Decorating My New House + Home Decor Inspiration

How do you decorate when your home decor style is somewhere between mid-century modern, traditional, and farmhouse?

A few months ago, I put down stakes in Oklahoma City, OK and I purchased the home of my dreams.  I never in a million years, as a single woman, thought that I could afford such a home, but look at God. . . won’t he do it?!

In the past, I’ve bought a few homes but all needed quite a bit of TLC that I either hired out or most of the time found myself and my parents doing.  As fun as all of that was at one point in my life, at this stage I really wanted something move-in ready.  I was tired of living in construction zones with missing light switches and loose baseboards and all the other small, yet annoying unfinished projects.  And I was tired of living in “temporary homes”.  Meaning the homes I lived in the past, I never intended on living there long-term.  They were all stepping stones to future upgraded residences.  So because of this, I never really got into decorating my space too much or really putting those finishing touches on a house to make it into a home.

Then vs Now:  The Evolution of My Home Decor Style

And in all honesty, looking back at my past decorating faux pas, (there was a very strong Country French Waverly period and a jungle safari situation that I really cannot explain or justify (UGH!), so it’s a good thing I didn’t go all-in on the decor.  

But now things are different.  And just like the miracle it is, my home decor style has definitely evolved into a much more sleek, slightly modern yet casual vibe (thanks to my beautiful friend, Cyndy).  But I’m not sure what to call it.  It’s not Modern Farmhouse.  It’s not Mid-Century Modern (although I do love some of those design elements). It’s not California Casual (I do love me some Million Dollar Listing and Selling Sunset). And my style isn’t totally traditional. So I’m not sure.  But from what I can gather, my home decor style is called Contemporary Traditional. 

My New Home Decor Wish List

Although I bought a completely new house, I still have a laundry list of improvements and to-do’s to make my pad feel even homier.  And I’m excited to tackle them. 

Home Wishlist:

Indoor:  

• Finish decorating (2) guest bedrooms

• Try removable wallpaper on an accent wall in guest room and/or office

• Add a gallery wall of art or sepia print photographs

• Decorate and style my fireplace mantle

• Install a blower to my gas fireplace to convert fireplace from ambient to warming

• Add more colorful artwork for my walls to bring color into the house

• Install smart light switches controlled from a smartphone 

• Add hardy low-maintenance houseplants around the house to mix in with my permanent botanicals (aka faux plants)

• Finish decorating the Master bedroom

• Install an in-ground tornado storm shelter

Outdoor:

• Install a small Outdoor kitchen (I already have the gas line for it)

• Stain the fence (gotta keep it pretty)

• Create a Front porch sitting area with furniture, outdoor rug, and plants (maybe a modern front porch swing???)

• Create an inviting back patio area with cozy living area furniture, rugs, ottomans and etc.

• Add additional landscaping to my front and backyard (I might need to hire out for this one.  Flower and plant selection is not my thing.)

• Install a sprinkler rain gauge to conserve water and connect the sprinkler controls to my smartphone

• String LED lights along the ceiling on the patio

What’s Next?  What’s the Plan?

That’s a really good question.  And honestly, I’m not quite sure.  Because as a single female,  I’m trying to be financially responsible by doing a little at a time until my home is complete and just the way I want it.  

My mantras are “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and “slow and steady wins the race.”   

So, stay tuned.  . .

And if you have any home decor suggestions, please don’t hesitate to share in the comments below because I do struggle in the home decor department. 

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@ThisIsMelDrake

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