My New Style
Happy Introductions
I’m tickled pink right now and eager to share with you, my latest living room design for 2017.
But, first, if you are joining me from Amy, Crazy Chic Design, welcome. So, did Amy knock your socks off with her fabulous living room design ideas? She always surprises me with how easily she creates such a new look in her home.
A big “hello” to everyone else who is visiting me for the first time. As you all know, today is the 15th of January and I have collaborated with six of my talented friends. We are sharing our fresh and restyled living rooms designs. (If you missed last month’s blog post, you might want to see my holiday tablescape.)
So make sure you are comfy, sit back and let’s chat for a spell.
Note about the Nester
Since we are talking about the color pink today, I’d like to tell you this funny story. So, after I was born, I came home from the hospital swaddled in all blue baby clothes. My poor mom decided that she was destined to have another son. Well, my parents finally broke the odds on their fifth try, and I am the only girl with four older brothers!
Starting last October through December, I was super busy with all my blogging shenanigans. So, after I packed up my holiday decor and stashed away our many boxes in our garage, I must admit I didn’t have a clue or the energy to begin styling our living room.
Eventually, it dawned on me that Spring and Valentine’s Day are peeking around the corner. So, I decided that the marriage of these two ideas would be the perfect theme for my January living room design style.
My Funny Valentine’s Day Story
But, speaking of Valentine’s Day, do you ever reminisce about past holidays?
Do you find they all blend together or does one possibly stand out in your memory?
There is one Valentine’s Day that my husband and I vividly remember every year like it happened just yesterday!
We were young, and I think we were engaged to be married. My husband was working in the film industry and working long hours.
Huh, things haven’t changed much.
Anywho, let’s just say he was a bit tired and scattered.
So, being the hopeless romantic, I planned a quintessential dinner with presents and the whole shebang. Ok, he showed up at my apartment, excited to enjoy my home cooked meal. I eventually noticed he was missing a gift and the standard flowers. Well, he blissfully enjoyed his dinner and he still had no idea that it was Valentine’s Day!
Hmm… I finally handed him his present, and he was a bit surprised, and he asked quizzically, “What’s this present for?”
Let’s just say, I was patient up to this point.
Long story short, I realized that he is a guy who I have to remind him about every holiday! Yes, I don’t beat around the bush, I don’t drop subtle hints, I prep him for the various celebrations.
Here’s the deal. I start a month ahead of time and then as we get closer, I mention the date more frequently the days leading up to Valentine’s Day.
My motto, “Why be subtle and eventually angry?”
Men can’t read our minds. Not sure they are born with the holiday memory gene.
After many long years of marriage, my hubs still doesn’t know my birthdate. When filling out our insurance forms, he is always asking me, “Wait, I know your birthday is in May, ok which day?”
Hello, I know his birthday, social security number, his parent’s birthdays and much more.
Well, our differences are what makes us a unique pair. And we always laugh about our first Valentine’s Day’s date.
My Valentine’s Day and Spring Living Room Design
Shop This Post
I made this pale pink peony flower from Italian Crepe paper. I promise to write a future blog post on this DIY craft. If you would like to see another of my paper projects, here is the link to my book pages Paper Garland post.
These cherry blossom branches are a fun tissue paper project. Did I fool you, with my faux paper flowers?
I recently dusted off my sewing machine and made this fun pink faux fur pillow. The playful fabric reminds me so much of our Old English Sheepdog. So, in memory of her, I named this pillow, Mollie.
Well, my New Year’s wish is that you enjoyed my living room design and hope that you have a lovely Valentine’s Day. I’m certain I’ll receive an artsy handmade card and some beautiful roses, and that makes me a happy camper!
So, the next home tour on the list comes from my dear friends, Jodie and Julie from The Design Twins. They are such a dynamo blogging team who create great posts with fresh ideas. And I’m quite certain you’ll love these two darling friends of mine.
Cheers,
Please visit the other blogs
on the tour!
Meme Hill
Crazy Chic Design
Happy Happy Nester (that’s me)
The Design Twins
Lindsay Hill Interiors
Styled with Lace
Maison de Cinq
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Amy says
Love hearing your story Janine! Men! Haha! I absolutely love what you have done! Clearly, we’re on the same wavelength!! xoxo
happyhappynester says
Hi Amy,
Yes, my daughter and I just shake our heads when the boys in this family are emotionally clueless! But, hey they help make funny stories! And yes, I love this pink it is a breath of fresh air! Your home is gorgeous and I love your pink accents as well!
Amie Freling says
Your stories are a hoot and Im glad Im not the only one who’s husband is a bit slow! haha On a more serious note I cannot believer how realistic and gorgeous that peony flower is! Your talents are endless sweet friend. Lots of love and craft on Mrs. DIY! xo
happyhappynester says
Hi Amie,
Thanks so much for your sweet comments. Yes, boys can have a low EQ! Our son is totally inheriting this wonderful personality trait from my husband! In my spare time, I have so many blog posts to write and my paper projects are endless! Those peonies look so real as well as my cherry blossoms. Oh yeah, thanks so much for joining us on this tour!!!
Kathleen Field says
I love your pretty pink living room, Janine! It is a breath of fresh air – makes me hope that spring isn’t far away (although I know we’ve got at least 3 months of winter left!) All of your pretty pink flowers have me itching for some florals! And your stories are so engaging – love them!
Thanks for doing all the organizing, my friend – you are amazing with all you do! xo
happyhappynester says
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks so much! Yes, our area gets green during the winter so if feels like spring is around the corner. And in the Bay Area, we start a bit early in regards to spring and I forget that the rest of the nation is still covered in snow and winter weather. Oh well, I can be a spring inspiration to you! Thanks so much for your sweet comments! I’m so happy that you enjoyed my story, it was super fun to write. So glad you could join us on this fun blog tour!
Sheila Irwin says
Okay, well I have to say I completely laughed out loud at your Valentine’s story! Your husband is hilarious, and like many men, born without that gene I guess! But I love that you are not shy about letting him know – I would do the same:))
And Janine, your living room looks gorgeous! You and Amy are making me want spring so badly with all your gorgeous pinks. And your flowers look so real. I truly love them and I think they add so much to the room.
Thanks again for including me in the tour!
Sheila
xo
http://www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com
happyhappynester says
Hi Sheila,
Yes, we both must have the same sense of humor. Michael said he is going to start his own blog in response to all my stories about him. I mention he could guest post but he would rather be a critic from afar! 🙂 He is joking of course!
In the Bay Area, our winters are so green and beautiful that it feels like spring has sprung already. We do have a short winter, so I forget the rest of the nation is still covered in snow. Of course, your weather is like ours, so spring is around the corner for you as well!
Julie Lancia says
Janine, I was lulled into your story telling! I love your stories. And your flowers are amazing! You create magic with your words AND your paper! Always inspiring, my friend. And thank you so much for your kind intoduction. We aren’t sure how we got so lucky to become your friends. Except that we know it’s not luck but a true blessing. With love, Julie & Jodie
happyhappynester says
Thanks so much, Julie! I truly appreciate all your kind words! Writing does not come naturally for me and so your compliment means the world to me. Maybe if I was more adept at it, I would publish more blog posts. My admiration for you and Jodie is boundless! Thanks so much, for joining the group on this fun living room tour.
debbie says
What lovely stories and a beautifully romantic pink living room. Such a wonderful time to have a showcase. Not much else happening this month so I love it!
happyhappynester says
Thanks so much for your visit and lovely comment! It was a little tough getting up and running after the holidays, but I had a ton of fun decorating with pink decor. It was the perfect decorating prescription for a new year’s project! Thanks again!
Lacey says
Janine,
I love what you did with the pinks and the flowers you made! You are so talented!
Your valentines story is hilarious! Boys will be boys I guess 😉
XO
Lacey
styledwithlace.com
Sam @ Raggedy Bits says
Loving your living room with all the gorgeous shades of pink Janine! Your paper blossoms are just stunning!!!
happyhappynester says
Hi Sam,
Now I have to write another post for the blossoms! 🙂
Hallie Moor says
I can’t believe the flowers are made from crepe paper! The whole room is gorgeous and the perfect introduction to spring!
Jann Newton says
Absolutely beautiful! I love the touches of pink!
Ty says
This space is gorgeous, I love the paper flowers!!
Jolene says
How many cherry blossom twigs/limbs are in your vases?
happyhappynester says
I think I have anywhere between 3-4 real branches. You can view the DIY post on how to make them on the blog. I hope this helps.