Sunday, February 27, 2011

And so it begins...

or at least that’s that plan…


Remember that rather larger dollhouse I posted a bit ago? The one that I’ve virtually ignored for years? Where the outside is sort of complete but the inside isn’t? The one I’ve decided to “make over” or “move out”?

Yea…that one…




After careful thought and consideration, I have created a story, and therefore, a new theme for the house. Someone had suggested a more Old European look. I was intrigued by that but no clue how or where to begin except that the outside had to change completely for the inside to work.

First, the back-story...

The owner of if the house is a gentleman…Sir Kendrick Aloysius DeBellows. I don’t yet know a lot about him. His age is uncertain, as is his occupation.

Though there are children in the house, they are not his. He is not married now nor has he ever been. It is unclear how he came to be the owner of the house but it is believed to be inherited.

The children (2) and house are cared by a somewhat batty housekeeper who seems to be “part” of the house. She has much knowledge of its history when she chooses to reveal it.

The house itself is a picture of shabby bygone elegance. There is no staff besides the housekeeper and DeBellows is too preoccupied to see the need for any.

..That’s all I know at the moment.

Back to the house. Before jumping right into a major …hugely major…redo, I thought I might try my ideas out on a bit smaller scale. Years ago, I purchased the Conservatory kit from Houseworks with the plan to add it to the side of the dollhouse. I even cut out the exiting window of the house for French doors to accommodate the addition.




Never happened. I almost brought it to the last miniature show to try and sell it off but left home without it.

I looked at today and said, “hey, why not?” The plan is to use the Conservatory as a sort of guinea pig, trying out the different ideas I have in mind for the house and see how it might all work out.

I opened the kit, sorted the pieces, read the directions, took some measurements and made some notes. I have seen these kits done up in so many different ways…even saw one example where two kits were attached back to back for a stunning result.




The architectural style of the original house kit is Italianate. I’m thinking stucco, stone and subtle grays, greens and verdigris/ copper.

I’ll keep you posted as things develop…

Later

Tabitha

14 comments:

Caseymini said...

Tabitha, a friend of mine has that same house. It is stunning. I can't wait to see what you do with it. Love the conservatory. Great addition to a great house. I,for one, will be hanging on and watching every step you make.

Heather said...

Sounds like a gorgeous idea! Can't wait to see it.

The Old Maid said...

Can't wait to see more about the house and read more about the people that live there:)

Catherine said...

I love a house that tells a story about the occupants. I think it gives the house lots more character. It helps to create a flavor for the interior. What sort of things they collect and so on.

The Conservatory will make a wonderful addition.

Alison Shibata said...

I'll be following every post. I'm loving your initial ideas, stucco, stone, greens, etc. Btw, the soapstone pedestal from Tom was a beautiful buy!

Dark Squirrel Victoria said...

So glad you are saving the house! I love the story and can't wait to see your conservatory attached to the house.

Victoria ♥

Frederica said...

wow , cool house , I love it , and I really like the extension , good you didn't sell it , its too beautiful , am looking forward to seeing the rest of the renovations.
love from Frederica

Kathi said...

How exciting! Can't wait to see your ideas in progress!
I have a conservatory that I was going to add to my beach house too. Never done. Now I'm thinking about using parts of it for my modern house?
I love to see renovations! I'm sure your will be outstanding!

Julia and Hywel said...

This is a fabulous house and I love your story. I'm sure you will have loads of fun with this :0)
Julia xxxx

BiWuBär said...

It's good to hear that you have a clear vision... and now you can't disappoint Mr. DeBellows, you have to go on with his home and reveal the secrets and answer the yet unanswered questions - while I sit here waiting eagerly for every next step... ;O)

Greetings
Birgit

Cheryl said...

Ohhh we get to follow along with the renovation, how exciting!

Linda said...

ooooooooooo woohoooooooo how exciting!!! cant wait for progress pics :D Linda x

Michelle said...

This is a fabulous looking kit with lots of detailing which I love. I always have a story in mind for all of my projects, it makes it so much easier to do and fill.

The house will be magnificent too with it's renovation of sorts and I love the theme too! :o)

Michelle xxx

Jolie said...

I love the house! The story is great, having grown up in a local historical house (built in 1911 and met one of the original occupant's relatives) often "hear" the same type of thing while working on my dollhouses. It's so WEIRD! I thought I was the only one!!!!