Residing in their home for the past 23 years, Debbie and her husband Tom have been collecting antiques for over 20 years. Originally, their home was completely done in Victorian style, but after several years of dark woods and heavy fabrics, they decided it needed a big change. So, Debbie went with the Shabby Chic look, painting everything, no matter what it was, white. Now she can't get enough of this style, which she refers to as "vintage romantic Shabby Chic".

 

When it comes to decorating, Debbie prefers old items that she can paint and fix up, then add the romantic feel with all the roses. Her favorite room is her living room that she describes as "bright and cheery". As Debbie says, "I love pink roses, and as you can see, they're everywhere". She describes the look as "a bit eclectic, with a mixture of antiques, Shabby Chic, and wicker". Debbie's roses plates give the room a lot of color, as well as her rose paintings - most of which were painted by talented artist, Devonia.

 

Debbie loves enhancing her home with crystal chandeliers, and has several placed in every room. Debbie says "They add such a romantic look, and the colors that come off the crystals (in both daylight and evening light) is something that cannot be replicated". Debbie suggests shopping on-line and picking up ones from garage sales, then fixing them up yourself. You can paint them a vintage white and shop around for inexpensive crystals to embelish them. If you can't afford a lot of crystals, just start with a few, and add over time. Debbie loves creating her own chandeliers, "The sparkle from them can make you smile. You can never have to many, except for when it comes to time to clean them".

 

When I asked Debbie where she got her decorating influence from, she said her sister-in-law, Rosie. "Rosie is the most talented person I know, and will tackle anything and make it look good". Rosie's made several things that have lended themselves to helping Debbie achieve her look. The funny thing is, Rosie's hardly ever sewn..that was until Debbie lent her her moms old Singer sewing machine several years ago. So it's been Rosie's sewing and Debbie's painting that has brought this whole look together. Great job, ladies! -JG

 

(Photographs contributed by homeowner, article by Jennifer Grey, owner of The Old Painted Cottage)