Highlights of 2012

Okay, I think I'm ready for 2013! Yesterday we packed up the last of the holiday decorations. I never really feel like the new year has begun until that task is complete. The house always looks a little empty after the holidays, but I do love that January makes everything feel new, fresh and full of possibility!

 I don't really have a list of resolutions. I don't pick a word of the year to inspire me. Of course I want to be healthy and strong - eat better and work out more. Stress less about the small stuff. Appreciate every single day. We are constantly being reminded that life is short. We need to listen! I'm looking forward to whatever comes next. I'm hoping for some sweet surprises. And hopefully I'll handle the bumps along the way with grace.

Now here are a few highlights of 2012 .....

The girls at Elizabeth & Co. hosted four vintage tag sales - one each season. We love that each sale is new, fresh and completely different. And what fun to share our passion for vintage!

A huge thank you to our amazing customers and friends! Our interaction with you is the highlight of every sale. And it's because of you that we get to chase our dreams!

We also had the privilege of decorating two rooms in a local Decorator Show House in 2012. That was such a unique experience. We got to stretch our wings and we met some really wonderful people in the process!

Sometimes it surprises me that painting furniture has become such a big part of my life. But there is something really satisfying about breathing new life into vintage pieces with a story left to tell.

Some pieces never leave, while others go on to happy new homes. We just love when customers come back and tell us how much they are enjoying a piece that we transformed.

Homemade chalk paint was by far the most popular topic on the blog this year. It's a great addition to all the painting options out there. It has never failed me, it's thrifty and it's just plain fun to make! Have you tried it yet?

I couldn't do what I do without being part of the awesome team
at Elizabeth & Co and a very supportive family.
You are absolutely the very best!

And a huge thank you to all of our blog friends. You are a constant source of encouragement and inspiration! Our Be Inspired Link Party returns on Tuesday. Can't wait to see what you have to share in 2013!

So that's it. I'm ready for a brand new year.
Arms and heart wide open!

Grand Opening of the Decorator Show House

 The Decorator Show House is now open and ready for touring!

 

This beautiful home was built in the mid-1800's in the historic Belle Grove Square neighborhood in downtown Westminster. Come on in and take a peek!

 

 

Local designers, decorators, artists and craftman have spent months transforming this home, while maintaining it's charm and character.

 

 

Today I'm sharing a peek of what's in store when you come to visit .....

 

The garden inspired dining room is sunny and bright.

What a lovely spot for a casual lunch or a formal dinner party!

The kitchen enjoys modern updates while showcasing the history and nostalgia of a by-gone era.

And if you see something you like, you're in luck.

Almost everything in the house is for sale!

This house boasts several beautiful large porches.

The landscapers did an amazing job on the walkways and gardens!

 

 

And you absolutely must touch the walls in the water closet!

Now let's head up the grand staircase to the second floor.

The soft and pretty sunroom feels nestled among the trees and is the perfect spot to take a moment and relax.

 

 

 

The lovely guest room is carefully appointed with a botanical feel and a nod to the past. 

 

 

 

 

The nautical feel of the nursery was inspired by the 1885 poem, "My Bed Is Like A Boat" by Robert Louis Stevenson.

 The third floor of the home served as the private quarters for the servants of the home. This was our space to decorate!

 

 

These rooms had to serve multiple purposes and are filled with an eclectic mix of furniture and personal belongings.

 

 

 

 

 

Not nearly as grand and formal as the lower levels of the home, these rooms still needed to be comfortable and provide a reteat for the occupants at the end of a long hard day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think we met the definition of what our rooms were meant to represent, while still maintaining the unique look and vintage style that you'll find at every Elizabeth & Co. Tag Sale.

 

 

It's been a pleasure to work on this project.

We hope you'll come by for a visit!

 

 

You can get complete details at the official Show House website and at the end of the month, I'll have more photos and a complete wrap-up of the event to share!