Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Giving a plain jane homes pretty details......

My house is a 1959 split level. It is what I think one of as one of the most boring and unpractical home designs ever. When we moved in it was white walls and boxy-ness. I have to admit it, I an an old-house girl. I dream of hidden nooks and crannies and tons of character.
But, I think just because you don't live in something that's already gussied up with gingerbread and arched entryways, or already has molding that does laps around your ceiling, that's no reason to give into the boring room blahs. Think of it more as a blank slate waiting to be fancied up. It's all about working with what you got and taking it a step at a time for plain jane builds new and old.... 
Do you notice  in these pictures how just a little bit of  woodwork really elevates the space?






Have you improved your own white box and added architectural interest?? Join in next Wednesday, September 7th for  a linky party.. Molding and more!
Show us how you've added molding, fretwork, board and batten, mantles, and other accents!
Jen

P.S. I am headed out to see this sweet girl this weekend. Have a great weekend! See you Monday!


10 Creative people said:

Gwen Zierdt said...

I had an equally boring 1977 split level, but I went for the more modern look. Check out my main floor at http://estatehomes.net/live/collection/kitchen-bath-remodel-gallery/2996

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Wood adds so much! It's all so gorgeous!!!
making our builder grade cabinets into custom by adding wood made a huge difference.
have a great night!
Xo

Fishtail Cottage said...

love the added wood too! so much fun to see the difference it truly makes! makes everything so much more personal! xoox, tracie

ShantyGirl said...

We have a 1979 long ranch house, was boring as well, but with a little touch of really bad faux on all the walls......we took about 4 years as we did all the work ourselves and made it our own, I love my long box now!! I think once you have touched every inch of your house with either a hammer or a brush it makes you love it as if you built it yourselve! Have a wonderful weekend.
Sherry

Anita said...

Hope you girls have some fun...and enter our giveaway! Sure to add to your "plain jane" - which is not so plain :)

Anita

Debby said...

I have one of those boring bi levels......ours is also called a hillside ranch as you can walk right out the back door. The one great advantage is the size.
I have been wanting to do the wood corners for awhile.......helps to break up the square lines. I, too, love older homes...instead of modern. I keep telling myself that mine is getting to be an older home, hah.
Thanks for the ideas.

Leah said...

Wow! It doesn't look so boring at all, but that's because of your hard work I imagine!

Burlap Luxe said...

I know just what your talking about, yet a little vision and a whole lot of salvage can alter anything boring to much excitement a place to love. Sometimes just knocking down a wall makes a big impression to the conversation in a room to love.

Great post!
Cheers
see you soon
Dore

The Old Painted Cottage said...

Hey Jen, just wanted to stop by to congratulate you on being featured in Country Living this month. How exciting indeed. Your kitchen is gorgeous!

oxox
Jennifer

Dear Lillie said...

We live in a boring (and poorly built) townhouse and have had some fine trying to make it look more personal and homey. I grew up in New England in homes that were full of character so it is so hard not being able to have a place with character. Looking forward to the link party...now if I can just remember - haha!

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