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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Guests and Fish


When I posted my kitchen, I promised I would share the guest room/den, but someone was actually staying over at my house at the time, so I couldn't. 

In fact, the last two weekends I've had guests here, and I've been busy catching up on chores since then, so it wasn't until today that I could finally take pictures for you.


Even though it's really tiny, it's nice to have a room that guests can sleep in while they're here or relax in while I'm cooking.

Well kind of. 

In reality, 
everyone just stands around in the kitchen, until I sort of (not really) politely say, "OUT!"

It's also a nice place for us to watch television.

It was just a second bedroom originally, but I don't like having a TV in my living room, so it pulls double duty.

Besides, I think it's cozy and on the plus side, I didn't really have to do anything to it. 
Yay!


The couch is actually a daybed from Ikea. I'm pretty sure it's the only thing in my house from that company and although it's not the best constructed item in the world, I couldn't find anything else that wasn't too expensive or didn't look too daybeddy (yes, I know it's not a word, but it is now). I also needed something that would fit in the room, because I couldn't fit a couch bed in there. It would hit the wall and there wouldn't be room for anything else.


My mom bought me this pillow for Christmas from Uncommon Goods.

I love that it looks like Bubba :)


Here's the other side:


My mom also needlepointed this pillow for me years ago:


And because, I'm funny (yes I am!) I bought this pillow:


What?! 

Well it's true.

You know it is.

Well anyway, it inspired the title to this post ;)

Moving on.....

I also stuck this little antique child's chair in there, just in case we have some little visitors, which we do occasionally.



An old antique trunk serves as a coffee table.


There's a Tic Tac Toe board for fun and people of all ages love to play with it, amazingly enough.

If they actually put down their phones.

Ahem.

And also some decorating books to browse through.




The view from the window is amazing, just like every room in the house.
The original owner did a beautiful job of making sure of that.
I'll tell her story soon :)




Eventually, I'll be getting a different TV for in this room and giving this one to my daughter when she moves out. I'd love a vintage one that has either been redone for cable or a new one that looks vintage. We'll see, but for now this works.


This is an antique washstand, that I use as a bar when I have parties.


You just lift up the top and wallah! 
Bar.




Another gift from mom....


I love my old big band records, but I also needed something to play my CDs and this works perfectly. I think she got it on QVC.


Across the room is the old closet.


But since no one actually lives in here, I turned it into a pantry and somewhere to hide the ugly microwave that I don't want, but my daughter insists upon. 

I've tried to explain to her that things taste better when you warm them up in the oven, but well...

Kids.

So there it is and there it will stay until she moves out with it.


I have another pantry downstairs that's much bigger, but I don't want to have to walk down there every time I need a bowl, so I use it for extra food and other items I don't use everyday.

Oh and paint.
And tools.
And Candles.

I'll show it to you sometime, but today isn't the day.

This is the room when the door to the kitchen is closed:


And that's pretty much it.


Probably not what you'd expect after seeing how colorful my kitchen was, but I love how calm and soothing it is in there.

I hope you enjoyed the tiny tour.

Until next time,
xo
rue

65 comments:

  1. Hi Rue! Oh, your little guest/TV room is darling! I had to giggle when I saw your pillow about guests stinking after 3 days - my hubby tells our guests that all of the time! :) Love your Currier and Ives prints over the daybed. I'm so glad you stated to blog again and I'm so enjoying seeing your charming home! Keep it coming!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  2. Love the room! I have always liked hard-wood floors. I agree with your pillow, but i might give the guests up to 3 days:)
    Hope you're having a good week.
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Thank you, Deb :)
      Oh they can usually stay longer, but that's usually about the time I'm done mentally and I want my house back lol

      xo

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  3. I linked to your blog by going through Cozy Little House .... anyway, I just love your house. And you have the same "American Woman's Cook Book" that my mom gave me, it was given to her in 1949 as a wedding gift. Nice to meet you...... My blog is: eclectic grammie. Blogspot. I haven't posted in a long time but do enjoy reading others

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    1. Nice to meet you, Sandy and thank you :)

      That's so neat that you still have your mother's cookbook! What a precious gift. I bought mine at a used book store, but I wish I knew the history behind it.



      Delete
  4. It does not look "daybeddy" at all, and Bubba's pillow on it is sweet. I love your amazing old washstand and the great CD player. Your pantry is so organized, I keep the microwave in my laundry room, along with toaster and food processor, all 3 things that my husband can't do without, while I still prefer to heat my soup in a pan on the stove, toast my bread in the oven, and use a knife and grater instead of our ancient Cuisinart. Now if I could only get him to move his coffeemaker in there too!

    I completely agree with the 3 days rule, with the exception of children and grandchildren!

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    1. Thank you, Dewena!

      I solve the coffee maker problem with my 1960s electric percolator. It's cute and functional ;)

      I don't have grandchildren yet, but they would definitely be the exception :)

      Delete
  5. I found your blog through Cozy Little House. Loved your post on your guest room! So cozy!

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  6. This is a sweet little guest room, very restful. You've done a lovely job with it.

    FlowerLady

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  7. It's a lovely room, and I love the neutrals and the view out the window. Our second bedroom is so tiny that we use it for a library, because my daughter has to walk through it to reach her bedroom. I love where you put the microwave! A woman after my own heart. Mine is in a cupboard on the porch for the same reason. I use a medium Breville toaster oven to heat. I love the needlepoint pillow and the retro player. For my spouse's office I found a retro radio that can also play MP3s. Thank you for the room tour. I would love to hear the history of the house when it has one. I'm really interested in that kind of thing. Hugs. Have a wonderful day.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you!
      That was the situation with my downstairs area. You had to walk though one bedroom to another, so I turned it into a dressing room/vanity area on the way to the "new" master bedroom. A library is a great idea though and I would have done the same had I had the same situation upstairs.

      I'll try to put together the history soon :)

      xo

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  8. I love that space and especially the big windows. You're lucky to have something to see. I just see other old houses! I think I'd spend a lot of time in that room. :D

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    1. Thank you, Debbie!

      I dunno.... looking at other old houses wouldn't be so bad, but I know what you mean ;)

      Delete
  9. Enjoyed your tour...is this little room originally a dining area ? You have it fixed up so cute.

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    1. Hi bj :)

      No, actually it was just a bedroom. I have the kitchen nook and another dining room that's original to the house. I think it might help if I drew a layout. Thanks for the idea! :)

      xo

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  10. Great to see your back Rue. Sorry, things didn't work out but it was definitely his loss. I believe it is a precious gift when a person finds someone who truly loves them as you did but not everyone appreciates the gifts they are given. Hope the kids are doing well and wishing you many blessing Rue. The Twins

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    Replies
    1. Hi there girls! Thank you so much for your kind words.

      The kids are doing great :)

      xo

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  11. What a charming little guest room. Mine is tiny too! I love the fish pillow...too funny! That record/cd player is so pretty, as is the antique bar. I love a room with personal touches and meaningful decor. Have a lovely evening!

    Blessings, Vicky

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  12. We have a little room like that off of our family room and steps from the kitchen. We call it the common room and it is where our daughter can hang out with friends, play WII, watch Doctor Who marathons, play games and host sleep overs. It's also where our guests sleep. I couldn't agree more about the 3 day rule. It's also our rule when we visit other people because we are without fail, ready to come after 3 days!

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    Replies
    1. I know you do ;) I love that room of yours.

      I'm ready to go home after the 2nd day LOL

      xo

      Delete
  13. Hi Rue, Darling and cozy TV room/guest room perfectly charming. Love your pillows. So cute and the music player is a treasure. I like swing too. Great to have the antique bar. Double duty treasure for sure. Thanks for the tour. Love it.
    Hugs

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  14. It's a darling room. Loving that child's chair...and the bar. Quite the multipurpose room you have there! ;)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Donnamae! I really tried to make the most of every room :)

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  15. I love your floors. Before I moved to this apartment, I rented a house and the floors looked just like that. I see that we share some of the same books too. I don't have a TV in my living space. I have one in my bedroom, and the other resides in the closet. I only turn it on at night sometimes.
    Brenda

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    Replies
    1. That's the only tv in my house, Brenda. I rarely watch anything except movies on it. I'll turn on HGTV, but it's usually to yell at the tv and get some aggression out LOL

      Which books do we share? Just curious :)

      xo

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  16. Haha! I love it all, especially your pillow! My brother in law's mom used to say that all the time, "Fish and relatives stink in three days!" Funny ~ and true! ;)

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  17. I really like your wood floors. Your pillows are really cute, especially the needle point one.

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  18. I love your cozy space! I also completely agree with your pillow--three days is quite enough. For some guests, three hours is stretching it... :-) Lots of fun personality shining through this sweet room!

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    1. HA! You're right about the 3 hours, Mimi.

      Thank you :)

      Delete
  19. I did indeed enjoy the tour! One thing I love about your home is that it really shows your personality. The decor isn't just a bunch of stuff picked out from HomeGoods or the like...it's things collected over the years and antiques and things that tell a story. I feel like I could walk right into your house and feel comfortable and at home and truly enjoy looking around at all your lovely things. Well done, Rue. :-)

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    Replies
    1. That's so sweet of you to say, Melanie! Thank you :)

      Delete
  20. I would be tempted to say longer than three days (and would risk smelling like fish) in your guest room, Rue. Love the art over the sofa, especially the etchings. The paint color is so pretty. And those beautiful floors--and doors...things that utterly beautiful and are never found in new homes, or even semi-new. I adore your home, and I'm loving the Tour de Rue!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Michael, although I don't imagine you'd ever smell like fish ;)

      xo

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  21. Loved seeing more of your charming home Rue it's so you girl..I can
    t tell you how very happy to see you back..From the looks of the comments many feel the same way..when you left blogging it left a hole in mamy of our hearts honey..I was going to ask if Annie had moved out yet..now where is Alex?? there are so many things I would love to know about the last 3 yrs but know you said no personal stuff on this blog..
    Take care my sweet young friend..and remember someone in Calif loves you..hugs gloria

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Gloria :)

      Annie lives at home still, but do you remember... Alex is in the military? He's living in California now.

      Love you too!

      Delete
  22. Oh do you still have that beautiful screen..always a one of a kind piece and your red sette..again hugs Gloria

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I do have the dressing screen! It's downstairs :) The settee was given to a family member. I had to give away or sell a great many things when I moved here. This house is only 1800 square feet and the last one was around 2800.

      xo

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  23. What a cozy room. I can see why guests would want to stay longer! I had never heard the expression before a few years ago. Some American friends came to visit us in Canada and were delayed to fly back home because of bad weather. I thought it was a funny expression! We enjoyed having them with us so much.
    Have a nice day
    Jeannette

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jen :) I saw that pillow and I had to have it lol

      Delete
  24. Very sweet guest room. I love the washstand/bar! The whole room is very calming. So good to see your posts pop up!

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  25. Rue, the saying on that pillow is so funny. Your guest room is very charming with all the pillows and books and the tic tac toe board. I haven't played tic tac toe in so long, but I used to beat whoever I was playing every time. That old record player is a treasure. I used to listen to all the old artists when I was younger and memorized all the words to some of the songs. And that wood flooring is so beautiful. Guests will surely feel comfortable in this space. You creative a nice haven for them to rest.

    ~Sheri

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    1. Thank you, Sheri! It's funny, because when I bought the tic tac toe board, I just thought it was cute, but everyone messes with it, old and young :)

      Delete
  26. So happy to have stumbled upon your blog. I remember your previous blog back in the day (I had a blog but gave it up). Love you home - especially the very happy kitchen!
    Michelle

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    1. Hi Michelle! I'm so glad you found me again :)

      Thank you!

      Delete
  27. It looks comfortable...the feel-at-home-right-away-kind-of-room : )

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  28. I use my small 'coat' closet in the hall, just off the kitchen, for my 'extra' pantry. It's a life saver.
    Love the view out the window!

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  29. What a cute room. I love the antique washstand. What a great piece! And the little child's chair is very sweet. Thanks for the little tour.

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  30. I loved the tour Rue! What a sweet, cozy and pretty room! Any guest should feel lucky to be there! Yo always have the best touches and great pieces!
    Love,
    Sue

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  31. There's so many thoughts I have I'm afraid I will hit publish and realize I left a few out! In random order here goes...

    The 3 days pillow cracked me up. Last month our friends were invited to our house whole on vacation for 2 nights. Somewhere alongg the way they invited themselves for 3, and that's the exact quote I told hubby. ;)

    Now about the tv. Omg, I saw the cutest vintage tv last week!!! It was powder blue and a little over $200.

    The ikea sofa...I think ikea gets a bad rap. Most if their items last a lot longer than people think, and their sizes, as you learned, are versatile.

    I know I'm forgetting things but we are leaving for dinner and I don't have time to reread the post but those are the main points anyway.

    Oh, one more...I would have done exactly the same thing with that room, albeit not as efficiently and lovely as you did.



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    Replies
    1. I felt the same way last weekend LOL I love my friends, but eventually I want my house back!

      That TV sounds really sweet!

      I think Ikea is okay and I've bought some of their stuff before, but it doesn't last like furniture used to, even 40 years ago.
      I have a very 1930s/1940s mentality, so I'm not a fan of the throwaway society that we've become and I try to buy things that will last. Not saying that I never buy anything new, obviously, but I try my best to find antique or vintage items when I can, because they've stood the test of time and they were meant to. Plus, I just prefer the craftsmanship and how pretty older things are, not to mention the history behind each piece. Anything that I don't want anymore, either gets sold or donated, so that someone else can enjoy it. I never just throw anything away, unless it's beyond hope. I could write a post about this subject, but I might insult a few people, even though that wouldn't be my intention :)

      I hope you had a lovely dinner! And thank you :)

      Delete
  32. What a cozy little room. I don't like the tv in the living room either but there it is. I wish I could at least hide it but it won't fit in the cabinet we have (it is upstairs with an old tv in it) so it is hanging on the wall. I've thought about building a frame around it and putting doors on it. It sticks out a little but I still think it could be done. One more thing on the 'some day' list!

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    Replies
    1. I thought about making a cabinet for ours too, but since it's so small, I just leave it where it is. I think it's a great idea though :)

      Delete

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