Summer Farmhouse Family Room {The Mora on the Move...}

Happy August! We've had a nice, long stretch of summer sunshine and warmth, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s here in the Seattle area. Now I know those of you who live in places like Arizona and Texas are thinking, "You think that's hot!?" But we don't have air conditioning or a pool... So I spray my kids with the hose as they jump on the trampoline, or take them to the lake, or sit under a tree if there's even a slight breeze because it's hot inside! We've been roughing it over here, I tell ya. ;) But we dare not complain because here in the Pacific Northwest, I'll take all the sunshine we can get! The forecast is calling for cooler temperatures and even a slight chance of some showers, which our garden is hoping for...

Here are the Highlights... (Farmhouse Decorating, DIYs and Home Tours)

Hi Friends! Have I mentioned that I love it when you visit? I do! 

And today, I'm rounding up blog posts from January, in case you missed anything. It was a full month here on the blog with home tours, DIY projects and farmhouse decorating ideas that will still work beautifully in February and beyond!

Four Easy January Home Decorating Ideas (Farmhouse Style)

I'm excited to share with you some simple ideas to freshen up your home this time of year. First, I'll show you an example from our farmhouse, and then I'll provide pictures and links for where you can find something similar, if you're interested. Some affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. Let's get started...

Weathered Wood Farmhouse Spool Clock {And your feedback, please...}

It's official.

I'm a fool for the spool.

Spool clock that is.

There's just something about the oversized piece of repurposed farmhouse-style goodness that appeals to me.

DIY Farmhouse Wood Spool Clock

There's a growing trend of using large clocks as statement pieces. Whether an oversized clock is hung above a couch, propped on an entryway table, or used on a gallery wall... I love the look!  

And if you think about how long clocks have been used in homes, they aren't just a trend, but are timeless. I think what gives clock faces an updated, modern farmhouse feel is the big size and rustic, distressed finish.

Warming Up White For Fall... {The Entryway}

Have I mentioned that our previous home was filled with color? I was inspired by the French Country master of design - Charles Faudree. As I flipped through the pages of his books, I was in awe of how he would layer patterns and textures and bring out a home's personality and charm. Each room seemed to have a story to tell. 

Well, I didn't quite achieve the look of Mr. Faudree, but we enjoyed our warm and welcoming home for eight precious years. Then, about the time we were looking to move (two years ago), I became drawn to a more simple, lighter interior. Maybe with three young boys, I realized we didn't need the added interest and "excitement" of toiles, checks and roosters anymore. 

I hoped for a home that would be a welcoming backdrop for family memories, but that wouldn't compete with its people for attention. A more restful, sun-faded interior, could balance our family nicely. So began the love affair with whites and neutrals. And more recently, I'm starting to embrace less in a room, more often.