Style Sense and Spatulas: The At-Home Gifts You Got From Mom
The woman who gave you life gave you heirlooms and original artwork too. We’re celebrating it all for Mother’s Day
Gwendolyn Purdom
May 13, 2018
Lover of architecture, history, dogs, the Chicago Cubs, crowded bookshelves, and homes with a story. Former editor at Preservation mag and Culturess.com.
Lover of architecture, history, dogs, the Chicago Cubs, crowded bookshelves, and... More
When Lydia Perovic was a kid, she would sneak into her parents’ bedroom and try on the fur-trimmed gloves and silk scarves hidden in her mother’s midcentury dresser, shown here. “My [favorite] transgression,” Perovic writes of the memory, “was using all her miniature lipstick testers — she was an Avon lady — that [were] tucked away on the shelf inside the cabinet. Oh such fun!”
Today, that cherished dresser — built by an uncle — sits in Perovic’s own living room as a daily reminder of her mom, who died years ago. Perovic shared the story, and a photo of the sleek wooden piece, after we asked Houzzers last week where they see their mothers’ influence in their own homes.
And she wasn’t alone. Before Mother’s Day, more than a hundred Houzz users recounted all the ways their moms have impacted their spaces, whether by inspiring a special shelf to showcase treasured souvenirs, passing down a penchant for bright colors, or providing a handwritten recipe now framed next to the fridge. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Today, that cherished dresser — built by an uncle — sits in Perovic’s own living room as a daily reminder of her mom, who died years ago. Perovic shared the story, and a photo of the sleek wooden piece, after we asked Houzzers last week where they see their mothers’ influence in their own homes.
And she wasn’t alone. Before Mother’s Day, more than a hundred Houzz users recounted all the ways their moms have impacted their spaces, whether by inspiring a special shelf to showcase treasured souvenirs, passing down a penchant for bright colors, or providing a handwritten recipe now framed next to the fridge. Here are just a few of our favorites.
For years, Houzz user Chris Martin and her mom decorated her mom’s bookshelves, shown here, with collected pieces of coral.
Martin now displays the collection on her own shelves.
Details on Display
Some readers say they feel their mothers’ presence at home in the air itself, but for others it’s those tangible things, like Perovic’s dresser, that stir up the most specific recollections. Many responders have written of experiences they associate with objects they inherited or received: a chest brought back from a trip to Korea that always held a domino set in a certain drawer, passed-down Native American pottery that clattered but didn’t break in an earthquake, a pitcher hand-painted with rosebuds that was never to be placed in the dishwasher.
In several cases, adult children have designed their own homes around a particular item or items from Mom. Laurie Ackerman built a display case for her mother’s collection of decorative eggs. Lynn Kelemen incorporated Mom’s white living room chairs into a master bedroom remodel. Lynne Morrison highlighted Mom’s favorite pink vase in a nook painted turquoise, the mother’s favorite color.
Details on Display
Some readers say they feel their mothers’ presence at home in the air itself, but for others it’s those tangible things, like Perovic’s dresser, that stir up the most specific recollections. Many responders have written of experiences they associate with objects they inherited or received: a chest brought back from a trip to Korea that always held a domino set in a certain drawer, passed-down Native American pottery that clattered but didn’t break in an earthquake, a pitcher hand-painted with rosebuds that was never to be placed in the dishwasher.
In several cases, adult children have designed their own homes around a particular item or items from Mom. Laurie Ackerman built a display case for her mother’s collection of decorative eggs. Lynn Kelemen incorporated Mom’s white living room chairs into a master bedroom remodel. Lynne Morrison highlighted Mom’s favorite pink vase in a nook painted turquoise, the mother’s favorite color.
Mari Nelson says antique mirrors from her mom “bring positive energy to the living room.”
When Erin Vogel moved into her own home, she asked her mother if she could decorate with Mom’s Native American pottery.
Fl!p Breskin has several pieces from her mom at home, including a photo of Breskin’s grandmother above the fireplace.
Even if the piece doesn’t exactly go with someone’s decor preferences, if it came from Mom, it’s hard to part with, many say.
Even if the piece doesn’t exactly go with someone’s decor preferences, if it came from Mom, it’s hard to part with, many say.
Plants make Houzz user Judy Arrand‘s home feel lively.
Like Mother, Like Child
In some cases, an heirloom or decor element wasn’t passed down, but the younger generation still imitated Mom’s style. Tweedpatch shares that she once spotted an Ethan Allen Old Tavern pine furniture set just like the one her mother had owned, and had to have it. Some of the drawers still had the same furniture polish smell she remembers from the 1970s. “It wasn’t her furniture, but having it is the closest I’d felt to her in a long time,” tweedpatch writes.
Others have taken after their mothers by filling their homes with flea market finds, chinoiserie dishes or houseplants.
Like Mother, Like Child
In some cases, an heirloom or decor element wasn’t passed down, but the younger generation still imitated Mom’s style. Tweedpatch shares that she once spotted an Ethan Allen Old Tavern pine furniture set just like the one her mother had owned, and had to have it. Some of the drawers still had the same furniture polish smell she remembers from the 1970s. “It wasn’t her furniture, but having it is the closest I’d felt to her in a long time,” tweedpatch writes.
Others have taken after their mothers by filling their homes with flea market finds, chinoiserie dishes or houseplants.
Houzz user Melinda Wold sees Scandinavian influences in her decor.
Harnessing Family Heritage
History that influenced our mothers seems to have influenced many of you as well. A number of you shared family stories of moms who channeled their heritage in their decor and passed that approach on to their children. Coppersangel still has the colorful lamp carried by Mom onto a plane from Turkey to the U.S. in 1965, for instance. Traditional Chinese, German, Thai and Finnish decor is involved too.
Harnessing Family Heritage
History that influenced our mothers seems to have influenced many of you as well. A number of you shared family stories of moms who channeled their heritage in their decor and passed that approach on to their children. Coppersangel still has the colorful lamp carried by Mom onto a plane from Turkey to the U.S. in 1965, for instance. Traditional Chinese, German, Thai and Finnish decor is involved too.
Around the Kitchen
Of all the rooms where mothers left an impression, the kitchen elicited some of the most emotional reactions. Maybe it’s because the things in our kitchens spark memories of the way things smelled and tasted as well as how the experience felt. Home chefs shared stories of baking with Mom’s coffee cake tin and serving up potato salad with her long-handled fork. Reader Arlene even decorates her kitchen with framed photos of her mom and mother-in-law at their respective stoves, seen here.
Of all the rooms where mothers left an impression, the kitchen elicited some of the most emotional reactions. Maybe it’s because the things in our kitchens spark memories of the way things smelled and tasted as well as how the experience felt. Home chefs shared stories of baking with Mom’s coffee cake tin and serving up potato salad with her long-handled fork. Reader Arlene even decorates her kitchen with framed photos of her mom and mother-in-law at their respective stoves, seen here.
“My mom passed away many years ago, but I have memories of her making Indian dosa and pancakes with this skillet and spatula,” Elizabeth Joseph writes of the tools pictured here. “The plastic handle of the spatula burned off 10 years ago, and since then I have purchased plenty of new spatulas. But my mom’s spatula is the only one that works in my hand.”
Lori Lewis of Prescott Window and Door shared this photo of her mother, who, she says, taught her “how to clean anything.”
Good Thinking
Denise Marchand now looks back on the mohair sofas and matelassé chairs she remembers from childhood with a newfound admiration. “When I was younger, I thought we were rich because no one lived like us or had a home like ours,” she wrote. “What I didn’t know is she made all the window treatments and poured her own concrete patio in the backyard. We went on vacations every year — okay, it was to boardinghouses in Atlantic City — but at that time they were stately Victorians and I learned about fine silver and ate scones. I treasure the experiences my mom showed me with class and curiosity.” She even credits her mom with inspiring her profession in interior design.
Similar sentiments are echoed again and again. Respect for scrappy moms who built their own houses, right down to developing the filtration system. Praise for moms who taught design by example even when money was tight. Gratitude for moms who encouraged investing in a nice couch. Appreciation for moms who opted for practical living instead of following the fads. Love for moms who were endlessly resourceful and creative.
Good Thinking
Denise Marchand now looks back on the mohair sofas and matelassé chairs she remembers from childhood with a newfound admiration. “When I was younger, I thought we were rich because no one lived like us or had a home like ours,” she wrote. “What I didn’t know is she made all the window treatments and poured her own concrete patio in the backyard. We went on vacations every year — okay, it was to boardinghouses in Atlantic City — but at that time they were stately Victorians and I learned about fine silver and ate scones. I treasure the experiences my mom showed me with class and curiosity.” She even credits her mom with inspiring her profession in interior design.
Similar sentiments are echoed again and again. Respect for scrappy moms who built their own houses, right down to developing the filtration system. Praise for moms who taught design by example even when money was tight. Gratitude for moms who encouraged investing in a nice couch. Appreciation for moms who opted for practical living instead of following the fads. Love for moms who were endlessly resourceful and creative.
Fiber art by user natakar’s mother
Artful Additions
Creativity is a recurring theme, as a handful of readers say they brighten their walls with work created by their moms. Original artworks by painting, crafting and quilting moms hang in adult children’s homes around the world. Even after Alzheimer’s struck one user’s mother, she continued her passion for painting, adorning a kitchen door with purple flowering vines.
Artful Additions
Creativity is a recurring theme, as a handful of readers say they brighten their walls with work created by their moms. Original artworks by painting, crafting and quilting moms hang in adult children’s homes around the world. Even after Alzheimer’s struck one user’s mother, she continued her passion for painting, adorning a kitchen door with purple flowering vines.
Houzzer Landis York is pictured as a baby in this portrait painted by her mother.
Agreeing to Disagree
Not everyone looks to Mom for home furnishings or flair. Plenty of Houzzers say their personal taste couldn’t be further from their mothers’. There are minimalists who were raised by knickknack collectors and vice versa. Sonya Morgan, who shared the photo below, says she doesn’t see a lot of her mom in her decorating, but thinks of her every time she’s out enjoying her garden.
Agreeing to Disagree
Not everyone looks to Mom for home furnishings or flair. Plenty of Houzzers say their personal taste couldn’t be further from their mothers’. There are minimalists who were raised by knickknack collectors and vice versa. Sonya Morgan, who shared the photo below, says she doesn’t see a lot of her mom in her decorating, but thinks of her every time she’s out enjoying her garden.
User Sonya Morgan says she thinks of her mother most in the garden.
Even if you haven’t always seen eye to designer’s eye, it’s clear your mothers loomed large in your childhood homes and continue to make an impact.
“My mom had impeccable taste. It was not until much later as an adult that I realized she had filled our home with the very best midcentury furniture she could purchase for her new home,” howdyscissors writes. “When I was young, I rebelled and went the exact opposite direction…the more opulent and flamboyant, the better. Only after living with all that formality for years did I finally realize how much I longed for the peace of my mom’s home. I’ve gradually sold all the big, swirly furniture and began my own collection of clean lines and interiors carefully curated with only the things we love.”
Read more stories about Houzzers’ moms’ influence on their homes
Tell us: What pieces or places in your home remind you of your mom? Share your stories and photos in the comments.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Even if you haven’t always seen eye to designer’s eye, it’s clear your mothers loomed large in your childhood homes and continue to make an impact.
“My mom had impeccable taste. It was not until much later as an adult that I realized she had filled our home with the very best midcentury furniture she could purchase for her new home,” howdyscissors writes. “When I was young, I rebelled and went the exact opposite direction…the more opulent and flamboyant, the better. Only after living with all that formality for years did I finally realize how much I longed for the peace of my mom’s home. I’ve gradually sold all the big, swirly furniture and began my own collection of clean lines and interiors carefully curated with only the things we love.”
Read more stories about Houzzers’ moms’ influence on their homes
Tell us: What pieces or places in your home remind you of your mom? Share your stories and photos in the comments.
Happy Mother’s Day!
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Mum's old flour sifter had a red knob & was decorated with red stripes & red cherries. I have no idea where it went, but when I saw one like it at a yard sale, I snapped it up & I don't even bake! When Mum downsized, she was about to discard her 1950's measuring cup because the handle was gone, but I couldn't bear to trash it. I still use it. As kids, we spent many sunny afternoons beachcombing, examining rocks, drift wood, shells, sea glass, abandoned nests & hives....and now when I look around my home I see beaver-stripped sticks, rocks (from here & places I've travelled), shells, sea glass & feathers that I've accumulated over the years, unconsciously knowing they would be my interior décor. Even my gardens got their start from pieces of Mum's peonies, purple iris, tall phlox etc. These too, I treasure. Thank you Mum for giving me the best gift of all!
I have boxes and jars of shells, sand dollars, coral, stones, and silica sand as fine as powdered sugar, from my parents' beachfront condo on Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL. They both passed years ago, and I treasure this collection. Every morning at dawn, and especially after a storm, Mom would join the many shell seekers walking the beach, sifting through the bounty from the Gulf of Mexico. She loved to craft mirror and picture frames with the shells, and I would search for ones with tiny holes to wear on fine gold keeper earrings. I've always connected with the ocean and the beach, and they bring back fond memories of her. This weekend, I unearthed a box from the basement with shells and sea-coloured glass jars. I washed them off and plan to place a few around the house to create that beach vibe.
One of my most treasured household possessions is a 1920s Fannie Farmer cookbook that was my grandmother's. My mother was kind enough to pass it along to me and there is nothing more special than seeing her notes in the margins and embarking on a culinary adventure with her in spirit!