We have lived in our house for almost 9 years, and even though the house was completely re-done right before we moved in, time has not been kind. I am looking around today and wondering when everything went down hill so quickly. I do know that it all took a massive acceleration when Mr. T was born, but it's not all his fault.

I have always been a "design on a dime" kind of person, and generally I am comfortable in my home and see it for what it can become. But as I look around, I am having a difficult time finding me in my home. So much of it is stuff that has come together and works, but I can't say that when you walk into my home you would say to yourself, "Yep. Julie lives here." There is a lot of art and creativity that feels like it is hidden behind a brick wall inside of me.

Today that feeling is urging me to rip everything down that doesn't belong in my house and get rid of it, but I am afraid if I do that, there will be nothing left!

My home is definitely cottage style, so, here is some inspirational pictures to start building on and to help get back the ME in this house. What do you think? Any ideas that have inspired you lately?