Houzz Interview: Carolyn's Charming Prince Edward Island Home

It's been over thirty years since Carolyn Aiken and her husband, who were at the time a young married couple, fell in love with this gorgeous home in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Three decades later, after raising seven children in the house, this romantic english cottage looks as beautiful as ever.
In her Aiken House & Gardens blog, Carolyn shares stunning photos of her home and garden, as well as photos of Prince Edward Island.
We are so happy to have Carolyn in the houzz today, to share her fabulous Aiken House & Gardens story and tips.

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

The first meeting I had with our house was over thirty four years ago when we were a 'young married' couple with two small children. We were not living on Prince Edward Island at the time and we were just home for a visit. We were homesick for the Island ,and I was scanning the 'Real Estate ' guide just out of curiosity, when we saw an older home by a lake advertised that caught our attention. We went for a drive-just to check it out and no plans to buy and it was love at first sight ,It was such a great location for children-off the main road but close to town.
We ended up buying the house even though my husband had to quit his job and find another one here. A little scary when we look back because our budget was very tight. However, it did work out well and we never regretted our decision.

The first step of your remodeling process

The first remodeling job projects were mainly smaller projects like painting, wallpapering,and tearing off an old veranda, and building a new one.

The biggest renovation challenge you faced

We have done a few big renovation projects over the years as our family grew to include seven children. We added on a new room and then several years after we added a second storey to that room. More recently we did a big kitchen, bath and porch renovation.

Your favorite style and colors

I like different styles in decorating but mainly 'English Cottage Style' with a romantic look.The colors in our home are mainly the warmer colors but I also have a few creamy white rooms (bathrooms and sun room) and a little garden cottage decorated in white.

A spot in your house that makes you very happy

It is hard for me to pick a favorite spot in our home because I enjoy it all at different times but spending evenings by the fireside in our family room.comes to mind right now but In summer, however my favorite spot when I am not in the garden is the veranda overlooking the garden and woods.

Your precious accessory/furniture/art

As for my favorite thing in our home it would probably be the old family pictures we have but then again I do love my dishes especially my red and white transferware.

Your next house project

Our next house project is to remove two adjoining closets in our family room and make a little reading nook, and it would also be extra seating when we have family get togethers.

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

First let me say how much I love blogging as a creative outlet and how it challenges me to try to improve my photography etc.and I love connecting with other bloggers from all over the world.

I hope that readers of my blog would enjoy photos of our romantic English cottage style garden with all its little nooks & crannies that are perfect for a spot of tea!

I love collecting china and doing little vignette's with teapots etc to share with my viewers.

I also love sharing photos of our beautiful Island ( Prince Edward Island) in the different seasons. Photography is one of my hobbies so I don't go far without my camera.So if you enjoy Anne's land I hope you will enjoy visiting my blog.

If you are like me and enjoy a peek into other homes ,I do share photos of our home and little projects we do along the way.I know that I love to pick up ideas on the many great blogs out there in blog land!

Best tip for the remodeling beginner

My tip for the remodeling beginner would be to read lots of decorating blogs, books and magazines to get a file of ideas you like. I would also do thrift shopping to collect some unique, inexpensive pieces and save up for a few good pieces that you really love---and remember any mistakes are not life threatening so try not to stress!

Last but not least: as a houzz friend, Carolyn has chosen a Bed Bath and Beyond 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 Carolyn!


For your chance to win a $50 Bed Bath and Beyond gift card, comment on this interview by Sunday, December 13, at 5pm EST.