Katy Elliott is a blogger, freelance writer, and home renovator. In her previous life, Katy was a web editor at some of our favorite defunct magazines like House & Garden and Domino. Recently, she left New York to renovate a 257-year-old house in Marblehead, Massachusetts. She documents the highs and lows of the renovation on her blog including sources and daily inspiration.
I love living in New England and by the ocean. My house is so old that it existed even before the constitution was signed. Crazy, right? The house is a little odd; we don’t have any hallways, just rooms that lead into other rooms. We are slowly renovating the three story home, project by project.
Buying your first house is a pretty big deal. We saved for a couple of years to come up with the money for a down payment. Every dime we have goes into the house: it’s our money pit, but we love it. The first year has been spent just getting the house cleaned up and structurally sound. This fall, we’re installing our first bathroom. I don’t mind the slow pace of the renovation. We spend a lot of time thinking about smart solutions and trying to renovate as little as possible. I want the home’s character to last for another 200 years.
Finding art and objects for the house can be difficult because the rooms are so small and we have funny little niches everywhere. What I’ve discovered touring other older homes is that these “odd spots” are great nooks for art and objects. Etsy has a wonderful selection of affordable art and objects that fit the style of my home and budget. I spend hours late at night after a long day of stripping wallpaper imagining prints and maps framed on my walls. Below are my picks to fit a historic New England home. The finds feel a bit rustic but classic. I borrow my inspiration from old English cottages and striking Swedish interiors. Enjoy!
An etching by chartwellprint would be perfect for hanging in a small nook. The gray tones and sweeping lines are gracious and timeless. Check out their series of canoe etchings too! Such a good deal, I would buy a few and create a gallery. $14.
Army Blanket Pillow – 20 inch square, feather-filled
I’m a bit of a pillow freak. ouno‘s pillows have a great vintage quality infused with a bit of masculinity. They’re made from reclaimed wool army blankets and stuffed with feathers. $70.
I’m a huge fan of MiniatureRhino‘s constellation cross stitches. A great modern design that revives the art of handicrafts. I would love a group for my bedroom. $28.
Service Path, Original Small Landscape Painting on Panel
I pick up old canvas board paintings at vintage shops and auctions all over New England. I layer them on bookshelves and inside cabinets. Paintbox‘s landscapes on masonite have all the qualities I look for. Great color, depth, and rhythm. Works are available in a number of sizes. $60.
Footed urn planters are a classic shape for the garden. A white oak version is a twist on the traditional. These are great for indoors or out. I’m imagining a display of ferns flowing over the sides. By Bowlfly, $140.
The Duke of Fluke. Vintage brass whale.
Move over owls; whales are the new cool kid in town. A vintage brass version feels so perfectly New England. Rest him between books or use as a paperweight. From Kultur, $9.50.
when irish eyes are smiling. damask linen pillowslip.
Candy striped pillow cases created from reclaimed Irish textiles are irresistible. Layer your bed with vintage linens for an eclectic mix. oldyarns carries a number of beautiful vintage examples making it quite difficult to choose just one. $35.
I’ve collected hobnail milk glass since I was a kid. A simple little vase filled with fresh flowers is super sweet. Collect different shapes and sizes and group them together. I love them on window sills or bathroom sinks. From jwhite2, $13.
Infusing abstract art into a historic home makes the space feel modern and young. Pen and ink drawings by Stacey Rees are a personal favorite. Simple organic lines and shapes would mix well on a large gallery wall. By wallnut, $50.
Incorporate interesting objects into your space. An old camp lantern from OldMothersCupboard recalls nights at summer camp. The large light on the front made me fall in love with the piece. $15.
printed and patterned napkin set – no. 5
Gray and white table linens feel so Swedish to me. The colors are dressy but not froufy. Here’s a set of four linen napkins printed with an original design by elisabethbentz. The variation with the check stole my heart. $30.
Finlandia English tea cup and saucer set of four
Blue and white china is classic. Collect a couple of different patterns and mix them together at your next dinner party. A sweet tea cup and saucer set from inpatria would be a great addition to my collection. $15.
1880 COMMON MARJORUM – ORIGINAL HAND COLOURED ART ENGRAVING
The first art I collected was antique botanical prints. Small delicate drawings colored with soft pastels are sweet grouped together. This beautiful hand engraved version caught my eye. slinkymalinkicat carries a number of prints including birds and fish. $19.95.
vintage apothecary jar with lace
When I’m at the beach, I pick up a lot of rocks, shells, and pieces of seaweed. I display them on my window sills and inside glasses allowing the morning light to trickle through. A vintage apothecary jar would be beautiful full of beach finds or a growing garden. From ofmatter, $10.
Hudson Bay 4 Point Wool Striped Blanket 70 x 90
I have a thing for stripes. I’ve coveted the Hudson Bay Wool Blanket since age 10. The blankets last generations and never go out of style. Grab up this highly sought after design. From vintagebutterfly94, $125.
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Get the Look: Decor Series | Rustic Redux Gift Guide | Etchings on Etsy
107 comments
Sign in to add your ownnomadcraftsetc says:
That vintage brass whale is amazing! Great picks elliokaty! Good luck with the renovations!
2 years ago
gloilocksandbody says:
Awesome collection of items! That oak urn is perfection, and the coral drawing, waant!
2 years ago
JustJaynes says:
Great picks for any home! Have fun renovating yours! I'm envious, would love an old house with character.
2 years ago
bethanylorelle says:
Lovely article. I miss Domino! This picks are wonderful and hope Katy comes back to do more!
2 years ago
daniellexo says:
<3 Your blog! Thanks to Ms.Alison for turning me on to it a while ago!
2 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
wonderful! i am in this place now since we just bout our first home a month ago.
2 years ago
cottonbirddesigns says:
Great article!
2 years ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Beautiful picks Katy!! Go Boston!!
2 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
i love hobnail vases!! and the hudsons bay blanket... good luck on your renos!
2 years ago
jewelrybyjackie says:
How exciting! Great house, Etsy items surely will be perfect to fill it with!
2 years ago
LuminousDreamDesigns says:
Beautiful picks! Love the coral art!
2 years ago
BeadinBabe says:
Gorgeous collection!!
2 years ago
louloudo says:
Your house looks aMAZING!
2 years ago
CatherinetteRings says:
Awesome finds !
2 years ago
KatHannah says:
Beautiful picks - the pillowslips are gorgeous
2 years ago
lilworkerb says:
The house sounds like it has real potential to be extraordinary. I know you will have fun renovating!
2 years ago
birdie1 says:
Oh my, I love your picks! Your house is wonderful!
2 years ago
pinkytoeclothing says:
Wow, your house looks amazing! I love the cross stitch constellations too, simple and beautiful! Good luck :)
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
great picks! I'll have to check out your blog and see how your house is coming.
2 years ago
tinahdee says:
Super cool stuff. I enjoyed look at the blog too!
2 years ago
jibbyandjuna says:
Love your choices! The home renovation sounds like a lot work...but good work! Have fun!
2 years ago
SurrenderDorothy says:
Nice Picks!
2 years ago
VintageEyeFashion says:
Lovely cottage-y rustic picks!
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
worked at domino? what a dream job! good luck on your renovations!
2 years ago
FrillyButts says:
Great picks! I would love to have a house with no hallways...sounds fun.
2 years ago
elliottkaty says:
Thanks for having me etsy! I had a lot of fun. Hope everyone enjoys my finds.
2 years ago
Vanessa says:
I grew up in New England in a house built in 1788. There was a special hidey hole behind the fireplace that you could only get to through a tiny door in the back of a closet. I love old colonial houses!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Interesting article. Sounds exciting. Lot's of luck!
2 years ago
joannebassett says:
I love the blue and white china tea cup. What a project to renovate an old house..
2 years ago
VixVintage says:
Beautiful things, thanks so much Katy!
2 years ago
menzocollection says:
That is one cool blanket.
2 years ago
warpedLaurie says:
how fun to do your house with your stamp on it, good luck.
2 years ago
enhabiten says:
i love katy's style ans share her love for and occupation of renovating an old house and being true to it's character. great picks, katy:)
2 years ago
mythunderstood says:
Fresh picks. Good luck with the house, dang!
2 years ago
OhMyAmpersand says:
Wonderful article! We renovated a century-old "first home" too, and tripled the house value at point of sale. I was sad to leave all the work we put into it, but that was our ticket to a perfect larger home for a growing family. Best part: looking for new decor! It's addicting! I'm sure the "money-pit" will be a positive adventure! :) PS: I'd rather shop for a sofa instead of shoes too!
2 years ago
TickledPinkKnits says:
Enjoyed this compilation very much!
2 years ago
littlealouette says:
loved this- thanks! Can't wait to read yr blog!!!
2 years ago
HibouCards says:
I'm a fellow New Englander too! Marblehead is such a cute town. I live in Boston but we often go to Marblehead, Ipswich and all those adorable little town along the sea on the weekends! New England's nature is a great inspiration in my work, especially in the Fall. Good luck for the renovation and if you still like owls a little and need some art to decorate ;) check this out: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30766005
2 years ago
2TrickPony says:
Hallways must be a later invention. Have fun with the house:)
2 years ago
BlueGremlin says:
cute style!
2 years ago
bytheway says:
Renovating a house is so much fun! I envy you that you are just starting and have all that excitement ahead of you :)
2 years ago
jessgonacha says:
THAT WHALE! I must have it. What a great feature-- and how amazing to live in a house that's 257 years old. I'm sure it's just gorgeous.
2 years ago
StudioCherie says:
Katy, Thank you for a good read! Best wishes on the restoration/renovation.
2 years ago
wristielove says:
thanks for sharing katy!
2 years ago
chinadoodle says:
Katy, your blog is great. I live in an 1840s row house in Charlestown. Not too far from you. Old N.E. homes can be a lot of fun.
2 years ago
lealerjcreates says:
great article. Love to see the house when you're done. Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
it would be so great to start from scratch with an old structure like yours. please share photos when you are done.
2 years ago
babook says:
love it all items !
2 years ago
ladaworks says:
I love old houses. Great article.
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
257 year old house? I admire your fortitude. I am getting sleepy just THINKING about all of the work you have done!
2 years ago
jamieribisi says:
Your art picks are breathtaking! I own a few of Paintbox's paintings-- he was my first favorite Etsy artist :) I have them all over the house!
2 years ago
FreshEra says:
I agree that whales are the new owls. Nice picks!
2 years ago
ArtDecoDame says:
love the whale!
2 years ago
shizendesigns says:
Nice collection!
2 years ago
pogoshop says:
I'm with you on the stripes, Katy. I love the army blankets, the Hudson Bay blanket, and the Irish linen pillowcase. These are all great picks. Thanks for sharing your ideas and your story. Good luck with that wonderful old house.
2 years ago
monkeyandsquirrel says:
oh, love love love the constellation cross stitches!
2 years ago
MyMoms says:
Great article, love the picks!
2 years ago
spacejam says:
i love all picks and the article! great job =)
2 years ago
felicitycrew says:
I love the colors of that blanket!
2 years ago
theredstone says:
love it! quirky yet classic
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
Absolutely Wonderful finds, Katy!!!
2 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
Love this article - and Katy's blog is full of inspiration as well. Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
evihan says:
soo different...
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Cool!
2 years ago
BayMoonDesign says:
Wonderful article and collection of picks. I love them all. We have similar taste.
2 years ago
ericawalker says:
lovely picks. i too live in an old house that has been/is in need of many projects along the way- but there's no place like home.
2 years ago
postroadvintage says:
Beautiful finds!! Great job.. home sweet home.
2 years ago
ovgilliesdesigns says:
Great style! Love natural linen & The Duke of Fluke is awesome!
2 years ago
1AEON says:
love the little star-signs a lot!!
2 years ago
BizzieLizzie says:
Oh, yes - I agree - GREAT style! I just found me one of those white hobnail vases and was tickled pink! The natural linens always grab my attention! Love this!
2 years ago
Morado says:
wonderful picks. I'm such a sucker for fabrics, patterns and anything colorful! http://twitter.com/MoradoShop http://www.facebook.com/MoradoShop
2 years ago
SmallEarthVintage says:
Great post! The choices really fit together and I felt like I could visualize the interior of Katy's home. Love those Hudson Bay blankets, too!
2 years ago
DalkullanJewelry says:
Wonderful selection of finds, the grey and white table linens are very lovely!
2 years ago
designlab443 says:
Lovely picks! I love the whale!
2 years ago
EmmaGordonLondon says:
A lovely, classic collection of pieces!
2 years ago
SepiaSmiles says:
These items are soo my style! I am also renovating an old house and am finding it rather daunting but as thanks to this I have found Katy Elliotts blog now so hopefully I will get some tips :)
2 years ago
theferngate says:
The stripe pillows and pillow cushions are awesome! Great picks!
2 years ago
divababy says:
Now I want to move to New England and renovate a house! I love the beautiful picks.
2 years ago
ShimmeringSky says:
Wonderfully written article with startlingly appropriate items that look like they would fit your reno project perfectly. You have exquisite taste, in Etsy items (and in houses!). Love your blog - I look forward to more articles from you!
2 years ago
FairyBubbles says:
Lovely article:) Awesome items, especially like the tea cup set!
2 years ago
bhangtiez says:
great finds...i now have 2 more favorites...thanks 4 sharing!!
2 years ago
jodieflowers says:
awesome finds!
2 years ago
EJPcreations says:
Amazing items!
2 years ago
VIZArt says:
great picks! I love to see original art especially hand-pulled prints.
2 years ago
amoronia says:
I love them all!!!
2 years ago
mazedasastoat says:
listerlee, you'll never go to heaven!
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Love the vintage picks!
2 years ago
SpringColors says:
wonderful artsy pics
2 years ago
aimeesarmoire says:
Since my family is from the North Shore (or as they pronounce, the Nahth Shawr!) and I was a huge fan of both House & Garden and Domino, this story is quite nice! Best wishes with the renovations... I might even see you when I'm visiting the relatives!!!
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
Renovating quirky old houses has to be a labor of love since there seems to be no end but can be so satisfying. Beautiful collection here.
2 years ago
elliottkaty says:
Wow, thanks again for all your nice comments. Looks like a lot of things have already sold out! Yeah!
2 years ago
misspixieporter says:
Love those hudson blankets! Love your aesthetic, this article! THANKS
2 years ago
Knottywoodart says:
Katy, Thank You for sharing we love House & Garden and Domino- Hope all goes well on your renovations! Sandra and Doug Larson Tucson, AZ
2 years ago
accentonvintage says:
I have a Hudson blanket and it does keep you warm on those cold winter nites. I found mine in Yarmouth Nova Scotia many years ago. There is still a store on Main St. "The Hudson Bay Store" It sells beautiful woolens. I'm familiar with Marblehead,being a Mass. native. It is a beautiful New England town, very classy! Good Luck! Thanks for sharing your story.
2 years ago
LadyLuLus says:
Great picks!!!! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7124161
2 years ago
RinconRoad says:
LOVE your picks!!! Can't wait to follow the renovation on your blog. Best of luck!
2 years ago
cassidycay says:
I absolutely love you picks! All things old, fabulous, and full of character are enchanting to me!
2 years ago
WhiteEarthStudio says:
Fun to hear about your renovation on your blog
2 years ago
dumbo says:
Oh, reading about old houses renovations always makes me dream about my own space in a colonial house with a garden by the sea... but we don't have colonial houses like this in Spain! :(
2 years ago
HoneysuckleLane says:
How absolutely wonderful to live in a home that old!
2 years ago
Furiousdreams says:
Great combination of classic and modern choices for a historic abode! I happen to have that same Hudson Bay blanket- my dad bought them for us back in the 1960's. Thanks for sharing your interests~
2 years ago
bstrung says:
Love all you picks especially the pillows.
2 years ago