Congratulations to Amy Hill and Cindy Friday — the two readers who won a “Love The House You’re In” collage — featuring them and their houses — specially created by collage artist laureate Mel Kolstad. Mel’s been doing a Love The House You’re Inn collage-a-month for the blog. ENTRIES NOW CLOSED. But, we thought we’d take it one step further by getting readers involved. On Tuesday night, I used the random number generator at random.org (I to select the two winners. Their numbers came up! (I did not try to “judge” the comments — everyone’s were great — I selected the winners randomly.) Mel has started working with them on their collages. Thanks to everyone who participated. Your comments — AMAZING! We love our houses, that’s for sure!
Here were the rules:
- Leave a comment below, answering the question, “Why do you love the house you’re in?”
- You must sign up for my weekly newsletter.
- Residents of U.S. and Canada only.
Additional details:
- I’ll pick two winners from among the comments with a random number generator at 8 p.m. on April 19. (I will cross-check that they are newsletter subscribers, and if they are not, I will pick again.)
- If you win, you will send up to three high-resolution images to Mel, she will create your collage and mail it to within a month. The collage is mounted on a 4″x4″ wood tile with a notch for hanging – it’s very cool!
- Pam will confirm with you whether you’d like it featured on the blog or not – your choice.
- If this all goes well, I’ll continue the contest every month.
What do you think? Wanna win? Why do you love the house you’re in?
Dorian says
I don’t know that I love the house I’m in, but I do love tinkering with it and making improvements as I continue to develop my own personal style. It’s great practice for the day that I do find my mid-century modest dream house, which I know is just out there waiting for me. I do love the location of my home, which is a late ’40s little box of a thing, and I appreciate the charming curb appeal, coved ceilings and original wood floors.
Ashley says
These collages are very cool…would love one!
There are so many reasons why I love my house….not sure where to start!?! It is a 1960 brick ranch and I loved it as soon as I walked in the door. I had been house hunting for a long time and even made an offer on another property…but am so glad that I found this house because it is perfect for me! Some things have been updated (kitchen, etc.), but the overall mid-century ranch feeling is what I love most about it….the perfect mix of old and new! It doesn’t hurt that my furniture and decor is a mix of old and new too.
Justin Miller says
We love our house. Its a 1949 brick home. We went in and totally restored the home. We love our home because we did all the work ourselves. We also love the charm our house has. Our nighboor hood is also like a 50’s neighboor hood. Where you know your neighbors. We’ve even had to borrow a cup of sugar from one of the neighbors.
bex says
6 years ago I bought my mid-50s ranch with my partner. After living in the house for 3 months, she decided that she didn’t want to own a house and was thinking about moving back to NYC. I loved the house – and ended up re-mortgaging it in my name and ‘buying her out’. Since I had to buy her out shortly after putting the majority of my funds into the initial purchase – I then had to rent out the house.
Well, 6 years later I finally moved back into the house – and I’m thrilled to be there. I now have a clear vision of how I want the space to look, and have been slowly renovating and planning. I love mid-centruy ranches, and this one has so much potential (along with a pink bathroom – that’s staying pink). I love being in a space that fits my style and personality.
denise says
Upon opening this page yesterday, I right away liked the collage. How nice that a personal collage is being offered to a lucky winner. I hope they choose to have you post it when it is done, it’ll be interesting to see the pictures chosen to create the collage…
I love the house I am in because it’s it’s a simple 1950’s ranch — manageable at 750 sf. Although it seems small when you have 3 extra (foster) dogs in the house plus your own 2, you always know where they are and what they are up to!
When I was looking for houses I was specifically against a blue house. Guess what? it’s a light blue house and the only one in the neighborhood, and I like that now. Additionally, I bought it myself, it’s paid for, I painted the shutters purple, created a garden in the front and it’s in a quiet neighborhood with good neighbors.
Sharon, for others, it’s the Hawaiian Bungalow but when I read ‘Miniature Schnauzer’ my eyes perk up,…if you win, Buttercup better be in that collage!!
Gavun Hastings says
Hey All-
I love reading all these stories about people’s homes and how much they think about the lives of previous occupants.
A few months ago-I gave details on how to trace a homes history.
I have met and entertained the woman that grew up in my home from 1945-1957. I know exactly what my home looked like inside and out in 1964….but not 1954. (the apple tree in the backyard is “hers”)
I hit me yeaterday to contact her again (she lives one town away) and ask her to send me scans of her family photos during this time period.
When I sold my last home- built in 1883, I left the new owners a scrapbook of photos, wallpaper remnants and other items pertaining to the dwelling. I think I’m going to do this again and suggest other homeowners might want to as well.
Gavin Hastings says
Bingo! Photos on their way….why didn’t I think of this sooner?
Cathye says
I love your idea of “gifting” new home owners with pics etc. When I purchased my home 2 years ago, I knew the house had probably been the site of many great parties. Unfortunately I was purchasing the home from the older siblings of the owner who passed away without any children. I asked the sellers if they had any pictures they’d be willing to share but either they had none or weren’t willing to share. I’d love to have a picture on my wall showing the McCauley’s hosting a wonderful party!
Sharon Hamblin says
I love the house that I’m in because, at first, it reminds me of a very hectic time in my life (my mother was in the hospital for four months before passing away from cancer at age 60) yet still, on the inside, reflects the whirlwind, carefree life I led before I came here to help her.
In the five years I have been here, the house that I found in haste has become my go-to place for relaxation, self-reflection and quiet time
This two-story house is in a nice neighborhood where not all homes look alike. The house actually drew me in because after living in a tiny Hawaiian bungalow for five years, all I wanted was SPACE! Then the addition of a full-of-love Miniature Schnauzer named Buttercup turned my house into our home. We now live in a peaceful sanctuary with an upstairs office with a window from which you can get an inspiring view of majestic Mount Shasta. A fenced in backyard is our spring/summer hangout spot with trees filled with firefly-shaped lights and baskets and containers overflowing with spring flowers.
When you enter my home, your eyes feast upon several odds and ends collected from my travels around the world including a 12-year stay on Kauai.. The decor is basically vintage Hawaiiana combined with some treasures I’ve collected more recently from Northern California Beaches – Sand Dollar collections, shell displays, etc.
In a nutshell, my house provides me with an homage to the past, physical reminders of my fondest memories, a best friend (Buttercup) to share it with me and an overall positive feeling about the future…
Susan says
Oooo! Hawaiiana! I think that’s a topic that deserves some attention–and photos!
Josh Loves His House says
My wife and I just bought the coolest home in Portland, OR. It’s our first home and I can’t even begin to describe how much we love our 60’s local custom ranch. We are the second owners and the people that designed and built the house lived in it before us!!!. Almost everything is original and in good condition with many unique custom features. The house had been sitting vacant for 5 years, while in a living trust. Over this time the shrubs grew to the roof and the true beauty had been lost. With a lot of love and little help we are getting this “diamond in the rough” back to it’s full potential.
This collage would represent our style so perfect. Were a young, creative, fresh couple with a retro twist!
LOVE IT!!!!
Suzi says
We love our mid-century modest house because we have a pink bathroom! and a blue one!
Amanda says
I sometimes picture the couple that built our home and raised their family in it. I see them as man and wife doing chores around the house and I enjoy imagining the history and love that went before us for 61 years in the same family. My husband says he pictures the family too, he says he can see their three little girls running around teasing each other and playing. This is neat since we’re now expecting our first little one here.
It’s been nearly one year since we bought this home, our first. It was one of the first we looked at. Despite being in a neighborhood that had seen better days, right away we said “where do we sign?” We loved the original 1948 features such as old growth hardwood, coved ceilings, custom curved mantlepiece, fir window and door frames, but it was the overall warmth of the house and garden which had us from the first step in the door.