For those who don’t know, I grew up in Germany. My dad was in the Army and was stationed over there during the glory years of my childhood. The first two years were spent in Garmisch, in the Bavarian Alps.
After that, we moved to Stuttgart, which wasn’t quite as picturesque, but we took plenty of trips around Germany, Austria and Switzerland, staying in quaint, family-run “Gasthaus”es. It’s the equivalent to a bed & breakfast in the US. Many of them were half-timber homes with shutters at the windows, large balconies with overflowing window boxes and small cafes set up outside for dining.
I remember the pine beds, “feather deckers”, sheer, lacy curtains at the windows and Bavarian accents like Cuckoo Clocks and stag antlers.
To me, this look feels like “home.” I carried some of these elements into my own guestroom…
These strong memories of my childhood were the inspiration for one of the eBay collections I recently created. Here are some of the items I hand picked…
Often times armoires or wardrobes were found in the rooms, since closets were a rare thing. Usually they were simple pine, but every once in a while a more ornate version like this Beautiful French Armoire would be found.
Red Checkered Fabric stands out in my mind as the one most found on seat cushions, accent pillows and curtains. It was often paired with bright white sheets and sheer curtains at the windows.
I’ve created 24 other inspirational collections including a Classic White Bathroom and Miss Mustard Seed’s Style (my book, Milk Paint and some of my favorite fabrics can all be found on eBay!) You can “follow” me and view all of my other collections HERE. #FOLLOWITFINDIT
Disclosure: The is a paid featured post. My eBay Collections were curated as part of a collaboration with eBay and Style Coalition.
31 Responses
Three years ago as a family we went to Germany and stayed in Garmisch. The view out our window was exactly like your first photo. Wonder if it is the same area? We loved it there and would love to go back again.The place we stayed at was furnished simply but beautifully! Love you replication of it.
We visited Stuttgart in 2009 when my sister and brother-in-law were stationed there. It was Christmastime and we went to the Christmas market there. They actually lived in a small town called Schwieberdingen. And I have a cousin who is living in Garmisch right now. I’ve heard it’s amazingly beautiful!
P.S. I’ve always loved that bedroom of yours.
Marian, I too grew up in Germany for 3 years! We lived in Goeppingin and then Heidelburg the last two years! My dad was in the army too! Love this! I have items from that time period as well!
Your ebay collections can become a reality if you come here! I have bought several or those French armoires, painted them and sold them this year and never paid more than 300 euros for one! So many of us Americans in Germany would LOVE to take you shopping! Come over!!
So lucky you got to grown up in Garmisch, it’s like one of the most beautiful places. I currently live two hours from there. I live in Bavaria and I love it. Don’t want to leave!
I grew up in Germany, too! My dad was in the Air Force. This takes me back. I love the gasthaus look.
Such beautiful pictures as well as memories I’m sure! Reminds me of the movie “Heidi”.
Just watched Heidi with my daughter yesterday and this post immediately made me think of it too!
Oh, this brings back memories of my teenage years. I used to spend many a summer at a B&B (or should we say a “Gasthaus”) in Slovenian Alps. The village was close to Austrian border, and both architecture and lifestyle had many Austrian/German influences. Those window flower boxes were usually filled with geraniums, and there was always someone somewhere playing polka music. 🙂
Those photos bring back memories of my three years in Germany when I was in the Army. I was stationed outside of Stuttgart and lived “on the economy” (as we called it) in a small town, on the second floor of a house. The bedroom looked similar. That’s a great idea for a guest room once my kids are out on their own!
Ha…for a long time I referred to any neighborhood not on a military base as “the economy.” Being a DOD kid messed me up!
Never been to Germany, but the collection is simply beautiful. I love the armoires. My farmhouse needs a few of those. 🙂
How lovely that you carried those old memories into your life now. And yes those German, and Austrian and Swiss GASTHAEUSER are very lovely and warm, rooms are sometimes small, but very warm and inviting, and the cooking is usually very good as well. Very cute photos… I am German and therefore especially appreciate your appreciation…
Keep the good ideas coming.
Edith
You really brought back the memories for me as well. I lived in Germany for almost 10 years. The first few years were spent near the Schwabisch Halle army base. We lived in Vellberg. Then later we moved near the Ansbach/Katterbach base and lived in Herriden. We took trips to Garmisch and loved it. My son was born in Stuttgart. The entire country is beautiful and I really want to go back for a visit!
I am on eBay everyday, and the main page a lot. I haven’t seen this new idea. But I like it. Also I can make my own collection too. Why no Nutcrackers from Germany? Thanks, Marian
I’m just plumbing the depths of all the great stuff you have on your Ebay shop. You must have spent a lot of time getting it all together and it must have been fun! I just want to thank you for finding so many nice items with great prices. This is going to be a popular site I’m sure.
My husband and I were just in Munchen in the beginning of September as a dear friend of ours just married a delightful Bavarian girl. We were able to attend the wedding; a truly glorious, family, filled, 15hr event!!! We went to beautiful Garmisch for a day and to urban Stuttgart (and the Porsche factory) another day. Everything was wonderful!! 🙂
Ah, the memories. I was stationed in Stuttgart and met my husband there. We returned with 3 children after the wall came down. Our motto was to travel as many weekend and school holidays as possible! So many wonderful memories. Still influences me.
I also agree with you all that Garmisch is a beautiful, fairy-tale village. I met my husband when we were both working for the DoD there. I lived in a cute, yellow cottage with apple trees in the back yard. I love the style of their homes….all the flower boxes!
Ok, next painting will have to be of the German countryside where you lived, or something around that. I mean red gingham, not many things are better than that. Even that little photo of you and your mom with that amazing backdrop has an energy about it that must be captured…
Cindy
Girl, you rock that Dirndl 😉 So cute! I love that you have such precious memories of Germany. I always get homesick when I read you Germany posts.
Marian,
Ah this brings back memories! We too lived in Germany when I was a child. In fact aside from 18 months we lived there from kindergarten until the Christmas break in 7th grade… I was one of those kids who just disappeared over Christmas as I didn’t tell anyone we had orders. Who knows what my 7th grade mind was thinking, ha ha! 3 years in Bamberg and 3 in Augsburg… my parents had hand carved end tables, coffee table, and lamps for years. (my mom offered them to us as newly weds but we turned them down.) It is truly a beautiful land and I hope to return one day!
I guess I get to add to this listing too! I am the youngest of 4 and was born outside of Paris to an Air Force-father~but we came back to the US when I was almost 2. My 2nd brother was in the army and stationed in Garmisch and Stuttgart, and we eagerly took advantage to see Germany and re-visit France several times!
This blogging world never fails to amaze me–I was so excited “meeting” so many like-minded, creative women, but what a surprise finding so many other military-brats!!
Catherine
Hi MMS,
I just read this post and had not heard that you lived in Germany, never mind Stuttgart! What a hoot! I was born in Stuttgart, and as I read some of the other comments I see that there are more of us than I have run into in my life, we should form a club! My Dad was stationed there after WW11. I was only about 3 or so when I left, so my memories are few, but the ones I have are vivid. I returned for the first time in December of 2010 and it was ‘snow’ wonderful, I’m glad I decided to go in the Wintertime. I love Bavaria and brought many cultural items home, cuckoo clock, linens, lace curtains, dishes, etc. I believe you were one of, if not the first blog I ever read. I found it surfing somehow and have followed you all this time, and what a ride it has been for you. So happy for all your success and I appreciate all your creativity and your faith. If you could give me one reason to start a blog, what would it be? God bless you & your family & your business! Cathy
Yes, this post has been so fun for me to connect with other military brats who lived in Europe. We should have a little club! (Or maybe it would be a big club!!) I loved it over there and can’t wait until I can visit. I know it will be emotional for me, because it felt like “home” more than any other place I’ve lived.
As far as starting a blog, the #1 reason would be community. It doesn’t matter if you want to have a blog as a business or hobby, it’s a great way to connect and share your story, expertise, etc. It’s fun to link to the parties, leave comments and find other people who love the things you love. I have found new best friends all over the world and that has been one of the biggest blessings. 🙂
Hi;
My daughter is in Garmisch Germany working at Edleweiss resort, and has been there almost a year. She said that when she looks out her window it is like a painting and that it doesn’t seem real it is so beautiful!! She has been able to travel to many different countries in the year she has been there; I think she will be bored when she returns to the states. Take care.
I love this! 🙂 We’re currently living in Bavaria because my husband is stationed here with the Army. We travel everywhere and love everything about Germany. We have to leave next summer, but we’ve already lined up a few German grocers and found a “Bavarian” town nearby where we’re going to be stationed next. A little part of Germany will always live within me, and I hope, my kids, too.
Wow, I love this post Marian, and all the nice comments on Germany too! I knew you were an Army Brat because you mentioned it in your book and when I read it, I automatically felt a kinship with you. I was an army brat also, born in Germany and still live here near Stuttgart. It’s a long story but I moved back to Germany when I met my husband 22 years ago and I’ve been here ever since…long time for an army brat! My experience is a little different, I live in Germany and I do love it, but I miss the US a lot also and with a sister and family there I try to visit when I can. Alas, that’s the life when you’ve been raised in two different places!
Yes, we should form a club! And when you all come visit, I’d love to be your tour guide! There are so many wonderful places to visit I wouldn’t know where to begin.
Now for the hard part, I just wanted to sit down and write a post, but it will have to wait…I want to see your Ebay collection ideas first!
herzliche Grüße,
Siggie
Wow! I also grew up in Germany, 16 years, as an Air Force Brat. Bruggen, Ramstein, Bitburg and Munich. I often think this is what influences a lot of my “artistic” likes and dislikes. Now having lived in the states longer than Germany (that was a sad realization a few years back), I still think of Germany as “home.” sigh… Northern Virginia will just have to do for now.
The cabinet is beyond beautiful- just perfect!