Farmhouse Tour

By: rebekah
On: 04/19/2012 13:18:26
In: Rumor Has It ...
Comments: 68

I can't wait to show you my farmhouse.

But there is one small, tiny rule here.

To come in, you've got to have VISION!
You've got to be able to see BEYOND!

(Otherwise, wait out here on the front porch for the rest of us to return. haha)

Now, when we finish, I want to hear which room is your favorite. And what would you do with it on a small budget?

Ta-Da!

Here's the outside. I love the front exterior. This part of the house was built in the 1890's.

Walking in the front door, you enter the living room, or "parlor" like I'm going to start calling it.

What do you see here? What would you do with this room?

(I'm thinking blue walls and hardwood floors. We had hoped there were wood floors under all the carpet, but there isn't. I like the original woodwork and would like to leave that as it is.)

This is the main stair case in the "parlor."

I like these. The ballisters are so simple.

The front door on the left there is small and also very plain. Maybe that needs some oomph? I don't know.

On the other side of the "parlor" is the guest bedroom. I think I'm leaving this alone. I like the wallpaper and the carpet is okay for now, though hardwoods would be beautiful in here.

Want to take a peek into the bathroom on this level?

Does anybody else love those blue sinks and yellow cabinets? I do.

Check out the tub.

As I said, I like the blue. So vintage 1970's. My husband doesn't. We'll see.

Heading down the hallway is the dining room on the right.

I've already shown you the wallpaper. Now, here is the rest of it.

This is one of my favorite rooms in the house.

I'm thinking of replacing the carpet with hardwoods and hanging my special chandelier (it has hung in every house I've owned) in here.

This is the fireplace in the dining room.

When I walked into this room for the first time, I could see myself having Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner in here. I saw it in my mind's eye. You know what happens when your mind's eye sees you carving the turkey. Yep, you buy the place!

Okay, now we're about to head to the kitchen. Are you ready? You're going to need your VISION in a big way for this room.

At some point, the future of this kitchen is a whole, entire re-do.

But you noticed that brick fireplace, right??

I mean, seriously! A fireplace in my kitchen? That's a dream come true.

Okay, now I've already shown you the back stairs. Remember the burnt orange carpet?

Two sets of stairs was on my dream list, by the way.

And here's the utility room, kinda behind the kitchen.

That's the downstairs! I take you upstairs next time.

I wish I were more of a decorator, but that's not my thing. I'm going to need some major help!

So tell me, which is your favorite room and what would you do with it?

Until next time, Friends, savor the flavor of life!

Lots of love, The City Farmgirl, Rebekah

Comments

: By: Tracey; On: 04/23/2012 20:17:53

Hardwood the entire downstairs and staircase(with white risers). You won't be sorry you spent the money there. Guest bedroom would make a great office or den, make it living space. Then the kitchen, and save the bathroom last. Then upstairs. (So much fun spending YOUR money!!)

: By: Karen; On: 04/24/2012 03:34:27

Lucky you. I love your house. It has so much character and I can see so much potential. I have always wanted a fireplace in the kitchen and being someone that loves to bake the kitchen is my favorite room. I love the windows and can see a small breakfast table by the windows or a place for a little snack while looking out at the beautiful outdoors. I also see an island in the fireplace area so at the holidays when baking away and the fire is going you can enjoy. If the room is wide enough what a great spot for stools to gather around the island. I feel that all homes have character and sometimes fresh paint just changes everything until you can make the changes you wish. Enjoy and thanks you for sharing. Karen

: By: Julie; On: 04/24/2012 03:39:27

Oh wow! The exterior, fireplaceS & staircaseS are awesome! I'm with you on putting in hardwood floors wherever you can. How about wide plank floors? That seems more rustic to me. As for the blue parlor, GO FOR IT! I'd start by removing the curtains and relishing in the light :)

For some reason, I see an antique birdcage moonlighting as a chandelier in this house. I must have seen that idea somewhere... sounds very MaryJane, eh?

And I'm on TEAM HUSBAND when it comes to the bathroom ;) Sorry, but that house screams CLAW FOOT TUB. Oh this is fun when it's not my budget!

: By: Anna; On: 04/24/2012 03:52:40

Rebekah...your farmhouse is gorgeous!! So much potential! I see definite hardwood floors throughout. What I would do, though, is use a hardwood that truly brings out the antique look of the home! Love the fireplace in the kitchen! The bathroom...I like the yellow, but the blue is the wrong color to pair with the yellow. I would love to know more about it! How many acres??? Congrats on your farm purchase! When are you getting your first chicken? :)

: By: Tana Lewis; On: 04/24/2012 06:43:15

Wonderful......

: By: Ruth; On: 04/24/2012 06:49:25

I love your new home - oh my goodness! A blank slate just waiting for your personal touch :) ! The fireplace in the dining room and the fireplace in the kitchen are my favorite things, doesn't get much better than that!
You will have so much fun making this your own, one room at a time. I love hardwood floors and have them in our home, every room, except the kitchen and baths which are tile. Have fun, can't wait to see the upstairs :)

: By: Catherine; On: 04/24/2012 07:06:10

I love the kitchen with the fireplace ... so much you can do there. I'd pull up all that carpet and replace it with wood floors asap. Enjoy your new home!
Blessings,
Catherine

: By: Debbie Shue; On: 04/24/2012 07:12:19

Love the house. You are right, needs wood floors. Love all the fireplaces. Love the blue and yellow bathroom. I can understand why you love this house. Can't wait to see the upstairs.

: By: April; On: 04/24/2012 07:13:15

LOVE! There is so much potential in this house and all the fireplaces! What fun! You are going to have so much fun in your new farmhouse. I think wood floors are the way to go. Can't wait to see the rest of the place. The outside shot was all I needed to know that this place was a keeper! Great architectural interest right away...it makes me think of the south. Enjoy!!!!

: By: Colleen; On: 04/24/2012 07:20:31

How wonderful. I fell in love with your home with the first photograph. You have a wonderful adventure in store for you. I just bought a Tudor cottage in the mountains of northeastern TN and am doing the majority of the work myself. I have been following your blog faithfully and wish you abundant happiness in your new place.

: By: amother farm lady; On: 04/24/2012 07:21:51

I love your house- I am 85 and been a farmers wife-all my life-- there is not much I would change in your house- sometimes you have to live in it for awhile to get the feel and flavor of it! sometimes you have to let it seep into your heart and you come to love the thing you would have got rid of.
after I think about it for awhile I will return - and love seeing what other people think-- the only thing I will say right now is that I love red! m favorite color so somewhere I would have the reds and oranges and browns of fall-also my favorite season!!!! you are so lucky- please-- think twice before doing too much to your kitchen- it is so warm and loving!! hugs, G.

: By: Maureen; On: 04/24/2012 07:26:40

The mirror by the parlor front door makes me laugh! We had one by our farmhouse front door as a child. It's the "check yourself out" mirror, whether answering the door for company, or running out the front door to an appointment (i.e. date) or school. Have to look your best in all situations! I too adore the fireplace in the kitchen, but the mud room would have sold me on the place. Such a bonus to walk in from outside and have the laundry room sinks. So convenient for all manor of things. It looks like you'll have plenty of room for entertaining. It's all functional, so enjoy the process of making it your own.

: By: kay; On: 04/24/2012 07:31:40

Wow,love the staircases and fireplaces......and if money were no object, tile and hardwoods throughout. Easy for me to say huh! The kitchen is my fav room...looking forward to seeing the rest of the farmhouse!

: By: Shellie; On: 04/24/2012 07:34:48

Congratulations!!! It's beautiful! You are going to have so much fun making it yours. Truly a dream house. Any barn or outbuildings? Acreage? What are your plans for plants and critters? :)

: By: Lori; On: 04/24/2012 07:36:20

Woo-hoo! Congratulations on the new-old Farmhouse. Have fun making it your own. You are an inspiration to me...another suburbanite with a Farm-Dream.

: By: Jan; On: 04/24/2012 07:41:14

Congratulations, Rebekah! My first comment while viewing the picture of the outside of the house was 'WOW'. I think that your new home is simply delightful..You have a lovely interior space that seems to flow well. That is, everything is functional until you wish to make changes. It would be my thought that you live there awhile before you do anything major. Hardwood floors is a great idea.
The fireplaces in the dining room and the kitchen are so
charming!
Whatever you might do in your bathroom has to be something that YOU find pleasurable. As someone that is in the throws of redecorating my main bath, I think that the configuration of the bath is the most important. That is, what works where and what doesn't. We spend alot of time in there and we should be happy! Also, 'Am I remodeling this for myself or EVERYONE ELSE??'
Make sure your basic systems are up to snuff (electrical, water,sewage, etc.) before you tackle a costly remodel!
Dream on! Dream big! Happy spring!

: By: Joan; On: 04/24/2012 07:45:43

WHAT I have to choose a ROOM? I choose the whole house from the driveway to the fence line. Parlor - wood flooring, the right shade of blue will be superb - would use a lighter shade on the ceiling - comfy but older style furniture - bet you can find it in the area - there are some great outlets. Against the riser wall - a table with the lamp, oh gracious my minds eye can see it all. Love the quest bedroom - having 2 thoughts about it - from 4 poster to a Jenny Lind (sp) type - curtains are nice but a bit longer. Bathroom - yellow n blue is nice but would paint the cupboards and old white and the hardware the same or just not black. Dining room - yupper wood and chandelier - maybe some longer curtains - LOVE the fireplace - let it talk to you as to how to decorate. Kitchen - oh my oh my I see it now - old wood floor - painted cupboards - island with a different color of paint - butcher block or stone like top - I know stone is THE THING but I'm still not convinced - again LOVE the fire place. LOVE the back stairs too - how nice to have them - maybe paint risers and stain treads. What a great laundry/mud room - you are going to love that area for sure. Oh my goodness what an exciting time for y'all and for us who get to go along for the ride. Can you tell I love decorating and yes I do do it on a shoe string budget - lots of, as I call it 'poking around' never know when the perfect piece will be where one least expects it. Ok had a ton of fun this morning - really need to get outside - finally have some Spring weather. Congratulations on you new journey. God Bless

: By: mckee Cox; On: 04/24/2012 07:48:01

Oh girl!!! I am so happy for you! I was thinking anne of green gables Victorian Edwardian style, but that's just me! You are gonna have so much fun!!!!!! And I also love the 70's bathroom, I would have to keep that for a while. The house is gorgeous! How many acres? You will have to do an outside tour now, cause I wanna see it!

: By: Claudia; On: 04/24/2012 07:49:19

wow I am in love too! My home was built in 1875 and I just love it. Your's will be so much fun. I love the kitchen. A fireplace! Just think of those cozy winter mornings! The possibilties are endless. Every room is a gift waiting to be opened. I wish I could walk through it with you!

: By: Maria; On: 04/24/2012 07:53:03

I love your new house! Remove the carpet!!! I wonder if it has hardwood floors underneath??? The yellow bathroom is great! Can you remove the wallpaper and maybe put french yellow and blue fabrics on the windows? You could also use french fabric for the shower curtains! Devine! Love the fireplace! Great utility room...mine is about an 1/8 of that size. What a fun adventure you are beginning...blessings!

: By: Florence Muma; On: 04/24/2012 07:54:20

Oh what a wonderful home to make it your own, I can't wait to see the redo! Have fun! Farm Girl Florence

: By: Christie; On: 04/24/2012 07:54:30

Wow! This is an awesome home. Beautiful in every way and so cozy. I love all the fireplaces. The blue in the bathroom is so unique. I would find lanterns or old fashioned candles to put on each fireplace mantle. Image the fun of christmas, hanging the stockings, decorating so festively. I would love a bright sunny sunroom with book shelves and plants a fireplace and a nice comfy old fashioned style rocking chair. Maybe a nice homemade crocheted rug. I love your thoughts of hardwood floors. A porch swing would be so nice.
There are so many possibilities. Enjoy every minute of it and get creative.

: By: Sandy; On: 04/24/2012 07:57:44

I love that grove of pines behind the house!

When was the house built? I would go with everything appropriate to that time. Looks like it has been "updated". I would definitely go with hardwoods throughout, I don't think you would regret that. Get rid of those formal drapes in the parlor in my opinion. If that wainscoting is appropriate to the era of the house, I would keep it, if not I would get rid of it. In the guest bedroom I think I would make an office/craft area, and add a window or make one of them larger. Love the dark woods, yummy. I really like the parlor, and I am thinking that kitchen will be show stopper at some point! Good luck!

: By: Linda; On: 04/24/2012 08:16:30

What a lovely place! If it was mine, I'd clean/paint the ceiling and walls first. Clean or replace the windows, if need be, and fresh window dressings. Then put the hardwood floors in that you want all over the house. If you have a dog though consider them, as they slip all over smooth floors! Which ever room you're going to spend the most time in do first, ie; kitchen, parlor. Have fun, and there are a lot of pictures on the web these days. Just have to look at them. Love

: By: Kelly; On: 04/24/2012 09:22:16

Congratulations!!!!! Your new home is so lovely!!! I love the blue sinks in the bathroom-so cute!!!! I agree with the poster that suggested a claw foot bathtub though- how cute would that be???
I love all the fireplaces- so lovely and warm and cozy!
I'm so very happy for you!
Kelly in CA

: By: Bonnie; On: 04/24/2012 09:22:16

Put all of your money in the floors. Take down the curtains, ditch the paneling and get ride of the yellow in the bathroom. The blue bath etc. will do until the piggy bank is up and running after the floors etc. Love your farm.

: By: Barb Lavell; On: 04/24/2012 09:25:54

What a wonderful home! My thoughts aren't alot different than some of the others here. I LOVE the kitchen, esp. the fireplace (I love the 2 rocking chairs in the kitchen). Very homey. I also love the blue & yellow bathroom altho a claw foot tub in that BR would be wonderful. The BR looks very Swedish. The parlor looks very Victorian to me & I can see red velvet couches & Tiffany lamps but that may not be the look you're going for. I agree with others, live in the house for awhile before making any major changes & I think you will come to realize what changes you want to make. Enjoy your new home & have fun decorating.
I keep a folder with all the ideas I have or get from others, pictures, paint chips, wallpaper, any ideas for decorating my home & it comes in quite handy when I am ready for a change. Blessings to you & yours & also on your home.

: By: Lisa; On: 04/24/2012 10:08:05

You will never regret the investment in hardwood floors. Keep the blue fixtures in the bath -- there's something charmingly quirky about them -- it also tells you the house has a history! The biggest tip -- so get rid of the carpet in the kitchen -- seriously, carpeted kitchens were the worst trend ever. If you don't have lots of neighbors nearby, naked windows can't be beat either. Have fun -- it's a great house!

: By: sherry; On: 04/24/2012 10:25:36

Hardwood flooring definitely...even if you have to do it a room at a time as you can afford it. I LOVE the kitchen...yes it needs some work..but OH the potential. I have ALWAYS wanted a fireplace in my kitchen. I LOVE YOUR PLACE and am SO jealous! Have a ball!

: By: carol branum; On: 04/24/2012 10:26:30

Rebecca,Lucky u!I can see vision here,and it wouldn,t bother me bout the bathroom,u can live with that just fine,I wouldn,t put in a new one for a long time,I would pay my bills off first and just live with it,even the carpets and curtians can be lived with for a while,if it was me,I would just do a little bit at a time,and not rush into makeing it perfect right away,I think u will find that fixing it up slowly will actually be more fun!Good Luck,
Carol Branum

: By: MamaKim; On: 04/24/2012 10:28:08

I love the kitchen. Yes, it needs work, but oh the potential! I mean, c'mon, a fireplace in the kitchen? How cool!

: By: Dianne; On: 04/24/2012 10:52:18

Rebekah: The house is beautiful. I am soooooooooo happy for you!! Is this still in Georgia? What a dream come true. I think I would want to do the floors downstairs first. It will give it a cleaner look. The rest is just live with it and see how the house feels. So happy for you and your family.

: By: Meredith; On: 04/24/2012 10:57:16

I think you're going to have a grand time remodeling and making it yours! It's wonderful! Can't wait to see what you share with us.

: By: Brenda; On: 04/24/2012 11:00:57

Wow, you are so lucky to find a great older farmhouse. I am jealous. It has so many possibilities. Congradulations..I'll review the pics and comment on updates later. Love your house!!! Right now I am thinking modern and vintage mixed. Antiques and industrial mixed.

: By: Brenda; On: 04/24/2012 11:07:48

Oh wow, great big rooms!!! Yeah! Well even though you say your not a decorator, everyone has their own style. i would replace the drapes with farm house style curtains. I cannot remember what rooms so I am just giving my two cents worth and I expect that is what it is worth, two cents. I think you should paint the dark paneled wainscoting white to match the fireplace trim. What is under the carpet, sub floor? It is an awful old house, sure they did not put sub floor over hardwood floors to even things up before carpeting? Hope you find some wonderful surprises along the way. It is grand!

: By: Nancy; On: 04/24/2012 12:01:20

Hello,,, I was so excited to see your "new" home, I didn't stop to read anyone's comments. So I'm sorry if I'm repeating anyone. If this were my home, first thing I would do it get as much history as possible on the house, previous owners all the way to first built, if possible. Then I would do so research about the houses during those periods, I including furniture & paint colors. That's not to say your not going to somewhat modernize the kitchen & baths. I've lived in an old home, if things are too new such as the downstairs bathroom, it will look out of place. I love stencils, lace & hardwood floors....and some of our ancestry picked some pretty wild colors & patterns...Ty so much for sharing....love it!!!!!

: By: Lisa; On: 04/24/2012 12:06:18

I love the laundry room. There is SO much space. I would build in shelves and maybe even enclose the washer and dryer space with cabinet doors :) Also paint it with light colors (pale green, or pale blue with white) to refelct the light and give it a refreshing feel!

: By: Marion; On: 04/24/2012 12:18:01

I love your new home and envy you the farm. I would love to see the land and outbuildings when you can send. I read all the comments and agree with the lady who said live in it for awhile and get a feel for the home before making any changes and if you make changes make sure they reflect you and your family and not what our society seems to think makes the ideal home.

: By: Barbara; On: 04/24/2012 12:31:30

Love your house. It is home. All floors need to be eventually replaced with wood. Plank flooring would look great! Bathroom definitely needs a clawfoot tub. Love all the fireplaces. Nothing like a crackling fire! I don't much care for the paneling halfway up the walls. It might look ok if it was painted. The front door should be replaced by one with maybe a little stained glass in it around the edges. The house looks in great shape and will defintely be fun to redo. Good Luck! Be sure to keep us posted on all the improvements you will be doing. Love to see it finished!

: By: Cindy; On: 04/24/2012 12:40:30

How perfectly wonderful! You inspire me to continue to dream the dream of living in the country...your house just speaks to the soul and I LOVE, LOVE the fireplaces!!!

: By: marci; On: 04/24/2012 12:48:51

Exactly the kind of farm house I would want! Vintage, character and fireplaces...My favorite room is the Utility room. I would make it a personal retreat. Put in a sewing machine and a craft table. A brooder to raise baby chicks or a crate for new born goats. I would decorate it with my favorite things. Bright walls with a shelf under the window for flowers and herbs.

: By: Sue; On: 04/24/2012 12:54:30

Hardwood floors! They are much easier to care for and only get better with age. I like the quirky blue bath fixtures, I'm not sure the yellow is the right shade but that could be computer monitor. Congradulations, have fun.

: By: Patsy Cameron; On: 04/24/2012 13:09:54

Oh Rebecca,so happy for you! What an INCREDIBLE home!! We bought a 1908 home 3 years ago and have been happily making it our own ever since...here's what I've learned:
-You will never regret hardwood floors
-Paint is cheap and can completely change a room
-Don't hurry-take your time and enjoy the process
If you get very quiet and peaceful the house will whisper to you what it is longing for and the partnership will bring the house to life in ways you could have never imagined!! Have a FABULOUS adventure!!!

: By: Brenda; On: 04/24/2012 15:44:06

I live in a old farm house too. love the outside of the house. I would leave as much of the wood trim that you can and as for the bathroom change the yellow to white and keep the blue for awhile (white and blue isn't so girlie) take the carpet off the stairs and paint them the back ones could be bright and the front I would keep it more wood like
the front room make it bright make it say WELCOME to our house with old and modern things .as for the kitchen make it sunny and put your love in to it for it will become the heart of the home. the fire place can be painted to brighten it up. there are so many things that can be done . so glad you have your dream house enjoy.

: By: Debbie Miller; On: 04/24/2012 17:19:55

Love the exterior. Beautiful.. Love the ideas for the dining room. Fireplace in the kitchen awesome!!! I would have to change the bathroom. Do not like the blue and yellow.. More pedistal sinks and older style deep tub / with seperate shower.. What a great opportunity you have here.. Wish you luck.. Would love to have this problem...

: By: trudy; On: 04/24/2012 17:34:12

Love it!

: By: frannie; On: 04/24/2012 21:09:22

rebekah, i think it is wonderful!!!!!!
have a wonderful time fixing it up. i love the bathroom and kitchen with the fireplace, and i also love the thought of 2 staircases.
just enjoy and please keep us posted on all the progress.
the outside is so charming, i knew the inside would be great.

: By: Shery; On: 04/25/2012 07:31:26

Oh Myyyyyyy, did you ever get blessed!! This house has SOOO much character to work with, all you'll need to do is embellish it with your own unique, personal style. When a house has this kind of flavor at the bare-bones level, the rest is just cosmetic. Paint, textiles, color. Oh my, are you gonna have loads of fun. The first thing I would suggest is to go to the Pinterst web site and start pinning ideas to various boards ... kitchen, bath, room ideas, textile & color combos etc. I've had a wonderful time in the last 2 months doing that very thing as I muddle my way through the re-do and addition projects in our home. Ideas that I found at Pinterest TOtally changed many of my plans. If you have an interest, go to my board as a place to start and then 'follow' other pinners whose taste and style fits your own. Sometimes there is an entire room you'd like to mimic in your own way, other pictures draw your attention simply because there is ONE item you know you can run with and use somewhere.

Well, Farmer Teal, you're going to be a'farmin and a'decoratin. I so look forward to the AFTER images. I can see a magical Christmas there with your fireplace mantel decked with boughs of greens. I'm pickled tink for you and your family. What memories you'll make in your new digs!!
Shery ~ the ranch farmgirl

: By: Cheryl; On: 04/25/2012 09:02:56

Rebekah, I love your farmhouse. As for the front door, I would consider a white door with an etched glass oval. That would look so pretty from the outside and inside. A door like that would also add more light to the staircase. The side panels should also remain with the glass if possible. If the existing door is an antique find a closet or created a place to hang it.
I am looking for a new home also but farmhouses are rare in northern Delaware. I need a couple of acres though.
I will enjoy following your progress with the endless possibilities out there.
Cheryl in DE

: By: Salli; On: 04/25/2012 09:37:34

What a beautiful old farm house!!! I love everything about this house, but the kitchen is my favorite! Living in a farm house(of sorts) I would say keep it warm and inviting. The fireplace is an amazing addition to any kitchen!

: By: Cathy; On: 04/25/2012 10:39:37

I live in old, lovely, farmhouse too....that the former owners had to "update" thereby losing the charm of the older house!! First thing we did was rip up carpet and do hardwood floors, then rip out all the wallpaper, then did mini updates on the bathrooms, and we're in the planning stages of the kitchen remodel....six years in to it!!! Enjoy each step, get to know your house, and see what it tells you to do!!

: By: Eileen; On: 04/25/2012 20:54:27

I can see why you are so excited. The house is beautiful. The kitchen is my favorite with the fireplace. Live there and enjoy it and everything will eventually come to you on what YOU want to do. Make your own memories and then the house will truly be YOURS!

: By: Pam deMarrais; On: 04/26/2012 01:03:04

Rebekah, your new house has great bones! It looks like it just needs a little cosmetic work for now. I lived in a 100 year old Victorian house with a lot of the original features. The trim was all white, which I would recommend for your place. It is clean and neutral, and your room colors will look better against it. The same goes for the paneling...it would look better white. I agree with painting the bathroom cabinets white; you can change the fixtures out later if your hubby isn't keen on it. I personally like the blue too; it's got personality!
For the kitchen, I would get an old harvest table to use as extra work space and to sit at for your morning coffee [rather than the island, which screams new house]. Painted cabinets would be a great way to perk up the work space. You might choose a color that you would go with some accessory that you want in your kitchen. I think that Jadite is a fun color [It is an old timey serving piece and dish color] with some pale yellow bead board between the cabinets and a few antique red accessories [old egg beaters, etc]. Slate gray is another great option, and it would compliment your brick fireplace.Love your idea for soft [aqua] blue walls [against white trim].
The front door would look awesome with an etched oval glass. My Victorian house had a double door like that.

: By: Keleen; On: 04/26/2012 08:45:18

Congratulations on your new home--a dream come true for you! I agree with the posters who said to keep the blue bathroom fixtures and ditch the yellow. Perhaps a mixture of white and a lighter/pale coordinating shade of blue would tone down the 70's blue a little. Absolutely love that kitchen fireplace!!

: By: Sharon; On: 04/26/2012 09:40:54

Congratulations on your beautiful new home! What a fun time or phase - deciding how to make the house truly your home. I agree with everyone above who stated that you will get the most bang for your buck by starting with the hardwood floors through out. Once that is done I would go with the room or space you will be spending the most time in. If it were me I would go with the living room or parlor. Get rid of the long, overflowing curtains and wallpaper. Bring in some natural light and color into the room. I love color and think your idea of bringing blue into the room. My grandparents were chicken farmers out in the country and had a farm house filled with antiques and dark victorian furniture. If I could afford to buy it from the estate I would keep the big air rooms as they are, but change out that Victorian furniture for more casual and relaxed cottage style furniture. And that's what I would do in your new space. I think one or two pieces like a nice wing chair or covered rocker for the corner by the fireplace would be a nice touch though. Once you have done this, I would move on to what is currently your downstairs guest room. I would remove the wall paper from at least the back wall and the wall with 1 window and add built in book cases/storage cabinets. This will help you keep the clutter that occurs in all of our homes from accumulating in your living room and dining room. This is so much fun when you don't have to make the hard final choices! Thank you for letting us play along. I can't wait to see the upstairs!

: By: Lisa; On: 04/26/2012 10:06:41

What a blessed young farmgirl you are- lots to work with here... and lots of net worth down the road, which a lot of us will never have. Enjoy!

: By: Ruth Ann; On: 04/26/2012 15:12:11

Yay! Rebekah! I'm so excited for you and your darling new farmhouse home! I love all the fireplaces!I sure wish I live close, I would love to come over and brainstorm some fun decorating ideas! I do think wood floors would be fabulous! We used rough-sawn pine in various widths 8", 10", 12". Once they were installed they were sanded smooth, stained and varnished. The cost was WAY cheaper than going through the carpet store to get pre-finished wood flooring. They are rustic looking so you never have to worry about scratches and they're easy to keep clean. I think the cost when finished was $6.50 a square foot. Anyhoo, I can't wait to see how you turn your farmhouse into a home!

: By: Neta Monroe; On: 04/27/2012 11:03:02

Ok, so excited to see your new farmhouse. I would definitely do the floors with wide plank wood. Maybe a brick look floor in the kitchen. Can't wait to let bread rise by the kit fireplace for the holidays. Maybe sitting on a giant wood chopping block. I would just spruce everything up with fresh paint right now and let the rest come to you slowly as you live there. I do have to say though I would change out the bathroom only because it is retro and not the era of the house. Maybe paint fresh white and destress alittle on the cabinets and keep the blue for now to maybe use later in a garden guest house, and replaced with claw foot tub when ready. Maybe use some barnwood look in the bath as well. You might even take the middle panels of the cabinet doors out and repalce with frosted glass, and use old apothecary type decor with towels rolled up.? Depending on where neighbors are located I might would just leave windows bright and opened to let in light. I can see the holidays displayed on those bannisters with fresh greenery and stockings. Can't wait to see. I could have a ball decorating your house with your money. HA HA. I guess I would have to say from experience just take your time and let the house speak to you. Congratulations.

: By: Vicki; On: 04/27/2012 11:19:43

Love your new house. I agree with everyone, there is potential in every room. In the bathroom, I would ditch the yellow paint and paint it a creamy white, and let those bright blue sinks pop! Hardwood floors for the house with with large rugs in certain areas. Have fun with it. Congratulations to you and your family.

: By: Lorrie MacKenzie; On: 04/27/2012 11:55:29

Your house is absolutely adorable! Every room is wonderful and I love the wallpaper. And the fireplaces! No imagination is needed to imagine this house as perfectly charming; it already is. It looks like a house where people would be joyful. I wish you and your family every happiness.

: By: Marji; On: 04/29/2012 14:46:19

Beautiful, wonderful, awesome!! What a gem! I love your new home.
I agree with "another farm lady". Live in the house for a while and get to know it. It will tell you what it wants changed and what to leave alone. But just in case you need more ideas, here a few images that came to mind as I scrolled through your pictures. The front door windows need some stained glass panels with lots of color. As a stained glass artist I am always looking for places to put colored glass. In my minds eye I saw a long farm table in the kitchen with a long bench on the fireplace side to warm your back on a cold winters day. I love the blue and yellow bathroom and every other room. And pretty much that's it. After all you wanted a country farm house. And, you got one. Wow!!! All the good fortune and happiness to you and your family. God Bless!

: By: Andmre; On: 05/03/2012 11:18:46

I think using old barn wood for the floors would be absolutely stunning!

: By: Phyllis; On: 05/03/2012 15:56:24

LOVE the exterior! And there is so much potential in every room! What a wonderful find for you and your family! I love the vintage blue bathroom fixtures too. And the fireplace in the kitchen, what a treasure. Best wishes to you and yours, much peace and love in your new home!

: By: Colleen; On: 05/08/2012 09:14:55

What a dream home! Love the large rooms and all the fireplaces. The exterior is delightful, so welcoming ~ especially the porch. My husband and I bought a cottage by the sea 10 years ago and it was a horrible mess. When the gas man came to check the furnace he said, "No one could live in this house-it's uninhabitable." I explained to him that we were living in it because we couldn't afford to live elsewhere and remodel at the same time. We managed. Our seaside cottage is wonderful now, lots of light, open, cozy, and charming. We started by ripping out carpets, refinishing hardwood floors and extending the livingroom hardwood into the kitchen.
We painted the whole house the same color. Kitchen remodel was next. It's been a ton of work, worth the effort. We pay as we go. It's good to live in the space and feel its vibe before changing things. You are so lucky to have two kitchens, lots of big rooms and that amazing mud room. I love Pinterest for inspiration. Have fun and congratulations.

: By: Penny; On: 05/10/2012 04:38:30

I'm so excited for you...now that I've seen the down stairs...can't wait for the upstairs...so here I go and I love the fireplace in the kitchen too....and the outside is dreamy...

: By: cindylee; On: 05/15/2012 12:58:10

I love every single room, nook and cranny. No way to choose what's my favorite!

: By: Wendi; On: 06/05/2012 18:29:34

I loveee the kitchen fireplace!!!! How fun! And yes hardwoods a must! I love the bathroom but not the blue shower - sinks are fun for some reason. Enjoy your bliss land!!

: By: Mark; On: 06/08/2012 09:05:25

Love it! Has potential!
Looks like my kind of project.
Mark

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