fireplaces

We don't have a fireplace... I think I'll build one {a faux one because they're a fortune to build- I've checked} and get one of these for heating emergencies... {and to be cute and old-fashioned... which I mean in the best way of course since I'm a huge fan of old-fashionedness}

{unknown manufacturer}

Or ideally this... 

{also unknown manufacturer}

Anybody with me? Happy blizzard! 

nix wallpaper coming back...

Remember when {two posts ago} I said wallpaper was coming back? Nevermind about that. I found something SO much better!

photo by Ashley Ann Photography

I saw this post from Under the Sycamore about painted subflooring and was super inspired. {How beautiful are her floors??} Then yesterday while shopping at Hobby Lobby I stumbled upon a number of different giant stencils to use for walls or floors! To give the appearance of wallpaper! 

I'm pretty excited... and am pretty sure I have much more patience for painting stencils than putting up wallpaper. {Plus there's no tearing down if you want to change... hallelujah!}

I must say I love this website I found- Royal Design Studio. Please check them out- SO much inspiration and amazing stencils to buy. Here are just a few inspiration rooms from them I know you will love...

So much fun, I can't wait to stencil a wall or floor! 

knobs and hardware

I've grown up with some attention to detail- especially in door and cabinet hardware- thanks to my parents' little business where they sell these things. Watching a movie Dad would say, "that's a Baldwin knob", and Mom would say, "yep they put it on backwards." 

Not uncommon. 

So I think door and cabinet hardware is really fun and can add tons of character to a space.

One day while shopping in one of my very favorite stores {Anthropologie} I came across some really beautiful hardware I can't get out of my head {and that I really think Mom and Dad need to start carrying} 

Beautiful huh? They are pretty pricey over at Anthropologie, but I've seen some beautiful hardware also sold at antique stores, World Market, and Hobby Lobby {which are often on sale!} 

My cabinets are hardware-less right now. A perfect time for dreaming!

adding {character} to your house

I'm in the planning and dreaming mode of re-design.

Can I tell you how much I love a house with character? LOVE old houses that have beautiful moulding, crystal door knobs, built-ins, old fixtures. Unfortunately our house was built in 1967 during a time when houses were built pretty much cookie cutter without much character. I've always wanted to live in an old house, maybe someday... but in the meantime I can add some character myself.

Like a crystal chandelier for the dining room...

photo from Coastal Living

And some paneling...

photo from McCabe Lumber

I have to say I'm REALLY excited about adding paneling. And I refuse to spend a fortune, so I'll share with you how I do it when it comes time. Until then,

Here are some of my favorite ways to 

add character to a house:

1. Add crown moulding 
2. Replace flat doors with paneled doors
3. Add vintage or interesting hardware to cabinets and doors
4. Exchange outdated {un-pretty} fixtures with vintage or stunning new ones {I like the new ones that look old}
5. Add wall sconces 
6. Buy ornate outlet covers, switch plates, and vent covers to replace the white {or worse- beige} ones.
7. Add paneling to walls {no not that 70's retro pretend wood that covered whole walls- although I've seen that painted and it can look really good... painted} 
8. Build a fireplace {even if it's faux} 
9. Add built-ins {shelves, cabinets, desks, even murphy beds}
10. Update your front door with a pretty leaded glass door
11. Instal french doors {I love them in offices and dining rooms... pretty much anywhere} 
12. Refinish or put in wood floors 
13. Use antiques {an old desk for a bathroom vanity? Vintage curtain rods?} 
14. Dare I say... wallpaper? I know... I'm even scared of it, but have you seen new hotels that use it to texture a wall? It looks incredible! Or really fun big vintage patterns... but paint can also add nice texturing. {I think wallpaper is coming back- mark my words}
15. Expose {or add "exposed"} beams to the ceiling 
16. IF you need to replace windows... go for the really pretty, original designs {by no means replace them to just to replace them- if you're going to do that call me, I'll find a use for your old ones}
17. Spiral staircase anyone? My parents somehow managed to add two to their house- but they are fun and very pretty. {There's no way one would fit in our house but I wish}
18. How about outside... a cobblestone pathway or patio

Hope this inspires you!