Friday, July 26, 2013

Summer Showcase of Homes - My House Tour

There have been some beautiful home tours this week on the 2013 Summer Showcase of Homes!  Have you seen them yet?  If not, I put together a full list of all the home tours through yesterday HERE.  Today is the last day of the tours and I'm happy to be included among such talented women.

Many of you that have followed along for the last few months, know that we just recently sold our home (closing was just last week).  When we purchased the house in August 2011 as a builder's spec house, I knew that I wanted to add some individual touches to make it feel like home, but I never guessed we'd have such a short time to live there before a job change to a new city forced us to sell. 
One of the first things that drew me to the house was the hand-scraped, dark hardwood flooring and large foyer with what I call "Christmas Stairs" because I love to deck out foyer staircases for Christmas.  
One of the first things I did upon moving in was take down as many builder-grade light fixtures I could...many of them with vintage chandeliers that I've come across over the last several years.  Ironically, we turned around and took them down and replaced them back with the builder-grade ones when we went to list the house because they were too taste-specific.  You'll probably see them pop up here and there in future homes!
One of my favorite rooms in the house was the dining room. I would say 95% of all the furniture in my house was second-hand (thrifted, Craig's List, antique) that I purchased all on a super-tight budget, but I splurged in my dining room with a trestle dining table and upholstered seating.  It was comfortable, but felt elegant at the same time.  
Just through the dining room was a spacious, gourmet kitchen that I'm pretty sure that I'll be sorely missing in the future!  I had plans to add under-cabinetry lighting and was on the hunt for the perfect light fixture for over the island for a long time, but now I'm glad that I never found it...because then I'd have had to leave it or take it down again :)

Flowing from the kitchen was the great room, which I also had more "plans" for...
I tend to paint walls in neutral colors and use more accessories in decorating, but the builder neutral color used was so pale, that it felt cold.  Since I wasn't about to paint this two-story room myself, I was eventually going to hire a painter to darken it just slightly to offset the trim a bit as well as add softening curtain panels on the window wall...

Finishing off the downstairs was a powder room...
...and my favorite room in the house...my craft room!
Besides sleeping in the bedroom, I would say that I spent the most time in this room...creating and painting away...

All the bedrooms in the house were upstairs, which worked out well with a baby when we moved in. Now that the kids are getting a bit bigger, I think it will be nice to have a main floor master in the future.  I did enjoy our master bedroom as it truly felt like a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house...
The above photo is with the spring/summer bedding and addition of the ceiling fan for resale purposes. Living in NC, I'm thinking these ceiling fans are almost a must, but I do love a pretty chandelier in my room...
I'm going to miss the chalkboard faux fireplace too...  The buyers of the house initially didn't want it, then changed their minds and wanted to keep it, and then changed their minds again so I ended up painting over it at the last minute before closing...uggh!
Kids' rooms are my absolute favorite to decorate!  I had so much fun putting my girls' rooms together...
My middle daughter, Lily, is my little gardener (funny how kids live up to their names), so she got a cheerful and happy bedroom that is just like her personality.
My youngest daughter's room was inspired from the ornate antique bed that I bought a while back and her grandpa fixed up...
I added lots of frenchy touches, including this made-over thrift store settee...
The laundry room was also upstairs in the house, which was nice and convenient...except on move-in day when just my husband and I hauled the front-load washer up the stairs ourselves...whew!  Thanks goodness the movers moved them down!
I'm happy that we had the short time we did to enjoy our home. It's hard to know what the future holds and as much as we'll miss our home and community, I have to keep my head up and hope everything in the new city works out.  Next week, we'll pack up our suitcases here at my mom's house and head over the Greensboro area to move into a rental home that I've never even seen!  My husband has gone through the house (which is 1,300 sq ft. smaller).  Yes, this all sounds crazy, but if you knew how fast rental homes go in that area, you'd understand. It came to the point that we just needed a roof over our heads, so you can count on some more adventures to come!

Make sure you stop and enjoy the other beautiful home tours that are posted today:

Kristen

43 comments:

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

You've done such a beautiful job decorating your home and I know that you'll do the same with your next home. I hope the new owners appreciate all you've done. Good luck with your move!

Suzy said...

Kristen - I know how much you're going to miss the beautiful home that you created, but I know you and your new home will be equally beautiful, if not more. I'm (selfishly) looking forward to having you only about 10 minutes from me!

Christine @ Rustic-Refined said...

Kristen you have put such a labor of love into your home and it shows....it's stunning!

That ornately carved twin bed in your daughters room makes me want to be young again and have a sleep over to talk about boys...

XO,
Christine

carol jane said...

Your home is stunning. Love it all. The kids rooms are adorable. Where did you get the woven shades in your daughters room?

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I can definitely see why your home sold so fast, it is stunning. You did an amazing job of decorating it. Love how open and airy it felt. Good luck with the new place, downsizing is definitely a challenge. Thanks tons for the tour. Hugs, Marty

Laura @ duke manor farm said...

Kristn you have such a talent in creating beautiful spaces there's no doubt that you unseen rental will be just as gorgeous as your last home was. Thanks for inviting me over today!

Cassie Bustamante said...

your home is stunning! i love your older daughter's room- so fun!

paperjunk-lc said...

You have a beautiful home. I'd love to know your source for the chair painting in your first picture.

Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful home Sophia. I know how much you will miss it.

I love the chalkboard fireplace! Very creative.

All the best in your new home!

Thank you for joining the tour.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Your home is beautiful! I love that chalkboard fire in the fireplace. And your daughter's rooms are precious...especially that wonderful ornate antique bed! Thanks so much for the tour!...hugs...Debbie

Andrea said...

Your home was decorated so beautifully! I'm going to miss it too lol however, I know you'll make your next home just as gorgeous :)

Tammy said...

You know I love your house and I'm sure your new place with be gorgeous. Heck you have Suzy and Amy to show you all the junk in haunts to fill it up. I'm jealous you get to move to Greensboro. I love that town. Enjoy and hope to see you when we get back from Texas.

Tammy said...

You know I love your house and I'm sure your new place with be gorgeous. Heck you have Suzy and Amy to show you all the junk in haunts to fill it up. I'm jealous you get to move to Greensboro. I love that town. Enjoy and hope to see you when we get back from Texas.

Becca Bertotti said...

Kristin, I know it was bittersweet compiling your pictures and describing your incredible home! It was amazing because of your fabulous styling and painting skills! I can't wait to see your new home ... hope it has another "Christmas staircase!"

Recreate and Decorate said...

your home is beautiful, Im sure had you of stayed, it would have bben fabulous! I can relate, we are Army and have moved 7 times in 15 years. We are in a hopefully, longterm home now, fingers crossed! I am hesitant to add more or buy more, who knows where we could be next year!
Congrats on a job well done! Also enjoy your girls bedrooms now, when they get older, they will have a taste of their own. Unfortunately my girls are not loving the refined or tailored look that I prefer!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Kristen, Your home was gorgeous! I know your new place will be beautiful too. Can you tell me where the pretty blue curtains downstairs are from?
xx,
Sherry

Jamie-So Much Better With Age said...

Wow, you're house is gorgeous!! I'm in total love. So glad I'm a part of this amazing home tours and so glad I found your blog!!
Hugs,
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

Unknown said...

Wow! I love your style! Everything is so beautiful :) Thank you for sharing!

Christy @ Our Southern Home said...

Kristen,
I never tire looking at your lovely home! It was so nice to see the tour and all your home's beauty in one post. Selling a home can be so hard emotionally! Best wishes in finding your new home to decorate! ~Christy

vignette design said...

Love your home! You are very talented with the way you've decorated it--especially the children's room.
I love the faux fireplace! How cool is that? Good luck with your move and I look forward to seeing your new home and what you do with it! ~Delores

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Beautiful home! I love your color palette - so soft yet sophisticated. The powder room is adorable. Love the beadboard in there! Thanks so much for the tour of your lovely home. Can't wait to see where you landed.

Kathysue said...

Kristen I can see why your are saddened to leave such a beautiful home. You have added some beautiful touches. You definitely have talent so you will make your next home even better once you find it! I have every confidence in YOU!! Hang in there and start thinking of all the things you would like to do in the future, start sourcing and pinning ideas. You will stay busy getting acclimated to your new area. Good luck with your future not only in decorating but in your new area,
Kathysue

Unknown said...

I'm sure you'll miss this house, you did an amazing job decorating it. But with your skills, I'm sure your next house will be gorgeous too! Good luck to you!

Kathy said...

Great job, love everything you've done, what a talent!

Jenna said...

Love your home! I am especially in love with that tobacco basket and antlers! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

I am so sad to learn you have/had to leave this lovely home.

I wish you ever bit of luck finding the perfect home for you.

Thanks for sharing - just gorgeous.

The enchanted home said...

Wow I am impressed every single room is so beautiful and well done! I loooove your craft room, would so love one of my own. Thanks for inviting us in!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Oh Kristen, I know how very hard it was to leave your gorgeous home that you so lovingly created...but I know great things are around the corner for you...Great things happen to "good people"...It is no wonder your house sold so quickly...you set the tone for the buyers to envision a beautiful home for themselves.

Unknown said...

So pretty, love all the blues and yellows. The chalkboard fireplace is SO fun! Beautiful job.

lynn cockrell said...

Your home is simply lovely. Thanks for inviting us in!

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

Kristen I have always loved your home. So looking forward to seeing your next home too. It will be beautiful I have no doubt.

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

I thought I already left a comment. That is what I get for doing this on my phone. Loved seeing your home and I know your next one will be lovely!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

So pretty and I love your kitchen too! Your little girls room is charming...
Blessings,
Cindy

Marty Walden said...

Kristen, I know it must be so hard to leave the home you're poured yourself into. It is truly amazing and unique, but anyplace you call home will have your own amazing, creative touches. Look forward to having you closer to Greensboro!

Marty Walden said...

Kristen, I know it must be so hard to leave the home you're poured yourself into. It is truly amazing and unique, but anyplace you call home will have your own amazing, creative touches. Look forward to having you closer to Greensboro!

Heather said...

I love your decorating style. I can't wait to see what you can do with your new home in Greensboro!

Unknown said...

Beautiful - I love the faux chalkboard fireplace and wouldn't be surprised if the new buyers regret having you paint over it. It's so awesome!

Unknown said...

I love your collection of alarm clocks! Are they all set to the correct time? Do you dread Daylight Savings? :)

Unknown said...

LOVE! Your homne your style your taste! If my home were HALF the size of yours, it would want it to look just like THIS! :)

A Magical Whimsy said...

You have such a lovely talent for furnishing your home. Sorry you had to leave the ambiance and comfort of this beautiful home.
hugs,
Teresa in California
http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Featuring your faux fireplace on my Friday Favorites today :)
http://upcycledtreasures.com/2013/08/friday-favorites-2/

girlonpark said...

I love the bedding in your master bedroom...do you mind sharing where you purchased it? Thanks so much!

Unknown said...

Your home is really pretty and am excited to see what you do on the new one.

I am looking for a laundry sign sign like yours. Did you make this?

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