Hi everyone! I know I don’t normally post twice a day but I had to share my latest news with you. Yesterday my home tour was revealed on Design*Sponge! Did you get a chance to see it? Well, here are a few photos from the tour, but you’ll have to head over to Design*Sponge to check out the whole thing.
I do have something I need to get off my chest though. Most of you who follow along and “know” me well understand that I decorate for me, and not for others. I like what I like, and my favorite thing to do is mix old and new. The majority of what I own is either from a flea market, thrift store, family member, neighbor, etc. or from my travels…and the few new pieces I have are pieces I love that I got for a great deal (you know I love a good HomeGoods find!). There was a hurtful comment posted on my Design*Sponge home tour yesterday about how I’m trying too hard to use every trend possible, but I honestly don’t feel like that is the case. Yes, I have lucite in my home. My home is also 777 square feet so the less visual bulk the better. And so what if I like leopard? And ikat? I like what I like not because anyone says it’s “cool.” I like it because it makes me happy and makes me feel comfortable when I’m at home. And the cutting comment about how I have a Michelle Armas piece of art in my home (I think she was referencing the pink piece on the top of my gallery wall)? Well, it’s actually by Emily Rickard and I love it…so sue me! And what’s wrong with having something by Michelle Armas anyway? She’s a great artist and her work is popular for a reason! I don’t have anything by her but maybe I’ll buy something now out of spite. And I’m pretty sure it’ll look fabulous in my home. (Well maybe my next home…the walls are pretty covered in our current apartment.)
Sorry for the rant, I just didn’t sleep well last night because the comment was eating away at me and making me sad. I know I need to get tougher skin. I’m working on it and hopefully one day little jabs like that won’t hurt so badly. Thanks to those of you who are cheerleaders and those of you who follow along silently. I appreciate you all so much, and the fact that you read my blog (and hopefully enjoy it from time to time) makes me such a happy girl!
I haven't read the comment Katie but my thoughts when looking at these photos and before reading the blurb were "wow, Katie is really finding her own style and this apartment looks fantastic, she's done an amazing job in such a small face. I'm not sure why but some how it looks more grown up than her last apartment, but that would make sense, she is more grown up!". While my thoughts on your apartment are positive, it matters not what I think sweet, it matters what you think so don't lose sleep over the haters. One of my favourite quotes from your blog that got me thinking and has led to a few changes in my own home (look at you, you're influencing people…and in a positive way) was that the best rooms are curated…your home is a classic example of this…its curated and while I personally think its perfect, what matters most is its perfect for you and Tom.
Anonymous
March 10, 2015 / 8:02 pm
Your style is an inspiration to me. Don't listen to that negativity for a minute. By the way, criticism means that you officially HAVE ARRIVED! 🙂
Anonymous
March 10, 2015 / 8:16 pm
Hi Katie. What's your wall color? I love how it works with the rest of the color in the room. And about the troll, shake it off. When you come home and your place smiles back at you, that's all that matters.
Thank you Aubrey. I totally agree that trends come in and out, and I am guilty of often incorporating a little of what's popular because, well, it's popular and looks pretty! I try to stay true to who I am though, and I hope that I inspire people to embrace what they like no matter what. And I hear you on the HGTV thing. Trends definitely come in and out, which is why I'm not getting rid of anything because I know they will come back again! Thanks for telling me to shake it off. I need to!
Thank you so much Deb! I always enjoy reading your comments, you're such a bright light and I truly appreciate everything you post here. Thank you for your kind words about my style. Even though it's a headache, it's amazing what moving often can do for one's personal style! I feel like I've grown since my last home tour, and it means a lot to hear that you think I've grown too. Starting over gives you a chance to reevaluate what you have and it allows you to curate your home exactly how you want it to be. Maybe I'll go in a completely different direction for our next home, but for now, Tom and I are happy and cozy in our first apartment together (although he'd probably prefer if I toned down the pink a little bit). Thank you so much for following along and for your kind words! You're wonderful!
Thank you so much! I don't actually know the color because we are just renting the apartment temporarily, but I'll definitely ask the leasing office and try to get back to you with the information! Thanks for reading 🙂
Anonymous
March 10, 2015 / 10:32 pm
Katie,
I totally get your hurt, but honestly, her comment wasn't mean. She made a point that these things should be discussed. I think you should be less quick to take offense to these things. I don't like your personal style, but you do and that is all that matters–like you said, you decorate for YOU. But a design blog like DesignSponge isn't for YOU–it's for open dialogue about decor.
I don't mean to be a negative nancy, or hide behind the "anonymous" label. But honestly, after your reaction to that comment I don't feel comfortable using my name since we know each other.
You know, based on following your blog, seeing what you wear, etc., I can tell that your apartment and decor and design are very YOU. It just so happens that the things that you love have been growing in popularity over the past few years; as a subjective viewer it *could* appear that you really jumped on board the various trends as of late.
I would argue that you've had a lot of those items, or loved a lot of those styles, longer than the trend. I was joking with someone the other day that in a decade or two, we'll be watching HGTV and see people react in disgust to clawfoot tubs, subway tile, open concepts, and decor choices like lucite and chevron. But in those couple of decades, I can bet that you (and I!) will still love and keep a lot of the items currently in our homes today.
Shake it off, as Taylor Swift would sing, and keep on being Katie..
Amanda, that's too funny! Yep, my Afghan carpet definitely is a little wonky, but I don't mind it at all! Not much is made by hand anymore so it's nice to have a piece like an artisan-made carpet that also brings back memories of a trip. I bet your Indian carpet is amazing! It's fun having a story to tell about your pieces, isn't it? Thanks so much for sharing and for reading!
My comment is totally unrelated, but I think you'll get a chuckle. I just bought a carpet while in India & have been fretting that it isn't laying perfectly flat like all the other machine made rugs I have. Seeing your Afghani carpet in the dining area laying just like mine made me smile and reminded me that handmade things are just that. I should appreciate the piece for it's special meaning and the artisans behind it. That is why I bought it in the first place! 🙂
That comment-er isn't worth your time worrying. And clearly not as decorator savvy as they think they are if they are calling you out on art by the wrong artist! I actually love that they got it wrong! Do your thing and ignore the ugly comments! Army Strong!
You tell em' Katie!!! People thought I was cray cray when I said I wanted leopard print carpet in my master closet!! I did it anyway and I LOVE it, I want to live in it and marry it!!
Congrats on such a big feature!! It must be so hard not to take some comments personally. My first reaction to the photos was a big "WOW- that apartment looks incredible, and I'm so impressed at how she put it together in the midst of some really huge life changes, too!" I absolutely love it. My favorite homes are those that might not have much rhyme or reason when you look at each piece on its own, but each piece has a story and somehow the big picture just looks wonderful. You nailed it!! Keep doing what you're doing. It's so much fun to follow along 🙂
You are SUCH an inspiration–from the way you decorate to the way your joyful personality shines through your blog. What a shame that those with too much time on their hands try to bring you down. Don't change a thing! 🙂
And on an unrelated note, any suggestions for mother of the bride dresses that aren't matronly??
Keep being you. I want you to know that I am following your blog now because I was so impressed by the home tour on Design Sponge and all of your incredible accomplishments.
Anonymous
March 11, 2015 / 7:27 pm
Katie you are a design inspiration to me, I have started to look for bar carts, I love love love love your taste. Don't let negative comments get you down. I have told so many people about your blog — you are awesome
I'm so sorry you had that happen. Your home is beautiful, and I always look forward to your home decor posts. I love your creativity. Haters gonna hate. I know I'd lose sleep over a bad comment, too. But I hope you find comfort and are encouraged by how many readers love what you do.
Anonymous
March 12, 2015 / 11:19 am
If you know Katie, the more appropriate thing to do would have been to send her a warm message, congratulating her on the Design Sponge feature, and leave it on that high note. Some of us bare our souls more openly than others, and our openness leads to vulnerability. Please extend grace instead of judgement, as you never know the path someone may be walking.
~~~
Congratulations, Katie! I admire your style and truly enjoy your posts! I have a feeling that we would be shopping buddies if we lived in the same city 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind note. I now appreciate nice comments more than ever, so thanks for taking the time to write 🙂 As for the mother of the bride dresses, I think it's best to steer clear of what most MOTB's wear (tan dress with the different layers/pieces on the body of the dress). I'd say go with a bold color, like navy blue. My mom wore that to my wedding and I attended 2 other weddings in the past few months where the MOTBs wore navy and they all looked amazing! Lacy overlays are also really popular and look really pretty on anyone of an age. Good luck choosing a dress!
This may be my most favorite comment ever! Thanks for making me laugh! I'd want to marry leopard print carpet if I had it in my master closet too. Sounds like a dream 🙂
Angie
March 12, 2015 / 10:21 pm
I just went back & read the comments of one poster that were so mean spirited. Please remember two things: your feature on Design* Sponge was how I found your blog and your shop, both of which are a delight! And I'm sure I'm not the only one who discovered you this way. 😊. Also, Grace Bonney, who runs the Design* Sponge blog, posted a serious rebuttal. She was obviously concerned by the tone of that person's comments. Good manners and thoughtfulness are always in style!
Congratulations on having your beautiful home featured on Design Sponge! I find value in every one of your posts. I look forward to checking in on your blog. Your home exemplifies how some trends may be used in a real home, but there is so much more to your home. It is very personal. I especially love how you have decorated your home with items purchased on vacation or passed on to you by relatives and because of you, I have been encouraged to do the same. As a result, I am much happier with my home. I wish people would consider the "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" rule. The world really would be a much nicer place.
Katie, To thy own self be true! You only have to please Tom & yourself. To the others, let them eat cake once their homes are feature in multiple venues 😉 Some peoples kids…just rude!
I haven't read the comment Katie but my thoughts when looking at these photos and before reading the blurb were "wow, Katie is really finding her own style and this apartment looks fantastic, she's done an amazing job in such a small face. I'm not sure why but some how it looks more grown up than her last apartment, but that would make sense, she is more grown up!". While my thoughts on your apartment are positive, it matters not what I think sweet, it matters what you think so don't lose sleep over the haters. One of my favourite quotes from your blog that got me thinking and has led to a few changes in my own home (look at you, you're influencing people…and in a positive way) was that the best rooms are curated…your home is a classic example of this…its curated and while I personally think its perfect, what matters most is its perfect for you and Tom.
Your style is an inspiration to me. Don't listen to that negativity for a minute. By the way, criticism means that you officially HAVE ARRIVED! 🙂
Hi Katie. What's your wall color? I love how it works with the rest of the color in the room. And about the troll, shake it off. When you come home and your place smiles back at you, that's all that matters.
Thank you Aubrey. I totally agree that trends come in and out, and I am guilty of often incorporating a little of what's popular because, well, it's popular and looks pretty! I try to stay true to who I am though, and I hope that I inspire people to embrace what they like no matter what. And I hear you on the HGTV thing. Trends definitely come in and out, which is why I'm not getting rid of anything because I know they will come back again! Thanks for telling me to shake it off. I need to!
Thank you so much Deb! I always enjoy reading your comments, you're such a bright light and I truly appreciate everything you post here. Thank you for your kind words about my style. Even though it's a headache, it's amazing what moving often can do for one's personal style! I feel like I've grown since my last home tour, and it means a lot to hear that you think I've grown too. Starting over gives you a chance to reevaluate what you have and it allows you to curate your home exactly how you want it to be. Maybe I'll go in a completely different direction for our next home, but for now, Tom and I are happy and cozy in our first apartment together (although he'd probably prefer if I toned down the pink a little bit). Thank you so much for following along and for your kind words! You're wonderful!
Thank you very much Caroline! So glad you enjoy my style, and thank you for reading my blog!
Thank you so much! I don't actually know the color because we are just renting the apartment temporarily, but I'll definitely ask the leasing office and try to get back to you with the information! Thanks for reading 🙂
Katie,
I totally get your hurt, but honestly, her comment wasn't mean. She made a point that these things should be discussed. I think you should be less quick to take offense to these things. I don't like your personal style, but you do and that is all that matters–like you said, you decorate for YOU. But a design blog like DesignSponge isn't for YOU–it's for open dialogue about decor.
I don't mean to be a negative nancy, or hide behind the "anonymous" label. But honestly, after your reaction to that comment I don't feel comfortable using my name since we know each other.
You know, based on following your blog, seeing what you wear, etc., I can tell that your apartment and decor and design are very YOU. It just so happens that the things that you love have been growing in popularity over the past few years; as a subjective viewer it *could* appear that you really jumped on board the various trends as of late.
I would argue that you've had a lot of those items, or loved a lot of those styles, longer than the trend. I was joking with someone the other day that in a decade or two, we'll be watching HGTV and see people react in disgust to clawfoot tubs, subway tile, open concepts, and decor choices like lucite and chevron. But in those couple of decades, I can bet that you (and I!) will still love and keep a lot of the items currently in our homes today.
Shake it off, as Taylor Swift would sing, and keep on being Katie..
Amanda, that's too funny! Yep, my Afghan carpet definitely is a little wonky, but I don't mind it at all! Not much is made by hand anymore so it's nice to have a piece like an artisan-made carpet that also brings back memories of a trip. I bet your Indian carpet is amazing! It's fun having a story to tell about your pieces, isn't it? Thanks so much for sharing and for reading!
My comment is totally unrelated, but I think you'll get a chuckle. I just bought a carpet while in India & have been fretting that it isn't laying perfectly flat like all the other machine made rugs I have. Seeing your Afghani carpet in the dining area laying just like mine made me smile and reminded me that handmade things are just that. I should appreciate the piece for it's special meaning and the artisans behind it. That is why I bought it in the first place! 🙂
That comment-er isn't worth your time worrying. And clearly not as decorator savvy as they think they are if they are calling you out on art by the wrong artist! I actually love that they got it wrong! Do your thing and ignore the ugly comments! Army Strong!
Katie, I love your style. Don't pay attention to any negative comment.
You tell em' Katie!!! People thought I was cray cray when I said I wanted leopard print carpet in my master closet!! I did it anyway and I LOVE it, I want to live in it and marry it!!
Congrats on such a big feature!! It must be so hard not to take some comments personally. My first reaction to the photos was a big "WOW- that apartment looks incredible, and I'm so impressed at how she put it together in the midst of some really huge life changes, too!" I absolutely love it. My favorite homes are those that might not have much rhyme or reason when you look at each piece on its own, but each piece has a story and somehow the big picture just looks wonderful. You nailed it!! Keep doing what you're doing. It's so much fun to follow along 🙂
Katie,
You are SUCH an inspiration–from the way you decorate to the way your joyful personality shines through your blog. What a shame that those with too much time on their hands try to bring you down. Don't change a thing! 🙂
And on an unrelated note, any suggestions for mother of the bride dresses that aren't matronly??
Keep being you. I want you to know that I am following your blog now because I was so impressed by the home tour on Design Sponge and all of your incredible accomplishments.
Katie you are a design inspiration to me, I have started to look for bar carts, I love love love love your taste. Don't let negative comments get you down. I have told so many people about your blog — you are awesome
I'm so sorry you had that happen. Your home is beautiful, and I always look forward to your home decor posts. I love your creativity. Haters gonna hate. I know I'd lose sleep over a bad comment, too. But I hope you find comfort and are encouraged by how many readers love what you do.
If you know Katie, the more appropriate thing to do would have been to send her a warm message, congratulating her on the Design Sponge feature, and leave it on that high note. Some of us bare our souls more openly than others, and our openness leads to vulnerability. Please extend grace instead of judgement, as you never know the path someone may be walking.
~~~
Congratulations, Katie! I admire your style and truly enjoy your posts! I have a feeling that we would be shopping buddies if we lived in the same city 🙂
Heather Greer
Thank you Jennifer!
Thanks Erika! I really appreciate you following along!
Holly, I truly appreciate that. So glad you're following along now!
Thank you so much for your kind note. I now appreciate nice comments more than ever, so thanks for taking the time to write 🙂 As for the mother of the bride dresses, I think it's best to steer clear of what most MOTB's wear (tan dress with the different layers/pieces on the body of the dress). I'd say go with a bold color, like navy blue. My mom wore that to my wedding and I attended 2 other weddings in the past few months where the MOTBs wore navy and they all looked amazing! Lacy overlays are also really popular and look really pretty on anyone of an age. Good luck choosing a dress!
This may be my most favorite comment ever! Thanks for making me laugh! I'd want to marry leopard print carpet if I had it in my master closet too. Sounds like a dream 🙂
I just went back & read the comments of one poster that were so mean spirited. Please remember two things: your feature on Design* Sponge was how I found your blog and your shop, both of which are a delight! And I'm sure I'm not the only one who discovered you this way. 😊. Also, Grace Bonney, who runs the Design* Sponge blog, posted a serious rebuttal. She was obviously concerned by the tone of that person's comments. Good manners and thoughtfulness are always in style!
Congratulations on having your beautiful home featured on Design Sponge! I find value in every one of your posts. I look forward to checking in on your blog. Your home exemplifies how some trends may be used in a real home, but there is so much more to your home. It is very personal. I especially love how you have decorated your home with items purchased on vacation or passed on to you by relatives and because of you, I have been encouraged to do the same. As a result, I am much happier with my home. I wish people would consider the "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" rule. The world really would be a much nicer place.
Katie,
To thy own self be true! You only have to please Tom & yourself. To the others, let them eat cake once their homes are feature in multiple venues 😉 Some peoples kids…just rude!