Knotty Pine and Tea, Childhood Memories

I’m in a nostaligic mood and ask your forgiveness for my need to share memories today.  Decades ago, I was born in Mobile, Alabama.  We moved to Tennessee before my 6th birthday so most of my memories in Mobile are from my toddler to pre-school years.  I’m retired so we’re talking about flashes of life back around 1950 or so. I actually remember sitting in the kitchen sink while my mother bathed me. I remember Saturday mornings sitting at the table and listening to the radio while my mother made waffles.  I remember my mother buying our first TV (without telling my dad) and standing in front of it watching my first cartoon.  Yes, I have lots of vague memories from a world that no longer exists.

Me in Mobile front yard dressed for church about 70 years ago – faded with age

No matter when you were born, you have childhood memories. I’m praying you all have good memories.  One sweet memory I have is visiting Mrs. Gillam.  She was an elderly lady who owned the house behind ours and lived in the mother-in-law apartment on the side of it. My friend Carol lived with her family in the rest of the house.  My dad had built little wooden steps over the low wire fence so Carol and I could go from one yard to another to play. All the children in the neighborhood loved Mrs. Gillam.

One morning I was playing in the backyard in the dewy early hours while my mother did dishes. Of course, I was told to never leave the yard.  Then Mrs. Gillam with her solid white hair came to the fence calling me.  Despite the rule, I came to her over the fence. It was Mrs. Gillam; I instinctively knew she was safe and sweet.  She was even older than my grandmother; I am now guessing she was in her late 80’s. Thinking back I know she was just happy to have a little child to talk to and didn’t think about frightening my mother. She took me in her little tiny home with knotty pine walls and served me hot tea and cinnamon toast. I loved the cinnamon toast and tea. She told me stories of her late husband, and I was snug and content until I heard my mother’s voice. Oh, no! I did it again!  Mama was angry, and I went home.  Today I am 73 years old and I still remember sitting with Mrs. Gillam and listening to her stories.

Photo by Judy Cook Interiors, LLC

Knotty Pine

I know it is old-fashioned but I love knotty pine paneling.  I see a room with knotty pine paneling and I feel comfy and cozy.  You probably have something from childhood you love even when it’s not in vogue. In 1989 I bought a 1940’s house with a knotty pine basement. The basement was one of the things I loved about the house.  Did you know shiplap is knotty pine painted white?   Back in 2018, Pure Wow had a great article on 3 gorgeous home trends from the 1950’s that were going to make a comeback:

Breeze Blocks

Breeze blocks provide a screen and privacy. I’ve always liked them, and they should be considered a classic.

Photo, Pure Wow

Sunken Living Rooms

I was never a big fan of this old design trend and will not embrace it if buying a new home.  When it goes out of style no one wants to buy your home!  Think about it.

Photo, Pure Wow

Knotty Pine

Yup, knotty pine is scheduled to make a comeback.  I’m sure it will be in a new interpretation to make it 21st Century. Below the panels run horizontal not vertical like the 1950’s.  I love the look!

Photo, Pure Wow

If you have a home with a large feature like vintage paneling, you can pay to remove it and replace the walls with drywall.

Photo, The Decorologist

Instead of tearing it out – paint it white or whitewash it.

Photo, House Beautiful

Be bold and go black on paneling!  Painting panels black even in a small room opens it up.

Photo, House Beautiful

If you cannot afford to paint knotty pine, traditionally the best finish for light fixtures and hardware is black or wrought iron. That’s why you will typically find black strap hinges on the cabinets of original knotty pine kitchens.  Because knotty pine is so inherently busy, it’s important to keep other things in the space simple and clean. Clutter becomes visual chaos very quickly. Knotty pine rooms often require ruthless editing. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Then you can let the knotty pine shine. White and bright lights work below. Instead of the black, the room has lots of white on the windows, lights, etc.

Photo by Judy Cook Interiors, LLC 

Life is change

Just like home design, life is really about change you know.  Life comes in stages and cycles and each generation brings its ideas.  Some things like knotty pine are straight from my early childhood.  I have some things I treasure and will keep my whole life.  I occasionally add a new treasure to my basic core group.  Other items are more trendy additions and are changed more frequently. We can take an object and add a meaning to it. It then becomes more a symbol of something bigger: love, family, faith, friends.

Photo, Rain on a Tin Roof

Give yourself permission to cherish your memories but always keep your heart open for life today.  Thanks for the visit!  Wishing you many more happy memories!

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