Some Posts About My Dollhouse that might be of interest to you:
Who, What, Where: Dollhouse Living Room
Who, What, Where: Dollhouse Kitchen
Who, What, Where: Dollhouse Den
Who, What, Where: Dollhouse Office/Studio
Who, What, Where: Dollhouse Bathroom
Who, What, Where: Dollhouse Bedroom
Who, What, Where: Dollhouse Potting Shed
Dollhouse: A Tour of the Roof Garden or a version of Who, What, Where
The Evolution of the Dollhouse series:
Evolution of the Dollhouse – Part 1
Evolution of the Dollhouse – Part 2
Evolution of the Dollhouse – Part 3
Evolution of the Dollhouse – Part 4
Evolution of the Dollhouse – Part 5
Evolution of the Dollhouse – Part 6
A Photo Timeline of Work on the Dollhouse:
The dollhouse as it came to me via an ad on Craig’s List.
Starting work. Took off the base, took off the fake shutters, patched the shingles, took out and realigned the dormer windows and moved the tower roof forward to the right position.
The interior had water damage, was put together incorrectly, and was completely unfinished.
The original front door. It wouldn’t stay shut, was too narrow and had no personality.
Dollhouse has been completely repainted. Several coats of white and two different shades of gray for the shingles. Now for the real, 3 dimensional shutters and the right shade of paint.
Found a new door, now I just have to find a way to enlarge the opening and fit it in correctly.
Looks so much better! Now for an idea I have for the porch:
Since the floor of the porch was in pretty rough shape, I painted it in a diamond pattern.
The outside is largely done. Now for the inside.
The staircases were missing spindles and railings and newel posts.
First floor staircase finished.
Starting work on the living room floor, using popsicle sticks.
Playing with pattern.
Now for my first stab at wallpapering. Gulp.
More flooring and wallpaper upstairs. Baseboard and trim has been added, as well:
and the start of work on the kitchen – floor is in:
Kitchen wallpaper is in:
Beadboard is also up – have to finish the chair rail when I figure out counters and appliances.
The bedroom has been finished.
November 2012: added hanging pots to shelves over the Aga.
Added trim around the doorways:
Just wallpapered the bathroom:
Added a wood floor to the craft room/office.
Added a hanging light over the kitchen table.
Re-covered the chair:
Oh my, this dollhouse makes me achy. It’s just so beautiful. The front door, the shutters, the lovely wallpapers, the chair with purple flowers. And that dear little aqua bag!
I’m sure you’ve seen Robin Carey’s dollhouse site, but I’m mentioning it in just in case you haven’t. It’s a mental vacation for me to look at those photos, and I’ll return to this site, as well, to just revel in the tiny details of Hummingbird Cottage.
Yes, I’ve visited her site. It’s lovely. Thank you so much for your kind comments on the dollhouse!
Hi I have the same exact dollhouse can you tell me if you used a semi gloss or flat on the outside?
Flat, I think. I didn’t want it too look shiny.
Beautiful!
Very attractive house! I recommend that you add guard rails that match the railings that you already installed at the stair openings as are found on normal household stairs.
Hello,
I am renovation this sMe dollhouse. I love all the colors you used. Would you tell me where you found your wallpapers and fabrics? Also what scale furniture did you use?
Cathy
Just look at the top of the blog. There’s a whole section about the dollhouse and you should find whatever you need there. 1:12 scale.
Your dollhouse is gorgeous Claudia! I remember when you first got it. It’s come a long way baby!
Warm Regards,
Teresa
Hen in a Farmhouse Nest
farmhousenest.com
Thanks, Teresa.
Hi I love the fireplace! Is it a purchased item? Thanks
It was a gift that I painted.
Wow I am so glad I found this site! I have the exact house as well and had it for years and now trying to fix it up and finally get it finished. Where did you find the spindles for the stair railings?
You can get spindles and all sorts of other supplies at miniatures(dot)com. Enjoy!
I’ll check it out! Thank you!
Your dollhouse is so inspiring! I’m working on a “farmhouse” and the white exterior with aqua shutters is gorgeous! Also, I wasn’t sure I liked the idea of popsicle stick floors but you’ve shown me how they can work, especially with a shabby chic theme. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work!
I love your work and ideas! Thank you for sharing. I just recently purchased a dollhouse from a resale store and I’m refinishing. Wow much more work that I anticipated but I love it……something I’ve always wanted to do !! Can I ask how much cutting you had to do on the popsicle sticks for the floor? What kind of glue did you use?
I look forward to more from you!!!
Jackie
A lot of cutting. Each stick had to be cut at both ends. I’m not sure of the glue, but I’m pretty sure it was Quick Grip glue. Also, stain the sticks before you glue them down. If you stain them after you’ve glued them, they might warp.
Hello! Do you happen to know the story behind this dollhouse from the previous owner? I’m convinced this is the same dollhouse I had growing up as a child that my dad and aunt built for me. Same colors, shutters, everything. Sadly I sold it over a decade ago to an old neighbor. All I can say is WOW! So stunning. I always wanted to refinish the inside when I had mine.
All I know is that it was made from a kit that was readily accessible about 20 years ago. Very common kit. The colors and the shutters were my choices when I rehabbed it. There is another kit from Real Good Toys which is the exact same layout and that is still available.
Thanks for responding! I love what you chose- just perfect! I was actually referencing the original colors in the before picture- mine were the same blues, fake shutters, door that didn’t close (LOL) and even exterior coming into the bedroom! I’m trying to figure out if the kits came with the paint or you had to choose your own. My dad does not remember.
I think – somewhere in the posts on that dollhouse – I reference the name of the original kit manufacturer. I’m betting the paint was provided with the kit.
I just got this exact same model of dollhouse at a yard sale today and found you because I was wondering if popsicle sticks would work for dollhouse flooring! Perfect!
Glad to be of help! Have fun!
I have this exact dollhouse we are rehabbing. What did you use to patch the shingles on the roof?
You can buy bags of shingles at any miniature/dollhouse shop online. Try miniatures(dot)com.