I’m Tricia and I’m so glad you found your way here!
Simplicity in the South is my little place to share my DIY projects, organization tips, craft tutorials, painting techniques, and simple ideas to give your home character…all on a budget.
I am a mom to three sweet boys and the wife of a wonderful, patient man who tolerates all of my half-finished projects.
We have made our home in the beautiful foothills of South Carolina.
Even as a little girl, I was passionate about decorating. In fact, when I was sent to my room for getting in trouble, it was hardly punishment. I would spend my time rearranging my furniture or decorating my dollhouse.
Our family moved several times while I was growing up and my favorite homes were the ones built in around the 1920′s. I loved the hardwood floors, wainscoting, tall moldings and all the other details that newer homes don’t have.
When my husband and I married fourteen years ago, I moved into the 1980′s ranch home that he had bought a month before we met on a blind date. It was hardly the 1920′s cottage craftsman that I had dreamed of, but that has not held me back from turning my dream into a reality with the help of a little DIY know-how, a few power tools and a lot of determination. Little by little, I’m finding ways to add vintage charm to our basic-builder’s ranch.
The turning point in how I viewed our home came in 2006 when we thought we had to sell it for our growing family. Although there were tons of homes on the market, we could never find THE ONE that had privacy and a large yard for the kids to play in like we have now.
It was then that I realized that I needed to appreciate what we were already blessed with.
Download this free printable by clicking this link
When we took it off the market, I decided to make our home comfortable for us and how we live, and not to please potential buyers.
Soon after my turning point, my husband had back surgery. I couldn’t bear the thought of asking him to do projects around the house that I could at least try to do myself. So, I overcame my fear of power tools and my husband overcame his fear of his wife changing everything in the house.
By the way, his back is perfectly fine now, but my new-found passion for DIY never ceased.
My style has evolved over the years, but I would describe it as mix of casual, coastal and vintage-cottage-classic. I love mixing textures and neutrals but adding just a touch of color.
Our living room was the first room I tackled after I conquered my fear of the miter saw. I put up the board and batten and built the mantle. I’ll have the full room reveal coming soon.
Every now and then, you’ll find that I like to explore the my crafty side.
I love finding something that inspires me and then recreating it, like the faux aged steel paint finish that I did on this Ikea cabinet that was inspired by a cabinet from Restoration Hardware.
Since we live in a small home, I have to find ways to maximize storage and keep things organized. This is our small 3 1/2′ x 9′ laundry room that utilizes storage space all the way to the ceiling.
Since I work full-time in the healthcare field, decorating and home improvement projects are my creative outlets. Because of this blog and you, I’ve found a great way to share what I am passionate about. I hope that while you’re here, you’ll find something that inspires you!
Here are a few of my favorite projects that I’d love for you to see!
Board, Batten and Beauty on a Budget: Cottage Charm Hallway Reveal
Beautifully Organized Linen Closet
{Organization On A Budget} small home BIG IDEAS For An Office-In-A-Closet
So pour yourself a glass of sweet tea (or even a glass of wine) and head on over to the house tour to see more!
Please feel free to contact me by email here.
I’m a monthly contributor to Infarrantly Creative and Fox Hollow Cottage!
Never miss a new post! Just enter your email address in the box below.
Or pick your favorite way to follow!
Pinterest, Facebook, RSS, Google +, Instagram
And remember…
Hi, I just found your blog through Debbiedoo’s and I’m now following. Love your style and your cute projects. I’m very new to this so It’s great to get inspiration.
All the best for 2013,
Julie
Great stuff !
I love the chalkboard art that you feature. Where did you find it?
Hi Megan! I made the chalkboard art with a free photo editing program called Picmonkey. Here is the link if you would like to download it for yourself:
You have a lovely family, home and blog! Started following through google reader and just wanted you to know.
Thank you!
Reading your “About” I made many connections to my own life! And what a beautiful quote! That says so much about who you are, outside of all the ‘house nerd’ (or housie) parts of you! So glad to find your blog and meet you, I look forward to following!
Krista
I love your style and I love your heart. What a beautiful family. I know what fun it is to have a houseful of boys.
Bless you all!
Thank you for starting this blog. I’m finding a lot of great info here I can use in my home.
Great blog! I have enjoyed reading your posts. I too am in a small 50′s ranch and can relate to making the best use of the space we have. Thanks for some new tips!