Text by Hannah Jones
A creative at heart, Bre Doucette always had a passion for decorating but wasn’t sure how to execute it without professional experience—that is, until she found blogging. Seven years later, Bre has a successful blog, Rooms for Rent, as well as an upcoming book, set to release in 2019. We had the chance to catch up with her and chat about her home décor philosophy and what she has planned for autumn.
The Cottage Journal: Where did the name Rooms for Rent come from?
Bre Doucette: When I finally decided to take the leap and start my blog, I was trying to come up with a name and thinking about what I wanted people to find on my blog. I knew it was going to be about decorating, but I wanted people to find designs that they felt like they could duplicate in their own homes—“rent” the ideas, so to speak. I was looking around pieces in my own home, and my eyes stumbled upon one of my favorite signs hanging on my wall that says, “Rooms for rent.” I got it from Pottery Barn on major clearance, and I remember at the time I bought it realizing you can decorate your home with the things you love without breaking the bank. Choosing the saying off of that clearance sign was a reminder for me of where it all began. Not only was I giving people design ideas they could “rent” for their own rooms, but it reminded me you don’t have to buy expensive things to have a nice home. Being thrifty and shopping sales is my favorite way to decorate.
TCJ: You’ve said that everyone can “love the space they live in.” What are some ways you’ve created a space that reflects you and your family while staying on budget?
BD: Shopping thrift stores and finding pieces that speak to you really help reflect your story. Decorating should be personal, just like picking out your favorite outfit. Over the years, I’ve learned to hold off and only buy the pieces that I love. That will definitely help out your budget when you aren’t filling up with things that you don’t love. It also helps you save up for the things that you really love when you come across them.
TCJ: The home you’re currently in is you and your husband’s first. What was your journey to finding this home like, and what initially drew you to it?
BD: Oh my gosh, it took us two years to find this home. We had a list of things that were must-haves, and we weren’t afraid of getting our hands dirty either. We started house hunting when we were pregnant with our first, and we looked at so many homes. It wasn’t until shortly after the birth of our second child that we found this one and closed on it in four weeks! As frustrating as the process can be, and having two potential offers on other homes fall through, we knew the right home was out there for us, and to just be patient because it would be worth the wait. When we found our current home, it was the perfect blend of the things my husband and I both desired in a home— farmhouse charm mixed with a classic New England style. The half walls with the columns separating the living and dining room were one of the selling factors, and I love our farmers porch!
TCJ: Your home has a farmhouse style, with muted tones and lots of wood accents. Where did you draw inspiration from when designing these spaces?
BD: I’ve always been a fan of white and the softer muted tones. It’s no wonder I’m a sucker for any type of white shirt I see! I’ve also always loved the look of reclaimed wood or exposed beams. I’m drawn to creating spaces that are equal parts neutral and wooden accents that creates a balance throughout. Too much white and it begins to feel too shabby chic. Too much wood and it begins to feel too rustic. I like my spaces to feel warm and inviting, so having the perfect blend helps me achieve that throughout our home.
TCJ: You’ve done some extensive DIY renovations on your home. What advice would you give to other DIYers after these experiences?
BD: Start small. This past year, we recently tackled our biggest renovation to date—our master bathroom. But I am so glad that was not our first project because we have learned so many valuable skills over the years in completing projects around the house—like to expect delays and spending a little more than you’ve budgeted, down to knowing the right tools can make all the difference in the world when you are trying to DIY renovations. I learned how to grout tile for the first time this year, and let me just say, I’d much rather have a paintbrush in my hands and leave the tile to my husband.
TCJ: Also on the note of renovations, what else do you have planned for this home?
BD: Ha, dare I say! My husband says my project list is never-ending. I always have a project waiting in the wings, and although we’ve accomplished so much in the past seven years we’ve been here, I’m ready to update some things that were not so high on the list when we first moved in. One of those is revamping our farmers porch and updating the exterior lights to look more farmhouse-y. And I still have some ceiling lights inside I’d love to swap out for something a little trendier.
TCJ: So far, we’ve seen your kitchen ready for fall, and it is so warm and inviting! How are you going to approach autumn décor in the rest of your home?
BD: When I’m changing up my décor for the seasons, I tend to stick to the same color scheme throughout. This year for fall, I’m loving the deep forest greens like in olive branches and gourds. I’m also loving the darker wood tones versus my typical gray washed wood tones, and muted colors you would find in heirloom pumpkins. I like to let the colors of nature inspire the colors I decorate with—creamy whites, deep bluish-greens, and dark charcoal are some of my favorites for fall.
TCJ: Your master bedroom takes a turn from the traditional muted tones in the rest of your home. Why did you decide to change things up here?
BD: As much as I love white, I also crave some dark walls, too! I love to paint—it actually feels therapeutic to me, so you can often find me with a paintbrush in my hands. With how easy it is to switch up a wall color, I decided to take a leap in the opposite direction and paint the walls in our room a dramatic blue that has green and gray undertones. The color is called Duke Gray and it’s from Magnolia, and it is a beautiful, rich color. I figured if I didn’t like it, I could always just paint it another color, but so far, I’m loving this deep hue.
TCJ: With these dark walls, what are some ways that you keep the space light and airy?
BD: With the walls dark, I decided to keep my bedding light. Our natural linen headboard really stands out now, and I love layering lots of white linen bedding on our bed. It reminds me of staying at a bed-and-breakfast along the coast, and I love that our room feel like a little getaway!
TCJ: Looking forward as a blogger and designer, where do you see yourself going?
BD: It’s funny that you ask that, because I currently find myself in a melting pot of new and fresh content and ideas. I’m working on my first book (due out next year!) and wanting to expand my brand to not only inspire women in their homes but with their creative dreams, too! I’m hopeful with all the potential the near future holds, and I love that blogging provides a flexible platform to share all the things I’m passionate about.