I’m a big believer in working with what you have, and working on a budget. You may be dreaming of more space or of a different kind of house, but do you know how easy it is to change things with a few small touches and some paint? My house was a dark brown box when I bought it, but I could see it’s potential. A modest 1913 Craftsman style home, the original owners didn’t exactly put the finest materials into the place, so I had no qualms about painting all of the woodwork a refreshing white. The walls were covered in a dingy brownish floral wallpaper which had to go immediately as well. I painted everything Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue, and the trim is Benjamin Moore White Dove. It’s my favorite of all whites because it is soft, without leaning towards the ivory side. Ivory paint can look a little yellow in certain light and can leave your trim looking dirty. This color works in whatever room you’ve got. Use a semi-gloss finish so you can wash fingerprints off easily.

I absolutely love a blue and white color scheme. Initially, I started with a Swedish feel to my house, but too many Gustavian pieces left me feeling a little cold. My eye has always gravitated toward French pieces that are white, light and earthy.
Like most white loving cottage dwellers, I am a fan of slipcovered sofas. With kids and dogs, they are easy to clean. The armchairs in my Living Room are covered with inexpensive burlap. I love the look and it’s a fast way to change the look of a chair without spending a fotune or worrying about what will happen if Fido or your precious toddler get anywhere near it. Here are some before and after pictures of my “renovation”, which merely consisted of paint, lighting, and my collection of flea market finds.