I spent much of yesterday raking up leaves. We had a big, scary storm come through on Monday and the high winds knocked ¾ of the leaves off the sugar maple. Then we grabbed the tarp, raked them onto the tarp and took them up to the woods to become mulch. Most of the leaves on the flower beds stay there, protecting the plants and doing their thing to help the soil. Of course, raking at this time of year is endless, but the front yard is definitely looking better than it did.
I’m late getting this post up because we stayed up until 1:00 am watching the Red Sox/Rays game. Oh lord. It was endless and frustrating as Boston couldn’t seem to get anything going for most of the game. I found myself yelling at the screen more than a few times. After the Rays scored a run and maintained that lead for much of the game, somehow the Sox managed to get three runs up on the scoreboard and they won. They will play either the Detroit Tigers or the Oakland A’s for the American League Pennant. If it’s the Tigers, it will be a bit tough for me as they are my hometown team and I grew up watching them.
One of you asked to see the newly acquired lamps in a larger photo of the den. Let me say right off that the den is notoriously hard to photograph; it has a lot of windows and it borders the porch with its deep overhang. So, light? A problem. But I grabbed my camera and came up with these.
The den is a smallish room (every room in this house is small – the house is less than 1200 sq. ft and that includes the uninhabitable basement) and it’s sort of packed with furniture. But we hang out there a lot. I blog in that chair. Evenings find us sitting side by side on the sofa, more often than not with Scout taking up half of the sofa and Don and I crammed into the other half. What’s wrong with that picture?
The window blinds were here when we bought the cottage and, so far, I’ve been okay with them. Lately, I’ve been thinking about some sort of curtains. But curtains are my other source of frustration, right after lamps. We’ll see what I come up with.
We’ve had the sofa for about 17 years. Would I like a new one? Yes. But it’s hanging in there with the help of a slipcover.
The blogging chair is vintage – we got it in California. It needs to be reupholstered but somehow there is always something else that is more pressing on the budget front. So I use this IKEA slipcover which doesn’t quite fit but is cheap and easy to replace when I subject it to one too many coffee stains. To the right of that china cabinet is the television. You don’t need to see that, although sometime I’ll show you the cabinet, found at auction for $5 and repainted and ‘aged’ by me.
Like everything in our home, the furniture is used, recycled and reimagined. I bought that beautiful old china cabinet when I first moved to San Diego. It used to hold my collection of vintage Fiesta. The ottoman has a wicker base and we got that in San Diego, as well. I got the green table at an auction for $20. The coffee table was found in an antique store for $10. The vintage wire laundry basket was a Craig’s List find for $50. Well worth it. The white table was purchased at Heidi’s antique shop when we first moved to the cottage. The screen against the wall was a find in San Diego (it’s from our Craftsman days – I tied some strips of fabric to the rods) and the painting over the sofa with my favorite frame ever was an auction score for $15. We’ve had the rug (originally from Pottery Barn) since we first moved out east. That would be 12 years ago. The floor lamp on the left side of the sofa is vintage, we found it in San Diego. The glass shade was found separately. Everything, except for the initial investment in the sofa, was very inexpensive.
My little desk (found on the street and not pictured) is in the corner and there is a vintage sheet music cabinet (found at auction for $25) just inside the entrance to the den.
While the living room has lighter McCoy Pottery-like-sherbety-colors, the den is predominantly red, cream and tan, with a splash of green. It’s a very cozy room at any time of year, but it is especially so when the weather turns cold. Now you can see where I work each morning. With coffee in hand, I step down (it’s sunken) into the den, Scout following. We arrange ourselves, my girl and I, in our respective places; yours truly in the chair, Scoutie in the ‘tunnel.’
I’m there right now.
Happy Wednesday.
Thanks, Claudia. I love and appreciate that you are so real — your home is perfectly imperfect and I find that wonderfully refreshing. It’s a real lived-in home, not a showplace. I’m trying to think if you have a living room as well as the den because I think I remember another sitting area, and the den didn’t seem all that familiar. Anyway, I love the homeyness and comfort of your little cottage, so much character and charm. Best to you, Don an Scout.
I do have a living room. You can see it by clicking on Around the Cottage/Cottage Home Tour in the navigation bar, though I should probably take some updated photos as the furniture configuration has changed a bit. Or you can search in the sidebar using ‘living room.’ You’re right, the den has been featured less than the living room, for that reason I mentioned: hard to photograph.
I’ll try to feature the living room soon, Becky. Thanks so much for your kind words.
Loved this glimpse into your cozy home. The wire laundry basket is a wonderful piece, and I see you use it well! All that yarn!
I was looking at it the other day and wondering if there is too much yarn there, Lorrie!
What a beautiful home you have created. I don’t think anyone with any amount of money could “Duplicate”
what you have here! (again life experiences) I so appreciate you opening your home and life to us. Your blog almost always makes me happy.When it doesn’t, I am perfectly willing to share your burdens,because you make mine lighter. Thank-You! -Judy A-
You are so kind, Judy. Thank you!
I have that same slip cover as on your couch. It’s a good color for “doggie feet”.
Perfect for dogs. It’s due for another wash, Gina!
I can see why you like the den…it is very cozy! For some reason I really don’t remember you showing that many pics of it. It’s a lovely room, curated over time. It’s so you! ;)
Because it’s hard to photograph, Donna!
I love your cottage. It looks like a home!
Thank you, Kathy!
I love this room. It speaks of you and I love that you made it so special on a limited budget. I have an ikea slip cover ($1 in the mark down room) that doesn’t fit too well on my bedroom chair. It is where I blog. xo Laura
That IKEA comes in handy, doesn’t it?
So warm and comfy looking Claudia..and those lamps just add to the charm..your blogging chair looks like the kind one could snuggle down in with a favorite quilt and doze off for a Winter’s nap..Sigh!
I have definitely dozed off in this chair, Nancy!
Claudia, I love the den, and I would be perfectly comfortable perched in there. And I like the fact that your furnishings all has a story to tell. That makes it even more special. I’m like you. I prefer to recycle furniture, and I rarely buy anything new. I like that our furniture has had a history before coming to live with us. Your den is the perfect place to dream and “be”. I can see why you love it!
Speaking of recycling, we are faced with the final sale of the things that belonged to my mother in law. We spent weeks sifting through a life of 55 years spent in one home, and it was so bittersweet. I would have preferred keeping everything, but I know that is not practical. And it is not mine to say. Each of the children got to select special items, and interestingly it appears everyone wanted different things. And we made memories together as we dismantled Mom and Dad’s home.
It’s been an eventful summer/fall so far. Fred’s brother’s wife and his sister’s husband have both been in the hospital, and both were close to death. So we were thankful when they turned the corner. It has been an insane ride of late. Then, I had a nasty fall behind our house in St. Augustine and came down on a brick street, breaking my hand, hitting my cheek and brow and injuring my right knee. So I can’t drive. There are so many things you take for granted that you do with your right hand and leg. It has given me a whole new appreciation of what disabled people endure. Fortunately, I designed the downstairs bath in St. Augustine so that my disabled friends could use it, and that has paid off for me in this temporary situation. I am trying to blog and see how my hand holds up. Two fractured bones, but the doctor said I could take the brace off and try to use it. I am just thankful the injuries weren’t worse and that I have been relatively pain free. I will only take baby aspirin.
Sending love to you, Scout, and Don. Hope that you all are enjoying the fall in your lovely Mockingbird Hill Cottage. BTW, I love your new lamp!
XO,
Sheila
I’m so sorry for all the stress and worries in your life, Sheila! You poor thing – what a terrible fall you took. I hope you are taking it slow and pampering yourself, my friend. Sending you love as well – Scout just got over a terrible two weeks. I got home from Hartford to discover she had a tumor in her vulva and she had to have surgery or she would have died. She’s back to normal thank goodness, but it’s been a rough two weeks.
Furnishing “HAVE” not “HAS”. The cable man is here disturbing my peace of mind and obviously my grammar.. ;-)
Claudia, what’s great is that your home reflects you, your life, your history. No interior designer swept through painting, papering, placing objects & hanging art SHE chose. YOU built your home and decor piece-by-piece, with things YOU found in different places, at different times. “In your travels…” as my mom used to say. That’s what makes a real home. Even if I could afford the priciest designer, I wouldn’t want one. I wouldn’t trust ’em to get it right. I’m pretty fussy & I totally know what I like. PS – I love the blinds on your windows – have them on ALL of my own – but if you decide you want something more, think about a valance. They’re easy, inexpensive, easy to change PLUS provide a pop of color and texture in the room. Have a great day and go Sox!
I wouldn’t ever have an interior designer do my home, either, Janet. Our home speaks of us, our life, our memories, our finds. For better or worse, I trust my style and wouldn’t let anyone else mess with it!
Hi Claudia!
Love this room in your house. It is so cozy and inviting. I can see why you like to spend time there. I agree, you don’t show many photos of it…but having so many windows explains it. You did very well with the photos this time of around.
Love the lamps…I didn’t comment on that post; but I went and read up …they make a lovely gift for your anniversary. A matching pair- for the PAIR OF YOU!
Pat
I think that your den and the rest of your cottage welcoming and cozy. Our home is not much bigger and a lot of our furniture hand me downs. I’m not complaining either. It was really a treat to see where you write your posts from each day. Valerie
Thanks so much, Valerie. It’s small but we like it!
Thanks so much, Pat. I’m glad you like it!
Oh, Claudia…they look smashing! A perfect addition. Such a comfy and welcoming room. The yarn bin is FABULOUS!!!
We’re taking a trip to San Diego (we’re in Michigan) after Christmas. I’d love it if you’d share an antique shop or two. Funny story…I have a small dogsitting service and one of my clients moved to SD this summer. She emailed me, requesting my service as they’re coming back to Michigan for New Years. They offered their condo, Prius and $300 for a week! San Diego in January?? I’m already there. :D They live across from the baseball stadium and close to Balboa Park. I’m excited!! Any attractions you’d recommend?
Where in Michigan do you live, Kellianne? I’m originally from Dearborn.
If you’re going to San Diego – go to Ocean Beach. Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach has several of my favorite shops, including Vignettes, my absolute favorite. You’ll love it there. Plus it’s about 3 blocks from the beach. Go see Balboa Park, which has all sorts of attractions, including the San Diego Zoo and The Old Globe Theater. Outside of the city, to the north is the San Diego Wildlife Park, which is awfully cool. La Jolla has fabulous beaches and is a charming town, so is Solana Beach, which also has antique shops. Go out to Point Loma, which has an incredible view of the city and the shoreline as well as a lighthouse. Go out to Coronado Island – simply gorgeous and while there visit the famous Hotel Del Coronado, a fabulous old wooden structure that is beautiful (it’s also where they filmed the movie Some Like it Hot.) There’s also Sea World.
Sounds like your friend lives downtown and there’s lots of attractions around there, as well. Have fun!
OK Claudia, we’ve talked about us both being from Michigan before (remember your Vernors crate thread? And the Maurice salad recipe?) but I had NO idea you were from Dearborn–I’m from Dearborn Heights!!! I had to giggle today when you posted about the Sox possibly meeting the Tigers in the World Series–my Oakland A’s play the Tigers again today, and hopefully know them OUT! Wouldn’t it be fun to have the battle come down to Oakland and Boston?!?
Yes, I do remember! I saved that Maurice Salad recipe, by the way! Dearborn Heights???? Right next door! I did my student teaching at Riverside High School in Dearborn Heights.
Oakland and Boston? Oh boy! (My sister is too upset that the Rays lost. I’m refraining from bragging for a while!)
Oh my heck! The world gets smaller and smaller…I attended and graduated from Riverside!!! When were you there? And who did you teach with?
I hate to admit it, but I taught there in the winter of 1974 (my senior year in college). I can’t remember any names by my supervising teacher was the drama teacher – oh wait, it’s coming to me. I think his name was Mr. Jedwell, or something like that?
Oh man, I graduated in ’73! I bet you taught some of my friends! Do you remember Mr. Meade, the music teacher? He was very involved in all the drama productions.
I sort of remember him. But only vaguely.
Oh, thank you! Didn’t know about the Wildlife Park and will definitely check it out. I appreciate the suggestions and have written it all down.
I live in Ferndale…you mentioned that your brother lived near me?
Thanks again, Claudia. :)
Of course, now I remember! Yes, my brother lived in Ferndale for many years. Before that he lived in Huntington Woods. Sorry for forgetting about that!
xo
Beautiful room! I especially love the wire basket with all of that lovely yarn. The entire room looks cozy, cozy, cozy and just the kind of place I’d like to spend winter days.
Blessings,
Betsy
Thank you so much, Betsy.
I would definitely ask my husband to help with your leaves if we lived closer.
I love when you show us around your home. I have been showing some of our home this week. I hope you will enjoy it.
I will stop by and visit, Beverly. I love your beautiful home!
That is such a comfortable looking room! Very inviting. I sure can see why you would spend a lot of time in there!
I do spend an enormous amount of time in here!
Thanks for sharing, Claudia. The new green lamps are perfect and such a great memory for and tribute to your marriage! I like your “Christmas in Connecticut” style! I’m a McCoy collector, too, so I enjoy seeing how you use and display yours. My favorite thing in the room is your copy of One Thousand Gifts on the coffee table. It is books like that that make the house a true home and a joy! Blessings… Beth K.
Don’t you just love McCoy, Beth?
By the way, my dream is to have built-in bookshelves in the den. In the meantime, I may add two bookcases from IKEA. I am running out of room for my books.
I love the colors and sculptural aspects of McCoy especially the forties era ones. My dream is to have built-in bookcases,too. I find shelves of good books at my fingertips comforting. I’d love to mix pottery and books on the shelves. Here is some McCoy eye candy on shelves:http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/howwelive/designer-Sroka-home_ss11.html
Oh, gorgeous! My goodness. So much more elegant than my displays. I love that blue background behind the shelves. Perfect!
Sounds and looks like a very cozy, lovable place to be!! Looks like you’ll be kept busy with the leaves!
Judy
Oh my, I will! It is endless here. We have several trees close to the house and they all shed their leaves at different times. xo
Thank you for the tour. Your home always looks so nice. You have made reference before about the tunnel. What is “the tunnel”?
Catch ya later.
Smiles to you.
Linda
The tunnel story: when we first rescued Scout, we quickly realized that she likes to lay under my legs when I’m sitting. She feels secure there. So I learned to lift my legs in the air every time I sat down so she could burrow into her safe place. She doesn’t stay there for hours, but we always start the day out that way and usually sometime in the afternoon, like now, she wants back in. I started calling it The Tunnel. She knows what that means and if I say “Do you want to go in the tunnel?” she’ll get into position and I’ll lift my legs off the floor until she gets settled. Interestingly, I seem to be the favorite for the tunnel. Occasionally, Don. But mostly me.
I love your cozy little den!!! Remember anybody can go to a furniture store and buy a complete “set-up”…..it takes a lot of love, hunting and gathering to do it your (mine too!!) way. It would be soooo boring going to the furniture store and living with someone else’ s idea of a den. I have to laugh, ( we really are sisters) you can remember where each piece came from as well as the prices you payed. I do the same!!!! Sometimes when I feel reflective, with a nice hot cup of Jasmine green tea, I gaze around my house and think of all the fun it was to gather all my pieces. I like to think about where they came from, that day I got it, how lucky I was to get it or maybe even the people I encountered at the sale. It truly is the thrill of the hunt!!!!
I love the yarn caddy…I could use one!!! I also like the blinds….it adds to the cottage feel…..of course I have the ones!!!!……I also have all the falling leaves in my yard too!!!!
take care…God Bless!!!!
Addie
Don’t you love to hear the stories behind the pieces, Addie? That’s part of the joy of finding a wonderful piece.
Put on the coffee pot I will be over for a cup in that cozy room
Wouldn’t that be nice?
I love those lamps and they do look so great in your Den. Thanks for the photos. A wonderful, comfy home like yours does not come off a showroom floor and takes years to find just the right items to make it personal and unique. I love it and wish that my home was like this. Maybe I’ll start adding interesting furniture pieces to my home in the next few years.
hugs,
Linda
You will and your new home will evolve into a place filled with your favorite things and finds, my friend.
Love your den! Very warm and cozy and the lighting is great in there.
Hugs, Patti
Thanks so much, Patti!
thanks for sharing pics of your home, I love your style- alot like my own- love to repurpose-I really enjoy your blog-and that you post each day-just like seeing a friend every day, keep the good stuff coming
Oh, thank you so much, Donna. That means a lot to me.
I love that your furniture pieces have their own story to tell, Claudia. Your den seems like a wonderful part of your home and a great reflection of your personality. I think Scout likes to see her “parents” cuddling on the couch, thus the enforced togetherness!
I believe you’re right about Miss Scout, Marianne!
I think your den is so cozy and full of sunlight. Our house is totally decorated in what I call early marriage. Lol!! It seems like we just finished up winter at your house and now you are getting cold again. Summer went so fast this year.
I know! How did the time go by so quickly, Elaine?
I really like your home. you have a gift of decorating and certainly with words:). The post from Scout brought all kinds of emotions to this reader!
My husband and I recently bought an old house with about 1100 sq ft. It was built in 1944 , it is three years older than I am, so we are both sagging a little :)
I hope it will be a cozy home soon, but right now the floors and sub floors are up and we are replacing some joists and putting jacks under some others to make the floors level. It is a plain, little house but we like it and are anxious to move there.
Our dog Molly sends greetings to Scout.
Thank you for your wonderful blog. It is an inspiration to me.
Diane
What a wonderful adventure you’re going to have with your ‘new’ house, Diane! I will tell Scout that Molly says hello.
Your den is very cozy and comfortable looking! The lamps are perfect in there.
Love the cozy room and the comfy chair…those lamps are fab too!!