Recently, I acquired this beautiful Mason & Hamlin piano.  It originally belonged to my grandmother and was given to my mother so that I could take lessons.  It has now come to live in my home.

We believe it was purchased in the late 1940’s or early 1950’s.  We had to have it completely restored – all new wooden keys.  The needle point cover on the bench was actually done by my grandmother.  I have thought about creating some kind of covering to protect it, but that is still just an idea that I am playing with in my head.

When the piano arrived in my home, just before Christmas, I really didn’t have a good spot for it.  My home is completely furnished.  When something new comes in, something old has to leave.  So, we moved a large China hutch to make room for it in the Dining Room/ Foyer.  I tossed a few framed pictures on it and there it sat, totally neglected of style.

One of the great things about blogging and following other blogs is the inspiration that you find from others.   A favorite blog that I follow is the lovely lizmarieblog.  She has a beautiful farmhouse that she is restoring.  I love and admire her quintessential farmhouse style.  She recently posted about painting her piano white.  You can read all about that here.  It looks amazing in her home, but I know I could never paint this piano. I am not at all opposed to painting old furniture, it just wouldn’t be right in this case. However,  she did inspire me to accept what I have and to get busy and make it work in our house.  Thank you for your inspiration Liz Marie.

So, first I shopped my house pulling items from the living room and bedroom.  We have a Chris Hartsfield original watercolor titled “Napa & Vine” hanging over the piano. I wanted to accent the apple greens in the painting with some apple green vases I purchased a few years ago.  I also had a few other decorative items with that color to create the vignettes on top of the piano.

Although I am one of those who is constantly changing and moving things around in my home to keep the ambiance cozy and fresh,  I believe I will be happy with this “quick redo” for quite awhile.  I am pleased to have this piano in my home.  It carries with it so many fond memories and I hope that it will eventually be passed on to my children and grandchildren.

xxoo Gerri