two story cottage

You know that moment when you meet someone, and they’re just so sweet and genuine you know that you’ll be fast friends? They’re that rarity of real, and you wish you lived nearby so you could have a coffee date that you hold religiously every week after you go flea market hopping together? (In a pretend life where you have time for that, and babysitters ;})

And remember that part where I told you we’d be adding some stylin’ contributors for you guys because we love their approach oh so much and wanted you guys, more than anything, to get to know them?

Erin from Two Story Cottage is one of those people. And she’s one of those people who has a real home infused with real character. The kind that makes you want to miraculously land on her doorstep so you can go poke around for a while and study what she does. To glean from her houssy wisdom. Because she finds awesome dressers like this. Oh and she also has an orange settee because she’s fearless. I want to buy an orange settee when I grow up. So I can faint on it.

So without further ado…

I’m over-the-top, ridiculously excited to be a contributor here at The Handmade Home. Why? Simply put, I’m a super-fan. I’ve loved and followed Ashley & Jamin for ages so this is kind of a dream come true.

Let me introduce myself. Besides being a rabid super-fan, I’m a stay-at-home mom with a passion for design. I’ve always enjoyed all things artsy but I have zero professional experience. I’ve learned everything I know from studying catalogs and home decor magazines. Probably like a lot of you guys!

I consider myself to be a work in progress because my style is continuously evolving. I have big ideas and a genuine desire to create a home that feels warm & fuzzy with a bit of elegance sprinkled in. With two little ones, I’m always striving to find the balance we all crave.

We’ve moved around a lot but are hoping to put down roots in our current abode. All of the moving helped spark my interest in design. I found I had a knack for fixing up houses. It was mostly cosmetic but each of our homes sold in record time. Thankfully, those days are behind us. Knock on wood.

As you can see by the foyer, we don’t take ourselves too seriously around here. With a five and three year old, you have to keep things fun. And nothing says yahoo like hopscotch in the entry.

We have an eclectic mix of furniture. Hand me downs, antiques, and Ikea. I’m not afraid to mix Great-Grandma’s demilune with a rustic $2 wall rack. The chalkboard is a recent addition. The verse varies from seasonal to silly.

The dining room is the only room I consider to be “finished.” I enjoy creating tablescapes seasonally.

The family room is in transition right now. The ten year old furniture remains but a recently updated ottomon has spiced things up.

I’m trying to turn the kitchen into a space that we love without painting the cabinets. I still dream of a white kitchen but am content for now. Check with me again tomorrow.

My daughter’s room is my very favorite room in the house. Sweet and eclectic but able to grow with her. There is a bit of a Southern flavor there which fits as we live in the the Carolinas.

I hope you’ll join me on my decorating journey. I’m a one-woman show most of the time; my husband is sweet and super supportive but works very long hours. My progress is not always HGTV- speed but I think you will see real life mixed in with the pile of fabric and paint swatches.

On the horizon, I have a furniture project for the breakfast room, a little boy room to finish, a master bedroom that screams help, and a guest room that currently requires a hazmat suit.

In the last year, I have learned to sew and purchased my very first fancy pants camera. I’m still learning how to use it. I am not afraid of a little diy or to share my ups and downs. Next on the list is photoshop and a photography course. One thing at a time….

Moderation. Authenticity. Balance. All while feeding that decorating fire that always seems to be burning!

I look forward to sharing more projects and thoughts with my fellow Handmade Home fans in the very near future.

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Isn’t she just fab? Be sure to check out more of her home, here. And follow along on Facebook for some great updates here!

Have an inspired day, lovelies!