Belgian Style

Have you seen the most recent issue of House Beautiful? Ina Garten's Hampton's Barn is featured and it is gorgeous! As she explains in the article, she was inspired by Belgian architecture and style. Click here for all the pictures; following are 3 of my favorites:




I love this style too, in all it's utilitarian, earthy, country pared-down chic, but I feel like I could never achieve it in my own home because I like a little more (muted) color and I have too much stuff. Notice the empty top of the armoire in the first shot? At my house, this would at least have a basket, a topiary, a stack of white dishes, something on top of it. I would try and keep everything limited to grain sacks and clear glass, but at some point, I would throw in too many candlesticks, too many pillows, a red wall, something, and the whole thing would be off. Also, is it me or does this style feel a little tiny bit cold to you? It's not very cozy, and although I drool over these photos, part of me feels I couldn't really be at home in a room like this.

Which brings me to Boho Belgian. You know Kirsten Hollister, the one who won Oprah's decorating contest last year? She has started her own company, Boho Belgian, and she has really made this style warm using earth tones, more accessories, and more pattern, but still kept it true to it's burlap-and-pared-down-swedish roots.

Have you seen her home's recent feature in BHG's special magazine "Decorating"? It's so pretty! Take a peek:

I love the earthy, muted colors, the use of things we all love: urns, feathers, topiary, trays, books, mirrors, apothecary jars, and shells. I *heart* the grain sack slipcovers in the background of the 2nd picture.

Will definitely be keeping my eye on Boho Belgian's website. Really great stuff.