Hello friends!
After experimenting with more color and lots of bold artwork I have found myself returning to the soft and cozy cottage vibe I have always loved.
We still have a relaxed somewhat boho vibe, but it is mixed with lots of cottage feels and cozy touches that seem to give you a big hug when you walk in.
Who doesn’t want a big hug right?
We started by painting everything the same warm shade of antique white. It took a few samples to get it right but we found it on the third try. White paint is the hardest of all to get right!
I have had a bit of a career change (the bank I worked for closed it’s local office) that has brought a lot of peace and creativity into my days which is really exciting!! Initially it took me weeks, actually months to figure out my new role as I was no longer working crazy hours and mentally drained most days. I may someday return to the finance world again at some point, but right now I am loving the flexibility (and huge amount of learning) by working alongside Mr. twelveOeight doing home remodels. We have completely renovated a circa 1910 three level home among other projects in recent months, and I have learned SO much. I am able to use my love of design, textiles, lighting and decor while discussing the project with a homeowner and building a plan with them.
It was not until I had some time to just be quiet in my head and thoughts that I felt the peace and love of all things home return after years of very long hours and stress. Sometimes it seems that a blessing can come out of something that seemed so devastating initially.
We have our largest garden ever this year and I learned how to start the majority of what we are growing from seed. I have been nervous about going almost all from seed and usually buy starts locally but decided this late winter and spring it was time to learn all about it. More on the garden soon…
We’ve got makeovers, before and after’s, and some awesome recipes coming and the garden is just about to start really producing so we will have lots of tomatoes to create with. For now I wanted to share our summer dining and living room!
Next we picked up a fireplace surround at a garage sale and after a few coats of Fusion mineral paint (I used the color Algonquin) we installed it and immediately brought out some of my favorite finds I have kept over the years. The mirror is early 1900’s from my great grandmother, it fits perfectly, I was SO happy once she was up!
A new to us small glass and iron chandelier also a recent garage sale find tucked in the corner added just the right touch. It’s so pretty on summer evenings to relax out here (no tv in this room) with the candles glowing.
I have had this armoire for a couple years and knew it was time to say goodbye to the white paint once the walls were done. I sanded, and sanded and put some new fabric inside the door.
I love how it turned out and I think my hands have recovered from all that sanding. It was worth it she is SO pretty!
Grouping some favorite things, and creating a layered balance of old and new on top of a dresser between the living room and dining area. This dresser is where I store my candles and sewing supplies. I think they forgot to include enough closets when building homes in the 1970’s so dressers for storage are essential.
I have a small area in our dining room that I hung a thrift store shelf to house my growing collection of copper molds. I have a few of the metal ones, but have found four solid copper molds in the last few weeks too.
Along with a favorite painting and some vintage hotel flatware this little corner has all the cozy feels now!
My great grandmother’s table cloth is on our table and I am so happy to be using it. I did ask the kids to make sure popsicles and Cheetos are respectfully kept at a distance since it’s so old but in such good condition 🙂
Wherever this finds you today, starting something new, or dealing with changes you didn’t necessarily want I hope you have time for you and your thoughts. Decorating it seems is less about making things perfect it seems, and more about figuring out who we are, and learning to love her flaws and all.
Blessings from our little homestead, until next time!
xo, Tanya
27 Responses
The color you picked for your walls really do give a feeling of warmth to your room. I also love your fireplace and how you decorated around it. Everything looks beautiful!
Thank you so much Catherine! I think the fireplace is my favorite part 🙂 Hugs and thank you for stopping by!
Wonderful photos, I love the decor. There are so many beautiful items and you pieced them together so well!
I would love to invite you to share your post on my Tell It To Me Tuesday link party, and have the chance to be featured. You can find the most recent one at https://perfectlyimperfect-lwl.com/tell-it-to-me-tuesday-5-7-11-23-link-party/. I hope you to see you there!
Hi Lyndsey! I would love to thank you so much for the invite 🙂 xo Tanya
Thank you for linking up! I hope you join again this week.
I will be there! 😉
Prestige Kollur is perfect for IT professionals and those working in startups. Demand for flats near is growing consistently, especially due to tech parks and connectivity. 0: Renowned for its lush greenery and low-density offering planning, this draws high-end buyers and investors. Extension. With a range of cost-effective housing offerings, this area is rapidly developing with schools, malls, and hospitals.
https://prestige.ind.in/prestige-kollur/
So many beautiful changes and makeovers Tanya! I love the transformation you gave the armoire in your living room. It complements the walls so well now. Love your copper collection and that you’re using your grandmas tablecloth too. I bet it makes the whole room feel special! Hugs and good luck on the next part of your journey. Change is not always easy but I’m excited for you. Hugs, CoCo
You are so right CoCo, it’s not easy but it can be very exciting, you just never know what the future holds! Thank you for visiting friend, hugs xoxo Tanya 🙂
What a lovely space to relax in this summer! Thanks for sharing on Crafty Creators! Hope to see you there tomorrow as well!
Thank you Niki! I won’t miss it 😉 Hugs- Tanya
This space is AMAZING, Tanya!!
It’s SO cozy and comforting with all of the pretty vintage decor and finds. Those copper molds are incredible. I too am a collector of copper..it’s just so much fun to find, isn’t it?!
I would love it if you shared this post at the Home Imagined link party. I know others would love it just as much as I do!
https://www.theantiquedjourney.com/home-imagined-link-party-22/
You are so sweet Rachel thank you!! I am loving the copper too, it brings so much warmth to a little shelf or really anywhere 🙂 thank you for the invite too!!
Sometimes things happen and we have no idea why, but it sounds like you are enjoying your chance at learning so much, and perhaps have a new calling. I am a cottage lover too, we live in a cozy cottage which I adore. Love your collections, and that armoire is gorgeous! Love it, thank you for sharing with Whimsy Home Wednesday!
Thank you so much Cara! I love your blog thank you for stopping by!! 🙂 Hugs- Tanya
Simply beautiful! Thank you for linking up @HomeMattersLinkyParty!
Mel
Thank you so much Mel! I really appreciate it 🙂
This is just amazing, I love the style and all the pieces you bought. Honestly I don’t think you should ever get back working in the finance world 😊
You are too kind and with this kind of encouragement I just may stay out of it for good 🙂 thank you again!! xoxo Tanya
Oh Tanya, that armoire is absolutely gorgeous. Love seeing that amazing wood! great job!
Thank you Debra! It was so fun to see the gorgeous wood come out to say hello after being under the white paint for so long 🙂 I love it too- thank you again, xo Tanya
Traveling offers a wonderful opportunity to explore new cultures, meet interesting people, and experience the world from different perspectives. Whether you’re planning a short vacation or a long-term adventure, the possibility of discovering something new and exciting always lingers. If you’re preparing for international travel, it may be worth considering the process of obtaining an apostille appointment dfa. This step could be essential for legalizing documents needed for your journey, ensuring a smooth process as you navigate through international requirements. Keep in mind, there may be instances where securing this appointment becomes a necessary part of your preparations.
Love this cozy cottagecore transformation! Painting everything antique white sounds like a challenge, but so worth it for that warm, inviting feel. Your career change sounds like a blessing in disguise. Learning new skills in home remodels must be amazing. And growing a big garden from seed? That’s impressive! Do you have any tips for starting veggies from seed?
Prestige Kollur premium developments. The project, the city is at the cusp of experiencing a meteoric rise in its infrastructural growth. Buy real estate market to new heights, offering lucrative opportunities bound to make apartments in especially in luxury development. Excellent choice, a highly strategic and wise investment.
https://prestige.ind.in/prestige-kollur/
I recently tried apple pay casino and noticed that it offers bonuses for new members, a reward system for activity, and periodic promotions that make participation more profitable. So if you are looking for an online casino platform with interesting incentives, apple pay casino may be a good fit.
Really enjoyed reading about your cozy neutral summer living room design. I appreciate how beautifully you blend comfort, simplicity, and warm seasonal touches to create a space that feels both inviting and stylish. The thoughtful details and calming color palette make it truly inspiring for anyone looking to refresh their home with effortless, timeless style. Thanks for sharing such a lovely and well‑curated look at summer living room ideas.
Creating a cozy and neutral living room for summer is about blending comfort with style, making the space inviting for relaxation and social gatherings. For renters, achieving this vision often requires careful budgeting, as the costs of furnishing and personalizing a home can add up quickly. Minimizing upfront housing costs, such as large security deposits, can free up resources for the creative touches that make a space truly feel like your own. Solutions like rent now pay later support this by allowing tenants to move into their homes with less capital tied up in deposits, leaving more flexibility for decor and furnishings. A well-designed living space is a joy to come home to, and having the financial freedom to create it is invaluable.