DecorBook Classic : Doesn't Your Home Deserve a Name?
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Remember reading stories involving charming houses called "The Ivy Cottage" or "Sea View?" Would it surprise you to know that naming our America houses - the kind we actually live in - has now become a thing? I always thought that was reserved for "cottages," the likes of which you see in Newport, RI. Or in old rural Ireland where there aren't house numbers and streets. Not anymore. Maybe you've already named your house. I'm mulling over the idea. Let's take a look.
Jennifer and I were talking the other day when I mentioned a NYTimes article (see below) about naming one's home is a hot trend. Jennifer was way ahead of the game. Her house is currently "Jota (or Casa) Jimenez" but subject to change. Jennifer and Javier named their family "Jotas." Jota is "J" in Spanish and they make the sign (language) for a "J" as fun code. When Jennifer remodeled, she threw out all the miscellaneous coffee mugs and bought coffee cups with a black "J" on them for "Jota's." Then she them filled them with coca, Baileys and candies as gifts for everyone who visited their new digs. I think having initialized mugs is a great idea for any home.
Jennifer remembered my guest rooms have a brass number on each door, "Kylee, you're in room 198 tonight." She took that idea and ran with it. "La Suite Jimenez" - which establishes its their suite without using "primary bedroom" as the indicator.
Jennifer has named one room, "Casa Javier" - more fun than "guest room." Another guest room is "La Casita." "Maya, you're staying in La Casita." So fun! Designing a family logo led to other ideas - imprinted matchbooks, embroidered cocktail napkins, pillow slips, towels. Customized small door signs are affordably available on etsy and Amazon. Look forward to seeing what Jennifer does next.
Connie
Other friends have homes with names. Connie's Oregon beach house (pictured is the view from the deck) is named "the Ark." Years after they bought it, they found out the original owner had also called the house "the Ark." That name was meant to be. Ruthann's house in Sisters, OR is fondly called "Squirrel's Nest." And in true Jayne&Michael fashion, their 1912 San Franciscan Edwardian is known by two names depending on the situation. "PITA" (pain in the ass) or "Tillie Toomuch." Tillie may be trouble but she's a beauty.
I got to thinking about what I could name my house. All was revealed when I started to look in my rooms.
Hmmm. Every room seems to have a rabbit and a rabbit lives in my side yard. I was born in the Year of the Rabbit.
And not to put a finer point on it, here's my Peter (doh!) with our cat, Hazy, one lazy summer afternoon.
Am thinking I could name my house "Rabbit Hutch" or in French, "Clapier à Lapin." There are beautiful, affordable outdoor signs custom made on etsy and Amazon. Maybe a small bronze plaque with the name on the front of the house? Or maybe just hang a cement bunny there. After all, if you know, you know.
I couldn't help delving into the world of branding one's house. In five minutes, I designed house napkins. But after looking at this template, maybe this house name is too cutesy.
To tell the truth, I'd love a real rabbit. Do you follow #thebeagleandthebun on Instagram? Rue holds her own with cat and dog siblings and always enjoys a fancy breakfast. Now there's a true bunny house. Enjoy your Memorial Day Sunday! A heartfelt thank you to all who serve our country.
the NYTimes article that started me thinking - (just copy and paste into your browser to read) :
a wonderful blog about house names and their history :
https://www.melaniejadedesign.com/house-names-with-meanings/?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=organic
top photo (and etsy shop to buy a very affordable house name sign) :
