Monday, July 11, 2011

The Nickel Tour - Part 1 of the Before Pics

Thank you so much for all the lovely comments about our new place.  You surprised me with your excitement and enthusiasm about this project.  Excitement was shared not only through comments, but volumes of emails too!  Thank you for that!

It's no surprise that I love the place, but I didn't expect it to be contagious. 

For me, the exterior of our new place is very near farmhouse perfection, it truly parallels the picture that I've had in my mind for decades. 
The exterior is the house of my dreams! :-))
The interior is lovely too, but has a far different feel than the exterior.  And unlike the exterior, it will see many changes in the future.  Let me show you around the entry and living area so I can get your take on the before photos.

I'm so excited to have you with me as we begin this journey!

This home went through a major renovation almost 20 years ago, not to be a personal residence, but renovated so it could be used as a bed and breakfast. 

I've seen the before photos taken prior to that renovation and the house was in near ruins, they saved it in the nick of time.
During that renovation, a formal Victorian style decor was chosen to create a yesteryear atmosphere for weekend guests.
They did a wonderful job of choosing papers and colors that lend perfectly to a Victorian decor, and if I were a weekend guest this would be lovely.
But, since this will be our full-time home, we will take the interior in a simpler and much less formal direction. 
Our use of this space will be tremendously different, so the decor and color palette should be different too.  I'm already exploring paint colors and products.

But, would you look at the bones and appointments of this place!
Can you see the amazing potential?
Our life is extremely busy, very informal, always filled with pets and people, and our home has to be a host to those things. 

The most important part of decorating a home is that it is a reflection of the people that live there.
So, here's my goal....
I would like to make the inside feel like the outside looks. 

I can see it in my mind's eye.....
Can you see it too?
Can you see the projects ahead? :-))
My farmhouse fresh vision includes
lots of white and light,
a fresh and much lighter color palette,
breezy open windows,

chippy furniture,
and slip covered seating.
Can you imagine that for this space?
A vintage home styled for a modern life.

Can you see it with me? 

41 comments:

Sweet Old Vintage said...

It is truly a home with lovely bones but I think it is far too dark... I will be looking forward to many months as projects of your lovely home take place... What a exciting adventure... Making it your own style....

Amy said...

If anyone can do it, you can! It will be lovely when you are finished!

Anonymous said...

I agree it is dark but with your vision and your husbands tools magic will be done. I can not wait to see the progress. Keep us informed.vera

CoopDeVilla said...

It is going to be beautiful. I see lots of whites, grays, and maybe greens. Yes, brighten that baby up. Tons of work, but like you said, great bones. Thank you so much for the tour. My heart is beating somewhat slower now. Would love to see the kitchen and start dreaming about that.

Lee said...

So exciting! Looking forward to the 'after' pictures!
You must be brimming with ideas....now your patience will be tested.
Thanks for sharing!

Taylor M said...

Oh, this house is a dream for you two and will be a dream for us to watch the transformation!

I know this can be a hot topic, but please tell me you are planning to paint the woodwork. I want to paint mine and am too chicken to do it, this would be such an inspiration if you are brave enough to paint yours.

Virginia said...

The woodwork and built ins are marvelous! Such a beauty of a home. I can't wait to see how you transform it from dark to light.

Susan Freeman said...

Exceptional bones and I am sure it will be even more lovely when you add your touches!

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Sharon Morrison said...

I can see why you are so in love with this place. It spoke to you from the beginning.
I love the wood work, and beautiful cabinet doors on the book cases in the parlor.
I see white, gray, clean. Beautiful rugs on the floor that are light and of course hide the dirt.!!

Please post pictures of the kitchen!!

Amy Chalmers said...

I have to say your blog now is my favorite one to see pop up on the sidebar, as I know I will get to live vicariously through you as you work on your dream house!! I too see the entire interior lightened with white paint! It is oppressive in there with the dark paint and heavy patterns...so get out the paint sister!! It is going to be sooooo pretty when you are done!

Darla said...

So looking forward to watching you lighten and brighten this home....it has tons and tons of potential and you are just the woman to tackle it!

Kim Hodges said...

The "bones" of your new home are wonderful.....I can't wait till' you work your magic!

Angela said...

I see it...and it's beautiful! Those built in cabinets are wonderful. I see lots of white and light from windows bouncing off it.

Ms. Bake-it said...

Oh, I can so see it! It is going to be fabulous! It definitely has great bones. Love the exterior! I cannot wait to see how you transform the interior and the yard. Love that the seller gave you the original deed with the house. I agree that Cass summed it up perfectly. It is how I feel and why I do not feel truly at home in my current house. Sounds strange but it is true.

~ Tracy

Carrie Waller Watercolors said...

How Amazing is that house!! Just fabulous, can't wait to see as you put your touches on it.

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

What a gorgeous house; I adore that staircase. And yes, I can certainly see all the potential there.

Thank you for putting us out of our misery and giving us a quick tour. I look forward to more.

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

I can see it and can't wait to go through the process. I'm reading every time you post!

Pat

Faded Charm said...

Oh, the bones of this house are wonderful. I can imagine what you are thinking by making it more open and functional with white paint and lighter colors. Can't wait to take this journey with you and thanks for sharing:-)

Good luck!

xoxo
Kathleen

Kathy said...

WOW! My jaw dropped when I saw this! What amazingly beautiful wood-work you have to start with. Maybe you can get a big discount for the gallons of white paint it's gonna take! I am so looking forward to following your progress. I know already that you are going to make it a real show place.

The mum of all trades said...

this house just oozes character, you are going to have so much fun decorating it.

susan said...

laurie the words r there but i just can't say them i will say THANK YOU 4 letting those of us who will never get to live out their dreams bc of health, finances, etc.sincerely a big hug from ur friends in that position watching u is very exciting so keep that in mind u r living out a dream that many of us never will except thru you! hugs and kisses and Godspeed thru this great texas style adventure

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

Oh, it is absolutely charming and breathtaking. I cannot wait to watch the progression. I love the dark woods, but love light and airy as well but I can just see this coming even more alive given that touch. what a dream come true for you!

Nancy

cupcakegirl said...

Oh Laurie Anna, you have no idea how excited I am to follow you on this journey. I read a lot of blogs but haven't looked this forward to blog posts by anyone in a long time. I check every afternoon to see if there is an update about your new house. I love the photos and the woodwork is beautiful, but I think paint will bring that home to life! Thank you for taking us along!! You should have a Laurie Annas painting party!

Amy R. said...

Oh yes, I can see it and I am picturing lots of lots of white paint on that trim! It is beautiful. Hope you don't have to do all that painting yourself cause I would have to if that dreamy home were mine!
:) Amy

Alaina said...

I am SO excited for you. I must say this would be a dream for me, to fix up an old house. Don't get me wrong I love my home, I put my heart into everything we built but..... Your new home has so much potential and I just can't wait to see it as you work your majic.

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

OMG! You lucky girl. My heart is singing for you. When I look for homes it's always an old home in am amazing neighborhood or little village. Better yet on the outskirts of a little village. Yes, I can see it all painted white, creamy white. I have always loved those pillars connected to little book cases. Oh lucky you. Can we see the kitchen too?

Rebecca said...

How exciting! This will be wonderful and so much fun to transform. I am along for the journey!
Have fun
Blessings
Rebecca

Stephanie said...

Bring on the light & bright!

B's Mommy said...

So happy she (new house) found you! We all know what wonderful care you will take of her. She is a very very luck house. I am so excited I could burst! I can't wait to see what you create. I know it will be exquisite.

Pearl said...

What a truly amazing home! I'm in love with it too. Oh I agree on it being lighter and I think you will do amazing things with this home because your right it has to be YOU! I am loving following your redo.

Lady Butterbug said...

Hi Laurie,

I would love to live in a farmhouse just like yours. This brings back memories of my maternal grandparents farmhouse in Iowa. Enjoy every minute of your experience.
Karla

Angela @ Cottage Magpie said...

Oh my goodness! I'm so excited for you and so excited to see this transformation unfold. I can totally see it and I just know it's going to be stunning. I can't stand it! I'm loving every second of this! :-) Don't hold back -- details! We want details! :-)

~Angela~

Lori said...

I can't wait to see your family stamp put on that house. Oh the changes are a comin'. Lucky you two.

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I've been enjoying Anne from Fiona & Twig's new farmhouse now I get to enjoy yours too! How exciting!!

chicken coops said...

Looks huge! Just need lightening up a bit!

sweetpea said...

oh my! it is so charming but once you give it a freshening with lots of white and chippyness it will be unbelievable. the exterior is to die for. you are very blessed.

hugs,

shelley

Miss Gracie's House said...

oh, yes...I do see it! It has wonderful bones and architectural features...are you really going to paint all of the wood?! Not, that I don't think you should but I have been dragging my feet for *years* on painting ours...there's no turning back even though it would still be 100 yr old wood...I love the outside, too and it is also the look I am going for...I am gonna love watching your progress...thanks for taking us along!
Rene

Anonymous said...

learned a lot

Mary said...

OMGoodness, LaurieAnna!! This is my dream home, too!! How wonderful and exciting for you!! Now I wouldn't touch that beautiful wood, but I know dark wood isn't in style, and to each his own. I know when you are done it will be EXQUISITE!! I am so looking forward to seeing every step you take in your new home!!
Love you!
Mary

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Lucky lucky you! I would love to have an old farm style house to fix up. Oh, the possibilities, but I am stuck in a traditional home which is very nice, but as I have gotten older I find myself wanting an older home with a simpler style. I look forward to following with you on this journey.

Heaven's Walk said...

I'd be slapping white paint ALL OVER the inside of that sweet house, Laurie! lol! I can TOTALLY see your vision....! It's gonna be beautiful!!!! :)

xoxo laurie