Houzz Interview: Mary's Little Red House (91 comments)

Mary's photographing skills are nothing short of amazing. Capturing her beautiful surroundings, talented Mary created a refreshing eye candy blog, named after her little red house.
Together with the gorgeous photos of her house, Mary also shares her thrift store finds, day to day adventures and the unbelievable photos she takes wherever she goes. Mary also hosts a lovely weekly Mosaic day, where participants post collages of their favorite photos.
We are very happy to have Mary with us today, to share her wonderful little red house.


Please tell us about your "first meeting" with your house to be

Actually, my first meeting with Little Red House occurred when I was about two years old. My parents built the house, and I grew up here. So it has always meant "sanctuary" to me in a very real sense. My husband and I have lived here since 1980, and we have done several renovations over the years, making it work for our family. By now, this house holds so many wonderful memories for me, both from my childhood and from my childrens' as well. I really can't imagine living anywhere else.

The first step of your remodeling process

We put in an attic dormer containing a master bedroom suite in 1981. We are now remodeling that original renovation -- adding closet space, built-in cabinets and a window seat.

The biggest renovation challenge you faced

In the original attic renovation, there was no floor in the attic space. On the first day of work, one of the carpenters slipped while walking across the beams, and came down through the kitchen ceiling. He was OK, but the ceiling needed to be replaced.

Your favorite style and colors

I guess you could call my style "Elegant Country." I love elements of English Country and French Country. I love curvy, feminine furniture, antique prints, old leather bound books, beautiful china, needlepoint, silver, and copper. I collect silver gravy boats creamware and milk glass. Among other things.

A spot in your house that makes you very happy

Our Library/Living Room. It is a warm and cozy room with built-in bookcases crafted by my father, my grandfather's shelf clock on the mantel, and my mother's favorite sofa. The large picture window faces east, and it is the perfect spot to curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a good book.

Your precious accessory/furniture/art

An old Chippendale style sofa that my parents bought second hand. It has beautiful carving on the frame and legs, and is upholstered in a cranberry and cream stripe with tiny embroidered flowers. I know, it sounds impossibly "granny," but it really is beautiful and it holds such wonderful memories for me.

Your next house project

We desperately need a second bathroom upstairs. We also plan to create a first floor laundry room. Our washer and dryer currently reside in the basement, with the cave crickets. Seriously.

5 things that houzz readers need to know about you and your blog

1. I am passionate about photography, so every post will be filled with eye candy -- everything from beautiful dishes to flowers to silver to antiques.
2. I'm a thrift store junkie, so visit often to see all my latest finds and how I use or repurpose them.
3. I bring my camera along everywhere -- hiking, shopping, traveling or just walking around the neighborhood. And I like to bring my readers along too. :)
4. I host a weekly meme called "Mosaic Monday." Participants join the fun by posting collages of their favorite photos, any subject. Which means that every Monday you can travel the globe, viewing houses, gardens, flowers, furniture, decor, renovations, etc.
5. My readers are TOTALLY AWESOME. Seriously. They are sweet and kind and funny and talented and oh so creative. And I want my blog to be a place where they can pull up a chair and have a cup of tea with me. :)

Best tip for the remodeling beginner

Someone once told me her husband's recipe for a smooth renovation: "Call the man and write a check." My best tip would be to make sure you get the basics right. A space has to function well for you, before you even begin to think about paint and furniture and accessories. But once you've got it
right, have fun and think about using flea market and thrift store purchases to make your renovation green and to infuse the space with a sense of charm and history.

Last but not least: as a houzz friend, Mary has chosen a Target giveaway gift card to one of the lucky readers that will share their thoughts about her house and interview.


Thank you for sharing your beautiful home Mary!.


For your chance to win a $50 Target gift card, comment on this interview by Sunday, December 6, at 5pm EST.

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