Life in a 116-Year Old Home. The beginning of Velvet Decanter Living.

I didn’t grow up in an old home, and I can’t quite remember when my love affair with historic houses began. But from the moment I moved into my first historic apartment, something about them captured my heart. No matter where life took me, I always found myself drawn back to the charm and character of an old home.

There’s something special about living in a place with a history, where no two rooms are quite alike and every imperfection tells a story. Of course, that character comes with its quirks, drafty windows, strange sounds, and the occasional unexpected surprise. But for me, those are all part of the experience.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My first night in my 116-year-old home was not without a little anxiety. The house was large, unfamiliar, and filled with dark corners and dim, outdated light fixtures. I couldn't help but feel as though I'd moved into a haunted old house! And when a bat made an unexpected appearance inside, that was enough to send me packing. I actually decided to stay somewhere else for a few nights while I worked up the courage to return.

But in time, it truly became my home. For a period of time my sister, nephew and brother-in-law lived with me, I loved the time we had together with my nephew’s constant flow of teenage friends coming to visit, porch parties with friends and family gatherings. There has been no shortage of great memories including my sister and I living through trying to get a another bat out of the house. It was stressful at the time but provided lots of laughs after the fact.

Ane of the reasons I fell in love with the house was the 1 ½ story carriage house that I had visions for making it into my art studio and gallery. I was just thrilled and was convinced that my dreams would one day be reality. But here I am, 6 years later and finally faced with the reality of having to tear it down and rebuild it. It wasn’t an easy decision but due to structural issues that simply cannot be resolved, it is time to let it go, move on and rebuild.

And now, another chapter is beginning.

The carriage house that first captured my imagination when I purchased this home will soon be coming down. After years of dreaming about turning it into an art studio and gallery, I’ve had to accept that some old structures simply can’t be saved. But that doesn’t mean the dream has to end. It just means it will take a different shape.

Through Velvet Decanter Living, I hope to share the beauty, challenges, and occasional chaos of living in a historic home, along with my love of art, interiors, entertaining, and creating spaces that feel personal and collected over time.

I don’t believe a beautiful life has to be perfect, and if there’s one thing an old house teaches you, it’s that there’s always another project around the corner.

I hope you’ll follow along as this old house and my creative life continue to evolve.