Purple Passion

I'm so excited to join the 12 Days of Holiday Projects for Blue and Purple since I just updated my dining room and formal living room from red to shades of blue and purple and have been able to decorate with purple this season.  

It was, however, with great trepidation, hesitation, and doubt that I painted over the red walls as I loved them, especially at Christmas as viewed below in a picture from Christmas last year.  The metamorphosis is at this post.




But, I am having so much fun decorating with purples this year and they look super against the new backdrop of blue/gray walls that I hardly miss the red at all.  It just feels so fresh and updated.

On the sideboard I mixed three purple sparkly cone trees with old pieces of silver we received the first couple of Christmases after we were married many years ago.  I like the tarnished, aged, look and haven't polished them in years.  I think it softens the more modern feel the rooms have taken on since I painted them and since I am traditional at heart, it's a blend of old and new for me.

I've intentionally kept it simple this year to emphasize the elements that really make the statement.  As such, you will notice there are no candles on my candlesticks and very little adorning the mantel in this room.

Another image of the fireplace and you can see how the mirrored candlesticks and lidded trinket box reflect the lights throughout the area.  They also catch and reflect the sunlight in the mornings when it is so peaceful and pleasant in these two rooms.

I've kept it simple in the adjoining living room too and used shades of purple to contrast the walls. 

Forgive the photography.  My skills aren't great to begin with and with all these mirrored surfaces, it's hard not to get a glare.

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I was so happy to find these pillows that look great with the Christmas decorations, but will look good all year too.  Now I just need to find the right window treatments. THAT is going to be a challenge for me. Window treatments always feel like such a permanent investment and I just don't trust my decorating skills enough to single handidly take the plunge.

Joining the party at Twelve Days of Holiday Projects: Blue/Purple here.

and

Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday party


  

and No Minimalist Here Holiday Dining Party here where there's also a fab giveaway.