Arriving Home

Each week I write about all kinds of things that have been rattling around in my head as I work with clients, from clutter to contractors to kitchen colors.

But no matter the topic, what I am always trying to say is this:

You deserve to live in a place that is beautiful to you, a space that speaks to your soul and makes you feel at home.

When you have such a place to go to at the end of the day-- a place that helps you relax and restore--you have more to give to the people you love, and more to give to the world at large.

This important place (your home) is created one little step at a time (not overnight), it is created through keeping things simple (not by being fussy and spending a lot of money), and it is created by being honest with yourself about what things really make you feel good and therefore have a place in your space.

My challenge to you: find 5 things in your home that you love and make you feel good, and 5 things that you know drag you down. Make sure the lovely things are somewhere prominent--where you can enjoy them. The other 5 things need to go -- their welcome is officially worn out.

The quaint & beautiful cottage paintings seen above can be found here and here.

Exterior Update

Last year I wrote a post about some clients of mine who were preparing to paint the exterior of their Dutch Colonial cottage, and had asked me to help with color selection and other details (you can see the original post here). I recently heard that they had finished painting, so I stopped by to snap a few pictures to share!

Doesn't it look great?

The new two-tone color scheme on the body of the house brings attention to the architectural details of the house...

and I think the richness of the tone-on-tone green grays paired with a warm, crisp off-white for the trim adds an elegance and richness to its appearance.

As you know, I love historic houses, and I am so grateful to have been asked to to be a part of this cottage's rebirth.

Down A Winding Lane....

I have the best job in the world. No, really. I do. You will never be able to convince me that your job is better than mine. Go ahead and TRY.

Just a few Saturday mornings ago, while the birds were singing and the sun was shining, I climbed into my Honda with my travel mug full of hot coffee~off to pick exterior paint colors for an amazing little historic house tucked away on a winding, tree-lined lane.

The owners are diligently working to bring the charm back to their lovely house, and revive the architectural detail that has been stripped from it over the years. I had spent the time before I met with my new clients researching the type of house they have and gathering ideas based on its style--possibly indicating how their house may have been painted in the past.

An understanding of your house’s architectural style is your best friend when you are hoping to kick up your curb appeal, wanting to select paint colors, or deciding on roofing, siding or other exterior materials. Knowing what is appropriate helps you to make choices that look pulled together and intentional.

This house is a beautiful cottage built during the Victorian era, but with the influence of the Dutch Colonial style of architecture. In addition to a certain palette and placement of colors, my main suggestion to these homeowners was the addition of a shake siding to the front gable, (or “Gambrel” in this style) to add appropriate texture and detail. Here is an example of a modern house that has similar influences:

Do you know what style your house is? Check out this link about house styles, and get some ideas and inspiration for your next exterior project!

p.s. make sure you check back soon. As soon as the painting is finished, I will post the “afters”!