Every few years (okay, more frequently) I get the itch. For a new house, a new renovation, a new project. Obviously, it's not practical, nor possible, but just thinking about it gets me all excited.
After spending a weekend at a friend's lake house, I started fantasizing, "what if-ing" that we had a little vacay place. I know where it would be: my parents have a cute little second home in a small river town, right on the water. It's an tiny old town, plucked out of a bygone era, with a B&B, an ice cream shop and a good old fashioned Independence Day parade. The houses in town vary from very small Cape Cods (like my parents') to large Victorian ship captains homes. I'd be thrilled with something on the smaller side, but enough bedrooms to house the guests we'd love to have visit.
Most of the time there, when it's warm, is spent outside, so the house I envision would have smaller bedrooms that could accommodate a 'bunk room' for the little people, and a comfy bed and chair for the adults. A moderate common space would allow for gathering to play Scrabble, eat popcorn and watch movies. The kitchen would be light and bright and call to people to come in, stay awhile. Most important would be a big patio or open area that would focus on a big long table, maybe farmhouse-style, for cracking crabs and eating oysters, chomping on freshly cooked corn and sweet desserts. Lots of room for the children to run through the sprinkler, for us to play croquet, should the urge hit.
Quite obviously, this is opposite of the life we live everyday: a city home on a small lot, decorated in deep rich colors, minimal outside space. Lovely, but totally different.
I spent Friday morning wandering the aisles of our local antiques mall, decorating my dream house. I envisioned painted floors, white or light grey, walls the colors of water, sky and trees. Slip covered furniture, fluffy comforters, lots of outside nooks to encourage relaxing. Minimal stuff. Necessities and a few luxuries.
This cane set was in great shape, and was a nice comfy size...I settled so nicely into the chairs. I see soft blue or green thin cushions, sort of rumpled looking, out on the front porch.
Very cool, although un-wired, fixtures with a great patina. These would anchor the kitchen, perhaps?
I love old tin, or reproductions of, probably because my current neighborhood is full of early 1900's buildings with tin ceilings. I see this big, white mirror propped up against the living room wall.
I'd paint these chair white or another light color and upholster them in a fun, but subdued color, print. I think they'd be in the living room?
I found lots more goodies (didn't come home with any, though), including a vintage watchmakers cabinet, full of supplies. I'll show some of them in a future post.
Back to searching the MLS, and perhaps plan a trip down to my parent's place so I can stalk some of the homes I love...
