1. How long have you been in your present home? Is this it for the long haul? Anything you would care to change if you could?
We have lived in this house for 6 years. Even though I love our home, I only see us staying here until our 2 boys are finished with high school. After that, I think I would enjoy downsizing and living somewhere in the South. I kind of feel like I am "caretaking" this house for the next family. Our neighborhood is ideal for young children, so once mine are gone, I think it will be time to leave. Of course, most of my plans have a way of changing....so you never know!
There is a lot I like about this house, but I think the lot is a little odd. It's a rectangle and the house is situated with yard on the sides and not much in the back. I would love a larger back yard and a larger kitchen. I have "island" envy, since I don't have one.
Luckily, we recently finished a renovation which enabled me to fix many of the things I did want to change. Such as, no covered entry into the house, a teeny tiny laundry room, no mudroom, a lack of a play space for my boys and their friends, peeling siding and a leaky roof!
Our new mudroom
2. If you could only live in two rooms of your house, which two would they be?
First, I think I would choose my bedroom because it feels cozy and I can see the tree tops. I find it very calming. Second, the kitchen/family room as it is open space where I can cook, work at my desk, the kids can do their homework, we can watch t.v. It is literally in the center of the house and where I begin and end every day.
Master bedroom
Kitchen/Family room
The kitchen, family room is currently undergoing a transition to beach colors...sky, sand and ocean. Here's a peek at the fabrics I'm using.
3. How would you describe your decorating style?
I think my style has loosened up since I've lived in this house. (Perhaps because I'm raising young boys?!) I used to like things more formal. Now, I'm more interested in comfort and usability. Although, I still like things to look elegant and chic. So...."soothing and sophisticated", might be a good description. My color preferences are also shifting. Less beige and leanings toward gray and greige.
Landing and powder bath outside the new upstairs playroom
4. Do you have a favorite color scheme? What is it?
I find that I consistently like neutral colors for major pieces and then I can add color and texture with my accessories. For example, in the living room the accents are hot pink and chocolate brown.
Living Room
I recently wallpapered our center hall with a neutral but busy print. I have a tapestry that we bought for the living room of our old home...but it just seemed to be the perfect large scale work of art for our narrow hallway. And, it pulls the colors from each of the rooms that feed into it.
My antelope stair runner is one of my favorite things in the house.
5. Favorite room of your house and why?
My favorite room is the one we call "the brown room" (because it's painted a dark brown). It's a great room for cocktails and conversation or just curling up with a magazine or watching t.v.
6. Best two tips you can give to anyone looking to tackle the decorating of their own home? Best two things to NOT do?
I think one of the most important things to consider is the "flow" of a home. Not only the physical flow, but the connection rooms have to one another. Tying the rooms together with paint colors or wallpapers that relate to one another is a great way to create a cohesive feeling.
I also think "layering" is a way to add interest and personality to your home. Stack the books, top them with a candle or object with some texture or reflection. Make sure things are not at the same level....vary things. Some high, some low...and then leaving breathing room.
What you shouldn't do is try or expect that you can decorate a house in a day, a week, a month or even a year. Sure, you can get the basics down, but it takes time to create a home....so enjoy the journey and let it continually evolve.
7. What do you think are the most important features for a kitchen?
I've had every size kitchen...large, small and in-between. You can cook a great meal in any size, but there are things that are "nice" to have. In my opinion, a farmhouse sink not only looks great, but just makes doing the dishes so much easier. I also have come to love a really great gas stove. Basically, you need a space with some light and enough counter space to spread out a little.
8. How do you like to dress up a cocktail table and console in a living room?
I think these are great opportunities to use a tray and corral things. Start with a stack of favorite coffee table books - the subjects will give your guests a peek at your interests. Then, layer in candles, objects and either something metal or glass.
Coffee table in my living room - more formal
A bench in my family room...more rustic and informal
Coffee table in the family room
9. Any advice on the subject of lighting?
I love lighting...but I think it pays to mix it up. Recessed lighting is fine if it's on dimmers. Chandeliers can give heft to a space. Lamps allow you to bring in color and eye level lighting. And, then candles....lots and lots of candles. Everyone looks better in candlelight!
Dining room chandelier...set early in the day for a dinner party
Dining room chandelier..and candlelight (taken just before we sat down).
Some of my favorite new light fixtures are in my boys' playroom. It still needs some work...so this is definitely "in process".
10. Have a favorite paint color? Do tell!
My new favorite paint color is Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (HC-173). We recently used this color in my kitchen/family room/mudroom/laundry room to create a cohesive feeling. It is a beige with a tinge of gray...so one of those "greiges". It is calming, warm and yet gives a little depth.
11. What are a couple of really simple inexpensive things you can do in your home to make it feel "homey" and inviting?
I think some of the things that can make your home feel "homey" and inviting are things you've seen above. First....the welcome mat begins at the front door. Make sure your entry is inviting. Pots of flowers, freshly painted front door, update your actual welcome mat. Next, get rid of the clutter and make sure things are straightened up. Sounds simple, but just having things in their place is calming. Finally, fresh flowers and aromatic candles enlist the senses. What I've learned is that all the things that make your home enjoyable to others are the very things that make it enjoyable for YOU. So, whether you're expecting guests are not....have your house "guest ready" and you will enjoy the benefits.
12. Fill in the blank- If money was no object, the very first thing I would buy for my home would be...........
OK...since this is a fantasy, I'm going to go for the very impractical dream idea of a swimming pool. I love the calming affect of water and would love nothing more than to sit by the pool relaxing and have a place for my boys to play. I love being outside when the weather is nice and perhaps winter has gotten the best of me. Umbrella drinks, anyone?!
Tina, this has been so much fun. I hope you and your readers have enjoyed the tour of my home!!
Before I run off to substitute teach, I had to come by and say hello. This house is stunning and I have to applaud her for acknowledging that she will not remain in this magnificent home! But it makes sense to downsize when the kids are gone.
ReplyDeleteLovely rooms, a fantastic exterior and the colors of the landscaping are making me want SPRING, TINA! I also am with her about the fantasy item: A POOL and one as such, with a Romanesque feel to it!
Enjoy your day sweet Tina! Anita
Love her home! Beautiful decor and a wonderful gracious feeling!
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming and beautiful home, reminds me of The Father of the bride movie house. Love that antelope stair carpet, can I ask who makes it?
ReplyDeleteGood advice from someone who obviously has really nice taste. This was fun!
I adore that house! So much "old house" charm but updated to perfection. Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteelizabeth's home is beautiful inside and out and same goes for her! one talented lady, with parties, too!
ReplyDeleteI love these guest posts Tina! What a truly elegant, welcoming and inspired interior. Thank you:) B
ReplyDeleteTina ... Love this home! Congratulations Elizabeth it is beautiful! So lovely to share with us and I love that dining room! Perfect ....
ReplyDeleteCheers
Frances
xxxxx
What a treat to get to see more of Elizabeth's house! I love her blog, and have gotten so much inspiration from her beautiful pictures and words, and mostly her incredible ideas for entertaining, gift giving, and making every day special.
ReplyDeleteThank you for featuring her! I would describe her style as 'casually elegant' - it is beautiful, elegant, but also you get the feeling that every room is used, and there are no places off limits.
I am hoping that when she decides to move down south, she will consider Atlanta - she would love it!
- Holly
very cozy but still chic...seems like a wonderful house to grow up in!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love Elizabeth, she is a class act. I've seen bits and pieces of her home but it was fun to see the entire house. I would happily take it off her hands when she sells!! Love her kitchen and islands just collect the kid's junk anyways. Love the dark kitchen floors against the creamy cabinets and the desk area in the Master Bedroom. This series is fun! xo
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Tina!! What a treat to appear on your blog today. Thank you so much for the kind words (blushing!) and the opportunity to share with your readers.
ReplyDeleteFor Leslie, who asked above about the antelope runner...it is Couristan Antelope by Royalax. Stark has one that is very similar.
Today looks like a beauty!! Enjoy every minute.
xoxo Elizabeth
Elizabeth is just a beautiful inside and out! Her home, her blog and everything she does, has elegance yet not at all stuffy or uptight. A great spot to share with her family and friends.
ReplyDeleteLovely and I am impressed that the playroom is a work in progress. Kids grow so fast but it is so nice for them to have a space to "hang" with friends!
Truly, if she ever does sell her home, the next inhabitants will be fortunate with all her "caretaker' skills and elegance bestowed upon her home.
pve
What an absolutely beautiful home. Such a perfect blend of whites and brown throughout the house.
ReplyDeleteI would have a real tough time leaving it myself. But when it is time to move on, we know it in our hearts and it all works out.
Thanks for a wonderful post Tina. I'm now heading over to Elizabeth's blog for some more enjoyment.
Adore Elizabeth and I am in love with her home! Gorgeous feature!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love her home. The front flowerbeds are amazing. It is just such a cute house inside and out with great attention to detail.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty home. Love the white washed brick. We are thinking of painting our brick white so I have to show this to my husband. Her yard is magnificent.
ReplyDeleteI really agree about her advice on lighting and you can never have too many candles, I like soft lighting myself. I like how she has mixed styles in her home,it is very inviting and warm. Have a nice day.
Oh my, your house is what mine should be! We also, have a triangle lot, but I've learned to love it. Your kitchen is a dream. I want to knock out my dining room wall and make mine long like yours! Your landscaping is also more what I need. : - ) That bathroom sink is gorgeous! I guess I'll stop here, but I could go on and on about what I love about your house.
ReplyDeleteJust love Elizabeth!! She is a stylish combination of great taste, fabulous resources and a truly considerate and caring person. Great pick!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very nice posting and you have a beautiful home.
ReplyDeleteR.
Really like her entry way with the tapestry hanging and the lighting above. Her entire home including the outdoors are so welcoming and beautiful. The plant colors outside I am taking notes for mine.
ReplyDeleteHi Tina, This is one of my favorite features from "The Enchanted Home”. Love to visit homes of your friends too. Elizabeth has a beautiful home and her decorating style is lovely. I will have to pop over for a tour of her blog. Thanks so much for introducing her.
ReplyDelete~Emily
The French Hutch
I am loving this feature every Monday!!! What a way to start each week! All of the homes have been wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGood morning Tina,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your weekend was relaxing...just like mine. A rare treat to be sure. Spring has arrived here, everything is starting to come out from its winter rest.
I LOVe your new series,although after so many beautiful houses I am not sure it is new any more. Elizabeth was one of the first blogs I read, and I love her style. The house is beautiful!
Thanks for sharing,
Elizabeth
A lovely warm inviting home. I love the fabrics that she is considering for her family room. Love the beautiful dining room, its so warm and elegant. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, Tina as I have gotten some really good sound advice including paint colors and good tips on lighting. Great job on this series.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth's home is stunning! Every space is tastefully decorated and looks so elegant and inviting. Love this series, Tina!
ReplyDelete~ Wendi
Tina...her home is amazing...love all the thought out details she added....its inviting and sophisticated but still warm!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely way to brighten up a dark and gloomy Michigan morning, tulips always make me smile. Elizabeth's home is beautiful, her tablescapes and accents are *gorgeous*. We share the same two rooms of the house we would live in, master bedroom and kitchen! BTW, I am glad you had what sounds like a relatively relaxing weekend, good for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for another wonderful post Tina!
tp
Elizabeth's home is beautiful-- so stylish and welcoming! Thank you for giving us a peek inside.
ReplyDeleteKeri
Loved this!! Elizabeth has such lovely taste. Her home is beautiful and charming and her decorating advice is spot on!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! This is one of my favorite posts of all time! I loved the tour of Elizabeth's home so much! I think it would make a great "inspired home" if I could ever get in there with my camera!
ReplyDeleteFabulous!
Thanks to you both!
XOXO
Jan
Elizabeth is wonderful and her home is gorgeous! Wonderful advise she offers up.. and I think she's right on when she says that you shouldn't plan on getting all the decorating done at once. It's a process that is constantly evolving. Great series Tina!
ReplyDeleteHave long been a fan of Elizabeth and her lovely blog. I too have 'island envy'. Wish I had one in my kitchen, but sadly no room unless I take out a few walls. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous home with us, Elizabeth! xo
ReplyDeleteLoved this post Tina.....thank you for introducing me to Elizabeth's gorgeous home and lovely blog!
ReplyDeleteHope these little signs of Spring continue for you in the States and us here in the UK - we actually washed down our garden furniture yesterday and ate lunch outside which was bliss!
Sophia
Wow! What a beautiful home! Live the exterior so much. Thank you for sharing! Debbie B
ReplyDeleteit is an amazing home and cozy atmosphere in it! Always admired the upgrade of the front fasade with black shutters. Great inspirations...
ReplyDeleteciao Z
What a beautiful home inside and out. Great advice too!
ReplyDeleteIncredible! I felt like I was looking through a House Beautiful magazine!! Love the mud room!
ReplyDeleteThis is one that I was actually actively hoping you would feature! I loved seeing into Elizabeth's world - it's lovely as a expected :)
ReplyDeleteStacy
Beautiful home, but it's Elizabeth's garden that has me swooning. Makes me want to redo my front entry with pretty topiary plants in gorgeous urns.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feature. It's interesting to peek into her world.
SUCH a beautiful home...so excited about this blog. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat was the most fun, inviting and gracious tour - just like Elizabeth. I just love every detail of her home and followed the bathroom/mudroom renovation with great anticipation. There is no doubt that an abundance of love and great care went into every decision, and the exterior of the home and yard...stunning!! A fabulous home tour, Tina and Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth's home is stunning... and that antelope runner... and staircase... stunning... xv
ReplyDeleteI have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this sort of house. Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site.
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Nice post, I appreciate you and your post is very informative for me. I would like to read your next post. Thanks for creating this great post.
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Lovely, lovely home. The house is gorgeous and I love the yard. She's got a real sense of style.
ReplyDeleteawesome post about information ofswimming pool Lights if you are looking for equipment
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Elizabeth is a lovely person and her home reflects this...it is so inviting! Thanks for sharing this, Tina and Elizabeth! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWe love Elizabeth - not only for her dear friendship but for her grace and style! Thanks for sharing her home with us.
ReplyDeletexxoo
C + C
All looks good and awesome! I desire to have this someday. Also I liked the place of the television, that's really perfect!
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A charming and cozy home. I like how open it feels, like no room is off limits. Thanks for opening up your lovely home to us. This series is such a good one.
ReplyDeleteKnowing Elizabeth- I knew her home would be fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI love every single room. What a fabulous job they have done renovating things.
And yes, Elizabeth makes everything special. I adore her blog.
Thank you, Tina, for such a great post.
Teresa
xoxo
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
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