The Most Adorable Fairytale Cottage, Guest Bedroom + More: Friday Finds
Next week is going to be a bit of a nail-biter for me. The bathroom floor gets installed and the toilet and vanity get replaced! I’m nervous even though I’m not doing the work. What if I don’t like my floor choice? What if I think the vanity doesn’t look right with the wallpaper? Should I have chosen a bolder wallpaper pattern? And what about the faucet finishes?? I don’t know how interior designers go through this day after day. LOL. I’m trying to keep my cool while focusing on other things – like today’s little treasures.
When I saw the outside of this fairytale cottage with jewel box interiors, I knew it was going to be dreamy! The amount of pattern is just right and the colors are cheery and playful.
Winter is a great time to cozy up your home with a new rug or two. I just bought a small braided rug for my entryway. If you’re on the hunt for warmth underfoot, check out this collection rugs for your home. You’ll love the inspiration photos even if you’re not in the market for a rug.
A few months ago I needed to buy cardamom for a recipe that I really wanted to try. That’s when I learned how expensive that pricey spice is. I don’t want to let it go to waste so I was happy when I just stumbled over this orange and cardamom muffins recipe.
I love this refreshing guest bedroom makeover over at Peony and Porch (a new-to-me blog). The before photos are cute, but the after photos add a little more color and pattern. It goes to show what an impact a few small changes can make.
Do you like to cook with fresh herbs all year long? On my sister site, Pond and Garden, I share how to grow culinary herbs indoors.
Looking for inspiration on Instagram? I love the sweet little decorating account of Blooming Ivy Lane. You might enjoy it, too.
Heading into the weekend, I think the worst of our winter weather is done (knock on wood). We had below zero temperatures and that didn’t even include the wind chill factor. I was so hoping the electricity wouldn’t go out. Today it’s a balmy 25 degrees Fahrenheit. LOL. Stay warm out there, friends!
Hi Jennifer. My master bathroom had a makeover last fall so I know what you’re going through. I tried to think of “what’s the worst that could happen?” and that seemed to calm me down. If you don’t like it, which hardly seems possible, you can tweak it til you do. You have excellent taste. It’s always scary to step out of your comfort zone. When it comes out beautiful- oh the happiness!
Thanks, Anne. Your words are comforting! It’s always a little scary redoing things in an old house because you never know what you’re going to find. LOL. At least I’ve liked all the contractors we’re working with – that helps calm the nerves.
Hello Jennifer,
We are local in your area and wondered who is doing the work for you and if you would be able to send me their contact information? Also do not worry about your choices, they will be beautiful when everything comes together.
Thank you,
Lisa Motts
Hi Lisa!
We hired Douglas Flooring in Batavia for the floor. We recently switched our plumber to River City Plumbing, also in Batavia, and are very happy with them. I got the wallpaper from J.C. Licht in Geneva. I’ve been going to J.C. Licht for years – I sometimes get paint at Sherwin Williams, too.
Fun post, Jen! I loved everything about the fairy tale cottage, and could just picture myself in the garden enjoying the sun with a cuppa! Great ideas in the bedroom makeover, as well. (btw I thought the before was sweet as it was, until i saw the after!) My mom used to buy cardamom bread at the bakery for us as a treat and the mention brought back a flood of memories. Now I have to splurge and try those muffins, too. I always look forward to your blog and have a whole file of them to look back on. Thanks, from your neighbor down the road in Crystal Lake.