Rate my Space

Please view my spaces on the HGTV website
Rate My Space.
The photos could use some updating. The sun room has gone through some changes which are not reflected in those pictures. I'll have to add that to my list of things to do.

I'd love to see your space so leave me a comment and send me a link, I'll be happy to stop by.
Thanks for visiting!

Awesome Vanity

It's been quite a while since I have updated. Life has kept me busy but, with the spring comes the itch to decorate, antique hunt and blog. It's always fun to share ideas and I LOVE getting ideas from all of you. Just because I haven't posted, doesn't mean I haven't visited many blogs during my absence.
Anyway.... I have been busy painting some VERY long overdue pieces of furniture for my sun room. I will post those in a blog shortly (at least that's the plan). I will need to add some new pictures of the sun room as I have nearly come to the point of completion in that room.
Through the wonders of Craiglsist I have found the most amazing store and Liz, the accommodating, kind and talented shop owner. If you have never been to her website and blog, please check it out. Even better, if you live close by, stop in, I promise you will be delighted.

Not Too Shabby

Not Too Shabby Blog

So... on a recent trip to New Jersey, I went to Liz' store and found this gorgeous vanity for my sun room. I will be using it as a desk with my laptop. Don't you just love it? I do! :-) Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take it home just yet as I need a truck to get it home. Once I put it in its place I will take some photos and share. Finally, I can put up all the art that I have been collecting for that space as I know what furniture items to work around. I hope you like it as much as I do.

The Delavan

Sometimes my curiosity gets me into situations I simply can't imagine. Last weekend my sister in law and I went to a local open house for a home that is for sale. I have had my eye on this house for many years and wondered about it's history for quite some time. When I first noticed it some years ago there was a celebration of sorts going on. There were many people gathered on the oversized front porch posing for a photograph. I wondered to myself who they were and more importantly what exactly did the house look like inside? Last weekend, I learned that information but it didn't remotely squelch my curiousity. Quite contrary, I am even more curious.

As it turns out this home was once an annex for a historic hotel named The Delavan. This home and the one next door were both used to house guests when the hotel reached capacity.

The Delavan Hotel was designed by Isaac H. Green Jr. The Delavan Hotel, built in 1883 by Andrew D. Foster, was located on the west side of Foster Avenue, a short distance from the bay. Charles M. Rogers purchased the Delavan Hotel in 1919 and his family operated it for many years. The Delavan Hotel was destroyed by fire on New Year's Eve, 1932.

(Excerpt taken from Sayville Public Library)

The house that I visited has been in the Rogers family since 1926. It is understood that the last living relative Dr. Chas. Rogers passed away last December 2007. He left this home in near original condition. It is filled with wonderful antique pieces and amazing art work. The pictures truly do not convey the beauty or the potential this home offers. I am hopeful I will be able to attend the estate sale tentatively scheduled for September 2008.

This beautiful home is waiting for someone to come along and turn it back into the beauty that it once was. I had emailed the real estate agent to inform her of a wonderful website historic properties I knew of that might attract a restoration minded individual. (I HATE when people destroy these historic gems)

Low and behold she asked me to help her with the copy! I visited the house once again late yesterday. The neighbors asked if I was from the historical society! Another touring real estate agent asked me how much I charged for my service as she had a historic house which she wanted to advertise! I had to explain several times, I'm just a nosey neighbor who is interested in helping this house find a restoration minded owner. I do hope Charlie and Chuck (the prior owners) are looking down smiling at this nutty lady who is going to bat for their home.

Below is an abbreviated description of this home. Let me know if you are interested!

This historic 1926 Dutch Colonial was once an annex for the Delevan Hotel. It is located in the quaint town of Sayville, Long Island. A town rich in history, it was once a major vacation destination for the NYC elite. Sayville is historically well known for its boating, clamming and fishing. Its tree lined streets are dotted with architecturally charming residences. This lovely home has been occupied by the Rogers family since its inception.

Architectural features include a spacious front porch which is flanked by large circular columns, original thick moldings throughout , built in shelving and high ceilings. The house boasts 14 rooms including, 5 bedrooms and 4 ½ bathrooms. All bedrooms have original wall sconces, wood doors and windows. The bathrooms have original bone white subway tile, octagon and dot tile flooring, porcelain fixtures and hardware. This center hall colonial features a sweeping staircase with a gorgeous spiral newel post. The second floor landing allows for a seating area featuring large windows, original sconces and coved walls.

This spacious home includes a formal living room, formal dining room, library, solarium, kitchen, laundry room and a great room with a fireplace. There are additional spaces which can be configured to meet the needs of the homeowner. There is potential for a home office and staff/nanny quarters. In addition, a gunite pool rounds out the features on this .93 acre parcel.

This home is located in walking distance to quaint downtown shops and restaurants, sandy beaches, a marina on the Great South Bay, tennis courts, children’s playground and the Fire Island Ferry. This historic property is conveniently located 55 miles east of Manhattan and 40 miles west of Southampton.

This property is offered in as is condition. This grand dame of a bygone era is awaiting an owner who will restore it to its original grandeur.

Addiction

How many of you are like me out there? I just can't seem to leave a thrift store, yard sale, antique store or estate sale without something.... or 5 somethings? I love furniture and I have officially run out of room for anymore. If more comes in, others have to go out. I have been more than half joking with my husband that we should buy an old house to rehab somewhere in Upstate NY, a vacation getaway that I can fill with all the vintage/antique finds to my hearts content. We will have to file that in the "someday" pile and deal with the "pile" on my dining room table for now.

Where to put all of this...errr... stuff? Eventually they will find their home but... here are some pictures of the pretties below the mess.

Sneak Peak

In an attempt to get started, here are a few pictures of my home.

This is my current project. I haven't decided what color(s) to paint the walls and ceiling. I am working toward a Hollywood Regency style bedroom. I'm trying to avoid my usual phoof!

Boy's Room

No flowers here!

OK... now for the feminine inspired decor......


Bathroom

My Dressing Room/Guest Bedroom

Sun Room

Living Room

Best Laid Plans....

I suppose my idea to start this blog oh so many months ago was a noble one. But here I sit with only one entry. What have I been up to? Since spring arrived I have been on a antiquing, thrift store, estate sale FRENZY!!!! I have purchased more amazing, fun, funky and cute items over the past few months. Photos are forthcoming.
I have also been working on decorating our bedroom in a brand new style for me, Hollywood Regency style. As I always do, I researched first! I have taken out books by and about Kelly Wearstler, Billy Haines and Dorothy Draper. It has been enthralling to learn how to put these looks together. It's still a work in progress but... photos are forthcoming. Maybe you can help me work on my paint choices???
Thanks to those who have left me a comment, I will be visiting your blogs shortly! Let's hope the summer will provide me with some time to post additional blogs.

Welcome to Cottage Charisma!

Today is day #1 of this new adventure called blogging. My reason for starting this blog is to connect with kindred spirits. It is not often that I come across people who share similar passions and interests. I am hopeful that blogging will allow me to make a few new friends and expand my knowledge in areas of interest. I look forward to sharing those triumphs that make my new friends giddy about life!

A few topics I hope to explore are: Interior Decorating, Gardening, Vintage & Antique Treasures, Theatre, The Arts and the day to day life of this vintage girl!

Thank you for checking out my blog! I look forward to learning more about you and the world of blogging in 2008!

Yours Truly,

A Vintage Girl