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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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June 28, 2014

Parade of Homes Tour ~ Housepitality Designs

Do you have someone in your life who knows just the right things to say at just the right moment? They are able to use words to bless and encourage and uplift? If you do, you know what a gift that is!

We have a sweet friend we met through blogging who is definitely that kind of a gift to us. Shirley from Housepitality Designs is gracious and kind and is blessed with the gift of encouragement a million times over.

If you receive a comment on a blog post from her you feel like you’ve won the comment lottery!

Housepitality designs graphic

Her home perfectly reflects her warm and welcoming nature and we know you will love taking the tour of it today!

Hello At The Picket Fence readers ! !

My name is Shirley and I blog at Housepitality Designs.

IMG_1197

I have been a fan of the ladies “At The Picket Fence” since I began blogging.

Whenever I see their post land in my email, I happily wonder, so what are they up to today?

I have truly enjoyed their beautiful journeys of watching them and their families grow . .

~ ~ their spirits truly inspire me.

So, I was so overjoyed when they asked me to share my home with their readers.

Welcome to my home!

Fall Front Porch

The front porch last Fall. . . I chose this photo as it was so colorful . . .

~ ~ and love that time of year.

Spring Front Porch 2014

And this is what the corner of the porch looked like in the Spring.

And here is the view of the back of my home:

DSC_1293

It is quite different from the front view.

I actually have three porches . . .

Potting Bench 2014

My potting bench area around the corner of the lower back porch.

Upper Back Porch for Spring 2014

This little upper porch is the porch I use the most.

~ ~ A cozy place to watch the sunrise with a great cup of coffee!

When you enter my home you will first see this . . .

Foyer

This antique French buffet has to be one of my very favorite pieces in my home . .

~ ~ I purchased it in France while on a “tour with bloggers”

Foyer

The foyer flows into the great room . .

Great Room

Living Room

As you can see . . . I love a mix of styles and color . . .

~ ~ and furnishings gathered over time from places near and far.

Great Room

The other side of the room . . showcasing my antique wood and iron shutters above the mantel.

These shutters are from a villa in Italy. . . and took 4 big guys to hang them!

And now moving over to my favorite room in the house.

Sunroom

My sunroom . . that originally was slotted as a breakfast room.

Sunroom

Where there is an abundance of tole trays and vintage garden items.

Dining Room

The Dining Room

Dining Room

It is a casual room just off the kitchen . . . that overlooks the backyard and golf course.

Dining Room Bench

And extra seating is always available.

Kitchen

The kitchen is just steps away from the dining room and sunroom . . .

Kitchen

I lost on the “cherry cabinet choice” but won out on the farmhouse sink.

Kitchen

A&P Shopping Cart

And if the grocery store ever runs out of shopping carts . . .

~ ~ I have a spare!!

Master Bedroom

The Master Bedroom recently underwent some shuffling of furniture . . .

Master Bedroom for Spring

The bed was formerly in this space . . .

Master Bedroom Sitting Area

And now the sitting area is in its place.

Photo Shoot

Master Bedroom Makeover

Another space where I can enjoy a cup of tea.

Master Bathroom

Master Bath

The Master Bathroom Tub . . awaiting someone who needs a “calgon bath”

Master Bath

The vanity . . dressed for summer.

Guest Room

The Guest Room

Guest Room Desk

A desk where my guest can write a note or answer their emails . .

French Wood Box

The French Wooden “Chicken Stamp” Box that I purchased in France . . .

~ ~ that makes my guests giggle!

Guest Bath

The Guest Bathroom that is actually in the Guest Room itself . . .

~ ~ so convenient and private for our guests.

French Enamel Pitcher

The enamel pitcher another treasure I brought back from France.

Guest Room Bath

Behind the chair is a jetted garden tub . . .

~ ~ perfect for the ball players after a rough game.

Media Room

Our media room . . Leather is not really my choice of fabric . .

Media Room

~ ~ however for this room it serves itself well.

Media Room

This is an “anything goes room” with the style, filling it with what we love.

Kitchenette

The little “retro kitchenette” on the other side of the media room.

~ ~ a great little eating area and space for popping corn for movies.

8445319280_7275a4ca27_z

The craft room area . . located in one of the “bedrooms” . .

Graylyn's room

And on the other side of the room. . a sneek peek into a space. . .

~ ~ that I am creating for my granddaughter . . upon her request . . her wish is my command!

Laundry Room:

Laundry Room

Laundry Room

I love to fill this room with vintage laundry items . .

~ ~ and this is definitely a place for the orphan socks.

Laundry Room

It is not a large room . . . a bank of cabinets on two sides . .

Laundry Room

Laundry Room

The opposite side of the room . . . although a small space, I have adequate room . . .

~ ~ for washing, fluffing and folding.

Bonus Room

The “man cave” aka, the Bonus Room. . . I designed the wainscoting to match the pool table.

He actually has “three man caves” . . .

Garage

The next “cave” is behind these doors . . .

Garage Organization

The other “man cave” . . . can you tell he has a organizational issue?

Garage Organization

Right down to a spot for his glasses . . . ugh!!!

He has one more “man cave” . . . his office, but that is for another day. . .

~ ~ along with the powder room that is undergoing a little makeover.

And I want to leave you with a picture of my assistant.

Lamp Makeover

My “sweetie” is working on our next project of her “own space” . . my budding decorator!

I hope you enjoyed this tour of my home . . .

~ ~ and thanks again to the lovely Heather and Vanessa for having me here today!

Have a great weekend!!

29 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Parade of Homes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    June 28, 2014 at 4:50 AM

    Again, thanks ladies for the wonderful opportunity!!. I am incredibly excited to be here today sharing my home with you and your readers….Have a fantastic weekend!!!

    Reply
  2. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    June 28, 2014 at 5:04 AM

    LOVE her home! Not only is her home so personal as well as inviting but the whole back with its porches and balconies is spectacular! Thanks for the beautiful tour!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  3. Melody says

    June 28, 2014 at 5:15 AM

    Wow! That’s beautiful!!! I can’t believe how warm and cozy every single room is! So much personality! Great job Shirley!!

    Reply
  4. Linda says

    June 28, 2014 at 5:23 AM

    She has a lovely home! I enjoyed the tour so much! Thanks for highlighting her today!

    Reply
  5. Pam @ Simple Details says

    June 28, 2014 at 5:38 AM

    So fun to see Shirley’s incredible home tour here, you’re right about her comments and she’s one of the sweetest in the blogosphere!!!

    Reply
  6. Ellie says

    June 28, 2014 at 5:41 AM

    What a beautiful home. Your attention to detail is inspiring. Love the “lost socks” jar. I’m looking forward to seeing more.

    Reply
  7. Kim says

    June 28, 2014 at 5:47 AM

    Shirley has a gorgeous home filled with things she loves and I am lucky to say I have seen it in person and photos don’t do it justice.

    Reply
  8. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    June 28, 2014 at 5:56 AM

    Shirley really is one of the nicest people in blogland. Such a gracious lady and her home reflects that. It is stunning.

    Reply
  9. Anne@DesignDreams says

    June 28, 2014 at 5:58 AM

    Shirley has such a beautiful home and is a lovely person as well. Great choice of a feature blogger!

    Reply
  10. Betsy@coastal-colors says

    June 28, 2014 at 6:06 AM

    Shirley has a beautiful home! She is so creative and talented! You’re right, she is one the the sweetest and most genuine bloggers and her comments just make my day too! Thank you for sharing her gorgeous home with us today! Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  11. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    June 28, 2014 at 6:28 AM

    What a lovely tour! I enjoy seeing pictures of Shirley’s home and it is always great to see them in one post. She has decorated her home beautifully and has shared lots of inspiration!

    Reply
  12. Karena says

    June 28, 2014 at 6:46 AM

    Ladies Thank you so much for featuring Shirley and her lovely home! She has always been very close to my heart. I think her upper porch is still one of my favorite spots to get away and relax, have a glass of wine and read!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

    Reply
  13. Nancy Sharp says

    June 28, 2014 at 6:55 AM

    I agree with your comments about Shirley. I enjoy her blog also. She has a beautiful home and she seems to be as beautiful as her home. Sometimes when I read her blog I think we could easily be friends. We have similar tastes in home decorating and definitely similar ways of grandparenting!

    Reply
  14. Kris says

    June 28, 2014 at 7:09 AM

    Great choice to feature Shirley. Her home is beyond gorgeous, warm and inviting. The best part about Shirley is how warm and wonderful she is in blog world. Shirley is one of the sweetest bloggers out there.
    Kris

    Reply
  15. heidi @ Decor & More says

    June 28, 2014 at 9:59 AM

    Every detail is lovely, just like Shirley herself! Fun feature, ladies! Looking forward to seeing you all at Haven!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  16. Gee says

    June 28, 2014 at 10:20 AM

    Luvly woman, luvly home! You are so right, Shirley is such a sweetie. Thanks for such an amazing home tour ladies.
    Hugs, Gee

    Reply
  17. martina says

    June 28, 2014 at 10:44 AM

    Awesome feature ladies!! Shirley is a sweetheart…love following her blog!! Her home is beautiful!!

    Reply
  18. Shenita says

    June 28, 2014 at 12:16 PM

    How perfect to feature Shirley’s beautiful home! Her home is just as warm and beautiful as she is! All of the love is evident in her home; and you can feel it through her tour. Every room is so lovely and inviting. I always enjoy her tours!

    Reply
  19. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    June 28, 2014 at 12:47 PM

    I’m almost without words! Shirley, in all the time I have been following you I have never seen all of your home. It just goes on and on… and every corner is amazing! What a decorator you are! Every inch perfection! I’m so happy to see my bedroom is ready!!! xo

    Vanessa and Heather, thanks so much for featuring one of the nicest ladies in all of blogland! What a gorgeous home… and person behind the blog!

    Reply
  20. debby messner says

    June 28, 2014 at 2:28 PM

    What an unbelievable home. It is just perfect and still cozy. Wow, this would be my dream home.

    Reply
  21. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    June 28, 2014 at 7:07 PM

    I’ll have to agree. Shirley is one of the nicest bloggers and has the gift of making everyone feel special! So happy to see her featured today because her home is gorgeous and filled with personality!

    Reply
  22. Mary Feguson says

    June 29, 2014 at 10:15 AM

    Shirley, is such a wonderful lady and so talented. I love her posts and her beautiful home. She sure has a great budding Sweetie to help her.
    Mary

    Reply
  23. Nancy says

    June 29, 2014 at 7:25 PM

    What a wonderful home…thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  24. Kelly - Talk of the House says

    July 1, 2014 at 9:38 AM

    Beautiful home to go with such a beautiful lady. Yes, she should get the “best comments of the year” award if there was one. 🙂 And every square inch of her house is perfection. That back porch! Goodness! Thank you so much for featuring her here. Loved it all!

    Reply
  25. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    July 1, 2014 at 11:02 AM

    She has a gorgeous home! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  26. Mary says

    July 4, 2014 at 3:41 AM

    Shirley is a sweetheart! Thanks for sharing her beautiful home 🙂 Happy Independence Day!

    Reply
  27. tracy says

    August 25, 2014 at 1:33 PM

    I would love to know the blue gray paint color in the master bedroom. Paint name and brand thanks

    Reply
  28. Bonnie Morgan says

    November 22, 2014 at 4:13 PM

    Shirley, is one of those people you like immediately. She has the gift of making you feel right at home touring her lovely home. I have enjoyed reading her inspiring blog and her comments always are encouraging.

    It was great to see her home on tour today and enjoy her talented decorating. What a great organized hubby too!

    Reply

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Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
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And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

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