Found treasure on the way home-need ideas!

Question

For a few years now I've been toying with the idea of remodeling a dollhouse. But dollhouses are expensive! And I'm not really sure what direction to go.... I was very inspired by a certain ultra fabulous bloggess and her haunted mansion dollhouse of awesomeness.    Then on the way home from work this week, there it was... On the curb... For free! It seems this project is meant to be:) But now I'm stuck, where to start?! I thought maybe some of you hometalk lovelies may have some knowledge or ideas to share? Thanks!!

Shari · Answer

Well, like so many *real* houses, this has great bones but it sure needs work! (Is that green shag carpeting?!) And just like renovation projects for *real* houses, you probably need to do some research to get some idea of what you want your new house to look like. I would start checking sites that specialize in miniatures and dollhouse parts for inspiration. I have a friend who has dabbled a little bit in miniatures (but not actual dollhouses...yet) and I've seen some of the things available. It's amazing and utterly fascinating what choices there are. The sky is the limit and you are only limited by your budget...just like when doing DIY on *real* houses! (I actually saw a 1:12 scale miniature can of Comet cleanser that was about $4 or $5--at least twice the cost of the real thing!) Good luck with your project. It should be fun. :)

Lindsey Taylor · Answer

Yes it does have great bones AND green shag carpeting too! lol;) In fact, I tore that same carpet off the stairs of my own house when I moved in! Good thing the carpeting will easily come out (carpet tape only, not glued down)! I have been scouring sites and you're right, the sky seems to be the limit! I'm sure I need to start with things like the roof and windows, floors and doors etc... Just wondered if anyone had some ideas on where to start or maybe info on what type of dollhouse this is? I know it's a 1:12 scale, maybe a colonial? I'm considering adding a porch, or a wraparound porch but can't find any DIY help on that and kits for that are outrageously expensive!! Like over $150! Also would changing the original look of the outside of this piece be a bad move?

Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center · Answer

You can change anything you want on the house - it's your very own! Just be sure the structure can handle the changes. Here is a fab reference site on everything miniature dollhouse, that includes dies: http://miniatures.about.com. There's yahoo group called 'The Camp' where the miniaturists are more than helpful - do a search in yahoo for them and email a request for entrance. Google your local dollhouse miniature store too - to see the stuff in person will get your choices down to a manageable level. There may also be a club in your area - the local store would have this info too. And, lastly, there is the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts, (N.A.M.E.) an old group of miniaturists and quite the collective of information. On their website, they list miniature shows and events: http://www.miniatures.org. There's a ton of inspiration on pinterest under 'miniatures' and a bunch of diy videos on YouTube - search your keywords for the parts of the dollhouse your working on. My site has the living garden part: http://www.TwoGreenThumbs.com - you could put it outside and let it decay into the haunted house that you are looking for - a no-cost-option. ;o)

Carol King-ricca · Answer

Great find Lindsey. I find most things I need on E Bay for a dollhouse. There are dollhouse companies on line with catalogs too. You can by windows, doors, parts to repair the stairs, etc to fix up you dollhouse. Wood glue and painters tape help. I have bought many tools to work on dollhouses. A craft store like Michael's or hobby Lobby have many items also. Use fingernail files to sand areas. You might like to make the flat roof a balcony. I prefer wood looking floors. over carpet. Get creative. It id a wonderful hobby. Enjoy

Dawn · Answer

I would remove the window frame and paint it nice country or prom colors. Go to Hobby Lobby and get new shingles n window frames. Remove old shingles. I would also get rid of the shag and repaint the inside. Make a master BR and a girl's BR. If you have a daughter she can help or a son would gave a boy's room. See if you can find  or make window boxes. There is a lot to be done n a lot of fun.

Maria De Los Angeles Acevedo · Answer

I would definitely make it a French Country Estate house

Martha C · Answer

Lucky you! I see it as a beautiful country house. My own Victorian town house is still in a box!

Betty819 · Answer

Isn't it funny that we all spied that green shag carpet right away? LOL! You know about what time frame this doll house was started. 1970-1980. I wonder if it was ever complete at one time. It appears that Carol from Safety Harbor, Fl. is refurnishing one, so maybe she can give you an idea of the cost involved. I think it would be fun but try one's patience dealing with such small scales. Can the roof top be lifted off to allow you to work inside before finishing that? There's a chance that you can't match the existing roof shingles or color and might have to put on a new roof altogether. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day! Do one room at a time, keep track of what every item cost, be curious to how much you will end up spending. Should be fun but I'm glad it's you doingit instead of me. I was never into dolls or playhouses as a kid. I'd rather have the real house to makeover..more of a challenge but more expensive! Take pictures for us to see as you go along, just like a real house! Good Luck on this project!

Connie · Answer

I would make it into an indoor fairy garden, adding lots of indoor plants & make them stay small. But never being into dolls as a kid even that's just my idea. Enjoy whatever you do with it. sounds like a fun creative journey.

Martin Finn · Answer

Too fussy for me...I would make it in to a bird house

Joyce · Answer

I would remove carpet and replace the spindles. I usually make a paper pattern for each wall and transfer the pattern ti poster board (check it for Size) You can paint or wall paper each piece and glue in place. This is much easier and great for changing out rooms in the future. Theirs a builders Warehouse on line that is reasonable for miniature supplies. Look around for bottle caps, coffee creamers, spools kid broken toy parts etc to make accessories. Check out pet shops for fish breeding grass and greens for flower pots.etc

Carol Ann McDaniel · Answer

Turn it into a version of the Adams mansion. Offbeat concepts in every room. Of course you would need a dungeon with an iron maiden. Thing scurrying to open the front door. Headless roses. Kitchen with a cauldron. Fencing room. Ballroom! It's gonna need a permanent home before you start.

Edith · Answer

I used to collect dollhouses but I only decorated the outside- too much dust in my own house to contend with any more. I got a transformers and lamps for the inside which I glued to blocks, made 'lace curtains' from trim so that it appeared occupied from the outside and then went to town with Christmas lights, flags, whatever the season called for.  I did have some furniture that had been given to me, but the outside was easier and more fun for me.

Sue Rogers · Answer

My husband built 2 doll houses for our grandchildren, they were supper. I did the interior. I built a fireplace, on the outside of the house I used flat stones. Yours looks good. Repaint the outside and outside. If you want hardwood floors stain then draw straight lines as if real hardwood. Windows also need shudders

Joy Joseph · Answer

Add the siding. You will never regret it! Then have fun decorating it!!!!

Vickie Willmuth · Answer

First, the shag carpet MUST GO--which seems to be the overall opinion! LOL I would do 'hardwood' . The little room to the side with the flat roof needs a roof like the rest of the house. I have a doll house that my aunt made for my daughter, who is now 33, it is plastic canvas, it took her a year to complete, two story, furniture and a family with a cat and a dog, I keep it out year round, and decorate it for all the holidays and seasons. My aunt passed away in 2001.

Susan · Answer

I am with Martin....great bird house!

Marilee H · Answer

If you want to keep it as a dollhouse, think faux for many of the repairs. Instead of wood shingles, cardboard (about cereal box wt.) painted, same if you want to add siding, etc. Or how about a fairy house? That way, natural materials from the yard, etc. can be used.

Dangrktty · Answer

Are there 2 pieces of shag? I saw the avocado green.. but is that harvest gold ?!!!
My first apt had green shag and harvest gold appliances... 1974!
Just my opinion, it might be harder to match missing pieces like window frames or spindles than just replace them. Or not. Is it your desire to restore this gem to its 1980s elegance, or update it ? I would treat this as a renovation rather than a restoration..
At any rate, get a putty knife, a screw driver, and gut the insides, tile, carpet, staircase, etc. Sand the rough parts with a sanding block sponge and use the hose end of your vacuum cleaner to get all of the dust out.
You might be able to match the spindles on the staircase, or not. Same with the shingles on the roof. Might be easier to replace them.
You could paint each of the rooms, faux paint, or try some scrapbook paper as wallpaper.
will you keep the floor tile?
As for the chimney, peel the contact paper off the outside, and replace it with pieces of dollhouse chimney brick. It comes in sheets that can be cut, or if you are OCD as I am, roll out some poly clay and cut some rocks or bricks to scale, and build a new chimney. 
There is a newsletter on About.com devoted entirely to miniatures.I have found some great ideas there.

Denise Rankin · Answer

Remember that this is YOUR HOUSE! Treat it as you would a full scale house. The advantage to remodeling a dollhouse is that it is not nearly as expensive as a big one. I would recommend you plan it out with ideas, keep everything to the correct scale and most importantly HAVE FUN. If something does not look right just redo it. I lean toward the faux surfaces. Make your own furniture, artist paint brushes can really get small for the detail work. If this was mine, I would add the porch, and the deck that have been suggested and remember to make the scale correct. The chimney needs to be redone but I would not add siding, too limiting. Enjoy!

Bonny McDaniel · Answer

I've restored several doll houses, years ago. First, the siding. That will be a big job and I would suggest getting some strip bass wood at Michael's or a hobby shop and glue it on, spaced properly for the scale, so it looks like board and batten. Joyce had the idea to glue wallpaper to poster board and glue that into the rooms...good idea but make sure you get all the air bubbles out or it will buckle...if you can't find a supply for dollhouse wallpaper, use scrap booking paper in a proper scale. That looks like a 1inch to 1 foot scale dollhouse so it is easy to figure out. You might be able to find some of the windows at a dollhouse supply business...either locally or on-line. And the idea of a roof top garden sounds great...good luck!

Pauliegirl1 · Answer

Have fun with it!!! Siding would be fun, or maybe u can find some scrapbook paper design in brick, or wood, u could do a haunted mansion, a fairy/knome house, maybe YOUR OWN dream home....so many things....just keep ur eyes peeled for things OUTSIDE the box....like the great idea from above with cereal box for shingles. The little 'side' would be a great outdoor garden spot ..go for it, u can always change it!!! Hope you post ur changes as the happen!!!

Marge · Answer

Make a chart or booklet of ideas and such. Like what to use and where. You could find miniature ideas at the craft stores for inspiration. Don't get too detailed. Talk to someone at Home Depot for left over pieces of wood, etc. fabric remnants from JoAnn Fabrics. Go to wall paper store for a wall paper sample book too.

Lynda H · Answer

If you need parts or questions answered, you can contact The Dollhouse and Toy Soldier Shop in Berkeley, Michigan. They are wonderful!! They have a website you can check out!   Most of all,take your time and have fun!!

Sharron · Answer

Oh how FUN...what a great find!!! I would love a project like this...so many possibilities! If it were me, the first thing I would do is to try to find some of the little wood shingles to match what is already on the house. I am sure you can find them in the craft aisles of any store that sells such things. If the color is faded from the old ones, just shellac or even paint would remedy that issue. Are the current window panes made out of plastic? If you can't find a match for the missing ones, I would remove the old ones and rebuild your own, as well as the missing front door, using thin wood, such as veneer. You could glue 'glass windows' from the inside, cut from a sheet of thin plastic. On the inside, I agree with the others about replacing the carpet with something that would replicate hardwood floors. I actually think the small tiles in the room with the stairs is pretty cool! Just paint or find new 'wall paper' for the walls, and add small baseboards to the rooms, curtains for the windows, and some new spindles for the stairs. Have fun with it, take your time, and show us some more pictures along the way! :)

Dee · Answer

I've never restored a dollhouse but I can imagine the fun in doing so. I rather like the color blue, maybe refresh it and shutters on the windows. As for the inside, farm style would really nice. Can't wait to see how you decorate each room. It would make a beautiful Christmas vignette.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Change window to a door re deck. You could put a railing around area and use for a walk-out patio.

Carol King-ricca · Answer

Yes you can. Lots of work but will work nicely. I buy wood looking paper for dollhouses because it is easy to clean myself. Popsicle sticks are great for a lot of things. Furniture etc. Laminate is heavy and thick. I have used vinyl samples that look like wood. I also made a fishing camp using popsicle sticks. I'll have to post it. That is what is fun about creating.

Carol King-ricca · Answer

One more thing. Cotton swabs are great for cleaning.

Diane holmstedt · Answer

You can get 100 square butt shingles at Hobby Lobby for $3. I'm restoring my old doll house. I'd do a wrap around porch on your house with wooden spindles. Lots of Gingerbread, etc.

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