What makes a wonderful vacation even better?
An email from Debbie at Debbiedoos asking if I’d be interested in doing a home tour guest post, that’s what!
Welcome to my home and blog Daffodil Hill
The front door was originally brown, but this past spring I went wild and painted it red.
I’m not all that old, though I do have a thing for canes. Mostly I found these at antique stores. Maddie, our 14-year-old Jack Russell, is on the porch. She fancies seeing herself in pictures.
Our foyer was a drab beige, so we spruced it up with wallpaper. At some point I would like to paint the risers. Actually, I’d like for someone else to paint the risers and do a really great job.
As you can see, the wallpaper goes all the way up to the second floor, and I’ve incorporated blue throughout the house for continuity. The foyer is small, but the wallpaper makes a big statement. I’m also a fan of family pictures. To me a home is not about resale value or trends. It’s about the people who live and work and play in a house and their unique personalities.
We eat dinner in the dining room most nights. I light candles and put fresh flowers on the table. This doesn’t mean we’re eating gourmet food, however.
While we spend most of our time as a family in the family room, I love sitting in this space. Have you ever seen those wonderful Henri Matisse interiors, the ones with all sorts of colors and patterns? Okay, so I’m definitely not comparing this room to Matisse, but I have always been inspired by his playfulness.
When we entertain my husband builds a fire in the living room. Or, when a girlfriend calls up to chat, this is where I go for peace and quiet. Even in dreary old winter, this is a happy, warm space.
Over the years I’ve learned to be myself in decorating. While I love looking at homes with neutral palettes, I crave color. Everything in the kitchen and family room was inspired by the painting you see.
When we moved in nearly four years ago, the back splash was done in glass tile. It was probably the worst possible color combination. I was so happy to have this tumbled marble instead. It’s rustic and lighter and brighter.
The pendants were purchased three years ago from Schoolhouse Lighting. Since moving in we’ve replaced nearly every light fixture. Most of the old ones looked like giant breasts hanging from the ceiling. I’m really not kidding.
The mudroom is a bold yellow, inspired by a lovely kitchen I saw in Country Living several years ago. The homeowner lived in New Hampshire, and she needed a kitchen that would brighten her spirits in winter. She’d painted or accented several rooms in this color.
Yellow has been my favorite color since sixth grade.
The master bedroom posed a significant challenge. It’s on the small side, and there’s very little closet space. Here I took the opposite approach and went more neutral (pale yellow) and boosted the spirit of the room with colorful accents. And look at the ceiling, please. Yes, it’s a giant breast. Replacing this fixture is on my wish list.
We added the built-ins a couple of years ago. Great for storage, and I honestly find I have plenty of space for my things, even without a walk-in closet.
I have three daughters. My oldest just moved to California for graduate school. My two younger girls are 11 and 13. Their rooms are currently works-in-progress, so we’ll skip that for now.
I don’t know about you all, but I find it difficult to sit down and relax. There’s always a mountain of laundry or a pile of junk or an empty cupboard. When I really mean business about rest, I go here.
Our home is a Dutch colonial, and it was built in 1973. The house had fallen into deep disrepair, so I’m told. The previous owners had basically abandoned the property. Several years ago a contractor purchased it and began the long and arduous process of restoration. My husband and I have tried to deliver the finishing touches.
We are perched on a hill, so the vistas are nice!
My husband built this patio several years ago. He slaved, let me tell you. He also saved us a ton of money by doing this himself. He’s a talented guy.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tour. I can’t thank Debbie enough for allowing me to be here!
Thank you Suzanne! I love and adore every inch of your home! Thanks for sharing with us. Pop on over to those who do not know Suzanne and tell her hello.
Kim says
August 9 at 8:09 amI love her home and have been following her blog for quite some time. Those blue walls get me every time.
jessie says
August 9 at 10:56 amI love the blue wall and that red door, your home is lovely.
Dawn says
August 9 at 8:18 amGreat home Debbie, I am sharing on my FB page today so others can enjoy:)
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
August 9 at 8:59 amHer home is gorgeous. I love the setting high on the rolling hills, such a beautiful scene. Hugs, Marty
Shelia says
August 9 at 9:59 amHI Debbie Dear! Oh, I just love her home from the front door on! This is so sweet of you to feature all of these lovely homes. I just love to snoop! 🙂
Have a great weekend and you’re always a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Vanessa says
August 9 at 10:57 amWhat an absolutely beautiful and charming home! Fabulous tour!
Vanessa
Cindy K says
August 9 at 10:57 amMy favorite front door, I think. And, I want to hang out on that screened in porch right now.
Cynthia says
August 9 at 11:09 amThis was such a great tour Debbie. Such warmth and feels so welcoming. What a great red door. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Cynthia
Shirley@housepitalitydesigns says
August 9 at 11:14 amSuzanne’s home is so beautiful along with her gorgeous grounds…I can only imagine the wonderful views being up on the hill!…Suzanne, you have accomplished such a warm and inviting home…love the colors and you can definitely tell the love that went into your home!…Thanks Debbie for another fabulous home tour!! Have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy Wiebel says
August 9 at 11:19 amLovely, lovely home! I most admire her for being her own person in how she decorates. Wonderful home, thanks for sharing!
Nancy
FABBY says
August 9 at 11:47 amBeautiful house, inside and out! I love all your personal touches and how warmth, inviting and full of love it is! Thanks for sharing it with us Debbie.
Have a great weekend,
FABBY
Jane says
August 9 at 12:08 pmDebbie…I so look forward to your Friday features!! This is a great one, I’ve been following Suzanne’s blog for awhile and the kitchen, master bedroom and sunroom were a nice surprise. I LOVE that wallpaper in the foyer and just about everything else. It’s clear Suzanne doesn’t follow any trends so her style is very refreshing.
Great post…thank you both!! 🙂
XO,
Jane
Martina says
August 9 at 3:13 pmI’ve been a happy follower of Suzanne’s for quite a while…LOVE her home and style!! Great feature Debbie!
Happy weekend:)
Julie (Lilacs and Longhorns) says
August 9 at 4:58 pmLove this house! The exterior is charming and beautiful as is the interior. I agree, a home should reflect the people who live there and this one definitely does that!!
Nana Diana says
August 9 at 5:09 pmOh-I just love Suzanne and her home is vibrant and full of life- just like she is. I love a Dutch colonial and the landscaping around it is beautiful, too! GREAT choice for a tour, Debbie- xo Diana
Pat says
August 9 at 5:43 pmWell, she had me with the red door! Such a beautiful home, so warm and colorful. I always get excited when I see someone else that loves color!
Thanks to both of you for sharing ~
xo
Pat
Daffodil Hill says
August 9 at 6:23 pmDebbie, thank you so much for featuring our home. I LOVED reading all the kind comments! Made my week! xo
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
August 10 at 12:11 amI love this house! It is so cozy, and inviting. The blue walls are a knock-out, and I would love a screened-in porch like that.
Cindy says
August 10 at 10:33 amGorgeous home, love her style! Thanks for sharing Debbie, I’ll head over to visit …
Blessings,
Cindy
Laura says
August 10 at 11:12 amWhat a beautiful and inviting home. I especially love the porch. xo Laura
Penny @ The Comforts of Home says
August 11 at 11:38 amI love Suzanne’s home. The way she uses color throughout is so warm and welcoming. I have been a follower of her blog for quite a while now.
Rae Henderson says
August 14 at 5:15 pmVery pretty. I love the style of homes in Maryland and VA. I lived in Northern VA and Norfolk area (retired Navy) and fell in love with that part of the country.
Sue says
August 14 at 11:11 pmThank you so much for sharing Suzanne’s beautiful home. I have always loved her use of color and the cozy feeling you get from her photos. Great choice.
chrissie says
March 21 at 11:12 amso very cosy ! Can you adopt me ?….
Ana @ vinilos decorativos says
September 20 at 4:38 pmI’m in love with each centimeter of your home, thanks for sharing
Mary Maffeo says
September 12 at 8:23 pmI loved the house. My grandmother built a Dutch colonial in the early 1900’s when she married. It was in West Newton, MA. It was yellow with green shutters and in the spring yes there were daffodils. So I enjoyed seeing the house for its similarities. My favorite part is how you mirrored the colors in the painting in the family room.