Saturday, May 19, 2012

Country Cottage Living Room

I went for a different look from Florida in my Massachusetts home.
I sorta had the thought of a Connecticut farmhouse, even though I live in Massachusetts.
(I am such a dork)
The room had a cathedral ceiling with crappy plaster
 walls and ceiling and a
very unattractive soffit 
over the fireplace.
BUT FIRST!!!!
I want to show you a picture of the wall across from the fireplace....

I clad the walls and ceiling in v-groove paneling which
 I then had painted white. 
I wanted to go for a summery feel, as I am mainly up here
 in the warmer weather.
But when it starts to get a little chillier, I begin to ruminate about changing the white to a warmer color.....

This is what it looked like when I bought my condo.....,
 Stained white rug...
YUM!!!!
Broken blinds, and old curtain hardware.
So I put antique hardwood pine floors down, that were milled out of old warehouse beams.
WARNING!!!!!
This is VERY expensive. 
Don't even look at floors like this unless you are as foolish and deluded as I am.
Since the ceiling was so high, I wanted to make it feel not so cavernous.
I know a lot of folks like high ceilings,
but,
they be not cozy!!!!
So, along with paneling the ceiling, I had fake beams added.
This brings your eyes down to a lower level, helping the scale of the room to feel more comfortable.

BUT FIRST.....
BEFORE I TELL YOU MORE ABOUT THIS ROOM.....
CHECK OUT MY NEW WIDE ANGLE LENS!!!!!!!
IS IT WICKED COOL OR WHAT?????
ok back to decorating.....
The room was unbalanced.
There was only the narrow window to the left of the blue bookcase....
WAIT!!!!
you say???
You think you see one on the right?????
IT BE FAKED!!!!!
I had the carpenter frame in a fake window, and then I had mirror installed where the glass would normally go, 
and then I hung a wooden venetian  blind in front of the mirror to...
FAKE EVERYBODY OUT!!!!!
Now go ahead and admit it.....
YOU WERE FOOLED.....
Weren't you?????


So my point is.....
If there are architectural problems with a space.....
FAKE IT.
If you're a woman, you should already be proficient
at faking stuff................ 
I have to end here, because my folks and my brother are coming over to dinner, and
dum da da dum.....
I'M COOKING!!!!!


So I got a lot of suggestions about how to sign off.
And I feel the best one is....
Latah, Gatah


(suggested by Amy (not Chalmers, another one)
(I don't know her last name, she doesn't add it.)
( I think she's scared of me)
(as well she should be)
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Partying at:
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Boogieboard CottageMy Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaMod Vintage LifeHome Stories A2Z
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No Minimalist Hereshowandtellbuttonshabby creek cottagePhotobucketvif187Simply DesigningHookingupwithHoH<br><br><br><b>Join us every Friday...</b>French Country Cottagefingerprints on the fridgeFunky Junk's Saturday Nite SpecialPoofy Cheeks

71 comments:

Brenda Pruitt said...

Sure did fool me! I love that room. And I want a wide angle lens too! I never liked high ceilings. The heat and air you lose to a high ceiling isn't worth it. And you're right, it does not look cozy. I love your decorating style!
Brenda

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Fooled me, I LOVE everything about this room!! Your toile trays are gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Betsy, I really love your blog -- you always make me laugh.

I seriously love the floors and the fake window was a great idea to create balance in the room. It's a beautiful, comfortable and cozy room.

Michelle

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi darling, I love, love, love your blog. You are so whitty. Love what you've done to the room. Love the fake window, genius!!!! Enjoy your evening. hugs ~lynne~

Jeri said...

Shut the front door!! That fake window idea is G E N I U S!!! I live in CT and wish I could have a farmhouse look lol Love you blog and your books =)))))

Olive said...

"If you are a woman you should already be proficient at faking stuff.." You are killing me...but you do it on purpose. I know this is a different room than the living room in your Florida home but they are similar in style somehow and this one is lovely too.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Beautiful room. Love it all. The fake window is so fun. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

I LOVE it !

Connie @ Sensible-Redesign said...

This is exciting. I love what I am seeing in the Massachusetts cottage. I love the fake window, I have a fake fireplace the bug guy keeps wanting to spray around ;)

Anonymous said...

Oh I would so love to live in a cottage like yours in your state. I love Tennessee, but do not like the hot summers here. Your cottage is so cute and welcoming. I just love it.! Can't wait to see the rest. Hope you had a great time with your family. lin

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

Betsy, I love your Florida home but I really, really love this one! It looks so serene and cozy. The accent colors are wonderful and used in just the right amount, I think. How sneaky you are to trick us about the "window". I will admit that I fell for it but only because I was so fascinated by the rest of the room. You are a great decorator and I bet you can cook, too.-------------Shannon

sallie said...

Later Gatter is good for Florida. I didn't suggest it in time but in case you ever decide to change your MA sign off, I think "Mass Exit" might be considered. Sallie

Sonny G said...

Beautiful and yep, ,my eye was fooled by the fake window..

Anonymous said...

Truly a beautifully executed room! You've got serious skills! I figured the window was "created by Besty" or held an ac or other functional object but only because of the light difference. It certainly wasn't distracting in anyway but simply made the rest of the room feel right. That's why you're the pro...I only get it on the "how to fix front" AFTER it is fixed. I can't even figure out what's wrong when my rooms feel off much less come up with a solution!! Now I am going back to looking over my room to see if 1. There is a balance problem & 2. Is there a cozy factor problem. I am ordering your book tomorrow, can't get enough...As to the salutation, is that later gator with a Boston accent? I do like Mass exit suggested by another reader. Suzi living in Florida but loving the cottage feel

Robin said...

You really have the best of both worlds. I would love another home (preferably somewhere with mountains) to spend a month or 2 in the summer. At least FL isn't croweded in the summer (one good thing). I love what you did with that wall and how you "brought" the ceiling down to a more intimate level with the beams. And thanks for the laugh about "faking" it!

Robin
Robin Flies South

Bonnie Schulte said...

Who would have thought!!! Only the most highly intelligent person (that being you) could come up with such an amazing idea. Fake window, indeed...does not look one bit fake to me...

Kat's Purrfect Boutique said...

First I was amazed that you had a condo with a raised room. I love what you did with the beams and v-groove paneling. I was totally blown away when you originally only had one window. Very clever!!! It all looks original to the place.

AndeM1 said...

OK, you are clearly a decorating genius....I was completely faked out by the faux window....I never would have guessed it....I can't wait to see more....I LOVE this room!!!!

Debra@CommonGround said...

TOTALLY in love with this amazing cottage room. Great idea on the fake-out window!! and ohmygosh, is that a slipped coffee table? so wonderful!!
aw heck, Betsy, we can't be "skeert of Speert"!

Diane said...

Awesome job! I do love the floors, but I tried not to fall "in love" with them. All that expense, you know!! You are always an inspiration!

debikil said...

Love the whole room! Please tell me where you got your slipcovers! Very simple, but chic!
Thanks!!

Mindie Hilton said...

You are so funny, faking it, lol. The room is beautiful, would love to sit and read a book for hours with nothing but wine and chocolate by my side. If you want to share at Bacon Time's Anything Goes linky, you are more then welcome to. Seriously green with envy over how stunning your room is.

Art and Sand said...

I don't know what I like more, your photos or your sarcasm - I think I have to go with the sarcasm. But, you make me wish I still had my old house to redo. I would paint it all white. We just found out that an old friend bought the house. Maybe I should go over and suggest it.

Amy Chalmers said...

Betsy this room is so wonderful! When I came tonyiurvhouse I fell in love with how you did this room. Even being in the room I did not notice the window was a mirror, it looked that good! The armoire with the coral interior and the tole trays and the pretty blue and white color scheme...and the perfect English country slips with bamboo furniture here and there, it's fabulous! Take more pics and show the other side next please.

None said...

Gorgeous, I am closing my eyes right now and pretending that room is in my house.

THE FARMHOUSE PORCH said...

LOVE this cottage-y room...no faking!!!:D

The fresh flowers are the icing!

♥Linsey

Shannon Fox said...

Yep, totally faked out. Would have thought there was a patio cover outside that was blocking the light to that window. What a fab fix to balance out the room. And I'll bet it saves you many headaches trying to decorate around that imbalance! The space is gorgeous.

Stephanie said...

Looks amazing!

Melissa @ Loving this {crazy} life! said...

What a beautiful room! I am in a standstill at my home because we are selling it and moving this summer. I cannot wait to start working in the new house and it make it a home as you have.

Found you over at I should be mopping the floor and would love for you to link up to my party.

http://lovingthiscrazylife-melissa.blogspot.com/search/label/POC%20LINKY%20PARTY

Hope you had a great weekend!

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

Okay, I am over the moon impressed with your gorgeous floors, ceiling and beams, and then that gorgeous bookcase, wow!! You've got it goin' on. I see you say you aren't much of a speller, and so now I now I am in great company. I'm a new linky follower. AND would you consider linking up your gorgeous room to cowgirl up tonight? It would rock my day.

Unknown said...

AMAZING!!! Love the room. And yes, I was fooled by the fake window!

Unknown said...

Lovely design, color, everything! Now following, Tanya :)

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

I featured your post on my FB page, because I LOVE your room. Grab a cowgirl up featured button if you like.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe I just found you (came from You're Talking Too Much)! Be getting your colors book for sure. We have cathedral ceilings everywhere but kitchen, baths and hall. How did you do the ceiling paneling? Most products I look at say not for ceilings. Love your decor and humor. I'm within 4 mi. of Bradley Int'l Airport. If you're in western MA we're practically neighbors, LOL
Janet

Anonymous said...

Hi, I just found your blog through a linky party! You have a dry sense of humor! I do to! I GET you!! Or maybe I should feel sorry for you, lol!

I love your livingroom! And yes, you faked me out as well! You're good!!

And, I just became your newest follower, yay! Would be so appreciative if you could reciprocate and follow back! Thanks so much!

By the way, I love your panelling painted out in white, with your blue curtains. Very summery looking, very nice!

Kathy said...

Hopping over from Coastal Charm, I love your living room....that is if it is your living room. The ceiling looks wonderful and esp. the beam, the window trick works perfectly.
Thanks for sharing, Kathy

Kristin said...

Visiting from It's So Very Cheri =) This looks so beautiful! I love the white paneling walls!

Karen Tuffy said...

THAT'S SUCH A NICE ROOM VERY WELCOMING...
CHECK OUT MY BLOG TOO AT WWW.THECOTTAGEFARMHOUSE.COM

Anonymous said...

You go ahead with your fake stuff, that room is rocking the boat awesome! Right straight out of Country Living and I want one just like it. Not sure I can fake it but loved looking at yours. Hugs ~ Mary

DIYbyDesign said...

That is one great fake. I love it. Such a gorgeous room. Thanks for sharing at DIYbyDesign.

chateau chic said...

Your room is gorgeous! Your floors, paneling, beams all work together to make a stunning room. Just beautiful. And I love the fake window.
Mary Alice

miss flibbertigibbet said...

Wow! I've seen your work for years and admired your style! I didn't even know you had a blog....I just started following and am looking forward to learning more about decorating!!!
The room is fantastic....timely, cozy, airy, etc, etc....
Blessings, Lorraine

Sharon @ mrshinesclass said...

I love the room...you added so much charm and character to it. And I'm so glad you were able to salvage the wood for the floors...I'm sentimental that way. I was definitely fooled by the mirror window. Thanks for all the tips on faking stuff...;)

Sharon @ mrs. hines class

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful room! Know this will be in a magazine feature soon = is is so pretty! Thanks for the tips on faking it!

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

I love the way you've clad this room not only in wood but in charm, as well. I would never have guessed that the right window was a fake. How clever you are!

Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday again this week, Betsy. It's always a pleasure to see the lovely things you design and the wonderful tips you share. ;)

Blessings,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage

Sophia, NJ said...

This is simply divine and gorgeous!

The Charm of Home said...

Love this room Betsy! The floors are gorgeous!
Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

Tonya said...

REALLY cozy and perfect!!! And yes, I thought the window was real. What a good idea to fix the problem! :)

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Betsy you are too clever for sure... I didn't even notice the fake window until you pointed it out. I agree, definitely need two windows to balance the wall. Great post! I'd lvoe i tif you'd consider sharing it over at Shabbilicious Friday ~ http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/shabbilicious-friday-3.html

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Divine! What a gorgeous room down to every detail. Love it.

Unknown said...

Your room is so very pretty, Betsy, but the best part is the window fake. Yes, you had me fooled. Oh wait, no the best part is your humour.

Suzanne said...

I be fooled by that fake window...brilliant idea!! Also, i've never been a fan of high ceilings either,( kills the cozy factor) so thanks for the beams tip. Makes perfect sense,obviously I'm not a designer, just an Arkansas country girl. LOVE your room!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I love the colors of this room....so light and bright...yet cozy and warm!...Great fake window!!...lends to great symmetry as of course you well know!....Love the wall and ceiling treatment too!

Cindy said...

You're freakin hilarious... and i don't like high ceilings either. Totally fooled by the fake window... that was brilliant!

Cindy

kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor said...

Betsy, you've done it again, lady!! I'm so flippin' out over the fake window...genius!! Thanks so much for stopping by the party last week!! ;)

Natasha in Oz said...

What a gorgeous room! I love the colours and the floors. You have a great eye for sure!

If you would like to join in with another weekend linky party, my Say G'Day Saturday link up has begun and I would be thrilled if you could join in!

I'm following you too and look forward to reading more of your blog!

Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz

Be Colorful Coastal said...

I was just showing this to my daughter since we are spending the weekend together. Told her how much I like your updated Scandinavian country look. Love it. Thanks for sharing this week on BeColorful.
pam

Liz @ Quirky Vistas said...

Betsy, putting that type of paneling on the ceiling of so many rooms just makes a world of difference. I have been wanting to do it to my bathroom. I just love the added beam. All your tricks work to perfection. Thanks for letting us in on your secrets!
Liz

Kayleigh Lackey said...

So, do you have any tutorial on how to "fake" things?

CLD said...

No faking this comment....what an inspiring room. Just lovely!

Fairfield House said...

Betsy,

This is my first visit to your blog. I will be returning! Your country cottage living room renovation is gorgeous. Will you be posting more photos from different angles and close ups? (of the room, not you) :/
Off to read more of your posts!

Deborah

Rose :: Fine Craft Guild .com said...

Oh, may, this is one of those post that I read the whole thing! love every bit of this room! The faux beams and wood paneling in particular, and think our readers will do also. May I invite you to come participate, and link it up at our linky party, http://www.finecraftguild.com/party/

Unknown said...

Coming over from Inspiration Friday...
Love your style-writing and decorating!
xo
lynn

Natasha in Oz said...

I just wanted to pop back and say a very big thank you for linking up to my Say G'Day Saturday Party! I sure do hope you will be able to join in again this weekend!

Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz

Jena @ Involving Color and Home said...

Betsy, this is such a beautiful space! You did a fantastic job transforming it!

MONICA LIVAS said...

OMG! AMAZING!

Marsha said...

Love everything you did in this room and I especially love you blogging about all the details and why you did what you did and the before and afters (I could just go on and on). You feed my creative juices with my coffee in the morning. Thank you so much for sharing.

faux wood beams said...

Holy smokes, the fake window should be featured on an HGTV show or something, way too cool. The faux beams do a good job of accenting the height of the room too.

frugaldork said...

I want this house!!!!!

amanda said...

Good humor found here! (thanks for that!)
My husband has his own sawmill - wonderful for making those floors not so expensive, and excellent for making beams! (and paneling.. and trim..)
It's one thing in life that I wish I would have known about & encouraged him to buy SOONER!!

Scat said...

Hi Betsy,
I'm a new follower and I too like lower ceilings. Much more cozier. I love your blog and will now stalk it!

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