Our Perfectly Imperfect Home Thoughts + My Piano Man
This post has been a long time coming. It was MONTHS ago (around January) when I Instagrammed us making plans for something exciting… which I’m sure you all guessed form this (slightly awkward) photo, resembling something close to the death scene of a semi-grand, that we were adding a new piano to our space!
Well, after a LOT of planning, furniture moving and MONEY to get Cason’s childhood piano from his parents home to ours… it’s finally here!!!
I’ll have to admit, I was a bit lot hesitant on bringing in such a LARGE black, showy piece of decor into our bright, airy, casual, small-ish space. One, because I knew it would definitely become the rooms main focal point, and second, I was worried about it fitting in with my living rooms existing elements.
After playing with a few different patterns, we finally chose a set of new, colorful, designer, living room pillows from The Black Goose Design, that helped us to tie in that big, beautiful, sleek piano with what is STILL one of our most favorite and busiest rooms in the house.
I’ve said it a million times… I’m not a decorator, but I LOVE to decorate.
It’s amazing to me what a stunning new rug, a set of luxurious, custom throw pillows or a new sitting chair in a bold fabric can do for a space.
It’s taken me a while to finally shake off the preconceived notion that everything in my space needs to “match” or “go together”.
I’ll ALWAYS like chippy, painted, distressed furniture and a modern cottage-house vibe; there’s something about that whole look that makes me feel like a home is well lived in, but that doesn’t mean I can’t throw in a few contemporary elements that my husband likes into the mix too… and this my friends, is where OUR personal style shines through!
I’m not sure if you’ve had the chance to read the book, The Perfectly Imperfect Home, but I read it from cover to cover on our trip in Mexico and drank up EVERY bit of advice that was given.
For someone like me who tends to love decorating, but is not a trained/schooled professional, the pro’s tips and ticks inside these pages were really helpful and interesting; but the best part about the book, I thought, was the fact that it talks so much about creating a home that’s 100% personalized to YOUR liking and something that you love and enjoy dwelling in, without telling you exactly how to do it, and only giving you really great directions on how to create a sense of cohesion, in what sometimes can become decorating confusion and pattern/color/decor madness for some of us.
It was really inspiring for me, because even though I KNOW that, sometimes (especially as a blogger, who shares her home with hundreds of thousands of people online) I occasionally feel the need to fit into a mold of what I think people want to see, or what may be “the next big thing”.
Well guess what? I’m SO DONE feeling that way!
I’m okay with the fact that I may not be “trendy” or a “trend-setter”, and am just happy to use trendy items in my home now and then when I feel like it! Our wall colors and treatments lean towards a more traditional vibe, and our big, expensive pieces of furniture are purchased or custom made with ‘safe’, durable, neutral colors and fabrics, so they last a long time.
BUT, if I want to throw an orange funky pillow into our space… I will!
A big ol’ piano in one of my living room corners, because I just love to hear my husband belt out a little Zac Brown Band, Billy Joel or Phantom of the Opera… then so be it!
I just love that musical kid, who wooed me with his singing and playing skills on this very piano, when we were dating… and still does.
๐
This past year, with diving headfirst into a kitchen remodel, tackling our basement and adding lots of quirky, sometimes funky and even odd tables, pillows and accessories into our space… I’ve learned that having NO plan, and just going for it, is what usually makes OUR personal decorating style work perfectly for US!
By having the base colors of our home be more neutral, and the overall feel maybe a bit more traditional, we’re able to have a lot more freedom accenting with all different kinds of “on-trend-at-the-moment” styles and colors that we may like to try, from time to time. It’s the IDEAL solution for a home decor/design obsessed wife who can never make up her mind, and a husband who loves changing things up now and again to make our space interesting.
Chrissy @ Adventures in DIY says
You lucky woman, you! He's a man of many, many talents. ๐
The piano is lovely and thanks for sharing the video.
FacingTheSon says
Love it! Nothing like live music in the house. So cute that you recorded him playing….and then that cute little smile at you at the end!! I think he still likes you!! ๐
Diana Walters says
Dang! I just wrote a long piece about this post and my adoration for everything you 'said'. Then lost it in trying to log into google. (sigh) Oh well. I believe every word you wrote here! Buy quality pieces that will last for YEARS, slipcover/recover as needed. Neutral backgrounds allow for 'trends' without breaking the bank. I believe that if you buy what you love, in the colors you love, everything will blend room to room. This makes it easier to 'shop' your own home to redecorate by moving things from room to room, instead of always buying new. Thanks for all your hard work and sharing with us, I appreciate you very much!
Miranda @ Pressing On says
Love it! Your new space is gorgeous, and your husband is so impressive! Very nice…love the orange pillows and also the Awesome time pillow. So great.
Oh So Shabby says
I just love your honest and open style. I too am not a designer but try and make my home look the way I like it. Sometimes each room doesn't jive with the next but I just don't care. I just like what I like. I always love reading your blog cuz well you are are just you!!! THANKS!!!
Lynda
ohsoshabby.com
Holly says
Let me get this out of the way first…love the pillows! That being said, let's move on to what's important here. HE'S CUTE, HANDY, AND HE PLAYS THE PIANO AND SINGS???!!! SCORE!!!!!!
Lauren says
Love that you made the space-it looks great! And, what is better than having your man play and sing to you any time? Enjoyed the video and thanks for sharing!
Recreate and Decorate says
One thing I have learned through the years is to do what makes me happy! The piano has a story to tell, design or no design, your home will tell the story of your family. That's what it's suppose to do! ๐
After living all over the world and 16 years of constantly moving, I now feel like my home truly reflects who my family really is. All 4 of us. And it is by far the best home I have lived in!!:-)
Karen says
Wow! I would just love to be able to sit at home with a glass of wine and listen to the man I love play piano and sing! I love music and really appreciate the drive and dedication needed to become proficient at an instrument, whether it be woodwind, brass, string or voice. (Your hubby has a very good voice.)
Congratulations on your new piano and enjoy!
Surrounded-By-Boys says
Oh I just LOVE IT! I took piano lessons as a young girl, but never went past a year or so with it. Now I wish I would have ! I just ADORE that lullaby too–it's one of my favorites!!!! LOVE IT! What a wonderful talent–singing AND playing the piano.
Linda says
So sweet !
Fran Mery Satt says
Wow!!! Congratulations !!!
Rhe Christine says
I think it turned out so great! I'm beginning to really explore and feel out my decorating skills. I finally have the space for it. I appreciate exactly what you're saying, and am so glad you have your piano man, with such a sentimental piece of furniture in your home ๐ I love that!
Furniture-Ology says
Sooooo sweet! Great man! Great Post ๐ The piano looks fab!!!
Unknown says
Soooooooo cuteeeeeee
Kari Maddox says
I think it's beautiful and I love it! It appears to be in excellent condition for your daughters to use in the future! Great job!
jackie jade says
this space looks awesome and love your new outlook about decorating for what YOU love, not what you think others want to see. the piano is beautiful and now you have a balance of light/airy and dark/dramatic. love this!
— jackie @ jade and oak
— $50 shabby apple giveaway
Jackie says
As one who plays one of those Grand black pieces of art, I applaud you for bringing it into your family's home. It is beautiful…
Jen Garbett says
LOVE it! But can you please tell me where you got those chairs?? Love those too!
Lisa says
It looks just like my mom's piano. They are big…glad you could make it work. I'm sure the beautiful music balances out the bulkiness.
Unknown says
Speaking as someone who values music and plays the piano…we too have (as my mother says) "that big black THING" in our living room. I believe in decorating with what/how you love, what speaks to you – while pulling some tips from people who understand cohesion, as you said. Thank you so much for posting this, because it echoes how I feel and validates my 20+ years of home decor, minus the degree.
Homes are about memories, about love, laughter, faith. They're about our values, our family ties. I'm so glad you've been blessed with a man who loves God and you, and expresses that with music ๐
The pillows are gorgeous too – I'm crushin' over the orange one!!
Elisabeth says
Umm, hello, I can see why you fell for that ๐
BTW- where is your white couch from?
Elisabeth says
Umm, hello, I can see why you fell for that ๐
BTW, where is your white couch from?
Our Pinteresting Family says
You have such a beautiful home. I love the new pillows and piano. ๐ I was also wondering where you got your couch. Thanks so much.
Caryn says
Using a TABLET for music! What a genius idea! Page turns would be SO MUCH EASIER! Now I want one JUST for that. Holy smokes.
Single Stone Studios says
Love this post. Just love it.
House of Smiths says
Thanks so much Diana!!! ๐
House of Smiths says
haha! yup! I don't deserve him ๐
House of Smiths says
I totally agree! I have a hard time sticking to ONE thing, so I really admire his dedication ๐
House of Smiths says
Hi Jen,
We got those chairs from K-Mart of all places! I think they still have them there ๐
House of Smiths says
He loves it! I think he uses an app called musicnotes.com to get all his music from one place to another. He's also scanned in a LOT of his sheet music, so that it's on his iPad now. REALLY great to not have to store all that sheet music too!
House of Smiths says
Thanks!!! ๐
House of Smiths says
Elisabeth,
We got the couch at DownEast, but it's a PB comfort sofa from Pottery Barn. We LOVE LOVE LOVE it! The slipcover is easily washable and the sofa looks like it's never been sat on, but we've had it for many years! I highly recommend it!
Sandy says
Your daughters are so blessed to have parents who bring out the best of each other. We have had our piano for thirty years in our living room. I have been perfectly happy to be serenaded by my daughter over the years, and now my granddaughter is learning to play. The piano will be moved to their house when "Dennis the Menace"also known as Aidan turns five.
Sarah @ Sarah Bohl Designs says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sarah @ Sarah Bohl Designs says
Gorgeous!!! Do you mind sharing where the rug is from? Thanks
Anonymous says
Love the bright, fun space! Where, oh where did the throw on the couch come from? ๐ I notice the little things! ๐
Persnickety Prints says
LOVE everything about this! GO CASON! Hooray for Technology that simplifies our lives! Piano Lessons?
Persnickety Prints says
LOVE everything about this! Your space is gorgeous! Go Cason! Go technology for making our lives less cluttered! Piano Lessons??
MTnIL says
Beautiful! Where did you get the flowers and vase on the shelf? Love it!
Dee says
Wow, looks and sounds great. I love all the colour and texture in your home!
Dee
delolovesdesign.com
Natalie says
Shelley! It's beautiful! I too ate up every bit of information from Imperfectly Perfect Home. I think it's natural from us women who like to decorate to get lost in the trends especially with Pinterest and blogs tempting us to do so many things…but I've learned like you that I enjoy my spaces so much more when it is something WE did because we loved it and not because it was on trend. Love your space, your style and your attitude…keep on being awesome!
krazgrl says
I love everything you all do to your house. The addition of the man sitting at the piano was sweet! ;o) Shelley, how do you like your "rug" on top of your carpet". I've often wondered about doing this. It seems like a lot of people use rugs only when they have hard wood floors. Which I don't in my living room but love the idea of adding a punch of color to mine with a rug.
leisasmith says
Sending love and admiration from Australia! I'm a US expat who will be moving back in a year or so, and cannot wait to 'set up house' back home, using your gorgeous vibe as an inspiration. Thank you for sharing with us. Warm regards, Leisa
leisasmith says
Love this post and sending thanks from Australia! You are an inspiration. Warm regards, Leisa
Andrea says
Wow! He's awesome! Is he teaching the girls how to play? We have a baby grand in our front room and my hubby never plays, but he can. He's teaching our 10 yr old daughter how to play, so I hear lots of "teaching lessons" on ours ๐ I'm going to show my daughter this tonight for motivation to keep going with her lessons. Love how your incorporated your piano into your space. Beautiful as always!
Jenny Lynn says
It looks wonderful. Sometimes it is better just to go with the flow of life rather than plan each detail out.
inkhappi says
I would of felt the same way as you going into this but you did an awesome job. I love it! Seriously, Cason plays the piano too?!! I thought I was the only one with a "perfect husband" until I started following you. hahah {Yes, I find my piano playing, ultimate handyman husband pretty sexy!} We are lucky girls. Enjoy the new look and sound!! :):)
Anonymous says
I think you did a very nice job incorporating the piano into the room! That room just screams family to me and I love it! I know you said you are not a decorator, but, you are really good at it ๐ I am just scratching the surface of checking out your blog, but it is really beautiful.
Susan says
Do your girls play yet?
It was one of my "mom rules" when my two were growing up-they had to take music, dance, art and a language. SO glad I enforced that stuff…as young adults my "kids" have many passions and talents. Even if my son traded ballet for basketball in fourth grade…
Sharla says
the memories the girls will have of their dad playing and singing will last a lifetime!
I appreciate all you posts and love your style, but this by far has been my favorite!
Sandrocas says
How sweet, he is a very talented singer and pianist, and I enjoyed it so much, especially since this is one of my favourite songs. I hope you enjoy your home filled with song, what a blessing, thank you foe sharing!
Lisa says
To die for! Love the the piano and the man! Consider including more videos like this.
Unknown says
Where did you get the animal print rug? I am looking for one that looks just like that!
Lisa @ Cozy Condo Living says
How cool is your husband! Your so right about making your home your own. Bravo for bringing that piano home and making it work. Your kids will definitely benefit. I have a love/hate relationship with pianos. I love the sound, but actually took lessons for 7 years as a kid and never go the hang of it. Not sure why my parents wasted all that money, but they were determined to have a pianist in the family. Oh well, I have other talents.
Stephen says
It's all beautiful Shelley! Can you please tell me where you got your metal magazine holder? Thank You!
Kym says
Who knew Cason was so talented?! That's Awesome. And you should never feel like you have to alter your space to please anyone but you, I know that blogging puts more pressure on us so easily if we let it. Your home is beautiful, and even more so because it's beautifully YOU. Keep doing your thing, because you may not be a 'pro' but you're so good at it that you could have had me fooled ๐
Unknown says
You sure look like a decorator !! ๐ This is just such a bright and refreshing room!
Shannon says
I just bought 2 PB sofa's without covers (just the frame). I can't decide between upholestry or slip covers. I'm a neat freak, and many have told me slip covers will drive me crazy because they are never straight. Cushions out of place kinda bug me. On a couch that is used daily, do the slip covers stay in place? Or do you have to straighten them often?
Kymberly says
Im in love with your house!!!! A strange question but im looking to get new furniture and ive looked all over for a couch like that!!!. May I ask where you got it!? Ive seriously tried everywhere and no luck ๐
Katie says
I've been searching for a magazine holder similar to the one you have on you wall. Where did you find yours? I can't find one anywhere!
Katie says
Where did you find your magazine rack? I've been searching for something like that to hang on my wall, but haven't found one. Your room looks great!
Jessica Kettle says
GIRL. WHERE ON EARTH did you get that wall organizer? the metal one? i have been looking for something exactly like it for months and haven't found one! I would LOVE to know!
xo
Kendra says
Hi there! Where did you find this awesome rug? I haven't been able to find one I like nearly as much this one! Thanks Kendra
Kendra says
Where is your rug from?
Dedee says
Nothing sexier than a piano man other than one that can sing too. I speak from experience as I am married to one as well. ๐ I think your piano looks great in that room. We love our big black grand! When we built this house we made sure there was a room just for it. Plus it has an open wall at the top so I can enjoy his playing all over the house. I loved how Cason was using a tablet for his music. I think I have an idea for my husbands next b-day gift. ๐ What tablet would your hubby suggest if that is all he would use it for?
Anonymous says
So beautiful! The piano looks great!! and WOW what talent!!
Rachel says
I absolutely love this post. I am in the exact same boat as you! My father-in-law has a black piano (baby grand like your's) that he does not want to move into his new house. My husband has dreamed of having that piano in his one-day house since he was little. When I first got the news that his dad wanted to give it to us, I kinda had a little freak out. I just got the room the way I like it and in the near-ish future we would have this large, black, shiny piano that goes with nothing in the room. Once I got over my selfishness, I was reminded that this is something my husband has always wanted. With that in mind, there is no way I could say no. He and his dreams are way more important than how the room is decorated. Plus, I love it when our house is full of music and I love the fact that our future children will grow up with a piano in the house! Overall, when my husband is happy, there is nothing in the world more important than that!
Unknown says
This room is beautiful! Where did you get that magazine rack? I love it!
Cindy says
Looking for a magazine rack just like that. Where did you get it?!
Unknown says
You did an amazing job, even though you are not a decorator ๐ I really love it! You are such an inspiration to me!
Melanie ~ shabby-memories.blogspot.fr
Unknown says
Where did you get the magazine rack??????