Tuesday, August 28, 2012

My Cottage Home: A work in progress


Okay, so I don’t have a “cottage” in the literal since of the word; however, a cottage is a simple, unpretentious home, a modest, often cozy dwelling – that is what I have.

Cottages are delightful little places. English cottage is my favorite decorating style. The reason that I love English cottage style is because of its comfortably haphazard grace. How delightful I find the rose chintz, strips, plaid, and leather so common to English cottages.

English cottage style seems more comfortable and cozy to me than French country. The often unadorned American cottage country style feels too bare for me.

Someone told me that my cottage style is shabby chic. No, shabby chic is not my style. For although I do have many flea market/thrift-store treasures, and I am attracted by various vintage items, shabby chic is a lighter, pastel style of decorating. I prefer warmer, darker rooms. Contrasts of dark and light excite me.

Some might argue that my home is more of the rustic cottage style. That may be true due to my budget and available resources. My home is perhaps a mixture of several country styles; however, English country is my heart’s true style.

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Progress this week:
  • I have painted the bedroom closets and two hall closets. Closets can take hours to finish with all the shelves and corners to paint.
  • I have pretty much finished arranging my living room – for now. I would like to find a comfortable armchair to place in the corner (instead of the wooden chair I have there now).
  • I have all the beds reassembled and in place.
  • The children’s rooms are mostly in order, although I have not finished with their closets due to painting.

The garage is still a mess, full of all sorts of things to set in order – so much to do!  

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Friday, August 24, 2012

Working Vacation

So…we had our hardwood floors redone, and that meant that we had to move out for three days. We had wanted to go to Monterey; however, since no one could stay home to care for the pets, we had to stay close enough to return to the house each day.

It ended up being a rather spectacular mini vacation. The hotel we stayed at was spanking newly renovated. We stayed in this wonderful two-bedroom suite with two bathrooms, a living room/dining room and a full kitchen.
Not only that… also included in the price was a complimentary full, hot breakfast buffet each morning. There were assorted cold cereals, hot oatmeal, fresh hot Belgium waffles, eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, fried potatoes, bagels, English muffins, blueberry or chocolate muffins, toast, (toppings: grated cheese, salsa, sour cream, cream cheese, fresh blueberries, jam, honey, peanut butter, butter, syrup, whipping cream) yogurts, various juices, and fresh coffee.
Even the chairs and longues around the pool were new. 
The towels on the backs were a nice touch.
We even celebrated a birthday.
It was an exciting and restful three days.
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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

My 1248 Square Foot Home

Organizing a small home isn’t easy.

I adore my little cottage and delight in the challenge to make it a comfortable, happy home. 


With growing children and changing lives, I have had to rethink my space many times.
Having removed every item from these rooms to have the floors done, it’s time to set things in order.


My plan…
Take plenty of time to move things back
Only keep item that serve a good purpose
 



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Today, I am linking up with..
Making your home sing Mondays
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