Houzz Tour: Traditional Home Goes Coastal
'Operation Downsize' Got Rid of Clutter and Created a Serene Family Oasis
I am a busy mom to four and I am completely obsessed with all things house and home. I have an eye for pretty and love to write about making beautiful and livable spaces at my blog www.shabbynest.blogspot.com .
I am a busy mom to four and I am completely obsessed with all things house... More »
Paige Knudsen, author of the popular blog Simple Thoughts, lives with her husband, four daughters and a large dog in a beautiful Georgian Colonial near Atlanta. One day Paige walked into her home and realized that the clutter was overwhelming. Despite the fact that the home was tastefully decorated, Paige felt the need to downsize.
Inspired by homes on the coast, Paige created a serene oasis with a pale palette and intentional decor. Take a little tour of her lovely home and you'll agree that the result is simply stunning.
Inspired by homes on the coast, Paige created a serene oasis with a pale palette and intentional decor. Take a little tour of her lovely home and you'll agree that the result is simply stunning.
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| Covered in snow, a rare occurance in Atlanta, Paige's stately Georgian hides a pretty secret — a light and airy, beachlike interior. |
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| Paige called her need to simplify her home 'Operation Downsizing.' The first phase consisted of getting rid of many little objects. Because she was always a collector, this phase took some time.
"Now, instead of having objects scattered here and there, I love the impact a single large grouping provides," she says. "One of my favorite collections is my mercury glass, most of which are relatively new pieces. I also love to decorate with seashells, beach glass, and vintage ornaments during the holidays." |
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"I want our home to be a thoughtful reflection of what is important, whether it's our love for reading or family heirlooms," she says. "We recently lost my husband's parents. They blessed us with many priceless family heirlooms. 100-year-old linens from Sweden, monogrammed silver from the turn of the century and treasured family photos."
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Part of the simplification process consisted of painting walls on the main floor one universal color, in this case, a creamy white. The family recently installed dark, wide plank wood flooring as well.
Paige was inspired by homes along the coast that often feature white casual interiors with contrasting dark floors. She loves the juxtaposition of crisp white and dark rich wood.
Paige was inspired by homes along the coast that often feature white casual interiors with contrasting dark floors. She loves the juxtaposition of crisp white and dark rich wood.
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| The home, built in the 1980s, features a traditional four-on-the-floor layout. Paige believes the consistency of the white walls throughout the main floor goes a long way toward creating a better flow and unifying the space. |
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| Paige is a talented photographer who takes numerous beautiful photos of her family. A gallery wall along the stairs is a perfect way to feature some of her favorites. |
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| Paige enjoys displaying frames, such as this chipped beauty, devoid of artwork. The frame itself taking center stage as an art piece. |
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| The pale-on- pale color scheme in this bedroom promises a restful night's sleep. |
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| Colorful roses in the palest of pink pitchers become a focal point against the neutral white palette. |
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| White slipcovered furniture emphasizes the casual, coastal feel Paige loves. |
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In keeping with Paige's desire to be intentional in her decor, a gallery wall featuring her daughters' artwork through the years adorns the upstairs hallway.
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Several of her decor pieces, such as this primitive dough bowl, have been given to Paige by family members. She enjoys displaying them throughout the house...in this case as a centerpiece filled with seashells.
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A pretty crystal chandelier hangs by a ribbon from a stand. An unexpected touch that is both whimsical and delightful.
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The back porch, with its sky-blue ceiling, is also reminiscent of the sea, and an inviting place for the family to share an al fresco dinner.
Thank you Paige for sharing your beautiful home with us! Follow Paige's blog, Simple Thoughts.
Next: More home tours
Thank you Paige for sharing your beautiful home with us! Follow Paige's blog, Simple Thoughts.
Next: More home tours
Comments
Suzy Pierce Gorgeous home inside and out! Wow- I love that back porch!
2 years ago · Like
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lovefrommykitchen Beautiful! Love the artwork wall. I am planning one in my home soon but it's hard with 4 kids to feature all their great artwork. Love her style!
2 years ago · Like
ttlovep Gorgeous!The decorations are really beautiful!
2 years ago · Like
Lisa's Creative Designs Beautiful Home:)
2 years ago · Like
debmama24 insanely gorgeous! LOVE the all white bedroom with that little pop of color in the flowers and pale vase. DREAMY!!
2 years ago · Like
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Camille My favorite is the gallery wall of her daughter's artwork. What a beautiful idea!
2 years ago · Like
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Kasey Buick her home is gorgeous! I love all the details.
2 years ago · Like
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patscats2 Beautiful. Love the daughter's artwork.
2 years ago · Like
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kimberlytaylorimages Can I come have dinner with you on that back porch??? Oh Paige - it is gorgeous!
2 years ago · Like
Jan Yatsko Those back porch posts look very familiar. Many years ago, my husband and I made a 4-poster bed with used posts exactly like those pictured. The foot and head areas were used cut out-type porch railings. We painted the whole bed white. When were first married, we couldn't afford the Victorian house of my dreams, so we settled for a Victorian back porch bed. Seeing those posts brought back memories...
2 years ago · Like
Mona I love details in a room, and she nailed it totally. Love the daughter's art wall.
2 years ago · Like
theinspiredroom GORGEOUS!
2 years ago · Like
Beka Caudill That blue looks like haint blue, which is traditional in the South, to ward off ghosts, not reflect the sea.
3 weeks ago · Like
Ideabook updated on March 12, 2011.
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