My Home: renovation, revelation, and rejuvenation

October 26, 2011


You may recall our place
looked like these images about a year ago
(and that I love bargains and spent next to nothing
on furnishings/bling).

After 5 years I'm ready for updates,
the most significant one being the
renovation
nearly complete in the basement.
(It's cute! No pics today, but soon!).


With the renovation downstairs comes
fresh inspiration for upstairs...
you know how home improvement works, right?

It's
viral...
one successfully enhanced room makes the one
next to it look downright forlorn so the improvement
SPREADS.

Even the SCREW MENOPAUSE artwork on the desk is gone as the new motto
APPROACHING MENOPAUSE IS SEXY AGAIN has emerged & may be my book's title.

My rooms are already different than these photos.
I'm craving more youthfulness.
No new stuff to write home about or even new
paint colors, but stuff is re-arranged.
Time to inject more evidence
of who we are as a family right now in time.
(This is the
revelation:
fresh awareness that our
needs and attitudes are different
some 5 years later.)

Keeping track?
That makes TWO.
Two excuses you can borrow
to justify redocorating:
1) home improvement is viral.
2) our needs change.


Our doors are NOT changing!


Looking forward to re-styling,
but it'll take time and energy so
I'll have to spend less time blogging surfing
obsessing swooning watching Bravo belly dancing
procrastinating and get
down to bizzzzzness.
Get the rear in gear.
Do my thang.

all photos mine

And I feel readyish.
Even a few months ago, the thought
of tackling the rooms was an exhausting exercise.
Now, a sense of
rejuvenation,
almost as if it is spring.

Thanks so much for joining this journey,
for adding to the beauty with your positive
energy and encouragement as the
seasons of life (and the blog!) change.

If you love shabby chic, you can still win one of
three copies of Rachel's new book at
my giveaway here.

Peace to you right where you are.






  Hello Lovely at times partners
with companies I  love and think may interest you.

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43 comments

  1. Pounds4PenniesOctober 26, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    Wow I can tell that you do not have children. Very beautiful. I would love this, but mine would be showered with different colored polka dots left by my kids. Then it would just look dirty. Visiting from Tip Junkie hop.

    ReplyDelete
  2. micheleOctober 26, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    Ha! you are too kind. i have teens in the house! but see, dust and handprints don't show up in photos...it's sort of magical. having floors the color of toast crumbs is another great tip!

    m

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  3. Good Time CharlieOctober 26, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    Wow, where to begin? I am loving the complete change you did here. I am slowly edging toward a little edgy decor in our home too. I am laughing so hard at your "title" of your next book. Yeah, I can relate.

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  4. Dusty CoyoteOctober 26, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    I love love love your place. Whatever you do will be fab. So funny pounds4pennies didn't think you have kids. You go girl!

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  5. CindyOctober 26, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    Michele, your house is gorgeous... wow...
    i love the "screw menopause", but "menopause is sexy" is good too. I'm not sure what you're up to with the changes, but i'm sure it will be amazing...

    Cindy

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  6. Alison @ The PolohouseOctober 26, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    I am laughing at your comment about liking my hair, Michele!

    I will be anxious to see what you do to these positively serene rooms and spaces!

    Five years is a good time to refresh! I find myself on that same timeline changing things out here!

    Keep us posted.
    :)

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  7. Shabby chic SandyOctober 26, 2011 at 10:16 PM

    Your house is beyond beautiful. It looks clean and peaceful. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. THE FARMHOUSE PORCHOctober 26, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Your house reminds me of a white cloud...so, so pretty!

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  9. micheleOctober 26, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    p.s.s.

    i am hoping everyone gets the humor in 'menopause is sexy AGAIN.' makes me laugh every time i read it in all its ridiculous glory.

    michele

    ReplyDelete
  10. Desiree @ The 36th AVENUEOctober 26, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    ...Your home is so beYOUtiful. Thank you so much for sharing it with me at my party. I'll be sharing your post on my Facebook Page.

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  11. SLROctober 26, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    i like your hair too.

    looking forward to what the changes will bring!

    great post!!

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  12. Splendid WillowOctober 27, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Loyally following all your projects! And loving them all.

    That's right - do not touch the plank doors!

    Love to you,

    Mon

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  13. AnonymousOctober 27, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    "Menopause is SEXY again"--- Hahahaha! Okay, hilarious. I say yes, print it on.

    Oh and gulp, Mich, your house is a wonderland. I love each and every part of it. So darn pretty. Would love to see the transformed bit, although I dont know how it can get better than this, but maybe it can. For now, Im in love with your house.

    ReplyDelete
  14. MariaelenaOctober 27, 2011 at 4:49 AM

    I totally hear you...we are going through the same thing here at our "burb" home...we've been here for 16 years and totally time to redo what we have done..one off to college and a 6 year old at the other end who is just starting her life with a 16 year old in between...it is nice to incorporate their lives in the home...getting ready to paint the maple kitchen that we put in ourselves about 11 years ago...Your kitchen is a HUGE inspiration to me...I LOVE it...simply elegant and beautiful, but totally livable too...very serene...thx for your blog..I so enjoy it!!...Happy redecorating...can't wait to see what you come up with....xo, Mariaelena

    ReplyDelete
  15. Amy ChalmersOctober 27, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    Hi Michele, Love you hair too~! And now after seeing your lovely collages of a dreamy home I will be excited to see the changes that come~I know that decorating is never static.

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  16. AnonymousOctober 27, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Just an update! Have added the butterfly stamp in the same post :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ann from On Sutton PlaceOctober 27, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    What a lovely home...can't imagine what changes you will make. You visited my blog a while ago but I'm catching up finally and wanted to stop by. I'll be coming back to see what you've done with your house. Sorry it took me so long to get here...I'm a new follower too!

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  18. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageOctober 27, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    Everything looks so fresh and charming, Michele. I absolutely love your doors...so unique!

    Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday again this week.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  19. MarianneOctober 27, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    Oh, I can't wait to see what you're up too!

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  20. michelleOctober 27, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    Oooh exciting!!!! I cant't wait to see what you have up your pretty little sleeve! Your home is so gorgeous and I LURVE your doors!!!!!
    xoxo

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  21. CarolynOctober 27, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    Your home is beautiful!

    Carolyn

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  22. JenniferOctober 27, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    So so beautiful!! I love your home! It's just perfect!

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  23. stefanieOctober 27, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    oh, i love your home!!!

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  24. A Cozy Cottage in the CityOctober 27, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    OMG! Can I move into your home, please?!?! :) It is just so GORGEOUS!!! :) Love, love, love all of it!!! :) I've got a teenager too!!! AND a little one as well!!! :) Anyway, take care and enjoy your night!!!


    Hugs,
    Jessie

    ReplyDelete
  25. Kristin @ Chi-Chi Studio DesignsOctober 28, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    I'm in awe. Your home is simply stunning! I agree with the first comment about the kids; I could never have a home like that with my little boy running around!

    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog...I'm glad I got to come see yours!

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  26. FABBY'S LIVINGOctober 28, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    I don't know where to begin as I am in total awe!! Your home is gorgeous and elegant in such a fresh and young atmosphere, just lovely, congrats! Have a wonderful weekend pretty lady. FABBY

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  27. UnknownOctober 29, 2011 at 4:25 AM

    First, I must say and repeat those that have commented before, your place as represented in these pics is SO gorgeous, SO serene, SO lush... it is truly truly a thing of beauty.

    Ok, so we said that, right? Good.

    Now, what I want to say is that yes, I totally understand - we all need change, our lives change, our vision of beauty changes, we are innundated with fresh inspiration and what do we do with that?? Our surroundings must change so that we can continually feel that our spirits are ALIVE...

    Can't wait to see what you've done and how you've injected new life in your home! Go for it baby!

    Hope your weekend is fabulous. And I love the book title - hasn't approaching menopause ALWAYS been sexy though? ;)

    xxx

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  28. Courtney ~ French Country CottageOctober 29, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    Oh I just love your home. EVERYTHING is so gorgeous!!I hear you BIG time on the changes on the blog, in your home, in your design style, in life... Wherever your heart leads you on all that- I know it will be lovely!! :) Thanks for linking up! Have a wonderful weekend!!

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  29. Meera @ firstsenseOctober 30, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    It's such a treat to see your beautiful home, my lovely, it's so serene and GORGEOUS. Whatever changes you're making I'm sure will only make it more beautiful and I can't wait to see the magic you work in your fabulous home!

    Hope you're having a fabulous weekend, pretty lady!

    Meera xx

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  30. SHERRY HARTOctober 30, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    Well....nothing wrong with a little change! It looks fab to me but I am sure you can make it even prettier!!!

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  31. UnknownOctober 31, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Beautiful! How did you paint your furniture? I painted an end table and it didn't come out so great! Your furniture looks wonderful
    Blessings My Friend,

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  32. MarieOctober 31, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    Your home is jaw dropping gorgeous! It should be in pages of design books and magazines. In fact, I won't be surprised if it already is. Really gorgeous! Happy Monday!
    -Marie

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  33. KellyOctober 31, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    your home is amazing.

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  34. micheleOctober 31, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    ok now you're just makin' me blush. i can't wait for the re-styling to wrap up so i can share!

    michele

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  35. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleOctober 31, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Yes, it is always a domino effect when you make changes in the home. Can't wait to see all your changes.

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  36. UnknownOctober 31, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    Absolutely beautiful! I LOVE it! Found your blog form the Tuesdays Treasure party. I'm your newest follower.

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  37. MarieNovember 1, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Your decor is exquisite and your blog is definitely lovely!!

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  38. Mary @ Sea QuiltsNovember 1, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    I'm a girl who likes change so much that I am personally frustrated by that constant need. (As are my nearest and dearest, I am sure.) I tend to recover pillows as my first line of attack. I used to just buy (or make) new pillows, but there is just NOT room for the leftovers. Pillow "slipcovers" take up much less room. Anyway, I am happy to meet a friend with my same ... disease.

    Good to hear that menopause is coming back. You might even say it's ... hot.

    Mary

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  39. AnonymousNovember 1, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Pretty, pretty, pretty!
    Jeanni

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  40. Lina - Fancy Frugal LifeNovember 1, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    Thanks so much for the sweet comments and invite to your beautiful blog! Serious eye candy here!! :)
    Happy new follower,
    Lina
    Fancy Frugal Life

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  41. WhitNovember 1, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing and for linking up to last weeks show and share. We hope to see you and your newest project on Wednesday.

    A mommy's life...with a touch of YELLOW
    tyandwhitneyulrich.blogspot.com

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  42. The Charm of HomeNovember 2, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    Beautiful snapshots! Lovely home! Thank you for linking up with Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  43. AnonymousNovember 11, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    What a gorgeous home you have! So much beautiful inspiration!
    ~ Jo

    ReplyDelete

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