These World Series games are so tense that there are moments when Don or I say, “Let’s just watch a movie. It will be easier.” By the time a game ends and I finally hit the bed, I’ve been up at least two hours past my normal bedtime and I’m too wired to sleep. Since I wake up early, this is not a good thing.
Bleary-eyed, I sit here in my blogging chair, grateful that I did some photo editing yesterday which will make posting this morning much easier. Why did I edit yesterday? Because I’m going to take you on a little tour of the cottage, room by room – with the exception of the bathrooms and the spare room/office/Don’s studio. The bathrooms are very nice, just not that interesting and hard to photograph. The spare room? A mess. That’s on our ‘to do’ list.
If you’re saying, “Claudia I’ve seen this before” I understand. But I know that newer readers haven’t, so here goes.
First up: the living room.
Our house has a lot of windows and we love all the light that comes pouring through them. Taking photographs, however, can be problematic, but I think I’ve managed to capture this space fairly well. As is, of course. Remember: Christmas in Connecticut defines our decorating style.
This is the view of the living room from the kitchen. (The kitchen and living room are separated by an arch, yet still function as one big room.) This is the left side of the space. The loveseat is at least 20 years old – I bought it when I was living in Cambridge, MA. We bought the yellow chair when we moved to the cottage and the red chair (one of my favorite pieces) was snagged for $50 in San Diego. The coffee table was refinished by our friend Rob back in San Diego and I bought it from him for $75. The sideboard near the front door was purchased in San Diego about 14 years ago and the cupboard was an auction find for $100.
The other side of the living room. The dollhouse was a Craigs List find for $35. I’ve completely redone it; if you’re interested in more information you can click on Around the Cottage on the navigation bar and you’ll see a link to the dollhouse. The piano was my grandmother’s. It’s a Chickering with gorgeous sound and it is the piano that my mom played when she was a child. All of my siblings took a turn or two playing it, I took lessons for about eight years and some of my dear aunts and uncles played on it every Christmas Eve. So, you can see that it is priceless to me.
My dad’s first oil painting. He also made the frame.
Monty the cow and one of my husband’s guitars. I found the old lab stool in a secondhand shop and the firkin underneath the stool was my grandmother’s.
See what I mean about the light? There are windows behind that sideboard.
These two paintings hang on the wall next to the front door. The one of top is of the cottage and was painted by my dad. The one on the bottom is of my great-grandparents’ farmhouse in Orillia, Ontario. It was painted by my great-aunt.
The cupboard and a vintage bench. I found the vintage linen laundry bag locally and decided to hang it on the french door.
Found the bench in a local antique shop. That’s an organ stop that we found in Canada on top of the bench. My mom gave that ship to my dad as a present and he sent it to me a year or so ago. The duck was carved by my neighbor, Al. He gave it to us during a visit to his home.
That’s the den on the other side of the french doors. We love that it’s sunken – it makes for a cozy retreat.
To the right of the french doors is this little area, recently commandeered for my office. There’s a door underneath the stairs that leads to a little storage space. There’s a narrow coat closet on the right (hidden in this picture) and the doorway that you can see leads to the bathroom.
My little work area. The desk was found on the street. The chair (made by Thonet) was found at a local antique shop and we paid $5 for it. Do you believe it? What a great find!
And there you have it. We’ve had to be pretty creative with the space – a chimney divides the longest wall which also has three windows, the front door opens directly into the living room and we had to fit a piano into the space. A couple of years ago, we spent a day moving furniture around to see if there might be a better layout. Nope. There isn’t. This is the way it will stay.
Tomorrow I have a book review scheduled, but on Thursday, I’ll be back with more of the cottage tour.
Happy Tuesday.
lovely, cozy, charming, I never tire of glimpses of your cottage.
Thank you, Carolyn.
Claudia, I too, never tire of glimpses of your lovely cottage. I dare say that will be the major consensus.
-Judy A-
Thank you, Judy.
Claudia- I never get tired of seeing your space. As I said before it always feels HAPPY to me. I love all your bits and bobs that you have picked up and enjoyed over the years. I love several pieces including that coffee table. What a great find that was–and a bargain….AND that green office chair! LOVE it! Hope you have a really good day- xo Diana
I love that green office chair, Diana! And it’s really sturdy. xo
I know some of us have seen it all before…but I never tire of seeing your cottage home. It’s always cozy, and no, not the small cozy…but, the warm cozy! ;)
Good – that’s what I’m aiming for! xo
Thanks for inviting us into your charming home, Claudia. As I’ve said before, it’s such a refreshing change from the homes that are boringly “perfect”. Charming, cozy, homey in the best sense of the word is what yours is . . . a real home to come home to, with character and personality. Lovely!
Thank you, Becky. I tire very quickly of ‘perfect’ homes.
Your living room is very cozy and looks so well lived in and loved. I can see that every piece is very special to you and Don. This is what makes a house a home.
XO,
Jane
Thank you, Jane!
I could see your cute cottage again and again. So comfy and full of memories. My style for sure. You come from a talented family. Most of my pieces that have memories are from my grandmother. I love when each piece has a story attached to it.
My BIL is a big OSU (Buckeyes) fan. He tapes the games and watches them when it is over…..hah…….maybe you should try that.
(((((HUGS)))))
I don’t think I could do it, Debby. It’s a love/hate thing. I want to be watching it as it happens, but then again….it’s so stressful!
Sleep..oh my. Watch the game to late on Sunday and had to get up at 4 am for work! Last night stayed up too…on the way home from work I drive by the stadium so at 9 when I drove by the place was electric.
Love seeing your cottage even if I am a old reader. Just love how you incorporate the McCoy!
These games are so intense that it’s hard to get to sleep afterwards!
Ok Miss Claudia…
I know we’ve seen but what a dreamy little room to see again. Every time I see it.. I spot something new.
So the ‘Red San Diego’ chair… is it a rocker? All your nicely edited photos don’t show the legs or where the chair meets the floor!
I’m picturing a rocker. Love your use of space and color. A lot of uses packed into a small room. Our front door opens into our living room. I’m looking forward to tinkering around with a new arrangement since the couch is finished.
Yes, I finished it(finally). I hope you stop by and have a look at it!
Enjoyed the tour and all your sentimental decor. :) Pat
Too hard in such a small space to capture the furniture legs in the photos, Pat. No, it’s not a rocker – I bought it because it reminded me of a chair that was in my grandparents’ den.
I loved seeing your cottage and loved the cottage I saw!
Thank you, Linda!
Claudia, this “newbie” says Thanks! I love seeing people’s houses & usually I’m thinking “Oh, I really like this…” or “Yuck, what were they thinking?” or “Nice, but I think I would do THAT this way…” But with this post I kept thinking that your house is so full of Meaning. Everything has a memory or story attached to it. Whether the memory is connected with being an heirloom, a precious family moment or just the fun of a pleasurable hour wandering among items in an antique store. And that is what truly makes a house into A Home.
That’s the only way I can decorate, Janet. Everything has a story.
It is all grand and so much thought and home is included! That cupboard may just disappear some day…just sayin’ ;)
Great finds throughout! And so much artistic talent in the family with painters, actors and musicians! Wonderful! :)
Thanks for the updated tour…
I wish I could paint something other than furniture, my friend!
(y)
But you have many talents and your home shows it. It is not just a house but a home and not everyone can do that as well as you. :)
Love your cottage..looks so homey and cozy..
Thank you, Missy.
Such a warm and livable space! I love the way you incorporate your treasured family pieces into where you live your life! You inspire me to find some better spots for my beloved family items so I can better enjoy them every day. Looking forward to the next room on the tour. :-)
Thanks, Kathy! I sure hope we get to meet up in MIchigan some day!
Me too!
Thank you for the tour Claudia….
I must say, of all the vintage pieces you’ve acquired, I think my favorites might be those two green lamps you recently purchased…..love love love them !!!
Lori
They are certainly at the top of our list, too!
As everyone has said..I never tire of seeing pictures of your sweet cottage..you are my kind of decorators Claudia and Don..flea markets, yard sales, antique stores and treasures left on the curb..also included are bits and pieces of your life..beats a room full of new stuff any day..lol
I know that we couldn’t afford new, but even if we could, I’d still go with vintage and used because those pieces have more character.
Claudia what an adorable cozy space you live in! I too have shown bits and pieces of my little converted barn but you’re making me think perhaps it’s time to do a remake for my new followers, which is a large portion of them actually! I participated in Vicki’s “Grow Your Blog” party last year over at her blog 2 Bags Full and it was really wonderful. I gained well over 100 new followers :D So lots of people have not seen my house… hmmm, thanks for the idea for my next post! :D
I love that stool with the cow on it, oh and that brick work in your house and the staircase, and let’s see your new little office space is adorable and ummm, well, I think we are kindred spirits because I love most everything! :D
Hugs and thanks for the tour of your home, it is lovely indeed!
Beth I used to dream of living in a converted barn. Please do a post about it because I’d love to see it!
Love your sweet cottage! Especially love that floor lamp in the corner by the couch and the sideboard. Beautiful. I love that all of your items have so much sentimental value to you! Thanks for the tour.
Judy
That lampshade was purchased at my friend Christie Repasy’s shop in California. It sure beats the one that came with the lamp, Judy.
I just love your cottage, Claudia. So comfy and cozy. You’ve used the space well. And I love that everything has a story, history. I can’t remember anything about the pieces I bought or even remember who gave me what. I honestly just have way too much stuff. Really do need to weed things out. Have a wonderful rest of the week. Tammy
Thank you so much, Tammy. I hope to catch up on some blog reading soon and look forward to visiting you!
So cozy and sweet! I love the blue pottery all around, with the white furniture. And that desk by the stairs is wonderful!
Linsey
Thank you, Linsey. The desk was free!
Mockingbird Hill Cottage has to be one of the most cheerful homes ever! I always love seeing photos of your charming space. I hope the tour will include a fresh visit to the doll house :)
What a good idea, Debbie! I’ll schedule a day for the dollhouse tour.
Love your cottage! My dh asked me the other day how I found your blog and I couldn’t remember. Just spotted your dollhouse and recall that it was a post you had done that I must have searched about dollhouses that brought me here. Thanks for sharing your warm and inviting home!
You are very welcome, Chy!
I love seeing your peaceful home! That’s why I keep coming back to your blog. Well, that and your beautiful spirit! I get so happy when I see that you have a new post.
Thank you so much, Dyanna!
Oh Claudia, I love your home so much. I’ve been sick for 11 days with the flu turned into bronchitis turned into a mild case of pnuemonia and your blog has been a bit of light thru the darkness of this time. I feel like I could just be comfortable in all of your rooms. Thank’s for sharing with us on a daily basis. I’ve come to look forward to checking your blog like you’re a dear friend. I really love the painting your Dad did of the rose and of the cottage. I have a beautiful hand made corner cabinet that my step Daddy asked my brother to build for me just before he passed away. For the past 26 years it has reminded me of how strong the love can be between a step parent and someone else’s child. I will always cherish it.
Oh, what a beautiful story, Janie. How lovely that you have that remembrance of your step-father.
Get well soon, my friend. Take care of yourself. xo
What is so beautiful is that almost every thing in those rooms tells a story! You can’t beat that for coziness and warmth. It says so much about you and Don like cozy, genuine, down to earth, and real.
SueZK
I love the pictures of your warm inviting, but practical home. I live in a semi detach home with my 2 teenage sons and husband. It us always wonderful how to use inventive ideas for storage, I often dream of a larger home with 2 bathrooms, family room etc however now with our mortgage finished I have come to love my cosy home. I say to my boys do you want to move and they are like “No way”. Contentment with Godliness is great gain as my mother would say. I love your blog and as you are heading into winter I am heading into a long hot summer. So lots of snow pictures please. Thanks Janine
Oh, I’m sure I’ll post lots of snow pictures, Janine! Thanks!
Your house always looks so warm and cozy, Claudia!! Its a pleasure to see how nice everything is!! Have a wonderful evening!! Francine
Thank you, Francine!
How about a tour of the den?
S
xo
You’ll get more tours after my book review tomorrow.
Claudia I love tours of your home. It is so special, warm and inviting, just like you!
Aw, thanks, my friend!
I love your house…I think it is so charming! Do you ever play the piano? I took lessons for 8 years, too – but my sister has the family piano. That sideboard is gorgeous – and I noticed you have natural elements used in your decor on top of the sideboard – which is what my last blog post is about! I love how you used the feathers.
I do play the piano occasionally. Don would tell you that I don’t do it enough, and he’s right!
What is so beautiful is that almost every thing in those rooms tells a story! You can’t beat that for coziness and warmth. It says so much about you and Don like cozy, genuine, down to earth, and real.
SueZK
Thank you so much, SueZK!
Always love a cottage tour – and yours is so lovely.
Here’s to the remaining games – looking good now but we’re on tenterhooks!
As of 6 pm today I have wide plank ‘farmhouse’ floors – you know I’m loving them!
Did you get my e-mail Claudia – about the McCoy vase?
Mary X
I’m answering this late and you already have my response to your email, though it was very late on my part!
love, love your new floors!
thank you for sharing your home with us, love it!
Thank you, Donna!
You have such a wonderful cozy cottage. So comfortable and light filled and welcoming. I love that you display, with honor, the pieces from your family and friends.
They are essential to my decorating. I don’t know what I’d do without them!
I wish that I could decorate like that. I try but it just never turns out quite right. I’ll keep trying though! :)
Cheryl
Keep trying, Cheryl. Go for it! Use what you love.
Thanks for the look around and the description of how things are positioned. It is so hard to get a feel for someones house when you can’t see a 360, so the walk through was helpful. Love your eclectic style with all the paintings (how special).
Thank you, my friend.
I always love pictures of your house Claudia! I love the history behind so many of your things. That’s what gives a home soul! As the owner of a small old house that is short on storage, I’m curious what you store in the cupboard! It’s so beautiful and what a steal. I pinned a picture of your dollhouse for my dollhouse obsessed little one who is currently trying to decide on exterior colors for a dollhouse that was given to her.
My cupboard has all sorts of stuff in it, Jen. In fact, there’s a post about 2 weeks ago which shows the interior. Office supplies, files, paper work, light bulbs, scripts, that kind of thing.
Good luck with the dollhouse for your little one. I know she’ll love it!
I love your cozy cottage home! It looks welcoming and comfortable, a place to kick off your shoes, and be at home. And you know what they say?…..size doesn’t matter!
Indeed, Debi! Size doesn’t matter!
That brick chimney flue is so unique, nowadays everything is hidden, just plastered over. I like seeing the contrast of the brick (for some unknown reason, I’ve always loved the look of brick).
One of the reasons I find your home so charming is all the vintage touches. The laundry bags is a great example of days gone by. Days when even the most functional items were treasured and pretty enough to display. I miss that. You couldn’t display those plastic monstrosities that hold today’s laundry could you? Sorry to get nostalgic, it just happens sometimes.
That same chimney is plastered over in the bedroom. Wish it wasn’t!
I love that laundry bag, Nola. It’s simply beautiful.