We watched one of my favorite movies last night, It Happened One Night. Perfection. Frank Capra, Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, a wonderful supporting cast of great character actors – what more could you ask for? Personally, I think this is Gable’s finest performance. Funny, romantic, brazen, outrageous, serious; he nails it all.
Can you tell that I’m still basking in the glow of a brilliant black and white comedy straight out of the Thirties? If I could have managed it, I would have stayed up all night because there were four Screwball Comedies on the docket on TCM. Heaven.
Today? We’re touring the bedroom (which is small) and getting a brief glimpse of the studio (which is even smaller.) By the way, I call it a studio, but it’s really just my little creative area. I’m thinking more and more that studio sounds a bit grandiose.
We’ll have to head up the stairs, but first a view of the desk from above.
And my sneakers.
The stairs were slippery for our dogs, so I had to come up with a solution. We couldn’t afford to carpet them when we first moved in, so I went to either Home Depot or Lowe’s (can’t remember now) and bought these pieces of carpet that are designed for stairs. Since I like things a little offbeat, I alternated blue and red for what I hoped would be a more interesting look. Eight years later, they’re still here.
That’s a Christie Repasy canvas at the bottom of the stairs and our vintage “Use Other Stair” sign is to the right. When I finish hand quilting my newest quilt, it will hang on that wall.
A quick peek at the sewing niche at the top of the stairs. That skylight makes a big difference in the space. I’ve blogged about this creative space a lot over the years, so I’m only going to show a bit of it now.
To the right of the sewing niche is a little bookshelf. And Lambchop (my muse).
To the right of the bookcase is the door to the bathroom, then the door to the bedroom, then this cabinet. I snagged it for $75 on Craig’s List and eventually painted it this pale pink, which I had on hand from another project. Letitia, my vintage dress form is on the left.
That’s all for the studio. There are plenty of photos on this blog of the details – just search for “studio.”
The bedroom. Oy. We have cottagey eaves in both bedrooms, so we constantly wrestle with furniture placement. The fact is that there is very little wall space and a lot of eaves.
Looking in from the studio.
You can see how we’ve had to place the bed up against the slanted ceiling. I made the headboard when we were living in our rental after we’d first moved out East. A couple of years ago, I recovered it with this vintage fabric. Then I finished the quilt. Lots of pattern here, but the rest of the room is pattern-less, so it works. Don has the lamp I bought in Hartford on his bedside table because he really likes it.
That’s an oak blanket chest under the window that I repainted last year. With Chalk Paint. Turns out, I’m not a fan. There’s a post all about it here. That post also shows a closeup of the blanket chest. The two framed items on Don’s side of the bed are beautiful Chinese watercolors with bamboo frames. Don bought them years ago. And to the right you can see my favorite canvas:
My cherubs. I saw this painting in Vignettes when I was working in San Diego about 4 years ago. It was hanging near the front counter. I fell in love with it. I went back home after my gig. The next year, I went back to San Diego for another gig. And the painting was still there. Lori, the owner of Vignettes, would see me gazing at it every time I came into the shop. Finally, I asked about it. It was expensive for this girl who buys everything at a deep discount – more money than I felt comfortable spending. But I loved it. I took a picture of it and sent it to Don. I imagine he didn’t care one way or the other but he heard that tone in my voice that said I had fallen hard for this painting. Then one day I went back to the store and Lori told me that she had been thinking of me. A couple had decided to buy the painting and had paid for it and had it wrapped when, at the last minute, they decided to buy something else. All Lori could think was “Claudia is going to be so disappointed when she finds out the painting was sold.”
That did it. I bought it and I’ve never regretted it. I also knew immediately where I would hang it. It has influenced the color scheme of the room, for sure.
My side of the bed. The bedside table is an old typing table. That’s an Expedit shelf unit from IKEA in the background, filled with books.
See what I mean? And you wonder why I want built-in bookshelves in the den. (Let’s not even discuss the boxes full of books out in the shed.) That’s a photo of my sister Meredith and me. Behind it is a photo of Riley and Scout and behind that is a framed photo of a beautiful double rainbow over the cottage.
The other side of the room. Our wicker rocker is to the left. That dresser has been with me a long time, since the days I lived in Cambridge, MA and found it on the street, whereupon I enlisted the help of my friend to carry it for three blocks and then up three flights of stairs to my apartment. It’s been painted gray, then pale yellow, and last year I painted it in aqua and cream. (If I had a dollar for every time I’ve hit my head against the ceiling when using the dresser drawers, I’d be a wealthy woman.)
The piece next to it is a mini-sideboard that I use for sweater storage. It holds our behemoth of a television. Hey, it works and I’m not about to toss it while it’s still going strong.
The bedroom, tucked under the eaves, has smallish windows but it gets a lot of light. I’d kill for one large standard wall, but what can you do? In an old house that has very little closet space, I have to make do with storage. So I store our luggage in the space between the headboard and the wall.
There you have it. Tomorrow I’ll share some of the framed artwork we have hanging in the upstairs half-bath.
Happy Saturday.
Great use of your space, Claudia! And I love your doors and stairsteps. Charming! I love old B&W movies. I’ll have to check on this one.
It is truly one of the best movies!
I am a book collector too! When we moved to our cottage two years ago I painfully sorted and sold or donated my collection to our library and elementary school. They were SO happy to have them, especially the teachers in our little town. The money I sent to our son and he bought all of his textbooks for his senior year at college. It was almost like selling my toes and fingers! I kept about 50 to pass on to our children. Thanks for the home tour as always.
I find it very hard to get rid of books, but since I review a lot of books, I simply can’t keep them all and I pass them on to our library, either for their shelves or for their annual booksale.
Hi Claudia,
I am really enjoying the tour of your cottage. I feel like a new neighbor who’s been invited over for a cup of Peet’s and an opportunity to get to know you better. Your home is so warm and welcoming it’s no wonder people feel very comfortable when they visit.
Thank you for taking the time to invite us in and show us around.
Vanessa
Ummmm! Peets!
Thanks so much, Vanessa.
Loved your tour of the studio and bedroom! What a great story about the cherub painting….it waited for you. Glad to see I’m not the only bookaholic! My bedroom seems to amass so many books because I like to read in bed and I’m always browsing art books too.
I straightened up a lot of the books when I got back from Hartford as I had to make room for all my reference books. I love love love books.
You sure get great use from every inch. Love your baby dolls, the Repasy print is beautiful. Your sewing area is so cozy and would enhance creativity!
And I must say Congratulations to you on your Red Sox win :(
Thank you, Ann. I’m sorry about your Cardinals. They are a great team.
Beautiful cottage! Thanks for sharing your home with us!
Thank you, Lisa Lynn!
I have a story similar to your Vignettes painting. For me, it was an oak-framed watercolor of 3 oak leaves and I LOVED IT. It was in a Linens And Things store near the university where I worked and every time I went in there – which was often – I’d go to see if it was there. It was over $100 which was well out of my Affordability Zone at the time but it was so beautiful to me. I’ll even admit… if it was out front, I’d move it behind other paintings stacked on the floor so it was less likely to tempt others. Finally one time I went in it was gone – and I was heartsick, But I sruggled to carry on – LOL – and then about three months later I was shopping for a colander, and there it was again! They either got another one or the first buyer returned it – but that was it for me – and we went home together that night. Ever since I’ve tried to buy things I was crazy about when I first saw them if I could – though it certainly isn’t ALWAYS do-able. Have a great weekend! :>)
So glad you finally got that watercolor, Janet! I really felt someone had been watching out for me when I got a second chance at the Cherub painting!
Your home oozes with wonderful personality, Claudia. I’m enjoying the tour.
-Karen
Thank you so much, Karen!
Good Afternoon Claudia, Thanks for letting us visit! Doris
You are very welcome, Doris.
Claudia this is such a great tour of your bedroom! I love the colors and patterns and your story of your favorite painting is wonderful. I love it when something is really meant to be! As for your creative space, I’d call it a studio-ette!
Good name for it, Linda! Thanks!
Suitcases behind the headboard….perfect use of space! I had to laugh at your nightstand…..books and books, the necessities of life…looks like mine, but yours has more charm. I am anxious to see your quilt all finished…as I bet you are! ;)
Here’s the sad thing, Donna – I straightened it up. I’ve been known to pile way too many books on the top of that nightstand.
Great use of space and your house has so much character! I love how you use so many different styles and make them all work together. Happily that is.
I like eclectic, Teresa. I think a mix of styles is a good thing.
I love your little cottage! It is so warm and friendly. Every room just seems to welcome you in. I call the little paved area at my side door a “courtyard” so don’t stop calling your studio…a studio. xo J
Oh good! I guess I’ll keep calling it a studio!
That quilt looks like it was uber labor intensive! Eeek! I love it though! :D I have no room to talk as I like doing applique quilts! I love your little spaces you have carved out for yourself, oh, and don’t think you are the only one on the planet with a burgeoning book issue! :D Well, actually, I can’t believe I did it but we sold off, gave away the majority of our book collection… was just getting to hard to deal with whenever we moved! Not spring chickens any longer :D I’m making up for the book thing with my kindle and of course all of my crafting books I sill have :D I love your home, it is cozy and homey feeling. The little carpets for your stairs work perfectly, I think and I like that different colors :D
You know you inspired me to get my camera out and give a little tour of my barn home :D
Hugs my sweet blogging sister…
Enjoy the weekend.
I will stop by and go on the tour, Beth. I’ve given away a lot of books but I can’t give them all away – I love them too much (which is why there are so many in boxes out in the shed!)
I absolutely adore it Claudia. I have been lamenting our smallish house the last couple of days, (which really isn’t like me) and you have given me a fresh reminder why we chose this little cottage instead of other bigger, more normal homes we saw. Love, love, love the color and mix of pattern. My mind is swimming with ideas. -Patty
Oh good, Patty! Listen, there are days that all I do is complain about how small this space is. Sometimes it drives me absolutely nuts. But it is what it is, so I just have to think outside the box and come up with new ideas!
Claudia, who is that in the picture with you by the books?
S
xo
Hi Sue, I think I mentioned it in the post, but maybe I didn’t! It’s my adored sister, Meredith. xo
Oh Claudia, As far as Im concerned your quilt steals the Show!
my favorite thing on any tour is the Bathroom.
I think because I’m not a very creative BR Decorator!
truly enjoying your tour. Judy A-
Well, you’ll only see the artwork on the walls, not the bathroom itself. My bathrooms are okay, but they’re tiny and too hard to maneuver in.
Love it, Claudia. My heart goes pitter pat when I see your quilt. And, your Cherubs were meant to be with you.
Thank you so much, Beverly.
I love the first two pics on this post, it is the perfect example of framing a photo perfectly:) Great depth, and composition. Your bed has such a cottage feel, with all the fabrics and patterns. I now remember the first time I read your blog you had finished the quilt on the bed and i asked what pattern it was, and look now we are great friends.
Thanks, Dawn. That’s a great compliment coming from you because you’re such a wonderful photographer. I have much to learn! It’s not always easy to frame a shot in this small house. I find myself tripping over things trying to get a picture!
Thanks so much, my friend. xo
I love seeing all your collections. Beautiful cottage. I remember you saying how tall both of you
are and was wondering is that a double bed?
No it’s a queen-sized bed, Olivia. We would love a California King, since Don is so tall!
Claudia I love all your florals and other prints. All those books remind me of all mine. I love how you have been able to create a warm and inviting home without using all matching pieces, it just looks more welcoming to me than rooms where all the tables and furniture match. My 81 year old mother in law just moved from a 1 bedroom apartment into a 2 bedroom this past weekend. Today I went over and hung all her pictures and brought out all those little touches that make a house into a home. She was just amazed that I was able to pull everything together so quick;ly and it felt good after being sick for two weeks to feel like helping out. It’s been rainy here in Fla. today and the temp. will be a lot cooler tomorrow. I’m looking forward to the change. Some of our leaves have started to fall too.
How helpful you were! I’m sure it made a big difference to her to have it looking so homey!
I’m laughing because I think you and I have the same TVs in our bedrooms. I’m with you. It still works great and I am not rich enough to replace it, so there it will stay. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I love your whole house, my friend. xo Laura
Thank you so much, Laura.
Claudia–
I just have to ask. There is a basket on the stairs…do you use it to carry things up and down?
I’ve only lived in two homes with stairs…one of the homes had a set of “OTHER STAIRS” …
I carried the laundry up and down that rear stairs…
Both homes, I kept a basket to help carry things up and down. My children were little then…small like my grandkids now. That basket brought back a WHOOSH! of memories for me…living in those two homes, with arms filled and kids in tow…going up and down the stairs! Funny, what brings back good memories, huh?
I don’t know with the arthritis in my body if going up and down stairs would be something I’d want to live with everyday or if it would help me to feel all limbered up instead.
Love the tour… and the flash backs. :)
Pat
No, I use it to stash mail and bills that have to be filed. I just emptied it the day before I took this photo, but not in a good way. Everything is in 2 bags in the spare room!
Hi Claudia.
Thank you for the tour of your beautiful home. I’ve enjoyed every photo and every word. We have the same issue with our headboard in the bedroom. Slanted eves. At least there is enough space that we don’t smack our heads on the ceiling when we sit up!
Blessings,
Betsy
Yes! I’m glad I made that headboard high enough that it automatically pulls us out from the lowest part of the eave.
It is cozy and so sweet. I like how your bedroom if full of your favorite things. Love that quilt. I bet the bedroom is nice and warm in the winter with the ceilings like that.
We don’t even turn the heat on upstairs unless it’s abnormally cold.
Boy this is lovely, here I haven’t had a chance to catch up with you till this weekend and I find a wonderful few posts waiting for me. I love seeing your home Claudia, and the thing that’s most special for me is that I get to know a little bit more about you. :) You have a beautiful cottage. I love cottages…live in them myself.
Thank you so much, Veronica.
The cherub picture is precious Claudia..
Thank you, Nancy.
I love your style of mixing old and new. You have a good design eye for putting things together. That quilt makes me smile.
Thank you, Sondra!
Any house that has books everywhere is truly a home. I love your eclectic decor, and your taste in movies is not bad either! FYI, I’ve just started blogging again after a very long hiatus. Please visit me at http://hillandbend.blogspot.com. Cheers!
Welcome back to blogging, Marianne!
Thank you for the tour of your bedroom
I like the slanted ceilings :)
And I love the millions of books you have stacked throughout the room.
I used to have so many books, stacked on tables, shelves, floor, etc. A year ago, I went through them and donated the lot of them (except my favorites) to our local library. I had two loads in my Subaru that day. It felt good to get them out of the house and know they were going to a good cause, but I do miss my stacks and the cozy feeling having those ‘good reads’ lying about gave me.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Lori
I donate a lot of books to our library, Lori. Periodically, I’ll go through them and take a couple of boxes over there. They have an ongoing book sale and it helps keep them in funds and we all know our libraries need all the support they can get!
Love your quilt of many colors!!
Thank you, Suzan!
Love the quilt and the picture with the Cherubs…Don’t you hit your head on the slanted ceiling??
I do when I’m using my dresser. But not in bed because it sits out far enough from the wall that we’re okay.
I love your cottage and all the thoughtful, pretty details. And I loved seeing that little lamb I gave you there. You have no idea, Claudia, how much pleasure it gives me to know you are enjoying him. It makes me SO happy!
Thanks for sharing your home with us. I could easily live there. It is filled with love, and you can sense it in every post and with all of your treasures you have collected. But the greatest treasure is your love for Don and Scout and vice versa. Such a wonderful thing to share with us.
xoxo
Sheila
Thank you so much, Sheila. That little lamb traveled to Hartford with me, too!