This RI Designer's Dollhouses Are So Dreamy And Stylish You'll Want To Move In
As an avid DIY’er (out of necessity since my champagne taste has to rely on a Target budget), my husband and I have renovated three homes together, and we’re always in the midst of some home project or another.
But the time and funds it takes to do full home renovations leave me desiring that instant gratification.
Enter dollhouse remodels, which have allowed me to truly redo an entire house — albeit on a miniature 1/12 scale — in just a few weeks!
A Mid Century Modern Remodel Courtesy Of Carolyn, Circa 2020 (Photo By Hilary B. Photography)
I never set out to remodel dollhouses, yet after one was dropped off at our former shop in Barrington, the rest, as they say, is history.
In its original state, I knew others might have a hard time envisioning what it could be and the price would also be much lower for consignment.
Thankfully, the consignor allowed me to remake it before listing for sale.
A few weeks later, it was displayed at a Hampden Meadows Tough Tiger event that we helped sponsor and PlayDate, the indoor play space in Seekonk, purchased it as it matched perfectly with the beautiful, upscale, Joanna Gaines style that Nicole (the owner of PlayDate) had designed.
Carolyn At Work
When I’m purchasing or giving an estimate for a remodel, I look at the structure of the house, checking to see if it’s sturdy, well built, et cetera.
Kits can be tricky in that some are crafted from MDF or thin Balsam wood that really does’t hold up well in the long run.
More Mid Century Modern, Photo by Hilary B. Photography
Looking beyond the dated wallpaper, paneling, curtains, and decor and seeing what could be is all part of the process.
When I have free reign, I design as I go.
There’s usually a color scheme or pattern that develops right from the beginning, but the individual pieces and elements evolve as I complete each step.
Dollhouse Living Room, Photo by Hilary B. Photography
It’s been an intense learning curve seeing what works and what doesn’t, finding better quality products, and getting more custom made items from Etsy and other miniature makers or building pieces from scratch (something I plan to do more of as we move forward with more remodels).
Dollhouse remodels start at $400 and up for basic paint/paper and updated flooring, depending on house size and what’s required with demolition. Additional features, like crown and base molding, furnishings, fixtures, custom pieces, electricity, etc., are add-ons that vary by job.
More About Carolyn
Carolyn Gloster is the owner of The Golden Sparrow, a home décor shop that began in Barrington, RI and has since moved online with items available to purchase via Instagram @thegoldensparrow_ri or the shop’s site www.thegoldensparrowri.com. Custom furnishings, repainted and refinished furniture, and one-of-a-kind hand crafted items such as vintage map trays, hand-stamped kitchen items, and more can also be requested by contacting Carolyn.
*This post has been revised from one that appeared on the site previously.