Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Guest Post by Kim from Dear Daisy Cottage

Hey there! As Kevin and I continue to construct and consult the day away today, we thought it would be fun to invite one of our favorite bloggers to write a guest post for us.
So today's special guest is Kim, from Dear Daisy Cottage.
Kim owns a sunny little cottage in Florida, and has decorated it with the most delightful finds and furniture.




Dear Daisy Cottage is one of the first blogs I ever had the pleasure of stumbling across. It's such a fun place to visit! Kim's down-to-earth, fun-loving personality shines through with every post and the photos of her home will make your heart skip 2 beats. It's breathtaking!
I disagree with Disney....I think Kim's house is the happiest place on earth!
Kim is such a huge source of inspiration for me, in so many ways.

So without further ado....heeeeeeeeeeeere's Kim!


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Don’t Hold Back




Hi Everyone!

My name is Kim and I write the blog Dear Daisy Cottage and I am SO excited and honored to be a guest blogger here on The Lettered Cottage! I absolutely adore our Layla and I am a huge fan of hers. It is truly amazing AND so inspiring, isn't it, everything that she and Kevin have achieved for their home with their combined talents and creative vision? And let's not forget perseverance! Layla and Kevin have embraced their home 100% by defining their personal style and by staying true to their spirit - such a wonderful accomplishment and such an inspiration to us all.

So when Layla sweetly asked if I would like to be a guest blogger, I happily said yes and then of course I began to ponder about what to share. Should I bake something and share the recipe? Should I share about a thrifting find? Our decorating styles and cottages are a little bit different, as you will see, and I admit I worried that I would disappoint you with all of my color and knick-knacks! And that is when I remembered my own advice that I often give when asked about how to go about decorating a home ...

Don’t hold back.


So with that mindset, I am sharing a few photos of our living room that has been decorated with thrift store and yard sale finds and with lots and lots of love.







Now of course this look isn’t for everyone and it is probably one of those situations where you either hate it or love it. I mean I even use fake flowers!

;-)



And yes I do love it – as far from perfect that it is - because it is ME. I didn’t hold back when decorating Daisy Cottage. I decided to embrace our home with my whole heart and decorate it with little things and the colors that make me happy. Thankfully my family loves it too and of course I couldn’t have had this dream-come-true home without MY Kevin and all of his support.



So thank you very much for taking a peek into our cottage and for letting me share a little of it with you. And like Layla and Kevin have so brilliantly exemplified - I hope that you, too, don’t hold back when decorating your home AND your life.

Be true to you.



Fill your home with every thing and every color that you love and try not to worry about all of the rules. If you decorate this way, your home will be positively beautiful. How could it not be? After all, it would be a reflection of you.

Love,

Kim

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Thank you Kim! Your post was so sweet (you made us blush!) and we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and beautiful photos with us over here at TLC!



Kevin and Layla

47 comments:

lisajayne365 said...

So cute and very "Mary Englebreit" colors that pop! I love it - we can't all be beige and linen.

♥Lisaxx

Mandi@TidbitsfromtheTremaynes said...

Thank you Kim! I'm in the midst of decorating well, EVERYTHING in the house, and I needed to be told that I can do what I want. Because I like it that way.

JR in Sweden said...

Wow - Kim, you have a wonderfully happy looking home! Guess it's time to add another blog to my daily reading...

All things nice... said...

Kim,
Love your home, the chairs are so pretty and I adore the white bookcase. Your the perfect guest for the Lettered Cottage.

All things nice...

Alisa D. said...

I love Daisy Cottage! Your color choices and accessories are fun and creative. Who could ever be sad looking at your home!

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

I adore those bright, happy and cheerful colors! I really love the painted furniture in bright colors and those sweet primroses (fake or not they're super cute!).

Shari said...

I love your colors and your style and your bungalow style cottage. Enjoyed your guest blog!

Rebecca said...

I once had a sofa in the pattern of the blue flowered chairs - I am glad our daughter went to college and took the sofa with her.
Kim is being green as the sofa was new in the early 70's.

Hopeful Housewife said...

Thanks Kim, I love that your home speaks of you! I think that is SO important and I don't think nearly enough people do that!

Thanks Layla & Kevin for sharing Kim with us! Bring on the videos, I need a good laugh this morning!

Michelle, All Home and Love said...

Kim, that is the greatest advice ever! I think sometimes we worry too much about making our home look like the magazines, we forget to stay true to our own style. Great post, I love your happy home.

Layla, I'm sorry to hear things are difficult for you two right now. Things do have a way of working themselves out. Another door will open.
~Michelle

KellyMellyBoBellyBananaFanna said...

i just love this little cottage and the point behind this post! (and i normally detest fake flowers!) what a great space, loaded -- LOADED -- with energy and inspiration.

fabulous.

kelly

Anonymous said...

OOOOO, I love that little cottage! Thanks for the decor advice Kim, and helping me realize it wont ever be perfect....just ME!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

You have the perfect storybook cottage! And that's the kind of book I'd like to read over and over again! Really, really beautiful, Kim!!

Quinn said...

So refreshing to see color!

Anonymous said...

OOOOO, I love that little cottage! Thanks for the decor advice Kim, and helping me realize it wont ever be perfect....just ME!

Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating said...

Kim, I LOVE your living room! The colors are so fresh an invigorating. I'm trying to do my tiny little condo in similar fashion. You've inspired me this morning! Thank you. :)

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Absolutely, Kim! If you can't be you in your own home, where can you be?! Nice guest post.

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

LOVE Kim's Cottage, it too is one of my favorite blogs. I can always find inspiration there, much as I do here at the Lettered Cottage for my own home. KIm said it so well, your home should be a personal reflection of the people who live there. ENjoyed visiting Kim here today.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Love that Kim! She is always a huge inspiration to all of us.

Unknown said...

I love Kim's advice.When everyone is saying de-clutter I just CAN"T because I am a collector and my home is a reflection of that.I do update and freshen really often.I have been married for 44 yearsand my stuff is a collection over that many years,furniture and all. I have my own''Kevin''' who will tackle any projectfor me. I love the Lettered Cottage and use ideas all the time from it. YOu GO guys and I still believe you will wind up withyour own T V show.

Catherine Holman said...

I love, love, love Kim's style even though it's so different from mine. But, it fits Kim's personality to a "t"! I'm adding more color to my home a little at a time, starting with my kitchen.

Cottage on the Hill said...

Love Kim's Daisy Cottage...I'm a color girl too! It just goes to show that there is no one way to decorate...its all in what YOU make it!

Moore Minutes said...

What a delightful cozy place. I love your advice on "be true to you" when decorating.

Awesome guest post today!

Anonymous said...

Good Morning....

How funny, Kim's was one of my first blog's too. I love to start my day when blogging at Daisy Cottage...I agree Layla Disney takes second place to Kim :)

Great post Kim as usual and I so agree our homes should shout US !!!!

All the best,
Kathy :)

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

Kim has inspired me so much.

My husband doesn't go in for "color" but I'm able to decorate my kitchen with a lot of Daisy Cottage influence. It is my domain. :)

Erin Southwell said...

Thank you Kim! Your home is just wonderful, I love all of the warm fun colors. I would love to stop over and have some tea in front of that fabulous fireplace of yours!!

A. said...

This post was a breath of fresh (and colorful) air!

Rue said...

I think everyone in the world knows how much I love you Kim and this post is one of the reasons why. I stopped worrying about what other people liked a long time ago because of your blog and if I start to slip back into that mode all I have to do is visit you over at Daisy Cottage :)

Thank you for asking sweet Kim to guest blog Layla. She's a treasure that everyone should get to know. It truly is "the happiest place on earth" :)

rue

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Kim's home is as cute as a button, just like she is! Thanks so much for interviewing her. I love your blog, and am constantly emailing your posts to my {sometimes}DIY husband.
Lidy

Unknown said...

You know what I love about reading your post? I love finding out that there are other people who love decorating just like me. Looking for neat, funky items that speak to me and are one of a kind. I used to think I was strange...well, I probably am, but there are others just like me. I used to be pretty sheepish about dumpster diving, but not anymore. Love to see how creative others are when they decorate.

Gail said...

So cute! I love the yellows and turquoises...my faves. :) I totally agree with your philosophy, too, of being true to yourself. I needed to be reminded of that! I have cranberry red bedding and deep turquoise accessories as my main colors in our master bedroom and looove it! My husband thinks I'm a little cooky for liking such color combinations, but it reflects me! And really...in the end, he loves me so he just accepts my unique style. :)Heehee.

Gail said...

So cute! I love the yellows and turquoises...my faves. :) I totally agree with your philosophy, too, of being true to yourself. I needed to be reminded of that! I have cranberry red bedding and deep turquoise accessories as my main colors in our master bedroom and looove it! My husband thinks I'm a little cooky for liking such color combinations, but it reflects me! And really...in the end, he loves me so he just accepts my unique style. :)Heehee.

Lauren said...

Kim!! I hope you're able to answer questions but do you know what the fabric is called on your chairs??? or where to find it??

I think it might be the SAME FABRIC on my grandma's dining room chairs & I am crazy over it & would love to have more of it. I don't even know if they still make it.

beautiful home & so enjoyed your post!!
xoxo,
lauren
@ purestylehome.blogspot.com
thanks!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Layla for inviting Kim. I've been trying to pick paint colors this week and everyone I've talked to so far says I should do neutrals, but I don't think it's really me. So I needed to see Kim's colors! Thanks.

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

I love Kim. How fun to see her here at the Lettered Cottage today! Wonderful post. :-)

Imagery by Kimberly said...

Thank you all so much! What a great day to have been over here with all of you and Layla & Kevin!

Lauren, how I wish I knew more about the fabric on the chairs.. my daughter found these at our Goodwill - I believe for $20 each and unfortunately I don't know anything else about them.

Thank you everyone for your kind words. This has been so fun to share with you.

Love,
Kim

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Oh, I love the colors. So bright and cheery. I love blue & white, but when I see colors used like this, I am reminded how much I love other colros as well.

geri said...

Kim, Your Daisy Cottage is so fun, welcoming and unique.
You have a "HOUSE THAT HUGS",as my grown kiddies say about my house.

I also have almost real flowers.I have Hydrandgas standing tall in every room, sunflowers drooping to the afternoon sun in all sorts of tins and baskets, and lovely light pink geraniums that fill bread boxes and coffee canisters in dark cupboards. I love flowers that look very real and save you lots of very real money. (I have even been known to spritz them at times with a my perfume, lasts a longggg time. hehe)
Cheers to you and your beautiful homey home. geri.

Roeshel said...

I love Kim's cottage but it's been a while since I visited. "Hi Kim!" Off to catch up!
Roeshel

Holly Mathis Interiors said...

i think you are both just fab...so grea seeing you teamed up together on this...LOVE IT! YOu both inspire me so much..not just talent but JOY!

Lauren said...

Thanks anyway Kim!! It's so beautiful & I think it's the same fabric!! super-vintage & it looks AMAZING on your chairs!! :)
xoxo,
lauren

Kathi said...

Wow, I love her adorable cozy home. It's amazing the way Kimberly uses color. Love it so much. Kathi

Suesan said...

I love it Kim! Looks so cute! I have found myself lately re-doing furniture the way I like it and then second guessing myself...I just need to do what I want ! :)

3 Peanuts said...

It is beautiful and so cheery and welcoming. I love the look. I am more comfortable with less color but I appreciate your look as well. I also LOVE your message. If you fill your home with what you love, you really cannot go wrong.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

I always adore Kim and her cheery home. I love that she is free to be who she is, just as we all should be!

Kim, your home is a reflection of you, happy, cherry and brings a smile to my face!

xoxo

Imagery by Kimberly said...

Thank you all SO much!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!


xo,
Kim

Tiffany said...

Love the "don't hold back" advice. Being true to yourself when decorating your house is simply the only way to make it feel like home. Thanks for this uplifting post! I think your home is happy and beautiful. Since your home is a reflection of you, it makes me realy want to be your friend! : )