Exactly a month ago I shared with you here, the house of my dear friend Aura. I was just being bold and ambitious to create a once a month post on beautiful, REAL homes. But to tell you honestly, I didn't know if I can come up with a second one. Now it can be told, I was a bit scared if I can really pull this through. But I guess luck is on my side or should I say I got friends on my side? Because today, I am excited to show you another friend's house. Yup...I charmed my way to have her house posted here in 40andbeyond. And of course, she cannot resist as I implore with French pastries in my bag. So, for this month of November, let me share with you the second... Up Close and Personal
My very good friend Doris, has the most charming "Shabby Chic" - inspired home right smack in the middle of the City. The moment you enter her home (shared with her hubby and beautiful daughter), you instantly feel like you're in a country home and you just want to find a corner (amongst the many cozy nooks that she has!), lounge and bask in a good book. Or just like what I would do when I visit her, I'd just be idle and feast my eyes with all her pretty vignettes! Take a visual tour with me and feel some French, country charm...
As you enter the main door, you will be greeted by the family's oval-framed silhouettes. I am not very fond of frames but this set is just perfect to welcome the guests!
The warm and inviting living room. The color palette of green and white, accessorized with silver makes it very relaxing. It really feels you're in a bed and breakfast cottage.
(1) Collection of antique, silver candle holders (2) A snuggly corner of the living room (3) Simple cushions dot the all-white cozy couch (4) Shabby and distressed candelabras on the coffee table
The dining area is right next to the living area. I love the way Doris make use of old pieces, (some were hand me down from her family) and gives them a new life by making it functional again. Can you see the old sewing machine behind the chair? She refurbished it and made it into a console. Now it's perfect to hold her antique, silver tea set.
The study is accessorized with inherited and vintage stuff. This nook is screaming I-N-S-P-I-R-A-T-I-O-N! Can you hear it??
(1-2) Medicine cabinet of Doris' grandfather, now houses her collection of thimbles and vintage children's books (3) A bread box cum chopping board is now used to keep clutter away (4) My favorite!!! Super cute, vintage, mini Golden books (remember those story books with very simple illustrations?) (5) A DIY mirror/candle holder. How clever is that? Doris has her own handyman whom she trained to make her distressed furniture (6) A collection of mini bird cages
Located at the attic, is Doris' guestroom. Very "Rachel Ashwell-y"! I would not be surprised if guests would want to stay there forever! It's very cozy and it's like a big eye candy for people who like vintage and shabby chic interiors! The white, wrought iron bed is draped with a quilt hand made by Doris' grandmother. Can you see the pretty Doris by the canvass panel? Sorry Dors, I know I said you were not in the picture. :-)
(1) Study nook at the guestroom with an antique swivel chair (2) Bookshelves that hold Doris' collection of Classics (3) Hard bound Charles Dickens collection. I envy this! (4) Bedside table is home to vintage Pooh collection (5) An antique Dutch table lamp with a pretty vintage photo frame, shaped like a purse. Very pretty! (6) Complete view of the bed with the side tables
And here is the master's bedroom...simple, white and still true to the house's look - very Chic! Doris made sure she is surrounded with all her favorite, pretty, vintage things. Most of them were found and bought in the antique and thrift stores during her US trips.
(1) Doris' closet is defined with a pink, fabric curtain. Just pull the curtain to the side, and voila! You see all your clothes in a single hand sway. How easy is that? (2) Desk that holds her thrift store finds, like the African American ragdolls. Truly a rare find! That's my other favorite! (3-4) Her pretty, pretty, (did I say pretty?) dresser. I love the mini, dainty luggage boxes used to hold her perfume, brushes, etc. I thought it's a mini boudoir in it's own right!
Now, let me take you to Gaby's room. As I have known Doris way back our working days in the same company, I kinda witnessed and watched Gaby grow from that little cute girl, and now a beautiful woman. Yup! I feel so old last time I saw her. She's all grown up and working! Where did time go?? And this lady is not just physically gifted; she is also very smart and writes very well! Visit her blog here and be the judge. If only I can have a fraction of her writing competency.
Hand painted checkers in baby blue and white for the wall. How sweet is that? Her quilt (again another handmade piece by the great grandmother) matches her wall and complements her white, shabby, wooden bed.
(1) Study bureau with shelves on top that houses her books and collectible toys (2&4) Some of Gaby's vintage dresses and camisole. Sorry Gabs, your mom and I raided your closet! (3) The classic Pooh collection which my daughter Bianca adores! (5) Hat and bag rack by the side table keeps her collection organized.
More pretty things that can't be missed!
So, there you have it. The "Ignacio cottage" brought me so much inspiration that I started pulling out my Rachel Ashwell books just so I can continue to enjoy Shabby Chic interiors when I got home. I should start looking for another home to feature here...before I start painting my house white! I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed working on it. Thank you so much Dors, for opening your home to 40andbeyond! Hopefully I can produce the third post of
Up Close and Personal
by December! Calling all my dear friends!!!
I would love to hear your thoughts.
