That's So Primitive

The hubby's parents live about 45 minutes away in North Attleboro, and let me tell you, that area is a lot different than it is up here near Boston.  I feel like it's a simpler life full of farmer's markets, art festivals, and country stores.  It's a life I could definitely get used to. 

While we were at the Scituate Art Festival, I saw this sign I loved that read Home Sweet Home.  My mother-in-law said to me, "I didn't know you liked Primitive decorations?"  I paused for a moment, not even knowing what this meant.  "I am?" I asked.  "Yes," she said, this stuff you're looking at it's called Primitive."  "Hmm," I said, "well I guess I am!" 

Of course, the moment we got home, I Googled (Ah Google, my answer to everything!) Primitive decorations and this is what I learned:

Primitive decor is a style of living. It is suppose to evoke feelings of taking one back to colonial times when things with decor was simple and flaws were welcomed.

I guess this makes sense, I mean my favorite show growing up was Little House on the Prairie!  Now, while my style isn't exactly Primitive to the max, I definitely like to mix Primitive elements with a little bit of modern and a little bit of traditional.  My style is straight out of the Pottery Barn catalog and is what I like to call "comfy casual."  The truth is though, I don't care about labels, I don't care about brands, I don't even care where I buy anything.  Whether it's from the highest end store or Salvation Army, I like what I like and I know my style. 

Having discovered this new decorative element, I set my sites on shops specializing in Primitive decor.  Our first stop was Carol's Den, a small country store in Plainville.  We walked in and felt the warmth of the decor immediately.  We came away with these adorable items:

It was also at Carol's Den, we discovered some wonderful artwork by an artist named Billy Jacobs.  We even got one print for Christmas this year.  The only problem is, I can't find a place for it in our apartment.  It's waiting for a very special place in our first home.

After Carol's Den, we took a ride to The Old Country Store and Emporium in Mansfield.  Walking in was like taking a step back in time.  The Emporium spans 17,000 square feet and features 12 rooms full of hand-crafted furniture, trinkets, and home accessories.  There is also an old fashioned candy counter and a player piano.  It was more than just a store, it was an experience for sure.  We found the cutest horseshoe that we are now using as a key rack:

For Christmas, my MIL even got me a subscription to The Country Sampler.  I love the simple decor ideas, the warm colors, the signage and the wooden decorations.  I guess I love Primitive stuff!

Be well,