Tomorrow is friday! Aren't you excited?
I sure am.
Before we all kick off the weekend, I'd like to share some images of the
character and charm at the cottage.
I'll also add some suggestions/hints on how you can add that historic charm
to your not so old home.
It's a question I get asked a lot.
The reality is...
Old homes can be a pain to take care of and
the ones that have been so lovingly kept up are hard to come by.
Nonetheless, I eat, sleep, and breathe charm.
Let's begin outside.
{brick pathways}
We have brick pathways in both the front and the back of the home.
It truly takes me away. I can't explain it.
{white picket fence}
Ah, the American dream.
A white fence would definitely be a suggestion of mine if you'd like to
add character to the exterior of your home.
{full length door shutters}
Not only are shutters a great option to frame out windows,
they are equally impressive on the sides of a door.
{cedar shakes}
Cedar shakes scream the Hampton's or any place
more enjoyable then the Midwest!
Please, come in.
{glass door knobs}
Nearly every door in the cottage, besides the recently installed french doors,
have glass door knobs.
Head to antique stores and begin collecting hardware.
It's a great way to add character and interest to your doors!
{french doors and beadboard ceiling}
{another set of french doors}
{ceiling in our master bedroom}
{window seat placed in between his and her closets}
{close up of window seat}
{hardwood floors throughout}
I especially find the dining room floor special.
{tongue and groove accent wall}
Adding beadboard to a ceiling or to an entire wall can add a cozy lived in feel.
Another option is to add beadboard at chair rail height or higher.
Adding a ledge is a touch I never seem to get tired of.
{beadboard ceiling in our laundry room}
{beadboard ceiling in our sun room}
Add some blue!
{a step down to two other bedrooms}
Now for some of the nooks and crannies...
{wall and ceiling detail in the guest bedroom}
{drawers built into the closets}
{secret cubby that leads to the linen closet}
Perfect for the guest bath!
Just reach in and grab a towel, if you wish!
{the details truly matter!}
and of course...
{wood in all the windows}
A few more suggestions for our friends with newer homes...
{add a farmhouse sink}
{mounting your sink and/or hardware is always a great plan!}
{add built in's and stack them with all your favorite goodies}
{hex tile...this will definitely send you in the right direction}
{a claw foot tub}
Even better...paint it!
{have fun}
{using corbels when possible}
A project you'll eventually see here at the cottage.
Our dining room is dying for a pair.
Intermission...
Let's give Sarah Richardson some love.
The last three photos are her designs and I'm in awe every time I look (drool) over her work.
{open shelves to display dishes and glassware}
{incorporate antique furnishings}
Don't let the age of the home stop you from
making it the home of your dreams.
Charm the pants off your house!
*photos courtesy of (first 4 pinterest), (next 3 sarah richardson), last photo couresty of pinterest
