Changes in the Downstairs

I am most excited, and have the most vision, for my modern kitchen. I found an amazing herringbone pattern scrapbook paper in outrageous colors and I am looking forward to making that my floor. I envision modern, clean lines in the cabinetry and countertops (either faux concrete or faux marble -- I found scrapbook paper at Michael's that could work for either), and a bright backsplash probably made from the remnant of a Birchbox I received. However, in drafting the layout for my appliances, I hit a snag. The room I had earmarked for the kitchen is indeed the bigger of the two downstairs rooms but because it also contains the front door and the staircase, it has less usable space for counters, appliances, and eating area. Therefore, I pulled out all my cardstock mockups and decided to reformulate an idea, using the same colors and materials, for a smaller galley-style kitchen in the smaller room. This means I have a lot more space in my living room and need some more ideas about how to fill it! Right now I know I want to do cork flooring (already purchased) and some natural textiles like jute and cotton. Since the front door is there, I will need a place for coats/keys/shoes. Most living rooms have a flatscreen TV, but maybe I'll have to pretend mine is on the imaginary fourth wall. Finally, I have the question of where to put the eating space: on an L-shaped counter with two stools in my galley kitchen? Or at a small café table in my living room? More cardboard mockups await!

The Project Begins!

Truly, it would be more apt to say that the projects are beginning. Over the last month or so I have been steadily researching ideas and gathering materials to start my foray into the world of dollhouse miniatures.

I can't remember what the impetus was, but it was probably something I saw on Pinterest. I have been interested in miniatures since I was a little girl. There's a classic story in my family about my 6th birthday. I was offered the choice of any three activities I wanted to do to celebrate. My choices? The library (nerd!), the snack bar at Walmart (I CRINGE at the trashiness!!), and...the dollhouse store. I never had a classic dollhouse growing up, but I was always fascinated with small versions of real things. I loved the models of buildings on display at museums. I loved my collection of miniature dogs. I loved emptying all the books off my bookshelf in order to decorate an "apartment" for my Barbies or Trolls. Mostly, I loved drawing out miniature versions of all the things I owned -- or all the things I imagined a character might own.

So, here I am, age 30 with my first true dollhouse: an unfinished wooden 5-room victorian that I nabbed on Craigslist for $30. I also scored a desk for the same price, and have outfitted it with what seem to be the basic supplies (glues, a few acrylic paints, Mod Podge, X-acto knife and cutting board, rulers, some balsa wood, lots of scrapbook paper, odds and ends from around the house, and a few other things). I have an empty dollhouse, but a head chock full of ideas and ten clumsy fingers ready to start fumbling around with the fiddly little bits that have always entranced me! Join me on my journey/steep learning curve and stay tuned for updates along the way!