This month, I am pleased to welcome you into Melodys darling home, located in Ventura CA. Residing in her home for the past 9 years, Melody has completely transformed her "ordinary tract house" into a truly enchanting cottage.

 

Describing her home as "Comfortable & interesting" Melody says "I think it truly reflects a part of who I am and my personality. One of the main considerations was creating an environment where my kids would be comfortable in and like to bring friends to." Melodys home has been featured in Romantic Homes magazine and Decorating Ideas magazine, as well as Landscape Ideas magazine.

 

Describing her style as "shabby cottage", Melody says "I love the casual feeling and the comfort that it affords. It makes decorating a constant evolution, as I change it around as I pick up new things at flea markets or antique stores". Melody also adds "White slipcovers are a must. They look elegant, but can easily be thrown into the washer with a little bleach". Influenced by the many magazines and books that Melody collects, lately she's really enjoyed Mary Emerlings books for new ideas.

 

Melody keeps her look fresh by changing things around all the time. She says "It keeps it interesting and your friends will always be surprised when they come over. I love moving my furniture, changing curtains & pillows, and adding new treasures on a regular basis. I keep a supply of items in the garage that come in and out".

 

Frequenting the Santa Monica flea market for her treasures, Melody says "It's a little pricier than other flea markets, but the quality of the merchandise is great". Another favorite place to go is Downtown Ventura. As Melody says, "It's getting better all the time, with some wonderful new shops like B on Main, as well as some nice antique stores, such as Antique Collective. Currently collecting anything that is chippy and old, Melody has a love of garden urns as well as pink & white, blue & white, and brown & white dishes.

 

Enjoying the serenity of her backyard, Melody experiences a daily joy in hand feeding a blue jay that waits for her every morning on her backyard chandelier. She holds out a peanut, and the blue jay lands her hand and takes it. It is what Melody describes as "One of life's simple pleasures". -JG

 

(photographs and article by Jennifer Grey, owner of The Old Painted Cottage)