Day 660's country decorating ideas

Over the weekend, my sister and I went to Tennessee to visit our dad and see his latest acquisition, a little yellow cottage in a quiet valley on the banks of the Elk River -- his favorite local fishing and kayaking spot. It's just a couple of miles from his "farm" but unlike the farm, has running hot water and a full kitchen.

The previous owners used the property as a country getaway, so were able to include all of the furnishings in the deal. The house is move-in ready, but some recent updates (Berber carpet and popcorn ceilings) aren't so true to the little yellow house, and it seemed to be crying out to get back to its country cottage roots (boy, do I know the feeling).

If it were my little place, I would: Pull up the carpet. If we had just a few more hours this weekend, I might have pulled up a corner "just to see." We suspect there are hardwoods under there somewhere and if they were in no condition to be lived with, I'd paint 'em!



Then, I'd get rid of the popcorn. Scraping the ceilings doesn't sound like a very fun way to spend a weekend on the river, but wouldn't beaded board look so pretty?

I doubt this will come as a shock, but I think that every little house could benefit from something borrowed, and something blue. In the entire house, I don't think one thing was made before 1985. Old houses just need old furniture -- the scale is so much more suitable. And the next time I head up there, I'll have some "haint blue" paint in tow for the porch ceiling.


Speaking of old furniture, I think the house needs at least one old metal bed, piled high with heavy, old quilts. Nearby Fayetteville has more antique shops than I can manage to hit in one afternoon, so this wouldn't be a problem. Fayetteville also has a killer (and by killer I mean cheap!) fabric store. Huntsville, Alabama residents should not miss out (that's you, Amanda!).

Photos from Country Living