head and play on repeat. It is catchy and fun to say. Plus, I love the blonde woods like birch that were used a lot during this style. It is a less pretentious antique and that really works well with my style.

Some background: The Biedermeier style came to be after Napoleon was defeated and Europe took on a different post war mindset. Gone were the days of the grandiose overload of fringe and masculine lines of the Empire style. Move over pompous ormalo {all that gobby gold} and a more simple style came town.

Isn't it cool how history effects style? When peace is prevalent the style becomes more basic.

The term 'Biedermeier' is interchangeable with reliability and simplicity. The German meaning for 'bieder' is everyday or plain and 'meier' is a common name like Smith.

The style varies so much because the craftsman who were creating it were on the road looking for work so the style spread and changed with a lot of different influences from different regions of Germany, Russia, Sweden and Finland.

inspired by: the federal style

Have you noticed the chairs where the Olympians sit as they chat with the never aging Bob Costas? They look like they are made from velvet and very comfy. I'm distracted by their beauty. The only interview that has held my complete attention was when Evan Lycacheck graciously talked about his gold medal win. {GO USA!! - and the topic of Costas never aging is fodder for another entry some other day.}

The point is, I'll take inspiration wherever I can, and today on George Washington's birthday, I have honed in on the Federal Style. I'm still reading the series of books written about the Revolutionary war and the author has included a lot of great details about the interiors of their homes {how did he know I'd enjoy that so much?}
The fact that the Federal Style came to be as our great country began the struggle to get out from under England's power makes it seem noble and practical to me. It emerged as a less detailed Georgian inspired style and had influences from the discovery of Pompeii.

Isn't it so cool how history & design are so intertwined?

the mix of delft, federal style chairs and bright blue in the room is divine.

Thomas Jefferson built Monticello during this time but chose to do it in the Neoclassical style. {He traveled a lot and was inspired by architects in Europe.} When I visited his home, the North Octagonal Rm was my favorite because of the pretty green wallpaper and the bed tucked into the wall like the one he designed for his room that allowed access into his bedroom and office depending on what side of the bed he got out on.


I love any space in a home that looks like a great place to loaf around and read a good book. {think: sit Lofey, sit}