RENOVATION

Italian Renovation…. remember why you started!

italian renovation

Some days our Italian renovation,  even the dream home in Italy, has an overwhelming feel to it. Every single place I look something needs to be done. Where to start, what needs doing first, how’s the budget going?

I find the best way to start is to visualize the end result. I have little visual areas in the house, places I can glance at through the day to give me a glimpse of how I imagine it will all be….one day soon.

On the day that Sam took these photos none of those little areas are in view, this is the reality of our house at this moment in time. Nothing changed, nothing moved for the photo or rearranged, just daily life in our rustic Italian renovation.

It may never be glamorous, actually it’s highly unlikely that it will ever be glamorous, eclectic chic I like to call it.

So this is reality for now…..my imagination has plenty of room to play here, and I like to let it run wild.

house kitchen

pinterest dbl

house master

house guest

pinterest dbl 5

house hall dbl

pinterst dbl 4

house deck

house porch

pinterest 6

I’ll continue to update you all on our Italian renovation, and the ups and downs along the way.

Don’t forget to dream, share your dream with us here…..I’d love for 50 dreams to come true!

We will be in Paris for my 50th next year … you’re ALL invited x

inspiration board images via home on pinterest

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and the gang x

24 replies
  1. Jo@TheDesertEcho
    Jo@TheDesertEcho says:

    It’s so wonderful you are seeing your dream come true. I love your inspiration photos, number 6 with that soft light coming through the arch is particularly lovely.

    Reply
  2. Samantha Harper
    Samantha Harper says:

    It looks like one of the top few renovations. Gorgeous white color. I wish all the best for your 50th birthday.

    bathroom remodelling in birmingham

    Reply
  3. Krista
    Krista says:

    I’m SO thrilled that you are planning for Paris! That makes me very happy, and I’m hoping with all my heart that Bear and I can make it to celebrate with you. 🙂 I sure understand about the renovation process. It is eerily similar to the farming process. 🙂 It seems like the harder we work the more jobs pop up! 🙂 But it is lovely to focus on those small areas that seem done, at least for the moment. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Charmain Giuliani
    Charmain Giuliani says:

    I love your bitchin’ roof tiles too death!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  5. Lisa Wood
    Lisa Wood says:

    Renovations are so like that, with lots to do and lots of dreams waiting to come true! I don’t think we will ever be finished renovating the motorhome 🙂
    I love your 50 year Birthday dream…to celebrate it in Paris. Funny enough Paris has always been a place that I have wanted to see!! I am so sharing this dream with David tonight…it would be so good to travel to see you all again 🙂

    Reply
  6. Catherine
    Catherine says:

    It is essential to dream! And so lovely to see your dreams evolving. There is so much unexpected beauty at every corner. Yes to Paris for your fiftieth! I go there for work twice s year and it is still my favourite city. The city of light! Xxcat

    Reply
    • Lisa Chiodo
      Lisa Chiodo says:

      Awww you made me tear up…..how beautiful xx

      Reply
  7. jann
    jann says:

    Such stunning fireplaces. I see cozy winter days with your family all snuggled up together…& also see a porchetta on the spit (oops, maybe you’re vegetarian?)! I love it all, Lisa! Savor the process. Do you know how many people would love to be in your shoes? (This is always what my husband told me when I was feeling overwhelmed with my renovation.) xxxxx

    Reply
  8. Dahlene
    Dahlene says:

    It is also my dream to be in Paris for my 50th in December next year – with a gift shop to run I don’t think the dream will come true – too hard to get away at that time of the year. Maybe, April 2015 ( my 30th wedding anniversary) might be more achievable…fingers crossed.

    Reply
    • Lisa Chiodo
      Lisa Chiodo says:

      Sounds like a plan Dahlene, what’s the name of your gift shop? Also April in Europe is such a beautiful time of year so just perfect timing x

      Reply
      • Dahlene
        Dahlene says:

        Hi Lisa, my shop is called I’m In Heaven. I changed the name to that 8 years ago when I moved premises, after overhearing so many people coming in and saying ohhhh I’m in heaven. I thought what could be a better name than that for my little shop. You can check it out on facebook at I’m In Heaven – Tea Room and Gift Shoppe. We were in Italy in May on a whirlwind two week visit, thought about you while we were there, the closest we got to you was Milan. Can’t wait to be back in Italy again, either, so hopefully Paris and Italy in the same visit…. I can only dream.

        Reply
  9. Alison
    Alison says:

    My plan. Italy for my 50th…see you soon!

    Reply
    • Lisa Chiodo
      Lisa Chiodo says:

      Perfect and can’t wait to meet up with you!!
      xxx

      Reply
  10. Wynne
    Wynne says:

    Wow, it’s come a long way – it looks terrific! I’m living my dream for the moment, for MY milestone birthday (spent it in Bologna). And who knows…perhaps I’ll be in the vicinity of Paris next year!

    Reply
    • andrea
      andrea says:

      Stai dalle parti di Pinerolo?

      Reply
      • Lisa Chiodo
        Lisa Chiodo says:

        Yes in the area of Pinerolo Andrea x

        Reply
          • Lisa Chiodo
            Lisa Chiodo says:

            such a small world xx
            where are you

            Reply
            • andrea
              andrea says:

              i live in Vigone, which is 10 minutes from Pinerolo.. Today i read on Eco Del Chisone about the american televison came to Bobbio for your home (sorry, i’dont know very well Enghlis)

              Reply
    • Lisa Chiodo
      Lisa Chiodo says:

      Looking at our house I’m amazed how much we’ve done in such a short time. So you have had your big birthday on this trip? Wow Happy Birthday xx
      See you so soon now arghhh xxx

      Reply
  11. Anne
    Anne says:

    Hello Lisa , I think it is fabulous , well done for taking the huge step (even though I know you have done it before) and yes we will all be with you on your dream trip to Paris ♥

    Reply
    • Lisa Chiodo
      Lisa Chiodo says:

      This house has such a different feel to our last Italian house, and also I am at home with the community here. This is our long term house and after so many years of renovating and living from boxes I’m looking forward to making this our home. Paris here we come x

      Reply

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