Monday, October 10, 2011

The Purple Parlour


During the summer, we painted our parlour. Well, actually, Mr. White did the painting. I just watched.   We emptied the room of everything except the main furniture, which was placed in the center of the room and covered with sheets. The old white walls were soon covered with a light pastel purple and it looked charming!

We have some lovely paintings on the wall. Do you see those two antique chairs with the lamp between them? The chairs came with this 1850's house, (or "museum" as I like to say!). The lamp was in the guest room of my Aunt's Massachusetts home when I was a little girl.  The hutch was purchased at a used furniture store, here in Vermont, many years ago. I keep some of my cookbooks on the main shelf. I also have pictures of the children on there, from when they were little. I love seeing their baby pictures. It always makes me smile!

Why do I call this a parlour? It would normally be called a living room, but we don't have a couch or television in there. Instead, this is our cozy  main room, where we read, visit, play cards, and entertain guests. Calling it a parlour is much more fitting.

Throughout the day, I enjoy tidying up this special place. I like to keep it clean. The children will bring in their projects; scatter shoes, coats and books, and I am constantly finding joy in neatly putting everything "to rights."   If the family did not make a mess in there, I would not be able to enjoy this room as much as I do, because I delight in  making it sparkle!

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Grateful for my old  house - An Elegant Home Despite Poverty.

For the overworked Mother -  The Homemaker's Despair.

Before I got married, I agreed to The Housewife Contract.



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11 comments:

busymomof10 said...

It looks lovely! i like the purple parlour!!! ;)

nannykim said...

It is fun to let the word parlour roll around on the tongue. It always makes me think of horsehair sofas!
So did your hubby agree with the lavender?

Noelle the dreamer said...

Your post spoke of many memories and the (almost forgotten) idea of having a parlour to receive guests sounds very inviting!
Thank you for sharing!
God bless,

Unknown said...

I love it. A perfect Vermont winter scene. And I'm sure you all are close to that winter too!

Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads said...

See - to me that IS a living room as that's where life happens. Due to some childhood memories, parlour reminds me of an uncomfortable, stuffy room and this room is not that.

Anonymous said...

I think you have a lovely and elegant and precious room! ENJOY!

(visiting from Raising Homemakers' Homemaking Link-Up)

Sue said...

I really enjoy when you post pictures! It makes the stories come alive and I really enjoy pictures of homey rooms. Love your blog!

Chris said...

Hi Mrs. White, what a delightful and cozy parlour you have. Just like it should be, uncluttered. Great, I love it. I found and am now following you through My Romantic Home and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris

Ashley@ DesignBuildLove.co said...

very cute! I love the idea of calling it a parlour! Much more fitting!

Karen Andreola said...

I am delighted to see your spacious and inviting parlor. This is exactly what I call my little front room that has no screen in it - however I have been known to take this lap top into it. My little parlor has the least amount of clutter. I wish I could say "none" but my yarn and books do tend to accumulate.
Karen A.

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage said...

It's nice.