We've been having our own version of HGTV's Love It or List It. If you've been around for any length of time, you know I had no lost love for this house, The Big Bah-Nilla. It is in a very small community... meaning that... there are few listings available at any one point in time. Our old home was due to close... and, well, you get the picture. Decisions had to be made.
I'm, generally speaking, good at blooming where I am planted. I love houses... and I love making them into a HOME... OUR home. But, I've struggled this time. We've done lots of work... and, it looks pretty good... still, it just doesn't FEEL like home.
(This is almost that same shot BEFORE. All the old carpet came out... wood went down... board and batten was added... and I couldn't WAIT to change that light fixture!!)
A couple of weeks ago, we looked at a house that had just come on the market... it had a huge front porch... and a few other things that reminded me of our old home. A FRENZY ensued getting this one ready to list...
And, then we came to our senses... the other house was just WAY bigger than we need. We are still keeping an eye out... because I do believe you should LOVE coming home... every. single. time. you walk in the door. I'm not sure I ever will again... but, I'm not willing to give up on that quite yet.
(Note the new steps and risers... Versus the old carpeted ones.)
For today, we are taking a deep breath and going into a bit of limbo... It would sure be easier if I'd just learn to LOVE IT... or not care if I don't. Either way, it does make me happy to know we will have left The Big Bah-Nilla a bit better than we found it.
Making things better than we find them... it's a good thing. Living in limbo... not so much. ;)
blessings ~ tanna
PS note the Maidenhair Fern is still alive... for now. =)
53 comments:
Yeah, for the Maiden Hair! It must "Love It".
I understand about making a house a home. You have really done a great job at adding those special details to this home.
Just like the Maiden Hair, bloom where you are planted (or keep blooming in your case!).
I so totally understand how you're feeling. When we moved here, there just wasn't a lot of time or houses to choose from in this area. I don't love this little house and there's lots I'd love to change about it, but I am not moving again and I know that. I'm hoping time and a few changes will make this place feel more like home. It still feels like someone else's at this point, but we've only been here a few short weeks. I'm sure we can make it our own. Now where's that bucket of money? :) Best wishes in finding a home you love or falling in love with the one you're in. It will work out...you know that. XOXO
This is tough. I really love my little house - I just hate where it is - and I still haven't figured out what I want, or am willing, to do about it. Sigh...
Tanna,
I love your home but do understand that your true love is not in the home. When we sold our home in Beaufort, SC, (within 1 1/2 years) we knew we were not going to stay there. Although I loved my cottage, I did not like the area. Yes it is beautiful and so nice to be at the beach all the time, but there were other negatives that I did not care for to living there. I hope on my next move, we will like our home. Again, I hope we don't move for awhile but you never know. The homes here in NC go so fast, the home we just bought sold in three days.....I know you will find one and one that you will fall in love with......Best of luck.....
Oh a big sigh. I can understand. I lived in a house like that for 13 years and then we followed our heart.
You have made your house into a beautiful home. Maybe a little rest after all the construction will help your house speak to you and you will know what to do. Maybe a big porch on a smaller house will come your way!
Isn't it funny how something like where we live, affects our well~being so much?!
I felt that way at the homestead. It never felt like "home". Add to that, we moved there because other moving plans fell through.
I wish you the best of luck in choosing whether to 'love it', or 'list it'.
No matter what happens, knowing you, you will make the best of it!
Sending 'best wishes' and {{hugs}}
~K.
p.s You really have made beautiful improvements to your place!
Love, love how you "bring it all together beautifully!"
You have the "touch" I like.
I noticed the crocheted cloth on the table, love that idea, which I am borrowing!
At one time I created, crocheted valances made from old cloths that came from family members of old. No cutting in the cloths. I would twist and drape them to get the look I wanted. Memories and smiles . . . thank you!
A huge decision . . . As I said, what you have created is lovely . . . but my advice, if it doesn't scream HOME when you walk through the door . . . look on, look on . . . I am sure you know what you like best. It sounds like a large front porch might be one of the secrets!
All the best to you on your journey . . .
you have certainly given this the proverbial 'old college try'.....but I totally understand!!! We have a little 1923 bungalow....and it is TRULY home, with all its little quirks!!
I agree..I have to LOVE ..coming home..even driving into the driveway.
2 families moved away recently..and as I saw the moves..going on..I thought..I never want to see me moving out and someone moving in..here.
I have loved the homes we have lived in..and I was a realtor for 30 yrs..but this one has been my favorite.. 14 years..and I have not tired of one thing.
It still is a breath of fresh air to me.
I hope you find your oasis again..this one looks so pretty w/ everything you have done!
Home..our nests.
I look for light..bright..open..happy.
Hi Tanna....
Your work is beautiful, but if it isn't what you want...move on!!
I have lived her for 30 years...we have tried to move several times...
I am not a reno person...could not bear the confusion and upheaval...
You will find what you want...you will!!
But...I do think it is beautiful!
Enjoy your week...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
You have done a lot ofwork adn tdoes look lovely but you are the one that has to have that 'feel' about it. I am fortunate to love my home and where it is so am very content.
Oh Tanna, I feel so fortunate that we both are happy with our move and the house. I do miss the "old girl" but am happy with the young family that purchased her. You've done a beautiful job on the house! Enjoy it while you're deciding and looking around.
Best,
Bonnie
You have another lovely home, in my opinion, Tanna. No, it is not your beloved bungalow, but it is still very beautiful and there are many women who would just be so grateful to have a home as lovely as yours.It's the added touches, the little things, that make a house a home, not necessarily the architecture, style or location. A home that's filled with love is the most important thing.
Oh dear, nothing is easy. We lived for quite a few years in a home we liked, but did not love where it was. Now we are were we want to be forever and the home works just fine. Smaller is much better as we get older though I still have a few glass antiques that have not found their "spot" yet. Hope you find what you need in your life at this time, but don't be hasty. That is when mistakes are made. Imagine yourself in a house in 10-20 years. Do you still need a big house? hmmm...
Oh, don't let the nay sayers out there make you doubt your heart. YOU only know what is best for your soul. This is a huge problem when the economy is going good, and not many listings to chose from. We end up getting second best...sigh. Been there done that. Keep the faith....Laurie
You have improved it's looks and when you find the "right one" someone will fall in love with the one you are in. Perhaps the reason you ended up where you are is to create a space that the next owner will feel passionate about. If we believe we are right where we need to be and that there is a purpose for everything then who knows!!!!!
Tanna,
You have made your home absolutely lovely, but we all understand the feelings you have. Having a home that you are truly in love with, does help. You will make the right choice and find what is just right for you. You could follow in our path and have your dream home built-of course we are going a little bit crazy too!
Hugs,
Jemma
Don't lose your sense of humor Tanna. It will stand you in good stead however all this ends. You've done a wonderful job with the house, so whatever happens it should be easy to sell (if that time comes). Hugs and blessings...Mary
I bet you if you wait long enough that house will be a home. Maybe it all came together too quickly and you didn't say goodbye to the old one long enough? It's a lovely home :) Also maybe you do not have enough family memories woven into each nook and cranny :)
I never intended to stay in the house we bought when we moved to Virginia but that was August 2005 just before the rapid decline in real estate values. We got stuck and still live in the cookie cutter house that I still don't like. Ten years and now we've done so much work (none cosmetic - roof, carpet, paint, 2 HVAC units, repairs to problems, new landscaping etc.) that I can't see leaving now. Makes me sad so I completely understand about wanting to love your home. We keep trying to make it more our style but to no avail. The charm and features are just not there. But we have a great garden and I am stuck - I hope you find the house of your dreams and I do believe it is out there. Don't give up!
What you've shown here is really lovely but it is hard to be in limbo. Worse even more to make the wrong decision so glad you made yourself be sensible and hold out for the right one. You'll know it when you see it.
i'm sorry you don't love it. home is important. :)
Well, no one can say you didn't do your best, the house looks lovely and well tended.
Amalia
xo
It sure looks beautiful to me. Love the front door, the wood and your touches!
I would "LOVE it". It is so beautiful!
Bless your heart Tanna.....I've been there, done that and it is a bit stressful knowing that your home is not truly what your heart desires. I think we all loved your older home....including the name!! You all have done so much with this one and it is beautiful, but I know exactly how you feel..
We all need to have that SWEET HOME feeling! Praying for all things to come together for your good...
hugs to you
Sorry to hear that. I would have thought with all the work you've done, you would love it by now. I do not love where we live. Heck, I don't even like the country half the time. But we have a roof over our heads and the comforts of home and that's what is important. While traveling with the boys in Salt Lake City this summer, we saw so, so, so many homeless people. It made me realize just how really blessed I am no matter where what. Sending hugs and blessings, Tammy
I understand how you long to love where you live. I didn't love this house for years and still don't love the small town we live in, but I do love things such as the short distance to my hubby's job which meant a lot of overtime ($$$$) through the years, the small acreage behind our house, the rental building we own next door, and the city lake nearby that I love to visit. When I drive up the highway and see the nondescript ranch style house, I don't think "wow", but I do think "home" now. And that is what is important. It's never been my dream home, but it finally became my home that I feel comfortable and safe in. I do hope you come to love your beautiful new home, Tanna. But if you don't, there is certain to be one out there with your name on it! Blessings to you in the new week ahead!
I know a little bit how you feel, Tana, but nothing is ever 100%. We love our home but dislike our backyard. When we were house hunting we had little innovatory to chose from and had to make a decision in one weekend--it was so much pressure. We are working hard to make our backyard look prettier but it will take years of work
Tanna, I wish I could relate to your situation. We have never owned a home. When young and just starting out in the ministry a "parsonage" sounded so good. It was part of the "package" so we didn't pay rent, and the church paid the some of the utilities. That was our homes for 50 years of ministry....and then we were old.. and ready to retire and had no equity in a home. God is good and we lived in a little house across the street from Don's Aunt Trula and was her caregiver. When she passed, her house and the little house were sold as part of the estate....then it was God opening another door that we can live at Villa Ramona. I have always tried to make where ever we live our "HOME" and it has worked.......Because of this...I encouraged our children to BUY a home....and all 4 have. I'm so pleased they have their own homes.
You have always made every place you've shared on your blog absolutely beautiful and full of warmth and inviting. The pictures you've shared today are lovely.
Sending hugs...Sorry I dumped my whole life story on you...HaHa.
I totally understand your feelings, but I also wanted to say that I have always loved your pretty home. You have great taste, and it shows in your house.
We live in a love it/ list it/ love it? life. We know it is to big, but once we get it ready to sell, we start loving it again. It is on the market now... Maybe we will have the chance to love a new place!
You ok down there?
Cheers!
Linda :o)
I love it, would not list it! You inspire me to want to change and do things around my house. You are so creative and talented.
God bless you!
Well it is beautiful and you do such a wonderful job, however, I do know that feeling. I haven't felt at home since we lost our home. Renting is weird for me, but I am learning. I hope you find that feeling again...and yes, your porch before was just wonderful.
HELLO!!!!!! I hope you are well dear Tanna!
Oh to be in that kind of limbo! I TOO am a firm believer in wanting to come home to a space that you LOVE and brings comfort and peace...at least MOST of the time!!! I love your sense of style and pizzazz in decorating.
Dear Tanna, Dropping by to say "hello" and hope all is well. I hope things are well.
xoxo Catheirne
I'm so very late to this post, Tanna, and wonder what has transpired. Such a lot of work you've put into this house, but if it doesn't whisper 'home' it just isn't right. I look forward to hearing from you again .
Have not seen any posts from you in a while and I am hoping all is well with you~
Hope you are well and if you don't come back up for air soon - let me wish you a wonderful, happy holiday season! Miss you always
Happy Thanksgiving Tanna.
Girlfriend, where are you now???? I am missing you. Laurie @ Pride in Photos
Tanna..wondering how you are..
and wishing you a lovely holiday season.
Well, I love these photos and what you did to that room with the wood floor and wood beading on the lower third of the walls. the light fixture is a great improvement too! looks like you are coming along well. Hope it starts to feel more the way you want it to in the process!
Thought of you today, Tanna. How are you? I've missed you. I took a very long blogging break and didn't post much in 2015. I'm slowly posting again. My blog needs lots of work. I lost my blog roll and got part of it back but some of the blogs are not updating. Then I lost or quit receiving my Bloglovin feed so I have missed out on many of my blogging friends.
Just wanted to say, "Hi" and hope you are doing well. Bonnie@livingwiththanksgiving
Just to say I miss your posts here but trust you have chosen a better way for you, for the time being.
Dewena
Thinking about you today, Tanna, and hope all is well!
Where are you Tanna???
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Hello Tanna, I've been missing you in blog land. Praying all is well.
Take care!
Dear Tanna, I don't know if you read you blog any longer, but if you do I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and hope that all is well.
blessings
Tanna, where have you been? Have not heard from you in such a long time. I hope all is well
Jocelyn
I still miss you Tanna. Where did you go?
Hi Tanna, I've been away from blogging for some time now and not sure you'll remember me. I've so missed reading your blog and was wondering how you were doing in your new home. We are going through something similar right now. My husband would like to sell our big old house when he retires in a couple years and build a small house on our lake lot so he can go fishing everyday. I'm so going to miss this old house with all it's charm and am having a hard time even thinking about it. Hopefully we can build some character into the new one.
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