Our new (and yet, very old) home is beginning to take shape ever-so-slowly. There are many more boxes to unpack, many more trunkloads of purged belongings to donate. But we are getting there. I was recently telling a friend that my life has been so busy that I haven't made the time to post on the blog. I want to keep a record for the children of the milestones, both large and small, of their childhoods. So I'm going to try to be a little more faithful to post our comings and goings.
Here are a few peeks into the areas that are unpacked. Don't be fooled because the remainder of the house, not pictured here, looks fairly chaotic at this moment and may for a few more weeks.
This home was built in 1870 and was once the farmhouse for a 65 acre farm. The land was sold to our county's historical society many years ago and is now a living museum where visitors can learn more about Ohio history.
There are several entrances to the house but the one we use most often is through a small mudroom/hallway where the farmer used to walk in and immediately wash his hands in a large porcelain sink. The sink is worn from a century of use and is permanently stained where the porcelain has worn off. But I think that adds to its charm.
There is a large backsplash and side area where I've put some plants and an antique scale I bought at a vintage shop. The window above the sink lets in alot of morning light so the plants are flourishing.
Pictured below is opposite the sink area where we hang tote bags, nature notebook bags and a few other things. One of my favorite recent finds is that basket. It has a hole in the bottom for storing plastic bags (of the grocery store variety). They can be pulled through the bottom whenever one is needed.
Another view of the mudroom area. The color I chose for the walls is called Butter Cookie by Behr. Eventually the tan woodwork will be painted white but we have a few things to do beforehand.
Next is the bedroom which will easily become my favorite room when all is said and done around here. I love this coverlet. I have had other quilts and comforters over the years but this is by far my favorite. The paint in the bedroom is called Brown Bread by Behr.
Here is a little area I worked on in our dining room. I wanted to set up an entertaining buffet for those times when friends stop by for a visit or when we just want a place to put appetizers and snacks. There are no big drinkers in our family but we enjoy a bottle of wine on the weekends.
I often peruse the Pottery Barn catalog and other similar places for decorating ideas. They have many decanters and carafes listed on their site from $30-$100 but they can be found for a fraction of that at resale, antique or Goodwill shops. I bought the two glass decanters as well as the cocktail shakers for a few dollars each at a fabulous local vintage shop. In the far back left is an old sterling silver trophy cup that I am using as an ice bucket.
Wait, as an aside, do you see the lilacs?!? I am so delighted to live in a home once again where lilacs grow in the yard! I can't tell you how happy the flowers make me.
Here is a funky, industrial tool shop organizer that is now being used as a wine rack. Not sure about the candles but for now there they stay. I really like industrial retro accents. Couldn't handle a full house of it but I like a bit here and there. The typewriter, for example, adds character and conversation to a home.
There is a second floor full bath and a first floor bath with a shower in this home. Oddly, the first floor bath is also the laundry room. This is odd in that when a guest needs to use the bathroom, they must do so with a washer and a dryer in the room. Maybe no one else will think that strange but we do. Anyhow, I've tried to make the two meld together as best as possible.
The large glass container holds the powdered laundry soap. I've used some vintage blue Ball jars for cotton balls and q-tips. A few baskets for storage and a sign I picked up because I thought it was neat. Hopefully, the kids will do those things regularly. At least, here's hoping. :)
Ok, off to bed now for me. I will try to post some more photos as areas are unpacked, decorated and finished. Thanks for stopping by!
