Our old (new) house story

Our house story-Rewind 3 years ago and I was 8 months pregnant with our second kiddo and we needed more space.  We (or at least I) were always looking at houses (which makes perfect sense) as real estate is my profession. Some would say, I was obsessed at looking at houses (husband).  Some would also say that I like change too much (Husband and Mom). I think 1.) I had not found my forever house and 2.)We needed more room. So, the plan was to buy a fixer in a beautiful rural area of San Diego at a great deal and make it cool, charming, and put our own stamp on it.  We looked at some things that had major potential but we never found "the one".  We were always left feeling sad about leaving our current home and felt it was not the right decision at the time. Some people also thought I was crazy..as some of these houses were in pretty bad shape.  I saw the opportunity. 

A few inspiring before and afters..

Jeff Doubet's before

 and after

 

A beach shack from Coastal Living before

 and after

 

Cottage Living before

 

 

 

 

and after

Coastal Living exterior overhaul before

And after

But that is not how it happened.I kept perusing the MLS, and came across a Spanish beauty in a newer master planned community. The inside was definitely darker and more ornate than my liking but thought I could work with her. I thought I was in love. And time was running out...the baby was almost here! We went for it..bought the house and lived in it very happily for 3 years. And it is amazing how much of a difference some paint, light fixtures, accessories, and furniture can make. It went from an ornate European style to a modern farmhouse feel. So, what happened now 3 years later?

It was too much house and very pretty and perfect in most people's eyes. In my eyes, it was lacking charm and coziness and I am a "cozy" kind of a girl! Everything in the community looked perfect but I personally think perfection is overrated.  After all, who or what is perfect???  The lawns and houses all looked perfect and there was a very strict HOA that oversaw everything!! And, there was lots and lots of granite.  No offense granite lovers, but if I never see granite again (at least the very colorful and ornate kind)  then I would be ok!  And I really wanted to renovate something my way. Things were driving me crazy about the spread out floor plan, finishes, etc. and that was all I could focus on.

 I was very grateful for this home and we have many beautiful memories there:) Here are a few...

 

The birth of our daughter

 

Decorating the Christmas tree

 

Holidays with family-"cheers" with his Aunt and Uncle and, for the record, that is apple juice in Grant's plastic glass:)

 

Family time

 Family time

 

Dress-Up

 

We decided to put our house on the market to follow our dreams...the fixer in the rural area. We went through the emotional roller coaster of "Will we sell our house?", "Are we making the right decision?", "Are we crazy",  "Will we be able to find what we are looking for?", as well as the emotional ride of offers not coming to fruition to getting the house under contract and then not knowing where we were going (especially considering we were uprooting our children). I am happy to say that it all worked out..after lots of praying and finding peace with it all:)

 I did want to share a brief tour of the house that we just ended up selling.  The dining room-This was the first room you saw when you walked through the front door. Trestle wood dining table, Verellen slipcovered chairs and grain sack chairs, and this rope and iron chandelier by Solaria is my favorite!!!

 

The family room-Both leather sofas are by Restoration Hardware.  If I did it again, I would have mixed it up some.  We were in a hurry though as we were having a family reunion 2 weeks after we moved in and, to reiterate, I was 8 months pregnant. They are super comfortable (and deep!!) though.  A family of 10 could probably fit on one!! The antique grain sack chairs are probably my favorite (you can see them in the distance), as well as the huge pendant suspended by rope from Cisco Home. I did like the zinc top table but the sharp edges are not very safe with little kiddos. I ended up selling that piece.

 

 

My daughter's room-I was nervous about this wallpaper from Anthropologie before I put it up.  Is it too much and is it the right color?  But I absolutely loved it as soon as it went up!!  So many people (especially young gals in their teens and early 20's) say how much they would love that in their room.  It really makes a statement. Everything else is pretty mellow and understated (except for her tent) and I wanted to go with a feminine vintage feel.  Her vintage pink doll crib is so cute:)

 

 

 My son's room-He picked out the bright blue himself..it really is a happy and bright room. My son, Grant, really likes making decisions and feeling like he is in charge!  The upholstered headboard is from Ballard Designs.  The dresser is from Anthropologie.  Other items had been purchased over the years.  The tent is from Land of Nod. I wanted it to look cool and eclectic..not scream I am a 3 year old boy (well he was at the time).

 

I will be taking most of this furniture to our new house so you will be seeing it again. 

Our dream that we are following is the purchase an old 1969 ranch house that has so much potential!!  She sits atop a large hill with ocean views!  This is rare for rural San Diego. Our dream house=Less house, a rural and tranquil setting, a big yard with trees, charming, stylish,  a single level, etc.  I am still pinching myself that this all fell into place.  There were definitely trying times that I will talk about it later.  And I cannot wait to show off this little diamond in the rough and all of the fun stuff we are doing to her to make her shine!!  Till next time!!  Here is a quick snapshot of her:)

She is not a modern rustic home yet but she will be soon!  Dust is flying and walls are being knocked down.  I will be back soon to show some renovation in process pictures!!

 

xo,
Paige