Hi Friends! Happy Wednesday! Is anyone besides me feeling like time is flying by? How can February have only 5 days left…thanks to Leap Year we get an extra day this month. Hooray!
Mr. B. with Winnie, our rescue that thinks she’s a lap dog.
This will be a short post but I wanted to take the time to wish Mr. B. a Happy Anniversary. This past 43 {gulp} years have been fun. Hope we can enjoy another twenty or more.
One of the truths of a successful marriage is a little compromise, even when home decor is the topic. Today I want to share rooms that convey (to me) a certain masculine feel. No surprise, a few are Ralph Lauren. This is for you Mr. B. ♥
The heart of the house. I love art and unexpected furniture in a kitchen. This is a favorite room with the side table, lamps, ironstone tureens and equestrian paintings. {sigh}
Navy wall with white trim?! A timeless look. I’ll have to take the leap and paint a room in a dark color such as navy or black one day.
A touch of black, you know how I’m drawn to that!
Grasscloth wallpaper, black bookcase dotted with blue and white porcelain and a spectacular side chair adorned in zebra, who could ask for anything more?
A room that has a masculine quality yet seems inviting.
A room with the perfect touches of feminine (chandelier) and masculine (antlers) and old (fireplace surround, detailed ceiling trim) and new (modern art over the fireplace), a winning combination in my book.
…and at the end of the day, who wouldn’t sleep well in this dark, well appointed, bedroom?
This is me, waiting for Mr. B to get home from a busy day at the office! (yeah, right) doesn’t everyone stand around in their strapless gown? 🙂
I imagine this room as a getaway second residence in the mountains. Daydreaming here.
Thanks to my readers for indulging me in these little daydreams; and to Mr. B. for making 43 fun and happy.
expatpinay said:
Inspiring! I’ve just celebrated my 23rd wedding anniversary with my Mr.B. Another 20yrs to level up with yours. God’s grace we will, and more years added to yours too! Cheers!
Karen B. said:
Thank you. I believe in this day and age, 23-43 years always seems quite an accomplishment! 🙂
Karen
expatpinay said:
I can’t agree with you more, Karen. So true indeed 😊. All the best to you and Mr.B
laney said:
…anniversary blessings…laney
Karen B. said:
Thank you! xo
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 2:10 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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downraspberrylane said:
Happy Anniversary! 43 years is quite an accomplishment, and I wish you many more. The wedding photo is so sweet, and your lovely dress reminds me of the Gunne Sax dresses we all wore to prom back then. I adored those dresses!
Karen B. said:
I remember Gunne Sax dresses. That decade was on the heels of the time of gentle souls (hippies). 🙂 I missed the trend but did like the dress. I wanted something less than traditional at the time. Ah, youth.
Karen
Jeannine said:
If those rooms are masculine, count me masculine! Happy Anniversary! I hope you have many, many more.
Karen B. said:
Jeannine, I tend to enjoy some of the darker painted walls and accessories that I think appeal to men as well as women. So I’m with you! 🙂 Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 5:25 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Charity said:
43 years, what an accomplishment! I’m sure that your ability to create a beautiful welcoming home for yourself and hubby didn’t hurt a bit 🙂 Best wishes for many more anniversaries to come.
Karen B. said:
Charity, Thank you so much. We marvel that it’s been 43 years—time flies. xo
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 5:28 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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debra @ 5th and state said:
oh i know well those times when you were married, and what a stunning couple! my hands down favorite is a masculine room, oh so cozy & english
blessings for many many more decades together
xoxo
debra
Karen B. said:
Debra, Was that my dress leaning towards “flower child” or what?! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 6:01 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Allison Watts said:
Happy Anniversary! You were such a cute, young bride! XO
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Allison. Flower child look was big in that year! 🙂
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 6:32 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Rebecca Dexter said:
Congratulations…love the wedding picture and especially your dress. I am assuming it was in the 70’s mainly because of your hair. So much prettier than my teased flip in 1965.
Loved the pictures you posted. I don’t know if you subscribe to Houzz but about a week ago they featured kitchens with kitchen tables as the focus. They call it a “new trend”. I thought that was funny since I grew up with a table in the kitchen. If you can check it out, do so. I tried to pin some of them but for whatever reason they were not able to transfer the images.
Karen B. said:
Hi Rebecca, It was 1973. Funny looking back on these images, isn’t it. I love Houzz, but you’re right, you can’t copy images from their site unless you do a screen shot. I agree, I grew up with a kitchen table where we ate all of our meals except the holiday meals. I’ll go check it out. Thanks for stopping by. Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 6:52 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Bobbie Fey said:
A very Happy Anniversary! 43 is an accomplishment, but so endearing. Believe me, after 50 yrs it gets even better! Loving, friendship, companionship, all play a part and most of all the memories shared of a life together. My H and I have our everyday morning coffee and talk about it all and our fun future together. So blessed to go around the sun with such a great person! In our home we each have a room to call our own……….. Bobbie
Karen B. said:
Hi Bobbie, It is fun, isn’t it. I always told my boys that marriage is a path and if you can manage to weather the pot holes in the path, so worthwhile to come out on the other end with someone you enjoy sharing life with. Congratulations on 50 years…that’s really something to be proud of. Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 7:03 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
AWWW your wedding photo! AND your dog – who is clearly loving life! I hope you have a fabulous anniversary.
PS – of course, I wear my evening down at all times. I have a very nice one for cleaning the bathroom.
Karen B. said:
Victoria, Yeah, I can see you in your formal gown cleaning and busying yourself with domestic tasks, but I know you well enough to know you’d have a smile on your face. This model looked fairly sullen for standing in such a beautiful home! Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 7:18 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
Happy Anniversary Karen!! Your wedding photo is priceless… you were such a lovely bride!
The navy is gorgeous in these photos and I like the mix of masculine and feminine pieces and yes, the house “stuff” is always an issue. The art of the compromise;)
Karen B. said:
Leslie, I try to explain to Mr. B. that his department is electronics, and I don’t weigh in on those items, so he should allow me freedom over the house stuff. lol xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 7:41 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Dawn said:
Congratulations to the very special Mr. and Mrs. B. ♡ Happy Anniversary! May all your dreams come true, dear Karen! ♡
Karen B. said:
Dawn, Thank you so much. It’s fun to look back at all the years that have flown by and come out on the other side feeling content. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 7:44 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen Gibson said:
Happy anniversary to my dear friends. Looking at your wedding picture makes me realize how much Kevin looks like his dad at his wedding. I think you married your Mister Darsy too 😍. What a beautiful couple then and now!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Gretchen. You gotta love the daisies in my hair and that seventies wedding dress! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 8:26 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Julie Ball said:
Happy Anniversary Karen & Lyn! I agree with Gretchen – Lyn looks like Kevin at his wedding – dashing, and you, the perfect 70’s flower child. Love to you both as you celebrate 45 years together.
Karen B. said:
Hi Julie, Thanks! 43 years, but who’s counting, right? It’s been fun! That flower child look was the trend in 1973! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 9:02 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Vicki said:
Happy Anniversary! Your wedding photo is very sweet, as is the one with Mr. B. & Winnie. I can totally see brides choosing daisies again today, especially for outdoor weddings. Love those cozy, masculine rooms- they just seem so livable, which, if Mr. B. is anything like my messy hubby, is pretty important! 🙂
Karen B. said:
Thanks Vicki, I hear daisies are making a comeback. They used to be my favorite flower….love their simplicity. xo, Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 9:35 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Sheila Irwin said:
Happy Anniversary Karen! How amazing that you’ve been together so long! And that wedding picture is just adorable – there is nothing I love more than old photos. So glad you shared that!
Loving that room with the chandelier and the antlers. Right up my alley!
Sheila
http://www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com
Karen B. said:
Thank you Sheila, believe me I paused before sharing the flower girl dress and daisies! I have no secrets as to my age anymore, do I? lol. It’s been been fun thinking back over the decades. Hard to believe it’s flown by. The chandelier and antlers was one of my favorite pics as well. I love the contrast, rustic with elegant. Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 2:42 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
Forty-three years–do you think it’ll last? 🙂 Congratulations, Karen and Lyn! I love your wedding picture. Weddings weren’t so pretentious back then. Winnie IS a lap dog, and you have photographic proof.
Eric and I are working on 7 years … it’ll be a while before we catch up to you! Hope you have a lovely anniversary!– D’Arcy
Karen B. said:
D’Arcy, Thank you. Hey, I remember our 7th anniversary—it seems like yesterday. 🙂 Winnie is a rescue and when we inquired as to her age (she weighed 30 lbs.) they assured us she was full grown. She weighs 90 lbs now and she’s not overweight. 🙂 Have a great upcoming weekend. Karen
On Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 8:21 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Chronica Domus said:
Congrats to the pair of you for a remarkable milestone. I hope you’ll mark the occasion with a spacial celebration.
I look forward to reaching such a lofty milestone myself one of these days. Long way to go but as you say, compromise goes a long way.
Karen B. said:
Hi CD, Thank you for the good wishes. We had a lovely evening out and are looking forward to the next ____ (fill in the blank) years. Karen
On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 12:53 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Kelly - Talk of the House said:
Belated anniversary wishes to you two here. What an accomplishment…especially in this day and age. I hope you celebrated in style…black strapless dress and all! 🙂 I always love more tailored spaces so these rooms appealed to me…especially that kitchen.
Karen B. said:
Thanks Kelly. We went to a casual burger place, not fancy but very fun—right up our alley for a weeknight! 💑 xo, Karen
On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 7:11 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Reviving Charm said:
Anniversary wishes! 43 years is a wonderful accomplishment and true testament to love. Your Mr B looks like a very charming and sweet man and you look like s lovely couple. Such a great wedding photo!
You have a great selection of photos here. I am particularly drawn to the room with navy walls. I had considering navy in my office but am too afraid to commit!
Have a wonderful weekend. l’ll be responding to your email tomorrow. I’ve been under the weather and just catching up on things.
Have s great weekend.
Karen B. said:
Thank you. It’s been fun. I’m with you, I love the looks (in pictures) of a navy room, but I’m a little timid. I don’t love to paint and if it was the wrong choice I’d have to repaint. I’ve seen several powder rooms done in navy, maybe someday I’ll try that. 😊 xo, Karen
On Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 9:19 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Reviving Charm said:
I don’t particularly enjoy painting but it’s an evil necessity since I refuse to hire painters. Once I get into the groove I don’t mind at the end it’s rewarding. Ah, a navy powder room sounds fun. I saw some beautiful navy office accessories this morning online and got me thinking about my office. But since I’m trying to go lighter I might just have to stick with my original plan. 😉
Karen B. said:
That’s the conundrum. I’ve been trying to go lighter in my fabrics and walls, then along comes a beautiful navy room and I’m back on the fence!
On Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 5:45 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Hi Karen,
Special congratulations to you and Lyn on 43 years together. That wedding photo sure brings back memories of a wonderful day! The resemblance of Kevin to his Dad is amazing.
Loved all the beautiful rooms — especially that Ralph Lauren kitchen. Wow! The picture of the stunning woman in the strapless dress waiting for hubby to come home was like looking in a mirror for me. I always greet Tom wearing my newest designer ensemble. Doesn’t everybody?
Karen B. said:
Exactly, that moody look and her black hat and dress—stunning but no exactly my idea of a relaxing evening at home. 🙂
Thank you for the anniversary wishes, can you believe how fast time has flown by? xo, Karen
On Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 10:22 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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carla wilson said:
Well..Tom and I have enjoyed being friends with you for many many many of those 43. Lots of children getting grown and loads of fun together. Let’s just do another 43!!! Love you both and seriously..get a corgi…Winnie is NOT a lap dog!
Karen B. said:
Absolutely, friends are the oil that keeps the wheels turning. Hard to believe our kids have kids! Thank you for making the journey extra fun! Karen
On Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 2:45 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Karena said:
Happy Anniversary Karen!! Wishing you many more years of happiness!
Love how black adds a touch of sophistication to a room; great images!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Karen B. said:
Thank you for your kind anniversary wishes, Karena. I do love touches of black in a room. xo, Karen
On Thu, Mar 3, 2016 at 7:48 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Loi Thai Tone on Tone said:
Congrats on 43 🙂 Happy anniversary to you and your mister!!! Wishing you many, many more.
xoxo
L
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Loi, we can’t believe how quickly time has flown by. Yes, Winnie gets lots of inquiries as to her breed. She’s a mixed breed rescue—we’re not sure what she is, but she’s a sweet dog. xo, Karen
On Sun, Mar 6, 2016 at 12:14 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Loi Thai Tone on Tone said:
PS – Winnie looks like a lioness 🙂