Dining Room Centerpiece

About once a month I travel down I-24 to Nashville to appear on Talk of the Town in Nashville on Channel 5, demonstrating a craft or DIY.

It’s usually a live segment and I spend about 45 minutes getting ready and applying red lipstick and laying out the supplies and the steps and trying not to go all I Love Lucy with the project (sometimes not successfully).

We usually spend between three and five minutes on camera.

And then it’s done.

And I wave good-bye and go to Target.

We don’t have Targets where I live, so I think I’m big time at the Dollar Spot.

But this month was different.  This month my husband and I went to lunch with Meryll and her husband, Dan, and then drove back to her house for an afternoon of flower arranging and laughter and story telling.

And when I saw her house, I had a come-apart.

Come-apart is a something we say in Kentucky meaning overcome with joy and excitement, often producing a euphoria and complete lack of speech.

I couldn’t help it.

Truly.

Wait until you see her house.

Living Room Full View

This is the view I saw when I entered the front door.

Right about the time I had the come-apart.

I walked in and saw this.

I opened my mouth, blinked eight times and made some garbled sounds of excitement (that’s a side effect of the come-apart) and then I stepped back outside.

Just so I could enter the room again.

Living Room Side View

Living Room Desk

Living Room Mantel

Where to look first?

Can we start with the room color?

Seriously.  

And those dueling over-head lights and the fire-place and the view to the back yard and the pattern on the rug and that antique piece over the mirror and the fresh magnolia and the antique desk and the original artwork.

I had to simply stand and take it all in.

Living Room View to the Front

Hallway Full View

And as amazing as all those things are, they weren’t even my favorite.

You see, this is a house full of stories.

Wonderful, incredible trips or unique finds or hand-crafted projects.

Each piece of art, each antique, each hand-made stool, each mirror and picture and rug has a tale to tell.

Kitchen Full View

Dining Room Hutch

Hutch Knobs

And as we walked through the halls and the come-apart faded and I found my voice and started to ask questions about the house, Meryll shared her heart.

And her stories.

Like the one about this piece that she hand-finished for a show segment.

She added layers and layers of chippy chalk paint and these distressed knobs.

Dining Room Full View

Patina on Hutch

Family Room Full View

There were stories about these ceilings that look like pieces of art and stories about how this room used to look like a jungle room with tropical leaves painted all over the walls and salmon colored tiles and giant columns at the entrance.

Stories about where the burlap light came from.

And how she just hung those boxwood wreaths.

Dining Room Centerpiece

And as the laughter and stories swirled around us and we walked the halls and I fell more in love with her house with every step, I realized something.

What greeted me at the front door.

What caused my come-apart.

What made my eyes dance with joy.

It wasn’t simply the beautifully appointed rooms or the vivid colors or the carefully curated antiques or the ceilings that look like they came from a contemporary art museum.

It was so much more than that.

It was in every corner of every room of every space in the home.

You see, Meryll understood how to breathe life into a space and wrap her guests in welcome from the first step in the front door.

Truly.

She simply stepped back, surrounded herself with family and friends, collected what she loved….

…..and let her heart do the decorating. 🙂

Flower arranging 4

PS  Here’s my beautiful friend Meryll in the middle of flower decorating.

Yes, she just cut all these flowers from her yard.

Yes, I’m posting a tutorial.

And yes, my house just told me it wants to look like hers one day when it grows up. 🙂

What I Want My House to Look Like When It Grows Up

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Terri Terri

    Ummmm... yes the house is incredible!! Absolutely incredible... and I am going to go back and SLOWLY...and look at your pics again..... BUT FIRST: I have to address my shock and dismay and unbelief over this statement: "WE DON'T HAVE TARGETS IN OUR AREA" ....... Are you for real??????? Seriously?????? You can't just get in your car and run down to Target .. ???? WHAT??? Target has seriously missed the boat on that lapse of good sense!!! Can you imagine how their stock would go up if you ... Karianne of Thistlewood Farms had daily access to their decor??? Their goodies??? Their awesomeness??? I'm just sayin!!!

        1. Image for juli uhlbeck juli uhlbeck

          We have no Target either and it is 70 miles to a Kohls or TJ Maxx! This house is lovely...but Thistlewood looks more like a comfy HOME

  2. Image for Patricia Patricia

    A lovely home. But yours is equally lovely and more importantly, it reflects you and what you love. And yes, nearly every corner has a story too! But I did pin a few rooms ...

  3. Image for Leona Leona

    Thanks for sharing this beautiful home, BUT, its not the same feeling as yours. Your day will come when you may have a grown up house , but don't rush it. While this home is beautiful, I get the sense its a "don't touch" this tor that. Every inch of your house reads comfortable and lived in. And you are world traveler in many other ways. If I had a choice, I would pick yours :)

  4. Image for Gail Gail

    Really Nice. BUT, I love your house more. I feel at home in your house. The wall color is to die for and the huge wall décor is amazing. Her house looks more like mine with collections from all over(Military life ya know). Funny, I just thought my house looked cluttered. Ha ha. Do love the flower arrangement. YUM

  5. Image for Leslie Leslie

    How very fun! Don't you just love when life brings you those sweet come a parts? My favorite part is that her home welcomes you in...isn't that what all of us desire?? Thanks for sharing! Loved being part of your journey.

  6. Image for Jere Jere

    Kerrianne not even a come apart could give you a "lack of speech". Trust me this is a good thing. As a Texan with the same problem I understand, having many come aparts in my 89 years. Just keep being who you are and pray red lipstick never disappears from the dollar store. jere PS. We don't have a Target,Pier1,Home Goods, Pottery Barn, (or many more) in our area..now that's a real come apart!.

  7. Image for Cecilia Cecilia

    Wow. It's beautiful. I agree with the others, yours is just as beautiful because like Meryll, you have poured yourself into the story of your home and that I believe is what makes a house a home. I sure enjoyed looking at her beautiful home. Thanks for sharing! Hugs, Cecilia

  8. Image for Barbara Barbara

    I agree with comments above- I would have a "come apart" seeing your home in person! Your fantastic photography of your home helps us feel the coziness and warmth- I love it! Thanks for sharing this one too- it is beautiful.

  9. Image for Jolyn Jolyn

    Yes, this house is FABULOUS, but I just love your Thistlewood Farmhouse, so I truly hope it does not morph into something other than its absolutely gorgeous self! This blogpost kind of reminds me of looking at all of those fashion magazines and thinking that when I grow up I want to look like that, when in reality, what we are NOW is exactly what we should be! But, I DO love to look at the fashion and beauty trends, and I DO love to look at those "my house will never look like that" houses! Keep up the good work - XOXO

  10. Image for Carol Lander Carol Lander

    Beautiful home. I would have gone ga-ga and gushed and made a fool or myself. I love home with stories. I know your home has stories and I hope my hope has stories. It's always fun to share stories. Thank you for sharing. I'm so sorry you don't have a Target. How about Hobby Lobby? Jo~Ann?

  11. Image for Stephanie Ray Brown Stephanie Ray Brown

    Oh I do love this home.. Always get ideas! Still working on making my not new but new to me home more like me. Ashamed to admit afraid to decorate this home and make it mine. But when I look at posts like this and your home builds to my idea collection and yes more confidence to change. Thank you Karianne!❤️

    1. Image for Ann C Ann C

      I'm with you, I inherited my parents' home. Now trying to make it mine and still respecting my folks. I lived here with them their last years and got used to it this way. Struggling to make it feel more me.

  12. Image for Cindy Brown Cindy Brown

    Oh my gosh, talk about eye candy!!!! What a gorgeous home. I would have been screeching because that's what I do when I have a come-apart! I have to go back and examine each and every photo so I can take it all in. Thanks for sharing!

  13. Image for Lisa at celebrate creativity Lisa at celebrate creativity

    Hi KariAnne. Meryll's home is beautiful. What a lovely view when you walk in. So grand (but definitely livable and comfortable), with space to spare even AFTER the grand piano-lol. I love the all the gorgeous bookcases filled to the brim and the beautiful, crisp white kitchen is stunning and gives me just a hint of "staggered-height kitchen cabinet envy"). Very interesting decor details and elements that probably have an equally interesting story behind each one. I'm also struck by Meryll's use of the the armoir in the space where you might typically see a built-in. I think putting a piece of furniture here adds so much more character and interest to that corner than if she had used built-ins. Lovely choice. So many different elements and it all looks like it belongs exactly where it is. Very nice home tour. Oh, and you're rocking the new camera lens. I check into that model and discovered that lens particular lens will not work on my camera. Bummer. Have a lovely day.

  14. Image for Kellie Kellie

    Wow I love it and at first did the jealous dance but then I realized in its own way it's like most of our homes. Full of things we love and mean the most to us, but it is truly stunning. She has the knack. Thanks for sharing. And how did she hang those wreaths and will she leave up all spring?

  15. Image for Nancy @ slightly Coastal Nancy @ slightly Coastal

    Very cool house. You know how they say people pick dogs that reflect them? Tough guys pick tough looking dogs. Calm people pick very calm dogs. Bubbly people (ahem) pick dogs that are fun and full of personality. All those dogs are great...just different. This home is beautiful and sophisticated and eclectic. To me, this home is the equivalent of a regal Saluki dog sitting in that beautiful living room. Welcoming and sophisticated with a regal stature. I love the beautiful artwork. Your house is just as beautiful and welcoming and filled with texture. I love it because it feels real to me. I admire original art by real artists, but to be honest, I just couldn't spring for a huge original sculpture. Besides the dog you own, what would your "house dog" be? Thanks for the inspiration. Nancy

  16. Image for elizabeth@pinecones and acorns blog elizabeth@pinecones and acorns blog

    I agree with everyone above, your friends house is beautiful and filled with wonderful collections! I would love the name of the blue paint! But at the same time your house is beautiful and cosy is a different way! I love visiting your farmhouse to see what you have been making, doing and trying to see if there is something I can do in my own home.

    1. Image for Meryll Meryll

      Elizabeth, the paint color is Benjamin Moore Yorktowne Green HC133 - and even though the name says green, in person, it looks more like a teal blue. We love it!

      1. Image for Ann C Ann C

        Thank you for responding. Your home is just so beautiful, I can't pick a favorite thing, but the wall color was way up on the list. Your styling of your bookcases is so well done. I can imagine just sitting with a cup of coffee and looking at the shelves and their contents. Thank you for allowing KariAnne to share your home with her readers.

  17. Image for liz liz

    This is a beautiful home with beautiful decor, but your home is the one I want mine to look like when it grows up!! I get so much inspiration from your posts because your wonderful home embodies all that I am striving to achieve in my own home. I truly love your comfortable, relaxed and welcoming style - it says "home", and to me that is the most powerful statement your home decor can make. Please do not think your home needs to grow up - it already has, and is living a wonderful life!!!

  18. Image for Peg McPhilimy Peg McPhilimy

    Thanks to both of you for sharing photos of her stunning home! I loved how you had a "come-apart"! I would be there with you. The above reply about not having a Target tickled me to death. I concur! LOL!!!!!

  19. Image for kddomingue kddomingue

    Yes, the house is very nice and I'm very glad that the owners have put their own stamp on it so that it reflects their personalities. I'm happy for them and glad that they find joy in their home. I wouldn't be comfortable living there. I prefer homes that haven't grown up yet. ;)

  20. Image for jae jae

    The house is absolutely stunning! And easy to fall in love with. And then you will go back to your wonderful farmhouse, and it will smile and encompass you with all the wonderful memories you and your family make, and you will see all the creativity and made with love projects, and you will realize you are just where your heart was all along! :) Growing up can be soooooo over-rated! No Target????!!!! How awful!

  21. Image for ~ ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~ ~

    What a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing. I found the use of the darker colors for her walls interesting. The rooms are so large she can do dark colors without the walls falling in on her. Good lesson for me. I too love my decorating pieces each having a story. My home is filled with stories and I just love it. I love auctions and end up buying way too much which is why I opened my Antique shop online so I could share my treasures with others. You should stop by sometime. I would be honored. I always look forward to your posts. ~ ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~ ~

  22. Image for Debra W Debra W

    This is a very lovely home. The two things that really caught my eye was the paint color when you entered the house and the kitchen. Can you find out what color that is please? The kitchen was so light and airy. Love the solid looking pieces of the cabinetry. But... I absolutely LOVE your home. How you have done each and every room is beautiful. Looks comfortable and stylish and loved. And it tells a story that is all your own, and I look forward to hearing about it with your wonderful story telling post. :)

    1. Image for Meryll Meryll

      Hi Debra! The kitchen paint colors are Porter Paints Georgian Silver 507-4 on the ceiling, and Phoenix Fossil 517-5 on the walls. In the entry, we used Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan HC-81. Thanks for asking!

  23. Image for Patti Patti

    I concur about that blue paint! Did you ask your friend the name of it? After I came apart that would have been my first question. Lol! Imagine what it must look like at night! Like a jewelbox with all those cool treasures inside.

    1. Image for Meryll Meryll

      Patti, the blue paint is actually teal - even though the name is green! Are you confused yet? :) It's Benjamin Moore Yorktowne Green HC-133. We love it!

  24. Image for Meryll Meryll

    To all the sweet friends who love KariAnne's blog - you can't imagine what an honor it is to see our home featured here! I am in awe of her amazing talents, and even more, I've been blessed to experience in person the exuberance and joy that you read in her posts. She's even more wonderful than you imagine!!! I'm so grateful she wanted to share our story - just glad she didn't photograph the doggie footprints on the white couches - and the little toddler yogurt fingerprints I forgot to wipe off the kitchen stool! It's the kids and grandkids and friends we love, and the experiences we share, that truly make our house a home - just like KariAnne's - and just like yours! Thanks for your sweet comments - and KariAnne - I can't thank you enough!!!!

  25. Image for Yvonne Shafer Yvonne Shafer

    I just had a come-apart looking at this house! So beautiful and reflective of its owner. And that was what I felt when I first found your blog! But yours is better because it's full of kids, dogs, and love.

  26. Image for Susan Susan

    I love her home!! BUT, yours is equally beautiful. Did you happen to find out what the name of the beautiful paint color in her kitchen is called? I love it. Thanks!!

    1. Image for Meryll Meryll

      Wall color in the kitchen is Porter Paints Phoenix Fossil 517-5, ceiling color is Georgian Silver 507-4. We love it!

  27. Image for bj bj

    it is, indeed, just stunning...lots of $'s have gone into decorating this beautiful home....so glad you were able to visit there.

  28. Image for Christopher Christopher

    Beautiful. I was thinking the whole time however, I want my home to look like Karianne's when it grows up! Have a wonderful day.

  29. Image for Regina Regina

    Ok, I totally share your pain at the lack of Target in our area. It's just NOT FAIR. BUT, this house is amazing! Just when I've watched two "Fixer-Upper" marathons and thought that neutral is the ONLY way to go and I MUST get rid of all the red, green, blue, and gold in my house, you show me THIS. And I sighed. And was happy. But next house, no promises! ;)

  30. Image for Kris Kris

    That's funny. When I grow up, I want my home to look like yours. ;) And ... you are soooo stinkin' cute with your "come apart". I don't think my northern accent would do justice to that little phrase. The neat thing is that Meryll's house, which is magazine-gorgeous, reflects who she is. Your home is also magazine-gorgeous, but each of you would be featured in different magazines. More importantly, it reflects you and your family.

  31. Image for NormaJean NormaJean

    So now I know! That "thing" I do, is called a "come apart"! Who knew? Thanks for educating me and for sharing photos of that gorgeous home! I agree with some of the others. Her home and your home are equally beautiful, just unique and different, each in their own way.

  32. Image for Julie Julie

    I just had to laugh when I read your "come-apart" comment. Yes, after living 35+ years in eastern North Carolina, come-aparts are part of daily living. And...I know EXACTLY how it feels. Karianne, this home is beautiful....but, not to sound cheesy or anything like that....I ADORE your very own home and would give YOUR very own home an A+ and this one a B. Hey...just my personal opinion. And, like another poster, Target needs to rethink their marketing and get with the program. I am blown away that you have no local Target!!!! Have a great day.

  33. Image for Betty Betty

    Morning! Love your posts, but rarely comment. Ok - am I the only one crazy for those test tube holders with daffodils? Where did you find those sweet things . . . . or did I miss a tutorial on how to make them? :).

    1. Image for Meryll Meryll

      Hi Betty! I wish I'd bought a dozen of those cute flower containers, because they sold out immediately, and now all my friends want one! It's actually two that I put together to look like one arrangement on our long table - and I got them about a month ago on the Magnolia Market website - on sale! Check and see if they re-stock them!!

  34. Image for Chris Chris

    Beautiful home but so is yours. Any home of any size is beautiful when it reflects that the person living there has taken great care to make it a reflection of their love for the space. It's even more wonderful when there are stories behind the belongings and decorating style. I have items I stalked for years until they were marked down and I swooped in to get them. I have dumpster finds I transformed that are priceless to me. Anything that is nurtured radiates a positive energy that others will feel drawn to, whether it's a home, garden, person, or pet. That is the magic of caring. I live in Los Angeles, so you'd think I'd have access to all stores. Not true. I am blessed to live near a Home Goods and Target, but I remember a couple months ago I gasped when someone on the phone said they were headed to Hobby Lobby. They have actual stores in CA?! I raced to the computer to find one near me, but alas, the nearest one is hours away. For a few years now I've been planning a move to a small farm in the country in another area, so I made list of stores I hoped to be in the area. I actually wrote to Home Goods a couple years ago and asked them to please put a store in a new mall area that was being developed within an hour's drive from where I hoped to live. Imagine my glee when they wrote back and said they were going to! It's now there! I did the same thing with a Dollar store in another area near there, pointing out that it would be right next to a University and also a work commuting train station. That store is now there! How amazing is that? So write Target and ask! Mentioned your blog, and who else can benefit from using their store in your area. They might just surprise you!

  35. Image for Cara Cara

    Don't ever let your house grow up! This is a lovely house, but I like yours much better! Yours is done in my style and when I look at it, I want to live there. You are very creative and I love your style!

  36. Image for Pat Pat

    Kariann, the home was so beautiful and I enjoyed each and every picture...but......I seriously LOVE your home and all the beautiful and amazing things you've done.♥

    1. Image for Meryll Meryll

      Hi Lorraine - I ordered the vases online from Magnolia Market - happened to see them right when they went on sale and ordered two - and a couple of hours later they were sold out! I bet they'll re-stock them - you should check!

  37. Image for Pinky Pinky

    Kari Anne, you know, I had a come aprt (but didn't know it was called that) when I first saw YOUR house! Now I had ANOTHER come apart!!! OMG, what a gorgeous home! One person said it looks like a do not touch house, I so disagree, it looks VERY welcoming and not stuffy at all! THANK you and Meryl for sharing this gorgeous space with us. I am saving this post to savor. I will never have a home like this so will just dream. It is truly gorgeous.

  38. Image for Mary Crozier Mary Crozier

    Love, love, love it!!! So nice to see lots of color. I'e been thinking about why so many people are drawn to monochromatic tones and grays. I truly believe our world has been so divisive and harsh, that we long for serene, quiet and safe. Love her bold colors and mixing of old, new, classic and trendy. Thanks for sharing such lovely photos.

  39. Image for Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

    Well, my mouth is still gaping and I started to stutter!! I don't usually stutter but I just don't know what to say -- that doesn't happen often to an Italian. We have opinions on everything. Meryll's house is truly beautiful and if I didn't love you and your pantry so much I'd be packing my paper bag right now and moving into one of Meryll's pantry or closets. And if you ever want to interview for an "Ethel" I'd be first in line :-) Have a great week!!

  40. Image for Chris Chris

    It's all so nice, but the Don Quixote sculpture really caught my eye and I was wondering where it's from? Thanks.

    1. Image for Meryll Meryll

      Chris, the iron guy was a gift from our daughter and son-in-law a few years ago. They got it at the Lake County Arts and Crafts Fair near Ridgely, TN - I checked, and Lauren doesn't remember who made it - sorry!

  41. Image for Kathy Kathy

    What a lovely house and that wall color!! I would also love a TARGET in our area. I have only been to one once in my life. Maybe if the powers that be are listening and spread those things further around?

  42. Image for Sharon H Sharon H

    hahaha, Miz karianne, I haven't heard or used that phrase in forever! I guess because I don't have that many "come apart's" like I used to....although, I'd been right there with ya if I'd been walking into her house too! Even with just the two of us, my house would never look like that! Clean and stately, I mean. And while it's an amazing home, I love your lived in house. Now THAT makes me have a come-apart for sure! Thanks for sharing today. She seems like such a sweet person, just like you...

  43. Image for Tammy L Tammy L

    Oh, her home is exquisite! So many beautiful and unique things to look at. I absolutely love the matching chairs in the room with the wreaths.... they are so striking! I'd love to have a pair myself. Were they custom made or could they be purchased somewhere? Thanks so much for sharing this amazing home.

    1. Image for Meryll Meryll

      Tammy, the chairs aren't custom - they came straight from Sprintz Furniture in Nashville, right off the showroom floor on a Thanksgiving weekend about 7 years ago when I decided we should redecorate the den before Christmas! (That went over well with the hubs!) Just looked under the chair and didn't see a brand name - but it wasn't a fancy designer - we're thrifty!

  44. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    I didn't have a come-apart...I was too busy being gobsmacked! Beautiful home....so many things to look at in her home! And, all so different and beautiful...and perfectly put together with the things she loves! Guess that's the secret....it looks effortless! Thanks for the tour! ;)

  45. Image for Leslie Leslie

    Oh how beautiful. I love a room that combines old and new so seamlessly. The ability to create such a beautiful and inviting space with so many stories to be told is truly a gift. Thank you for sharing her gorgeous space with us.

  46. Image for Vicki Vicki

    I love BOTH your house and her house! You are two different people - and I love seeing both of your hearts and what they represent. Both are special and I feel welcomed in both!

  47. Image for Brandy @ The Prudent Homemaker Brandy @ The Prudent Homemaker

    Meryll, I am struck by the fact that your roses are blooming already! I am in a zone 9a, and my daffodils are in bloom (just finishing up, in fact) and my hellebroes are done. My floribunda roses are budded. My Lady Banks' roses are JUST starting to open. My David Austins won't bloom until next month. (Of course those could be camellias . . . hard to tell for certain in the photo). I would love to see a tour of your garden! I think your home is beautiful. I have a similar style and it's been a long time since I've seen anything in traditional style online. One of the hard things for me is that the style I like is sold on the east coast, and not on the west coast! I've been to the for-the-trade furniture shows here for many years (I live in Las Vegas) and I've even been told that certain styles aren't even available for vendors to order west of the Mississippi! I do love your magnolias! They like acidic soil and less heat than we have here. Our neighbor tried one for years, but it just struggled. Please invite Karianneback to take pictures of your garden . . . . Karianne, please show us Meryll's garden! And I want to know what lens you are using; I must have missed the post another reader alluded to about a new lens.

    1. Image for Meryll Meryll

      Brandy, you know your plants! Just as you said, the pink flowers that look like roses are actuallyccold-hardy camellias - we are Zone 7, so no roses till May for us. The previous owner of our home was a master gardener, so we are blessed with an amazing array of perennials, unusual trees, a fish pond and great hardscape. I consider it a privilege to honor this talented lady's memory by keeping her beautiful garden growing!

  48. Image for jeannette jeannette

    Hi KarriAnne! Yes Meryll's home is beautifully done to but I still LOVE your home and style so please don't let your home "grow up"!

  49. Image for Marian@CMShawStudios Marian@CMShawStudios

    I love that you dream in color, Karianne. And Meryl, I love that you took the time to answer all those questions. And I love that I actually had he time to scan through and read the comments..and this post today. Between this post and Miss Mustard Seed showing all her antiquing finds, I want to paint my front door Yorktowne Green and then go antiquing. And I agree with the post asking for a tour of Meryl's garden. Have a happy day friends, The Other Marian

  50. Image for Velia Velia

    Thank you for sharing such a beautiful home. But, personally I would perfer a farmhouse style and setting similar to yours. If I were to visit your home I would have a come-apart moment, because I know that your home evokes welcome and comfort. Dear friend, your home is grownup; love and joy, the two precious elements that a transform a house into a home are found within the walls of your lovely home.

  51. Image for Donna Marie Donna Marie

    First my house would have to grow out!!! But this home eludes love as well as yours so be happy and rest assured yours doesn't need to grow up!!!

  52. Image for Dana Tucker Dana Tucker

    I LOVE THIS!!! And I love you and Meryll!! I had the same reaction the first time I was at Meryll's house. The dark grass cloth walls, the powder bath, the life size tomb etchings, HER CLOSET!!!!!! Fabulous lighting!! And an amazing garden. Thanks for featuring her house. It definitely needs to find it's place out in blogland. xoxoxoxo

  53. Image for Dee Dee

    Interesting. Everyone's taste, budget, abilities are different. Her home is incredibly curated, and well reflects her specific taste. However, my home doesn't want to look like hers. It's not my style, l'm much more informal. It also reminds me of why l guard my heart against discontent, and to be thankful for His particular provision in my life, it may not be "grand" but l'm thankful nonetheless.

  54. Image for sandi magle sandi magle

    Something to be said for classics here. Great personal touches everywhere---but classic bones...and space....oh my, here in Chicagoland space is at a premium price. Gorgeous home and growing up---doesnt' necessarily mean good taste!~ Still growing up at 68, Sandi

  55. Image for Pamela A Pamela A

    truly beautiful...but your's has life, meaning and that comes across in your pictures that you so graciously share with us. I think that's the truth behind creativity - that we always see more, wanting something different and recognizing someone's creativity and just good taste. I've always said "if I just had money", but I've always had to be creative which in many ways is a good thing. KariAnne - you got it goin on!

  56. Image for KATHY B. KATHY B.

    Hi, I like your house a lot more!..I do like the daffodil containers she has and the Blue Arnold Grain container!

  57. Image for Susie @ The Chelsea Project Susie @ The Chelsea Project

    I am a kindred spirit with your very special and dear friend. I LOVE all the colors and textures and layers and handmade items. I LOVE a house that has a story to tell. I would LOVE for my house to grow up and be this house, too. Thanks for sharing these great photos.

  58. Image for Patti C Patti C

    'You see, Meryll understood how to breathe life into a space and wrap her guests in welcome from the first step in the front door.' That's what I'm striving for in my house - "welcoming guest from the first step in the front door." Thank you for sharing this lovely home.

  59. Image for cindy cindy

    Hmmm...I do like this house. But, I'm shocked. There's definitely bits and pieces that I can see you with, but the rest, no. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that sometimes we can be aw struck by something that looks amazing, but then when we "try it", it's not who we are. I love everything about your home, but especially the person who has curated it- Ms. Farmhouse Swag herself:D

  60. Image for Linda Andersen Linda Andersen

    While your friend Meryll's home is lovely....your house is my cup of tea....and I'm in Michigan and also use the phrase come apart ;)

  61. Image for Stephanie Stephanie

    I don’t have Target where I live either. I feel your pain. I absolutely love everything about this house. That living room paint color?? I kind of love it. I hope she shares the color. I need to just process and ponder the awesomeness for awhile...

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