The Inside Scoop: Rene Zieg

Today, I am thrilled to welcome Rene from one of my favorite blogs Cottage and Vine. Rene never ceases to amaze me with her talent to create beautiful spaces and her fabulous DIY projects. Not only does she have a beautiful home, but she also has a fun etsy store where she sales vintage and handmade items.

Take it way Rene...

Hello everybody! I'm Rene from the blog, Cottage and Vine and I am so happy to be here today!

Blogging for me starting almost two years ago. It was actually my husband's suggestion believe it or not. Wonder if he regrets it now ;)

Blogging has taught me many things.


1) Pictures say it all. The best way to get a feel for a room is to take a picture whether you have a blog or not. I think it is because we are all so used to looking at magazines and our eye is trained to look at rooms this way. No wonder on line decorating is so successful.

2) Be true to yourself. We all have different styles and it is easy to get caught up in a "look" that you like and try to force it into your home only to find out is just isn't right for you. Ask me how I know.

3) Bloggers are really, really, nice! I never in a million years would have guessed that I would make so many friends through blogging. Seriously, I feel like I could call on any of you and you would be there for me and vice versa. It is such a warm community.

I have to say that my parents are the ones who made me who I am today. They were always working on projects at home and eventually we renovated an old house when I was in high school. It was all over then. When I was a young girl, Mom and Dad let me make my own choices about decor in my room. Picture a big fish net filled with seashells from summer vacations, a terrarium, and huge tissue flowers. You know, the typical girl room, but it was all mine.

(pattern mixing - the early years)

Now that I have moved beyond the fish net as wall art, my style is traditional, but it needs to have a freshness about it. I have always been drawn to nature and tend to like textures such as bamboo, linens, and sisal. I think they help to provide balance and to keep things from looking too serious. Also a fresh modern fabric, accessory, or rug can do wonders to liven up an otherwise traditional room.

Well, I'm no expert, but I have learned a lot since I first started blogging. 1) Know what you don't like. We all have a gazillion likes and it can be confusing. Figure out what you really don't like and don't waste your time on it. At the same time, only use what you LOVE.

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2) Be honest with yourself. For example, white slipcovers look nice, but will they drive you crazy if they get dirty? Would a gray linen be a better match for you?

Decor Pad

3) Rooms should be functional. We could all have magazine ready rooms, but if they aren't functional, then what good is it? This is especially true in smaller homes and homes with children. My own home has evolved over the years to suit the changing needs of our family. A LOT. From changing tables to sports equipment and it hasn't stopped yet.

Decor Pad

No room is complete without comfort. I think that we all need to feel pampered and adding a little luxury to each room is essential to really enjoying a space. This could be fluffy Egyptian towels in the bathroom or high thread count sheets on your bed. Our home is our haven and a place to unwind and relax after all.

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Elizabeth, thank you for inviting me to be a guest on your fun series! I was truly honored!

--Rene

I love that you too were inspired by your parents to love design at a young age, this is something thing we have in common.
Thank you for stopping by today! I always enjoy your posts and today was no exception.
Be sure to stop by and check out Cottage and Vine.