Old Charm and New Charm

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