My very own fixer upper

Me: TEXT –  Hey, what do you think of this house? Any potential?
The electric and flooring are shot.
(photos sent)

Him: TEXT –  Where is that house?  and… something looks …really off. 
Me: TEXT – LOL….it’s in our driveway.
Now, I know it ain’t much
and it’s kinda flimsy and old and dilapidated and outdated.
But.. I’ve always wanted to decorate a dollhouse, don’t ask me why..
I have never been a fan of actual “dolls”.  Terrified me as a girl.
But a dollhouse?  That needs renovation?
Awesome. $40 find in an old treasures store?… even more awesome.
Anyone know how I can tell what scale “stuff” I’m supposed to buy?
floor to ceiling in rooms measures 8″.   I’ve googled that question but I’m still confused about the scaling.
Some sites tell me to buy 1″ scale, others tell me to buy 1/2 scale.  HUH?
I did order new wood flooring and tile for the bathroom so far.
The electrical has been ripped out. 
Any advice? 
I final bought my very own fixer upper 🙂 

27 thoughts on “My very own fixer upper”

  1. Very cool!! This is one of my dreams too, so I'll be happily watching you decorate your new home!

  2. Very, very cool! I did a dollhouse in the 80s. We had an awesome dollhouse shop nearby, and it was so much fun to shop and build and decorate. Now, as you know, I have graduated to a full-size model … that still needs a lot of work. 🙂

    Your 8" ceiling translates to a normal 8-foot house ceiling to me. The one-inch = one foot stuff is what I'd get.

    There's LOTS of great dollhouse stuff on blogs) Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage has one that is wonderful! http://mockingbirdhillcottage.com/dollhouse/)

  3. I don't have a clue as to scaling. But if you've ripped out the electric, you're gonna need a generator!! (hehe) I have my doll house that my dad made. I don't have any interest in doing anything with it. The grands just love it when they come to visit!!! I have mismached furniture and people, that's all they need for their imagination.

  4. YAY! I'll be right over! hahaha! I love it girlfriend! I still have one on my wish list. I think fixing one up would be great fun! Love your text…very funny! Hope you find out the scale and Etsy has bunches of neat stuff for dollhouses…but you probably already know that! HAVE FUN!

  5. Karen – what fun. Can't wait to see what you do with this beauty. Never too young or too old to have a dollhouse.
    -Joan-

  6. I did a dollhouse as a hobby some years back. Hartwood Roses is correct that you should use 1 inch=1 foot scale, otherwise known as 1/12 scale.(An 8" ceiling would equal an 8 foot ceiling in a real house.) That's what I used, and that's a very common scale to find things in for your little abode. It is SOOOO cute and original, I am very jealous!

  7. Ha! I think that would be fun.

    Jayme at Tales from the Coopkeeper, I believe, has actually built a few houses. She's would be a great wealth of knowledge for interior design. ; )

  8. Claudia, at Mockingbird Hill Cottage would be able to give you great advice!
    We have two family hand-built dollhouses at our house. The granddaughters are storing them their while they're in moving transition.
    Have fun! It's a great adventure!

  9. My guess is that being a Tudor style the ceiling height could be 10' or 12' in regular scale. If you decide it is a 10' ceiling then the scale is 1/4"=1' so you would need furniture and fixtures in 1/4" scale. If the ceiling height is 12' then the scale is 1/2"=1' so you need things at 1/2" scale. I would suggest checking the height of the stair risers. If they measure 1/8" then your scale is 1/4", if 5/16" then 1/2" and if 3/4" then the scale is 1". I hope this makes sense. This is a dumb question but I've never had a miniature house before. Is the scale possibly stamped on the bottom saving the guesswork?

  10. Somebody is going to have some fun. How much are you going to get hubby involved with that project?

  11. Oh my stars you are so funny! How cute is that? Love it- I'd say a real find for sure! Can't wait to see what you do with it!

  12. Oh what fun!! Can't wait to see the finished project! Oh, the world of miniatures….there is so much out there to choose from….have fun!!

  13. OMgosh! That is going to be a blast! I love it! I want to come and watch. Maybe help?

    I have a secret – I wanted one so badly when my girls were little. I had forgotten about that!

  14. LOVE it! Had two similar that I built as an adult ~ moving every 2 years as a child is not conducive to owning toys that will not fit into a box or a backpack. Tip for wallpaper and/or carpet needs: As for out of style sample books from decorator stores or Lowe's. Perfect sizes or easy to cut to fit.

  15. I loved the 2 interior photos. As a realestate agent, you did pretty good with those pics , but hubby knew something wasen't right. LOL Enjoy your new fixer upper…remember for resale…keep it neutral…buyer friendly. 🙂 Karen, acapecodnest

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