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Welcome to our home! It’s relaxed and ready for a virtual coastal style summer home tour. Please come in and look around.
A huge hello and welcome to our casual, coastal style summer home tour! In case you’re new here, I’m Shannon and I’m so glad you’re here. Truly. I believe that anyone can learn to decorate their home and my goal is to help our blog readers and subscribers to create the well-decorated home they want through this blog – and through our decorating class, Decorating Uncomplicated too. If you’re not new and you’ve been around awhile – hello, old friend. Of course, I’m so glad you’re here too. In this post I’m sharing our most complete home tour to date. Almost our entire house is present in these photos. Here’s our casual coastal style summer home tour.
A Quick Word Before We Tour
I tidied up just for you, but truthfully camera angles can hide a lot of mess. So please don’t be discouraged or think our house is always as pulled together as it seems online. Quite honestly the kitchen sink is full of dishes you just can’t see in the pictures and the front entry closet is stuffed with shoes and two seasons worth of coats and outdoor gear. That’s why they make closet doors, right? I also didn’t retake photos of the kids’ rooms, cause they’re rather disastrous at the moment. And the entryway desperately needs a new coat of paint – the kids deliver papers and the fingerprints are brutal! Instead I’m showing you the pics from when these rooms were first finished a few months ago. Well, honest to goodness truth? Our son’s room in the basement still isn’t finished yet – he’s been living with raw drywall and no door for several months. We will get to it, but we just haven’t had the time yet. Sigh. Real life, right?
So, new pics for the living room, dining room, kitchen and bathroom. Previously viewed pics for the entryway, bedrooms and outside. Nothing has changed in the bedrooms or outside, except they’re all perpetually messy and I’d rather not share quite that much.
Make sense?
Good.
Okay, on with the tour.
Our Casual Coastal Style Summer Home Tour
Front Porch
Our 1350 sq. ft. house is a backsplit that looks a little like a rancher from the road. It’s about forty years old and while a lot sturdier than our last house, has needed a fair amount of cosmetic work since we bought it. The front porch being no exception. We’ve removed old wrought iron railings that were literally rusting off the porch. We’ve painted everything across the front that isn’t brick. And we’ve done a LOT of yard clean up and gardening.
I don’t really have much of a green thumb, but my sister is married to a genius in that department and he’s helped quite a bit. Now if only I could keep the neighborhood rabbits from eating everything in sight!
Entryway
Our entryway looked nothing like this when we moved in. It was dark and rather ugly. We’ve since added the vertical paneling, replaced the floor, light and closet doors and added hooks to make the space more beautiful and functional.
Dining Room
The current dining room is actually located where the living room was intended to be. We swapped them over the Holidays to make more room for a Christmas tree and have loved the switch ever since.
We’ve gone through a few table and chair combinations and I think this one is finally good. But I do reserve the right to change my mind!
I am finding the room a bit too busy though with all the decorations and open shelves and as such we have plans to move the shelves down to the basement. Then we’ll shiplap the walls and paint them white, which should help to tone down the busy-ness and relax the space a lot.
The dining room also serves as my office, which means this desk and settee do great double duty. The closet was added in the corner recently to house all sorts of office paraphernalia.
Because this was originally the living room, there was no ceiling light fixture. We recently had electricians come and install this beautiful chandelier from Birch Lane.
Living Room
And the living room of course is now where the dining room was intended to be. We love how cozy the space is with the new sectional. Although I do believe I broke the washing machine (and stained the slipcovers) when I washed them for the first time. Which is rather sad. To solve the issue we are doing two things: the first is to buy a second slip cover set from Ikea in grey to limit the amount of washing that needs to be done and the second is to have the slipcovers dry cleaned (at least until we need to buy a new oversized washer). Live and learn, right?
Kitchen
This kitchen was the reason we almost didn’t even look at this house originally. The real estate listing only showed the part from the fridge and stove to the window wall, which made the room seem far too small to work for a family of five. However the part that now houses the breakfast bar we added makes up for much of the perceived size limitations.
One day we’ll completely overhaul the kitchen but for now a few coats of paint on the cabinets, new stainless steel counters (which I ADORE because they take a beating) and some new appliances are enough to make it prettier and more functional.
Side Patio
Our terribly uneven side patio could use a full overhaul too one day. But for now we make good use of it with a hand me down conversation set and a few little accessories to go with our giant bbq (not shown).
Son’s Room
Our son is the oldest of our three kids and he recently moved down to the basement. He has patiently waited for us to finish his walls and give him a door. In the meantime he has enjoyed his own space that’s right next to the family room – and all the gaming equipment a teenage boy could want!
Bathroom
This bathroom was another reason we almost didn’t look at this house. Until very recently this room was embarrassing, to say the least!
We had tried to give it a bit of a makeover a couple of years ago with some paint and stick on floor tiles. But the green bath tub and cheap finishes just didn’t make it a room we wanted to spend much time in.
Finally we were able to have Bath Fitter fix up the tub and surround area and we replaced all the cabinets, toilet and fixtures as well as adding an exhaust fan (hallelujah!) and planked walls. Now our only bathroom is much more relaxing. Not to mention, easier to clean (concealed trapway toilets are a genius invention).
The bathroom window (and all the other windows in the house too) are scheduled to be replaced within the next few weeks. I can hardly wait!
Daughter #1’s Bedroom
When our son moved to the basement the girls were each able to get their own room for the first time ever. Daughter #1 chose pink (as always) for her accent color, which I tried to tone down a little with neutral accents. Lol. This was the compromise.
The little aqua cart and her dresser top are currently stuffed and covered with all her teenage girl stuff. I pretend not to see how messy it is most of the time.
Daughter #2’s Bedroom
While these photos show Daughter #2’s room when it was still shared by both girls, not much has changed. Save for the removal of one wall letter and the addition of a hamster cage. And she’d really like to change out the colors to suit just her, but well, life. Time is at a premium when one has three kids!
Master Bedroom
Our bedroom was one of the first rooms we worked on after moving to this house. However it’s not truly finished – as it still has the original parquet floors! The new wider plank, hand-scraped flooring is sitting downstairs waiting to be installed. You know, when we have a spare moment!
Other than the unfinished basement laundry room, family room and garage, that’s our house!
Thank you again so much for visiting our home today. Virtual coffee and hugs to you – and please do sign up to get our emails below. We’d love to have you join us!
Every thing looks great Shannon, love your welcoming, cozy home!
Thank you so much, Dannyelle. 🙂 Especially since you’ve been here in real life, that means a lot. xo
Shannon, I have always loved seeing how you transform and decorate your home. Everything is perfect. I LOVE IT ALL! Thank you for sharing and inspiring! 🙂
Thank you so much Wendy. I appreciate that so much. 🙂
Your home is absolutely beautiful, Shannon! I love all of the decor details.
Thank you so much, Mary Beth!
Awesome!! Where did you get your lamps by the bed in the master bedroom? Love those!
Oh DeAnna! The lamps in the bedroom were from The Home Depot years ago. I don’t think they carry them anymore.
well shoot… thank you for responding tho. Love your home!!
Thank you! I’m sure there are lots of places to find them. Have you tried Wayfair?
Simply wonderful. I love your dinning room, in fact I love all aspects of your charming home. Thank you so much for sharing your time and creativity.
Aw. Thank you Barbie!
Your home is incredible, Shannon! It’s amazing how much you guys have accomplished through your hard work. Thank you for sharing, and for being part of this tour!
Thanks, Nina. I’m happy to be part of the tour.
Wow, you have done a beautiful job with your home! I can see a lot of thought and planning went into the renovations and decor. While it may not be a huge house, you have made good use of the space. Congrats!
Nope, it’s definitely not huge! 🙂 Thank you Melva!
Hey Shannon – beautiful as always! Can I ask – I’m looking for white chairs almost exactly like the ones at the desk in Daughter #2’s room. Do you remember where you got them?
Hi Melanie, thank you. Yes, I remember. I bought them from Kitchen Stuff Plus. They’re on sale right now I believe for $59.99? But it’s a Canadian store so if you’re not up here, I’m not sure if you can get them.
It all so beautiful Shannon!
Thanks, Jamie. Your new house is beautiful!
I just love your home and style! So beautiful and inspirational!
Thank you so much, Nicole.
Hi–Love the game controller picture in your son’s room. Do you remember where you purchased it?
Thank you!
Anya
Yes, it’s from Modify Ink. Although I’m having trouble accessing their website right now, the url is http://www.modifyink.com. Maybe you’ll have better luck!
Wow! You guys have been so busy. Enjoyed seeing an updated home tour. Fun, fun, fun and seeing your outdoor space too. All looks amazing!
Oh Danielle! It’s so different than when you were here almost two years ago! 🙂 Miss you. Can’t wait to see you this summer!
Beautiful Job! Have you ever painted or Stained Shiplap? What do you recommend?
Sara Jane.
If your shiplap is wood with natural knots in it and you want to paint it, I’d recommend priming the entirety of it with Zinzer primer. It’s sort of expensive, but it sure beats having the yellow tinge or yellow knots show through fresh paint after a few days! (Ask me how I know that one!). Then just paint whatever color you’d like. As for stain, no I haven’t stained shiplap. But I’d imagine – although I could be wrong – that it’s the same as staining other wood.
Love your house tour!!! Gives me so much inspiration to get mine decorated. I was also wondering, where did you get the antler prints, and the towel hooks in your bathroom?
Hello Melinda. Thank you! The towel hooks are actually from Ikea. And the antler prints are from this etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/vol25
Your home is lovely, Shannon.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
Hi Shannon,
Some time ago you asked me to share some Canada Day ideas with you. I have a few on my Pinterest board https://www.pinterest.com/pd4tmartin/canada-day/
My favorite is the barn wood flag. Hope you like what I found.
*Smiles*
Thank you, Pamela!
I absolutely LOVE your dinning room! Your whole house is amazing, but the dinning room is my favorite! Love the table and mix of chairs!
xx
Neelam
http://patternsandprosecco.com/daybed-love/
Thank you, Neelam. I do love dining room chairs and can never decide on just one style.
Good morning Shannon. I have to go to work shortly and look forward to reading and looking at your photos when I return home. But I had to just tell you that I love your dining room. I just plain love your style! I understand what you mean about editing some of the decorative aspects in the room, but that is where it would be difficult. Each item is wonderful as is. I am so looking forward to coming back to your site when I return home. Thanks for all your work!
Thank you so much, Joanne! It is difficult to edit, but it is necessary…or my home would be filled with all. the. things. 🙂
Such a pretty home Shannon! I get a much better feel for the layout with these pics– everything seems very connected and cohesive! My daughter was looking at these with me and oooooh-ed and ahhhhh-ed over your daughters’ rooms. 🙂
Thank you (and your daughter), Rachel. 🙂
Love your summer tour. Your dining room is my favourite. Looked for a source list but could not find one. Where did you get those
gunmetal coloured dining room chairs
Sorry Dorelle! The chairs are from Wayfair. You can find them here: http://shrsl.com/?~d34w
You have a beautiful home! You’ve given me plenty of inspiration and ideas for my own little cottage home. Thanks! 😀 xx
Thanks, Vashti! I’m so glad it’s helpful.
Hi there. Your home is warm and gorgeous. I’m wondering what color the paint is on your front door. I’m always searching for that perfect grey and yours looks, well…perfect! Thank you.
The front door is painted Behr Antique Tin. Our friend’s actually had it leftover when they moved and gave it to us. You can find all our house’s paint colors here: http://akadesign.ca/our-houses-paint-colors/
I really enjoyed the tour of your beautiful home! It’s absolutely gorgeous and shows that it doesn’t matter how big or small a home is. It can be decorated beautifully as yours is. I hope to find a smaller home in the next couple of years when we’ll be empty nesters. You’ve totally inspired me!
Oh thank you, Anne. I so agree, size doesn’t matter.
Where is the gorgeous oval wood mirror from? I love it!!
It’s from an online shop called Mothology. I believe some have found a similar version in Target U.S.
What is the color on your front door? The outside color 🙂
It’s Behr Antique Tin. A friend gave it to us as leftovers! lOl.
I love the glassed in “bookcase” with the unique hardware! Could you provide any source information on that piece of furniture?
Thanks so much.
Sorry for my delayed reply! The bookcase is from Wayfair and can be found here (affiliate link): http://shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantid=11035&userid=471763&productid=657996736&afftrack=
I absolutely love your china cabinet, it’s so classic! Do you have a source for it? Thanks so much!
Yes, this one is from Wayfair. It is in stock now, but is frequently out of stock!
Beautiful home!! I’m renovating our bathrooms now and noticed your toilet (I don’t say it often, but it looks great!) Do you remember the name/brand? Would you recommend? Are you happy with it so far?
Thank you, Tanya! Lol. I don’t actually remember the brand of toilet and we don’t live in that house anymore. But I have to say, while we did, I sure enjoyed not cleaning that back part that is such a pain on regular toilets!