I love to decorate with items that either tell a story, remind me of places I’ve traveled to, looks interesting, or I simply just like. When you walk into my home, you may look and say as my precious friend said, “I’m not sure how to describe your style. Eclectic? Whatever it is, I like it and it’s YOU!”
The photos, that I’m including in this entry, are strictly items Tim and I purchased from Tampa Bay Salvage (located in Tarpon Springs, Florida).
Originally, I was going to use an antique screen door for my pantry door, but when I saw these security doors from India (I think), my creative juices thought, “There are our new pantry doors.” Tim agreed, and now they are guarding our goodies. I often joke about how they are keeping me from the Oreos or other unhealthy snacks that adorn the shelves.
These colorful swinging doors once hung in a business in Indonesia. Now they are used as privacy doors for our outdoor shower. A little pop of color is exactly what this grey and rustic outdoor area needed. Yes, they came this way. There was no need for adding any paint to these little jewels.
Ahhh, our outdoor living space is fun, inviting, and definitely outdoorsy. There will always be hunting and nautical décor being added to this space. I’d show you the entire living space, but I’ll save that for another post. The barn wood that graces these walls have a special meaning to them for us. When we asked Barry, at Tampa Bay Salvage, where this specific wood came from (the majority of it anyhow), he replied, “Kentucky”. Tim and I just looked at one another with a smile and said, “That’s it. We’ll take it.” You see, Tim’s late mom, Mrs. Jany, was born and raised in western Kentucky. Even if the barn may not be from the same town she was from, the meaning is still rich to us.
Tampa Bay Salvage has a plethora of miscellaneous wood pieces to use for diverse designs. Tim wanted a shelf to be used while they practice their bow target practice. This piece of wood not only is used for its original purpose, but is mainly used for eating on during entertaining.
Also, for the outdoor living area, we purchased this wooden table which has a Large Tooth Sawfish Bill inset in the middle, that was caught in Key West. The Shuffs are a family of avid saltwater fishermen. We’ve also spent a lot of time lobstering and fishing down in the Keys. So, this furniture piece fits perfectly into our outdoor “family” area.
I love this mirror we are using in our master bathroom. When I first pondered the idea of getting it, I was like, “Hmmm, dusting won’t be fun.” Then I changed my mind and decided to vacuum when needed. That’s exactly what I do. This mirror screams character to the bathroom, and it reminds us of the beach too.
Our last three TBS items were bought just yesterday.
- Mine and Tim’s bedroom walls are blank. I didn’t want to just decorate for the sake of looking complete. I wanted to truly love what’s on the walls and let them speak to me. (crazy?) Well, today my handyman, Jackson, and I created the wall feature using barn wood. I love it!
- I’m not afraid of funky. When I sat in this Adirondack rocker chair, I knew it was coming home and resting on my front porch. The colors match perfectly with the palate I have on my baker’s rack displaying plants. (Plants that I hope I can keep alive. LOL)
- Finally, I’m not completely sold as to where this last piece will end up, but Tim has a habit of collecting driftwood from boat outings, and I often bring small pieces of driftwood home from vacations. Our youngest, Cole, said it reminds him of the art that was in the movie Beetlejuice.
Whew, I do believe we have enjoyed our shopping excursions to Tampa Bay Salvage.
So, how am I going to quickly intertwine this journal entry to scripture? When I think about how each piece has its own story can comes from various places all over the world…it reminds me how it doesn’t matter what nationality we all are, God loves us all and desires a relationship with each of us. To Him, we are His masterpieces…colorful works of art…and loves how we all have our own characteristics, but are unified by Him.
He accepts anyone who worships Him and does what is right. It is not important what nation they come from. Acts 10:35
God wants each of us to embrace a relationship with Him, and do what is right in His sight…no matter where we come from.
After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Friend, it does not matter where you are from, how bad you think you are or things you’ve done, the socio or economic status you have, to Him you are worth everything! We are His eclectic masterpieces!
I hope you enjoy decorating with what speaks to you, and also allow God to speak to and through you.
Blessings to you and yours.
Love, Stephanie
#decoratingwithlove #wearealleclectic #eclecticdesign #notahousebutahome