I like it just fine...this old cottage.

There are pros and cons to living in an old cottage home.

This place was not original to the waterfront property.

The house was moved here, and added on to a little at a time....a room here, an addition there.

I'm not sure how many previous owners there were. but they each had their own individual way of decorating.

Because we don't have the funds to gut the place, we have gradually worked with what we have.

There once was a "thing" called "Z-brick" that people used to cover walls. It came in a variety of colors, and these walls were covered in the grey and black version of the brick.

Instead of ripping the walls out, I painted the "bricks" white.

Sadly, there wasn't any mortar between the bricks....just some caulk material that they used to adhere the bricks to the walls with.

Recently, (FINALLY) I mixed up some mortar and added it to the bricks.

What a messy job!!!!

You can see in the corner that the house either settled a GREAT deal, or someone didn't measure correctly.....hmmmm.

Anyway....I like the way it turned out, even if it looks a bit 80ish.

My husband thought it would be (in his words) "sharp" to have black and stainless appliances and black counters, and a black sink.

It didn't matter that I wanted everything WHITE!!!!

...anyway....I ended up painting the counters with white paint specially made for counters.

UGH!!! a thick and sticky process!!!

The black sink hubby put in was acrylic, and ended up being a scratched up MESS!!

I finally got this HUGE gorgeous,white sink a few months ago, and am as happy as a lark.

It's not a perfect kitchen, but I like it all the same.

So....living in an old cottage is good for me, because I can "junk it up" the way I like.....in line with my decorating style. 
It really doesn't bother me the way the house is put together (much), as long as the bones are good.
That way, I don't feel bad about adding pieces that I find at antique markets, and junque shops. Like old doors, and vintage window sashes, shutters, and iron brackets all over the place. It's all a part of who I am. 
This old cottage might not be your "cup of tea"......but I like it just fine.
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Guest room .......finished!!!

The guest room is finished!!

I was inspired by Dore' at Burlap Luxe to paint the room in grey and white, and try to do the bead board in a wash of white.

I don't know if you can tell by this photo that the bottom part of the wall was washed?

I absolutely LOVE how it turned out!!

Thank you Dore' for the inspiration to" step out of the box"....and try something different (for me).

The textured plaster walls were done with some white that was tinted with just a hint of grey.

It gave "just enough" of a contrast with the white trim, and bead board.

The medallion hanging on the wall was found in a little shop where my daughter lives.

It was a cream color.

I dry brushed it with white, and am pleased with the effect. Using a damp cloth to wipe off the raised areas worked perfectly.

Target has this same bedding on sale right now....argh.

Some pretties.

A little faux fireplace for some warmth, and candles for some romance.......

and there you have it.....the guest room.

Next project in this romantic cottage here at the lake.....the kitchen.
Smooches.
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxoxo

A sneak peak.....

Just a sneak peak at what's going on here at the Lakehouse.

The guest room is being painted.

The upstairs bedrooms have deep slanted ceilings, and have an attic feel to the rooms.

Luckily each room has a window, that lets in plenty of light.

The upper walls are textured, and lower walls have a bead board look.

I mixed a very small amount of grey into some white for the upper walls, and finished painting them on Tuesday.

Today I will be painting the bead board and trim with white.

This new quilt set from "Summers At The Cottage" arrived this morning.

It's from the RA Shabby Chic Collection.

I had the white ruffled pillows from the same online company from a previous order.

The quilt and shams are a beautiful pale blue with pretty rose ruffles.

I will share more photos when the room is finished.
Have a great weekend!!
Debbie
xoxoxo

A little paper flag.

While shopping in a wonderful little shop in Howell, Michigan last weekend, I came across a cup full of these little paper flags.

They reminded me of a summer spent in France, years ago.

Memories flooded back.....my late husband and I spending time with his family.

We were so young, 19 and 20, on break from college that summer.

Meeting his relatives for the first time.

They owned three homes.

One in Paris, one in the country, and one on the Normandy Beaches.

Seeing all of the sights in Paris was like a dream for me.

You learn about such things in school, but never think you will ever see places like that in your whole life!

Patrick was used to it all....being there several times since childhood.

Spending time in the country, seeing all of the vineyards was amazing!

Tonton and Tantine had a huge garden that they used for preparing meals.

Tonton was our tour guide inside, and outside of Paris.

My favorite place was Deauville, on the Normandy Beaches (on the English Channel).

We spent hours around the simple table, in mismatched chairs....eating, drinking wine, and talking and laughing while the sea air came in through the open windows.

As you walked up the winding staircase to the bedrooms, you could still see the chips in the walls where the butts of the German's rifles gouged the plaster as they searched the cottages during the War. 

I asked why the plaster was never replaced. Mamme' said it was left as a reminder of the cruelty of war, and hopefully it would never be repeated.

That little paper flag brought back memories for me.   Good memories, of good people...along with some history.
Funny how something so small, and insignificant to some, would cause a lifetime of memories to flood into my brain for just a matter of minutes.
I'm glad I found that little paper flag. It brought joy to my heart.
I hope something fills your heart with joy this weekend!
Debbie
xoxoxo

Finding a little inspiration....

We are experiencing the January thaw here at the lake.

I've been going through my home decor magazines, instead of doing some touch-up painting as I had planned to do today.

I had seen a pretty rose swag in the latest issue of Romantic Country Magazine, featuring Jo-Anne Coletti's lovely home, and wanted to try to make one similar for the Lakehouse.

I use strips from older RA pillow slips when making my rag strip projects, so I used some for the rose swag...along with the usual gauze bar towels that I also use.

There were some white paper roses in the cupboard, and those seemed to call my name....

The project turned out differently than the one in Jo-Anne's feature...but that's quite alright. I wasn't going for an exact copy...just something similar.....something that would fit in here at the Lakehouse.
I do appreciate the inspiration that Jo-Anne's beautiful home invokes, however. I find her to be an amazingly talented woman.
Have a happy Sunday!
Debbie
xo

After the holidays.

The holidays are over, and the decorations are put away for another year.

There are some things that will be left out, however.

The JDL lace angel wings are part of the decor here at the Lakehouse.

Angel wings are found throughout our cottage all through the year.

This year's project will be white washed wood flooring for the living room.

It was supposed to be put in last year....but the Mr. doesn't like to rush into things.....EVER!!!

He did surprise me with this tea cart for my birthday, though.

Also, two beautiful charms for my Pandora bracelet!

Isn't this card pretty?

I received it from Bron at vintageandart.blogspot.com in a Christmas card.

Bron also sent this lovely lady! she's just perfect for here at the Lakehouse, isn't she??!!

If you love shabby chic, go visit Bron's blog. she's  from Australia, and has a wonderful blog with awesome photo's and great posts!!!

Have a fun Sunday!
Winter has arrived here in the Midwest!
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Happy New Year!

Fierce winds are blowing here at the Lakehouse.

The weather has taken a turn for the worse.

It's nothing compared to what has transpired for the folks south, I'm sure.

With loss of life due to storms, and tornadoes.

What a horrific holiday season for so many.

Losing power for four days is nothing in comparison.

We spent the holidays with family three hours south of here, and cherished every moment.

My middle daughter and family gifted me with the two large candle jars on the mantle, and this pretty knob that holds this JDL scarf for Christmas.

All fitting presents for the Lakehouse decor.

The Jessica Simpson bedding has already found a new home with my 14 year old granddaughter, Maddie.

The colors just didn't "fit" here for my taste.

I thought it would be a nice "change" for the winter season....but it just wasn't "me".

The RA bedding suits my style, and makes my heart sing.

Jessica Simpson's bedding is beautiful!

I'm just more comfortable with the RA line, I guess.

So....the ruffles and roses are back, and I'm a happy girl.

Sometimes....staying with what we know is a good thing.....the grass isn't always greener....ya know what I mean?

Happy New Year everybody!
Smooches.
Debbie
xoxo