This month I've featured my own home! Welcome to The Old Painted Cottage. Please come on in!...
(Our living room was featured on the cover of Romantic Country magazine, October 2007)
I'm Jennifer Grey, owner of The Old Painted Cottage, and original creator of the Cottage of the Month, and this is my home.
My husband Adam and I have resided in our Newbury Park, CA home for 4 years. In this small space of time, we've settled beautifully into this very darling house, and have made it our own. Having a great passion for embracing various decorating styles and blending them together, I enjoy incorporating Shabby Chic, French and Beach Cottage decor into my home. While I mostly rely on my own instincts when it comes to decorating, I can always find creative influences from vignettes in nicely decorated antique stores.
I will admit, I'm a bit of an impulsive decorator. All it takes is one tiny new addition (say a jar of old buttons) and before you know it, I'm moving dressers & tables around and rearranging everything! For me, my home is also where I work, so I enjoy surrounding myself in things that I find both beautiful and relaxing. I prefer the simplicity of lots of white, with bits of pink and robins egg blue sprinkled in. And I also love to use old french net lace bed & pillow covers for anything but the bed! I've used them in my home as table covers, room dividers and curtains. They're so sheer, they let in the light & add a nice romantic touch to your home.
My favorite room in my house would have to be my living room. I love to open up the windows and allow the fresh breeze inside, while I curl up on my sofa & catch up on my favorite decorating magazines. There's such a simple pleasure in taking a little break out of the day to have a cup of tea, do some day dreaming, and enjoy the serenity.
I'm always on the verge of a new collection! Sometimes, I'm inpired by the smallest things that I come across at flea markets, such as a collection of old mercury glass ornaments, or a basket of porcelain roses. Currently, I am into collecting...desilvered mirrors, old valentine & halloween post cards, flower frogs, old childrens books, white ironstone, french net lace, glass garden cloches (also known as bell jars), old printer blocks with initials, antique blue glass bottles, old sea shells, vintage rhinestone clocks, old wallpaper with roses, floral cast iron door knockers and antique floral jardineres.
In January 2006, I made the decision to open my own website, which has become my full time job, my passion, and my baby. Here on my website, you can find a never ending supply of wonderful treasures for sale. This business has brought me so much happiness, more than I could have ever wished for. I've met many wonderful people and life long friends. -JG
Would you like to have your home featured as a future Cottage of the Month?
Because we all love to see how people decorate their homes, and gather creative inpiration from others, I have created this special Cottage of the Month page. Each month, I feature a different cottage style home, submitted by you...the viewers! If you have a beautiful cottage style home that you want to share with the world, I want to know about it!
Please email me at least 10 of your best photos for me to review at jennifer@theoldpaintedcottage.com I ask that you please title the subject of your email "Cottage Photos" so that I know it's safe to open! All entries will considered, and will be submitted on a first come basis. I look forward to hearing from you! And remember to view my FAQ page first, before submitting your photos!
