I think it's finally the perfect time to reveal my dollhouse makeover to you. It's been months in the making, and many many hours of painting, gluing, cutting and creating!
After painting the walls of the house white, I needed some sort of inspiration regarding how I would decorate each room. I had this thought that Zoë, one of the characters I often draw, should live in the house.
What would her bedroom look like? Where would she entertain guests? What food would be in her kitchen?
Zoë is based on our family's pet cat that passed away a few years ago. She had a personality bigger than the room for such a little tabby cat. She was smart, beautiful, and always plotting something - usually something devious!
She also had a love for crafting items - like tissue paper, paintbrushes and pens.
I created a mood board (pretty much in my head!) for Zoë's house first. I pictured soft, pastel colors and many pops of pink and purple throughout the house.
Instead of a living room, I thought it fitting that Zoë have an Orangery to entertain guests in. Within it is a selection of beautiful plants, flowers, fish bowls and even a mini turtle aquarium!
Her bedroom is one of my favorite rooms in the house. The wallpaper is a beautiful bold pattern I found in the scrapbook aisle of Michael's, and the floor is decoupaged flowers. There's also a gumball machine and a felted heart pillow that I made for her bed. And who can resist the
fairy donuts on her breakfast in bed tray?
The vintage art on the wall is from the 'Graphics Fairy' website. I shrunk down the files and made them mini.
Zoë's craft and sewing room comes equipped with a rad
pink sewing machine, miniature buttons, a teeny tiny pincushion,
bunny wallpaper, and a tea party nook for entertaining guests. I always imagine Zoë holding monthly 'button clubs' for ladies that sew in her neighborhood; so this is the perfect spot for them to meet!
Zoë's kitchen is filled with sweets at all times. If it has sugar in it, it passes the test!
Everything below was made by me out of clay when I was a young girl. The only item purchased is the lemon meringue pie.
The wallpaper trim in the kitchen is cats of course! I used patterned washi tape from a NYC bookstore.
Cute alert - a mouse!
Of course the bathroom has to be stylish too. A Parisian theme fits this house's aesthetic perfectly.
The journey to finish this dollhouse has been such a happy one for me. It brought back many memories of my family, my childhood and my beloved Zoe. Stay tuned for updates as I decorate the house for Halloween and Christmas!
PS - I am currently seeking a publisher for a book about this dollhouse makeover. If you know any editor or company that you think might be interested, please leave a comment - I would love to run it by them! xo
