INSPIRATION FOR THE TINY RANCH
/I have lost a lot of sleep thinking about decorating and design and contemplating what furniture I should keep and what I should sell or give away when we move to the tiny ranch from the Boxmoor. There are so many things to consider when you downsize.
While I'm not opposed to getting rid of stuff, I do wrestle with the economics of it. On one hand I'd love to start with a clean slate, but on the other hand, I own some furniture pieces that I would love to find a way to use.
And then there is the problem of being wishy-washy when it comes to choosing a style. I could never just go into a store and furnish a room all matchy-matchy. My design choices are driven by story and the thrill of the hunt. I want to be surrounded by things that make me smile.
So I've decided to start with a pretty blank canvas--meaning lots of white--in which to build layers. And I've decided to trust that those layers will happen gradually. They will most likely be woven together between what I already own and have an affection toward and what I happen upon over the next few months.
For sure there will be shiplap and whitewashed floors.
And open shelving, lots of light, and at least one chandelier in the kitchen.
The bathrooms will have custom vanities made by my son, one incorporating an old kitchen sink.
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When it comes to the outside, I have made my final, final decision. I posted this collage of exterior house possibilities on Facebook a while back, asking my friends to cast their votes on their favorites. The most votes went to the green and grey houses, so I picked BLUE.
I pride myself just a bit on doing the unexpected. The brick will be painted Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy, the trim white, and the shingles and shutters will be stained.
We have a little shed in the back yard that we will be turning into a chapel or prayer room.
And if I have my way and the budget allows, eventually, we will have an outdoor fireplace. Probably not as grand as this, but I can dream, right?
