La (Dollhouse) En Rouge

On suggestion of Rachel, I have fallen into the whirlpool that is the Japanese DIY Dollhouse kit. After making sure I wasn't buying one she already had, I decided to go with this pink-themed set:

Who chooses the names for these kits anyway? "Tranquil Life"?

I find that the perfect motivation to work on one of these kits is when you are avoiding other, more stressful responsibilities - such as when you are changing jobs after nine years. I had about a month between the end of my previous job and the start of the new job, and this kit was a wonderful escape from all that (we'll just ignore the fact that I had to sell one house, find housing in a new city 3 hours away, and sandwich in a family reunion in the Colorado Rockies also).

I put the kit together rather quickly - so quickly that the pictures I took of the process got a little jumbled and out-of-order. But I think you'll still get an idea of how it went:

So many tiny books to cut out and assemble!

A charming breakfast for two - and quite a lot crammed into the little breakfast bar!

The breakfast bar in process

The range and oven. Even the pot is pink in this house.

The pot on the range, and the tiniest utensil caddy ever.

Anyone who knows me knows that pink is not my favorite color. But this little dollhouse was growing on me. The pink was becoming soothing without being juvenile. However, what had really drawn me to this particular dollhouse kit was the houseplant growing all up the 2-story picture window.

Comfy, 1980's inspired chairs at a reading table? Yes please!

His and hers. Or, maybe the single occupant of this apartment just really loves slippers...

So. Many. Leaves. Each one had been cut out with embroidery scissors and individually glued to the wire.

Finally done. I'm thinking of naming it Audrey.

The TV and console done, with a growing pile of scraps in the background.

By now, I was sailing along. You might be wondering what I am going to do with this when finished - after all, moving house is traditionally a time when you pare down your possessions, not add to them. Fear not! Rachel has already agreed to take it to add to her growing collection of these dollhouse "apartments", and eventually display them at the library.

I am sure I have come across chairs like this in a grade school classroom or children's department at a library.

A space-saving corner shower with shower head ready to be mounted on the wall.

A bathroom sink. Surface mounted - very chic and modern.

Someone has left their fashion magazine out. I don't generally read fashion magazines, so I couldn't tell you which one.

The very comfortable-looking pink couch. I was so proud of the rounded arm rests.

Cappuccino for two? With kiwi cookies? I'll be over at tea time!

An illuminated bunny lamp for the bedroom - so cute.

I could happily sprawl on this bed, but I fear it's like those beds in department stores - all hard cardboard and plywood underneath!

I think the thing I was most nervous about was electrifying the dollhouse. Rachel has had some experience with small electronics, even prior to electrifying her own dollhouses. I have not, so seeing it light up was hugely rewarding!

It lights up! I can't wait to see it all lit!

This just looks like such a cozy space.

The stairs and ceiling fixtures. I worked so hard to make sure these were as straight and true as possible.

It's a bit out of order here, but a look at the empty shell.

Even without the lighting turned on, the window plant is impressive.

And here she (definitely a she!) is, in all her glory! So cute! So cozy! So...pink!

A view from a "short" side

A view from what is considered the front, without the lights on.

The lights really finish it out for me. They dampen all the pink, and make things look inviting and cozy.

Above all, I think I found this project so addictive and enjoyable because it gave me somewhere happy and welcoming to imagine myself into while my actual, physical home that I'd worked for nine years to make into a relaxing and safe space is being dismantled. I have no doubt that I will find my feet again once in a new space, and I'm looking forward to new adventures. In the meantime, this has been the best of mental way-stations.

I can easily imagine myself into this little apartment. If it was listed on AirBnb, I'd book it in an instant!