Little Farmstead: A Country Home Tour {Alice Wingerden}

Thursday, November 13, 2014

A Country Home Tour {Alice Wingerden}

I'm SO glad you stopped by!

It's a joy to share with you an inspiring home tour and interview,
featuring Alice from the ultra-creative blog, Thoughts from Alice!

I would describe Alice's style as the best part of
vintage farmhouse meets Anthropologie.

This mother of two little ones (just fifteen months apart!) embraces second-hand items and artistically designs her interior with those she loves in mind.

Let's get started!

Please tell us who lives at this charming farmhouse?

My husband Josh and I, our two children Hazel, 3, and Owen, 2, along with our cairn terrier, Renoir.

When was your house built and how long have you lived there?

Our house was built circa 1930. We have lived here since September of 2010. It was the first home that my husband and I bought together after living in an apartment and then a townhouse.

Where do you reside and what do you love most about the area?

We live in a rural area just outside of Rochester, NY. Our village has one flashing light, a library and a post office...and that’s about it! I love the seasonal changes in our area and can't imagine living somewhere without them. I also love all of the history. There are many famous houses to tour, such as George Eastman’s and Susan B. Anthony’s homes.

Looking at your blog, Thoughts FromAlice, it is easy to see that you not only have an eye for interiors, but you are also a talented photographer, artist, graphic designer and writer (just to name a few!). What is your background and what made you decide to start blogging?

I have a degree in Psychology with a minor in art. I have always been an artist and creative type. When I left school, I didn't know what I wanted to pursue career-wise, so I ended up beginning an online business (my own website and on Etsy) selling my handmade goods, graphic design work and vintage finds. I did that for many years and started a blog to showcase my work and love of interiors. It was personal for a very long time. The more I learned about blogging, I found that it could be a career in and of itself, so I have focused on that in the past year. It is very exciting to get to do what I love and would do anyway, while making money staying at home with my little ones.

What has been one of your favorite DIY projects?

One of my personal favorite projects was the Boho Woodland Animal Collages (pictured below), we did for the playroom, because I made them with my daughter. I love creating with my kids, seeing their excitement during the process and the pride afterwards. I have their artwork throughout our home.

What are some of your favorite memories at your home so far?

Bringing my children into our home and watching them grow these past few years here. It is the only place they have ever known, and as much as I complain about it sometimes for its flaws (too small, too cluttered, etc.), I can see how much they love it and don't see any of those same flaws. It helps me to love it more.

The following images are from Christmas last year. I'm looking forward to seeing how Alice decorates this coming winter!

I love the warmth and character of your design style. Where do you find your decorating inspiration?

I used to scour magazines years ago (and still hoard them, especially Country Living), but I must say Pinterest is my weakness. I am addicted. I also love visiting other awesome bloggers who do so many amazing DIY projects and budget friendly things with their homes.

Would you share a few of your favorite places to shop?

I buy almost everything second-hand at thrift stores and antique shops. But, I also love Target and HomeGoods even though I buy things I don’t need!

How do you hope others feel while spending time in your home?

Comfortable, relaxed and inspired. I want my decorating to reflect my love for those around me. I hope they know how much they matter when spending time with us.

Love it.

Thank you so much Alice!