17 September 2010

pretty ugly


Sometimes I find that I do have a penchant for things that I know some may find are less than pretty.



I cannot tell you how much pleasure I find in these vintage paint-by-numbers.  I am sure people may find them a bit tacky.


I am not sure what the allure is for me...that it is simple, a little rough around the edges, or just not perfect.

I think this is why I love the Novogratzs so much.  They are playful in their designs.  Come on--neon "F A M I L Y" in the kitchen?  You can't beat that.


I know Mrs. Wearstler has a little taste for the not-classically-pretty.



The colors in this spread can almost offend.  It's like the opposite of soothing.  But sometimes shocking is good.


And, oh, what can beat wolfs in the wild.  (Gotcha on this one :)  I really don't get this aesthetic at all!


Today I found this parrot lamp at Tuesday Morning--a steal at 79 bucks, I thought.  She woman who worked there said it had been there over a year.  Poor little fella.  Is it really so ugly?  (this one is from Neimans coming in a $299!  This is why I want a store someday--isn't it all about context?


okay...not quite as good as Neiman's....but it's still pretty (ugly).  It does remind me of my grandmother's home a little.  I can see it working in a more modern room, too.  All about context.




And Kate finished the stencil tonight in the laundry room.  I think it's pretty (pretty).  Have a great weekend my friends, Julie

16 comments:

  1. Love the stencils. Wish I didn't have a rental so that I could do more things.

    Have a great weekend.
    Sara

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  2. Loving the stenciling! And I love that kitchen with the blue and yellow! Very fun!

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  3. Your stencil looks really nice and why not have a parrot lamp! That's what gives your house life and personality!

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  4. Loving the stencils, too, and I totally get what you were writing about.

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  5. I too love certain things that make some people around me scratch their heads but, I have always heard you should buy what makes you happy.

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  6. I'm a huge fan of pretty "ugly" and love your examples here. The Wolf one was sooooo funny! I'd totally put that parrot lamp in my house, LOVE!

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  7. The stenciling looks beautiful - what a pretty room to do laundry in - I'd be rewashing everything just to spend time in the room!
    And you had me a little worried there with the wolves - I've never really understood the appeal... :)

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  8. I love pretty ugly & your stenciled room. I'm sitting here thinking what I can stencil....hmmmmm......

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  9. First off I love the word penchant! I shall try to use it over the weekend! Happy weekend my dear and great post ..Sinead

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  10. Stencil looks great! I love a little parrot in the room! Something unexpected and quirky and maybe a little "off" is always fun! Love the neon "FAMILY" ... pretty cool. Have a good weekend!

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  11. I, too, am loving the stencil! I also really enjoy a little quirkiness in decor! It just makes life a little more fun!

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  12. Beauty, much like art, is in the eye of the beholder. I love image #1! Sigh...

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  13. Julie, hardly ugly! Just personal and fun! (I can't stand contrived/staged homes). And how unexpected with a parrot lamp!

    The stenciling looks fab and so professional.

    Enjoy your weekend!

    Mon

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  14. Julie, love the parrot!! and I was so excited to open Rue and see your smiling face!! How great is that??!!

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  15. haha! You almost tricked me with the wolves! :)

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