Easy & Affordable Ways to Add Character to A Builder Grade Home- Part 1: Doors

A new builder grade home may not be oozing with historic character and charm, but it is home, and it is beautiful.  After all, home is where the heart is...

Home is where morning coffee is relished in a sun filled breakfast nook before heading out for the day.  It is where the children are tucked into bed in their adorable rooms decorated with love.  It is where that evening glass of wine is relished by the fire after all the chores have been done.  Home is where we go after a busy day to feel safe and secure.  It is where we relax and where we can truly be ourselves. At home is where we celebrate milestones and holidays.  Home is where memories are made. 

What I have come to realize is that a historic home home is not necessary if you are longing for character.  So lets encourage our homes become that original charm filled gem that it is begging to become.  So if you are experiencing "model home syndrome", these ideas are your cure.  

Changing up doors is a simple, smart and inexpensive way to turn up the charm in your builder grade home.  This is just one of the many ways to kick up the character and turn your house into a home. 

Antique Doors
Usually builders install typical hollow-core doors in new homes. While it may take some time to get them all replaced it will definitely be worth the effort to change out the ordinary with antique doors. These beautiful relics can be found at most resale shops at a fairly good price. It might require some  digging and resizing of the older door to fit the jamb of newer model homes, but the investment truly pays off in the end.  Peppering your home with little antique details will take your home from bland to bold.

My Lovely Things- Antique Doors

A Pacific Beach Cottage- Sea Side Home Tour

There is something about the beach that does wonders for the soul. The coast of Pacific Beach Washington is no different with its gray waters and peaceful air. Lisa from the Coastal Nest shares her cottage located in her own little corner of paradise. The best part about it... she'll even let you borrow it

Bringing outdoor elements inside is one of the funnest parts of decorating a beach cottage.

From Wilmington to Chicago

While I did just move to the North Carolina coast, I have already discovered why some many people want to call it home. Combined with efforts from Kendra Thornton, travel expert and avid Chicagoan, we have brought you the best from the South and North.

Wilmington, NC

Fortunately, I got the opportunity to relocate and our family chose this beautiful area of the state to lay our roots. A town that has Atlantic beaches on one side and stately pines draped in Spanish moss on the other. It is the perfect combination of coast meets country. While there are many things to do here during a visit, all things Wilmington will make the average person want to live here.

Historic Downtown

Courtesy of: Images of Wilmington

Different from other places, Wilmington does not use the word historic as a disguise for old and dilapidated. This Port City embraces its rich history, which includes everything from pirate invasions to civil war battles. The pride that Wilmington has for its background is seen in its antique manors, boundless architecture, charming businesses, and beautiful boardwalk all nestled along the banks of the Cape Fear River. The vibrant downtown area is home to a host of quaint coffee shops, local brew houses, eclectic restaurants, and taverns whose music pours onto the streets at nightfall. As you enjoy the magic of downtown be sure to get a lesson in the past by taking a trip aboard the Battleship North Carolina. For those who are looking for something a little more dangerous, a haunted pub-crawl or ghost walk tour may be more your speed.

Indian Summer and a Fall'ish' Rusty Red

YAY! Fall is almost officially here. That means hot soups on the stove, football on T.V., and pumpkin lattes at your fingertips. It also means rich, vibrant colors that make you want to grab a cozy blankey, your favorite cup of coffee, and head to your porch. Here you will sit on a crisp morning with your face looking to sky absorbing every last bit that the sun has to offer.

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Stenciled Furniture

This inexpensive, very large,  and very 80's 'esque' dresser was begging for a makeover. 

Unfortunately, this was my nightmare come to life in the shape of wood.

While this piece was hideous at best and was priced at $30.00 so it could not be passed up. It had tons of storage and the size was perfect.

The details on the drawers made this ugly dresser somewhat unique so a little love could transform this dusty old relic to glammed up tween bureau.

Birthdays... and Little Milk Paint

I think its been proven. 

Things definitely get better with age.

Sweet little things like these...

As hard as it is to believe...

Get better and more precious with each passing year.

We celebrated the twins' birthday this weekend and not only was it fun filled, but it was FAMILY filled as well.

Some other things that get better with age...

wine, haute couture, cheese...

And furniture! 

Especially when it is painted with the deliciousness that is Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint.

A Beautiful Beach Bungalow Tour

Lake Michigan is a freshwater paradise that appeals to every sense all year long. However, with water that rivals the ocean, and dunes as high as mountains the summer months are definitely its glory days. Many charming towns line its coast including St. Joseph, New Buffalo, and South Haven, where Erin from Just Grand purchased her own little slice of heaven 

This charming bungalow, which used to be housekeeping cottages over 70 years ago, proves that size doesn't matter when you are on the water.

One of the most enticing traits of the Lake Michigan coast is the combination of beautiful waves and lush forest that can be found all along the beaches.

A Few of My Favorite Things

I love being inspired! 

Favorite linen storage

A Midwestern Lakeside Cottage Tour

Kristine from Lakeshore Cottage Living found a diamond in the rough by a beautiful lake to accommodate her large family. Unfortunately for her, this diamond was in need of some major polishing. But with a spectacular view of the water and a luxurious pool to lounge in after a hard days work, what's a little elbow grease?

The water side of a lake home is usually its best asset, but this homes enticing entrance makes guests long for a moment in the tree swing.

A Low Country Cottage- Sea Side Home Tour

Beaufort is one of the oldest cities in the state of South Carolina, and it shows with all of its rich charm and historic splendor. Kelly from Coastal Cottage Dreams is lucky enough to reside in this low country paradise and is slowly turning her southern home by the coast into a seaside dream.

This dreamy southern style porch brings the indoors out with cozy seating, coastal hues, and plenty of shade from the hot South Carolina sun.

Painted turquoise floors are the epitome of southern coastal charm.