A New England Christmas - getting ready for our 2021 home tour

[@Grannynan]

I really like how the damage to the paneled wall shows its age. Great texture! But I also love the brightness that the green brings to the room.

[@r.m9437]

me too, it gives character.

[@carolwarmoth8744]

I love the look of the rustic panneled walls. I was horrified at the thought of painting the shelves in that room but I have to say it looks beautiful.

[@virginiafanning8829]

Looks beautiful

[@nikkibonbon1600]

Actually I was also thinking not to paint the natural wood just because it has be kept up with and is difficult to remove and retstain. But it does look nice.

[@bethmann3283]

I love the contrast between the natural wood paneling and what you painted. Its rustic and English looking, gorgeous room!!!!! I'm a fan of moody coloring, lighting with lamps and if you're feeling its dark, embrace it, its fabulous!!

[@sharonstokes5209]

I think I would leave the room as is now. Painting the walls green would be overwhelming like the all stained wood. Leaving it as is now makes each feature stand out to be appreciated on it’s own and keeps it warm, cozy and welcoming.

[@caroleNH]

Linda, your painted cabinets are just the brightness the room needed. I adore the color. I hope you keep the other walls the natural color- it reflects the history of your home. I’d be afraid that painting all the walls would make the room look just ordinary. I love how the cabinet wall is a beautiful focal wall with the paint. You’ve done such lovely things in your house to celebrate the holiday. I live for Fridays to see your newest video, but I hope you don’t overtax your shoulder getting ready for your Christmas house tour. Thank you for sharing your Fine Living journey with us. 🎄

[@allioakley3372]

What a blessing that you could even get contractors to come out many people I know are on a waiting list for 2 years now. I'm so excited to watch this video yay 🤗💞💞💞

[@elana81RDH]

Isn't it awful? My husband and I have tackled so many projects by ourselves just from watching KZbin videos. Bigger projects like siding and flooring obviously will require professionals. I have 3 boys and have found myself encouraging them to learn a trade since it seems like that's in such demand.

[@lauramitchell6725]

@@elana81RDH All of the guys on This Old House encourage young people to learn the trades. Not only are they in demand but they pay well too. The added perk is that instead of being burdened with a huge college loan hanging over their head, they can apprentice with someone(getting a smaller paycheck while they still live at home)then as soon as they pass their test or get their license,they can immediately start to earn good money and no debt! Win win! 🙌🏻 I have also heard of parents,instead of college,setting their kids up with a small business like pressure washing.Then they go around to all of the landscapers for referrals (cause everyone knows that after you have sidewalks edged,etc. you need a good pressure washing). 🤣😂😅

[@roksannastephens4375]

Consider the Amish? No wait on them here in Ohio to hire out.

[@OldWorldHome]

The color could not be more perfect, I love it mixed with the wood! Everything is looking so festive and charming 💚

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@eileenweston9480]

Really don't think your Christmas tree suits the room. It's rather garish.

[@BubblesandDucks]

@@eileenweston9480 The only garish thing I see here is your comment. That Christmas tree looks beautiful I don’t think it’s possible to have an ugly Christmas tree.

[@djterry1218]

@@eileenweston9480 to each his own. Personally I think the tree is lovely. But different people have different taste!

[@pistachio57]

I love it! I say leave it as is. The dark wood with all its imperfections has life to it, and looks perfect next to the painted wood. It’s all beautiful.

[@kaihandren9309]

The opening shot is a million $👍.... anyone even remotely interested in English country home will swoon !! Don't move the large painting-- it anchors the spot w/ a gleam( Charles F won't mind ) Enjoyed every minute & waiting for more -- looks great !!

[@kaylamson5161]

Linda, I love the contrast between the wood and paint. They play off each other. U r doing a fantastic job with ur choices and diy! Looks beautiful!❤️🙏God bless!

[@susanforet2117]

You look great all dressed up. Love the room and paint color. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!🎄

[@seachange17]

You toured a consignment shop and showed us a large wood hutch with all glass panels on top. I can definitely see that in your house, maybe against the back kitchen wall. For your kitchen design: open up the pass thru room (where you had your liquor bar and golf clubs 💙) so it opens up into the kitchen. I'd make that room a huge pantry with built in shelving and drawer cabinets. You could even locate the washer dryer there behind bifold closet doors. Find an antique drop leaf table (to use for folding clothes and a million other uses).

[@rhondaz356]

Linda, everything looks so beautiful. Seeing is totally believing. Those carvings into the wood really add such interest to this lovely, historic home. I am so happy that you are taking us along for the journey.💚🎄❤🎁

[@jellybeanparis584]

I like the Crevices in the Wood Paneling too!

[@yarlettegebarowski5995]

I love the wood walls with the pictures and how you have decorated the space. Your home is looking wonderful decorated for Christmas. Looking forward to seeing your Christmas home tour . You are such a hard worker and perfectionist Linda but it really pays off in the end . Take it easy on that shoulder. Have a great day.

[@susandemarest1676]

I love the paint and wood contrast, very New England, very warm and inviting yet regal. Barbara Stanwyck would feel like she is back on set!!!! Lovely!!!!

[@lisapeters3716]

I love the painted book shelves, it has really transformed and brightened the room! I'm loving all of your changes and updates. Whew, you've really been working hard! I hope you'll be able to relax and enjoy over the holiday. Merry Christmas!

[@jennifermichaels6237]

Love the contrast between the natural stained wood and the painted bookcases !

[@debweissler7808]

The wood paneling is gorgeous! As a true English library, the entire room would remain natural. The previous owners painted the shelf backs, and that I would have painted over.

[@Vicfric]

I like the new green paint but I would definitely leave the other wall natural wood. It is beautiful and I like the contrast. I love the vignette you’ve created there, it struck me as soon as the video started. I like it a lot, just like it is.

[@elvadrum4965]

I’ve used a similar hue called Ancient Marble by SW. I’m not plugging it. The store is nearby.

[@sandystafford5845]

The room is beautiful. I especially love the gallery wall with the hunt scenes.

[@adelgado519]

I love the combination of the painted cabinets with the wood walls 😍

[@belletopia5910]

I know that it's your home and you can do whatever you want to it, yet I really hope you keep the wood walls the way they are. They are so beautiful just as is .... You can not get that kind of wood anymore. It's so beautiful with all the imperfections.

[@TarnishedTreasures1]

I can’t imagine the time it took to paint but it was worth it. It brightens the space wonderfully.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Two plus days

[@nikkivenable3700]

Linda, you are such a class act! I loved every minute of this! Edit to add: I love the natural wood so I wouldn't wrap the room...I like the contrast!!!!

[@paulahawkins6732]

Linda, I would LOVE to see your table set with the Staffordshire! Your video was almost like visiting a friend’s house! Very inspiring…thank you!

[@jodyfleming3805]

The panelled wall behind you looks fabulous! Love the hunt scenes & the painting in the middle! Gorgeous!

[@patriciaaraya4222]

It’s beginning to look a lot like Williamsburg! All through the house🎶🎶 I love the color and all your decor.

[@lynnsteiner1580]

The tree is gorgeous. I love the character of the scars on the wood walls. I also love what you’ve painted, it’s a beautiful room, so cozy.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thank you so much!

[@gardeninggrandma5247]

Hi, Linda: You've made such great progress with your new home!! Try not to get discouraged. As I'm sure you know, home improvements are difficult living through, but well worth it in the end. The painted wood fireplace walls look nice! I would keep the rest of the room natural. Also, I like your wallpaper in the Tavern Room. It will finish the room off nicely. In your room with the wicker chairs, I have something similar in my home, much smaller though. It has a brick floor and barn-board 3/4 of the way up the wall. We call it our Mud Room. When we bought the home over 40 years ago, I wondered if the decor of the room would stand the test of time, and it has! We never changed it (except for painting the sheetrock walls above the barn-board) and it has been SO useful living in New England. Being able to sit down on a bench and remove wet shoes and boots and hang up coats during the winter prevents the mess from being tracked any further!! Good luck with your continued renovations and your surgery. I look forward to watching your home transition over time.

[@charislarson9980]

I love the dress! I have one very similar and it makes me feel wonderful. You looked great by the way. I love the old wood left as is, so I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with for that wall.

[@jomackenzie7065]

Looks great. Just the right green to go with the paneling and wood floor. I get 1940’s vibes from this house. Sometimes if a thing is authentically rough i texture you just have to honor what it is . I think over time you will really love all the warm honey tones and textures.

[@staceyvanier15]

Love the painted wood. I think painting the rest of the room would be gorgeous. Just embrace the imperfections as they document the home's history.

[@KamiakCreek]

Love the new painted shelves😍 if you want to extend you fresh greens life, an anti-transpirant like Wilt Stop really does help.😎 Thanks for sharing your home and projects.

[@gigss3439]

I was skeptical about painting the wood but have to admit love the painted walls. Then again, I should always trust you, as you have proven great taste and instincts. Looking forward to full Christmas tour! (…And the rest of your Sugarwood renovations!)

[@glendacloud2911]

I met Charles Faudree 16 years ago at his shop in Tulsa. Fabulous Shop! He was so kind and showed me all around and talked about his vision. He had two of his beautiful King Cavalier spaniels there. I’ve met a lot of celebrities but my daughter said it was the first time she’d ever see me fawn over someone. Then we walked down to an antique store just down the block and they had three more of the dogs. I commented to the clerk that they were like Charles’s dogs and he said they were. It was his antique store! It was a fantastic day.

[@kathymiskell7658]

I love that old wood wall! The painted area and that wood wall really complement each other!

[@allioakley3372]

I love how the candle changed color as you carried it around the room

[@newenglandfineliving]

Odd how that happens right? I'm glad I did that to show how it changes in certain light.

[@cindyk4294]

Love, love, love the green paint. It made a complete change in the room. The kitchen tree is very similar to mine… I added some small mustard colored paper stars that added a touch of whimsy. The house is transforming right my eyes! Your hard work is really rewarding. Great job!

[@gegeschannel8836]

I like the character of the wood walls with the painted bookshelves. You can’t buy character. I am from Texas; but, I worked for IBM and traveled to their offices in Littleton, Mass, many times. I was so happy when you mentioned you bought the candles there. The town is so quaint and I have a friend whose husband is a policeman there.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Small world! I lived in Littleton two moves ago.

[@lindapowelllindadawn9029]

I hope you leave your room as it is. There is so much character with the paint and natural wood paneling combined. It's such a warm, authentic look.

[@nangel270]

The paint looks fantastic! (as does your dress). You have honoured that room by bringing it to life with a nod to historical excellence. Trust your gut - it has great taste.

[@lynnebeattie4829]

I would keep/save the old wood on the porch. That is one of the things that make your house so special

[@Linda-gi8pr]

GORGEOUS, and I would leave the wood, the contrast is beautiful !

[@andreabontempo643]

I like the painted shelves and the paneled walls together. It is such a pain to paint the paneled wood. It looks great as you have it

[@ginaa4436]

Linda, I just love these beautiful New England homes even though they always need a lot of work. You are just so talented and I can’t wait to see what you do!

[@diannecooke75]

Loved this video and I love you wearing the dress and say about dressing up. That really warms my heart, I've been chided about dressing up, and you know...it's who I am. Now I have a friend in you that feels the same. I'm sorry you are tired, but again it warmed my heart, as someone quite a bit older, I get tired once in awhile to, I think that's God's way of giving us permission to enjoy the day without business and perhaps guilt. I love following your new journey on making this your home. God bless and thanks for sharing.

[@House.of.BAllen]

Absolutely GORGEOUS! I love the wood panel walls and wouldn't touch them. But, if your husband would like them painted, then maybe a good compromise would be to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls (or slightly lighter). Then you still get the contrast of the wood book shelves and he gets the Village Green around the room. Food for thought....either way it's lovely!

[@kathyropa6174]

I love the mixture of paint and wood. It’s very charming.

[@allioakley3372]

Stripping that fireplace to see what's written in the wood is exciting

[@newenglandfineliving]

I think so too! I hope to do it once the Christmas decoration is down.

[@annemaxwell9975]

I think the contrast between the original and painted leaves the room authentic. Gorgeous colour.

[@sylviamcraney1552]

You’ve done a marvelous job with the painting and decor! You chose the perfect paint color! I think the unpainted walls look beautiful as they are, or perhaps you could bleach them out and gain some lightness. I agree that painting them might prove too difficult! I’m distressed that you can’t find your foxes! I dearly despise not able to find something! Perhaps they were left at Groton?

[@lyndakling901]

The antique wood paneling should be left as it is....paint the new wood...!

[@dollysmommy3]

I think Red dishes for the table to define the area as red. And both of your wallpapers would really add beauty and charm to that room. Any thing you choose is always wonderful Linda.

[@HappyHauteHome]

What a huge difference! Love love love

[@patriciawilliams1291]

Leave it as it is, it's beautiful with natural wood by the door. It's a perfect transition from out side, in.

[@queenscotia769]

On a personal note I believe the knotty wood panels just add to the charm and delightful character of the room in keeping with the Colonial style of the house . Having once lived in a Colonial revival house in state Va often enjoyed visits to Williamsburg just to see and marvel at the sight of the these glorious homes . Your latest video evoke memories of those truly wonderful times I spent there 30yrs ago . 😊

[@queenscotia769]

Thank you 😊

[@randomvagaries5140]

Love the juxtaposition of natural and painted wood. You can buy cord channel covers from a big box store. They can easily be painted, and some come with a self-stick side to adhere to any surface. Absolutely beautiful room!

[@newenglandfineliving]

That's a great idea!

[@nancydahl8209]

Be thankful..enjoy the process. You are blessed to be able to buy a beautiful piece of property that many are not....

[@cathycorriher7757]

You know, at first, l didn't want to you paint that beautiful built in But now, l can't imagine it any other way. It all looks beautiful, very homey and cozy just as a christmas homes should be.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thank you. If those who were against it saw it in person vs in photos they might understand why I was ok with painting it

[@michelecanfield9184]

Linda, I like the two to one room, it looks like two separate spaces, and they compliment each other

[@FurnishFamily27]

Christmas in Connecticut is one of my all time favorites and I've dreamt of having that house since I was a kid. The house in Holiday Inn is my other favorite!!!

[@newenglandfineliving]

I put Holiday Inn on last night, but got distracted and will be watching it this weekend.

[@Redbird_Girl2010]

Linda, whenever I am in the middle of a renovation and/or redecoration project, I get so anxious to be done with it all. But God always puts time in the process, which allows me to ruminate and make the needed adjustments. In the end, I see why things had to happen the way they happened. Of course, trying to do projects during the holidays is always extra stressful. You will get a 2nd wind in the new year. Glad you are taking time to dress up and enjoy the reason for all your hard work!

[@margaretfinney6546]

That celery green color is my favorite green . I have a painted hutch that I bought at an antique consignment shop that I love, and it makes me happy when I look at it.😀 It is my simple treasure that I found years ago. Love your home and your great design. I am not a big wood person but love cottage style painted furniture. Love how you find great items at savers, that is my favorite store.💕💕. You truly have a gift from God.🌸

[@ozarkmountainhomegrown]

I love the contrast between the original paneling and the green shelves. One plays off of the other and if it were all uniform I think the old world charm would be lost. Your home is gorgeous and your decorating taste is impeccable and inspiring! A new subscriber loving what you do!

[@aliceaustin3603]

I love the room the way it is after you painted. Kind of makes me homesick for our years in that area. Beautiful home.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Thank you so much!

[@jere5555]

The painted walls are lovely and brighten the room. Personally I think the wood wall looks great and the fact it has holes or cracks harkens back to the antiquity, a nice homage to the past. P.S. Willow brings a smile each time she appears.

[@carolweiss8795]

I agree with Ben. Wrap the room in that gorgeous color of paint!

[@lesliewilhelm5319]

I like the paneled wall, its a nice combination with the painted cabinets!

[@hawthornetree646]

Beatrix Potter is one of my favorite authors and illustrators. She’s hilarious!

[@alysonlongnecker1393]

The painted cabinets look so pretty against the wooden panels. You’ve done so much in such a short time. Love it!

[@nata3467]

LOVE this room the artwork etc is perfect- reminds me of White Christmas and Holiday Inn :) That green is used exterior in my house and my bunkhouse ( and if I need to paint some furniture ) Please leave the wood walls in the rest of the room- so lush and gorgeous

[@joanoneill381]

The old wood is beautiful…gives depth & a warm feeling to the room juxtaposed to the other part of the room you painted. The wood brings out browns in the framed prints and furniture.

[@beeler178]

The painted bookshelves look excellent ! Take the rest of the day and relax, you deserve it !

[@elvadrum4965]

Love the cohesiveness of the paint color on the bookshelf!

[@TheRayjane]

Just beautiful Linda. I love the wood walls and shelves painted, it makes such a difference. It really brings the great room alive! The vignette Looks great too. Right out of a decor magazine. I’m so looking forward to all the decorating you will be doing. I hope you use the wallpaper you had in your other home, I think it will look great in the room with the bar set up. Thank you for the tour♥️🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@downbytheriver6987]

The paneling vignette looks very Ralph Lauren Polo House so beautiful.

[@bishop2b394]

The painted bookcases are just beautiful!!!!! I would keep the wood as is because the contrast is so nice however I would condition it. It looks very dry. I would almost be tempted to put a semi-gloss or better yet a satin shellac to brighten it up even more. This house is going to love the changes you make and so am I.

[@chattykathie7129]

The paint changed it so much, it looks amazing and so much more colonial. I loved the wood but it looked more rustic.

[@rneustel388]

I know all about the pain and limitations chronic rotator cuff issues cause, so you command my immense respect for all you get done!! The painted shelves are so gorgeous-I love that they’re not a common white. You have a real knack with picking paint colors, i.e. the color used in the ‘tally ho’ room at Groton. I can’t wait to see how you use the wallpaper at Sugarwood and if you use a different color-but that will be after shoulder rehab is finished! Linda, you look beautiful in your dress-you would have been so lovely wearing ‘40s era dresses. There was something a little glam about that period, I’ve always thought. Hello, sweet Willow, and thanks so much for sharing the snowfall. I miss it on Winter nights like this one.

[@melindaemmite7454]

I love that you painted and also kept some of woodwork. It's very pretty.

[@cares3262]

I would like to see the table decorated. It will give me some ideas because I know it will be beautiful. Thank you for the tour of your lovely home. I love all the house and the old decor, which also looks great with some new.

[@bonnie3170]

Love the wood wall and the paint color selected is so beautiful with the wood walls!

[@karenpeterfi2223]

Love the paneled wall with the painted walls. Staffordshire China would be beautiful on your table in the dining room. Can't wait for your Christmas reveal!

[@cares3262]

I'm not sure why, but I so enjoyed this video this morning as I sat here under my cozy throw blanket, sipping my pumpkin spice latte with my Marley (Cavapoo) cuddled so cute next to me. It's cold here in upstate NY but no snow accumulation...yet.

[@newenglandfineliving]

Love that! Give Marley a kiss from Willow!

[@lynn8524]

I love the contrast of the painted section with the wood section. It is just enough. I am crazy about the warm wood section though including all of the character marks, etc.

[@MariaLopez-yr9ig]

Linda you are such a gracious host to share your experiences with us on redoing your home. What a blessing to be able to have contractors coming and going to achieve your goals. Blessings to you. Maria

[@JHutch18062]

I love mixing the wood and the paint! Love the holes etc in the wood,adds character. This room is so warm and inviting!

[@c.s.s.8117]

Much sympathy for your arm and shoulder issue. I had frozen shoulder five years ago. It lasted for a full year. Couldn't lift my arm either. So awful. Your home is beautiful. I look forward to your updates.

[@tonib5662]

I love the contrast of the two different wall colors. The knots, nicks and holes in the panel wall tells the story of a house well lived in. Your efforts so far are stunning. Beautiful home.

[@annmarie9376]

Okay, I was wrong.. The bookcases look marvelous!!

[@annanorth7997]

You and your home are very beautiful and elegant. I'd like to encourage everyone to watch last year's Christmas tour. It's amazing too! LOVE the paint color.

[@paulineortiz345]

Morning the table set with the dishes. It will look like the holiday’s. I watch a little bit of Christmas in Connecticut last night. I do remember seeing that movie. I love the movie White Christmas. The part when they are traveling to Connecticut. Love the paw print ornament.

[@tonisherwood1038]

Christmas in Connecticut is my favorite Christmas movie of all time! The Christmas tree she decorates is exactly how my mom decorated her trees over the years. I still put tinsel on my real Christmas tree bringing back all those magical childhood memories. My husband and I plan to re-create the Christmas meal they had in the movie. How we first heard about this movie was on Public Radio. They were talking about the food. I knew I had to have the movie! You look absolutely gorgeous in that dress! Can't wait for your Christmas house tour!

[@jodic7760]

LOVE the vignette! The artwork is beautiful! I really love the large piece of artwork framed in gold against the wood wall. Stunning!!!!!!

[@RobbieMcCracken-w9u]

Charles Faudree was pronounced correctly. Charles helped me with my home in Tulsa and decorated my parents home in Tulsa. He was very much a gentleman and had fabulous taste. Although his style was much more Country French he would have loved your homes and your blog. He would have been crazy about your gardens and he would have loved Willow!

[@newenglandfineliving]

Love that! Thanks for sharing!!

[@bernadettehooper4318]

Thank you for the tour. The mix of wood and painted walls looks great. Love Charles Faudree's style. You look marvelous. Take good care of your arm. "Christmas In Connecticut" is my favorite holiday film.

[@abigailh7715]

Leave the lovely wood! It's gorgeous!

[@sdl5628]

I had pine paneling in my first home with orange stain. I used tsp cleaner and painted a light gray Behrs stain with white trim. The knots and grain showed through. It was beautiful.

[@herekittykittykitty475]

Yep me too - calcified tendonitis. Left arm last year and now the right arm this year. Lucky not to have surgery but I feel for you. Best of luck to a wonderful recovery! PS: I love the rough wood contrasting to the painted side.

[@elana81RDH]

As much as I would love to paint an entire room that green color, I just don't have a place for it. However, you better BELIEVE I'm going to paint my dining room hutch this color! Perfection with the black hardware! Looks like something out of the 1994 version of Little Women. Home Depot, here I come! 😍

[@jonirennirt2391]

I really like the painted walls with the dark walls. The painted ones have really brightened up the room and now I like the dark ones too. Also, I really like the painting over the table (the one you wanted to take down). I think it adds so much to the room. TFS! Have a blessed and restful weekend!

[@lauramitchell6725]

I loved seeing the matching champagne buckets,my mother-in law had the same one,they were married in 1949. My husband had a small table in their dining room set for two and champagne chilling in the bucket when he proposed!🥰 Also,I LOVE the square spaces in the bookshelves with the pictures and hurricanes. It’s soooooo not standard and echoes the shape of the window.

[@lindarichie2585]

I have to say I really do like the painted book selves ! I love the characters of that wooded wall with the nail dents etc ! I think leaving that as is would be beautiful and add to the history of the house and the room .

[@lizwalker791]

Love what you did in the room..to me it totally works ..the painted part is pulled together with the warmth of the wooden half..perfect marriage🥰..Liz

[@lindaga820]

Wow!! That paint made such a difference. It looks beautiful!! So glad I found your site !

[@newenglandfineliving]

Welcome! I’m glad you found it too!