Choosing a Dollhouse Kit

Dollhouse collecting is not quite as cut and dried as one might first assume. There is so much more to it than it appears upon first glance. Dollhouse kits are not all the same. There are many types and they all vary quite dramatically. Anyone that is interested in dollhouse kits but doesn’t know where to start should gather some helpful information for beginners. There is no specific type that one should start with. It’s all a matter of personal preference and originality.

There are two basic types of dollhouses. There are those that are designed for the play and enjoyment of children and there are those that are made for adult collection and design. If you plan to make a valuable collection out of your dollhouses then you would want to invest in something that was made for adult and collection purposes.

You will find that you will have a choice between plastic and wooden dollhouses. It’s entirely up to you which one to choose but wood tends to be more durable and seems to make better dollhouse material. Choosing a material should be based on where the dollhouse will be kept and what type of longevity you seek.

One thing you may notice as you look at dollhouses is that those designed for kids play are much simpler than those created for adult collections. Adult dollhouses tend to be much more intricately designed with details replicating those from actual houses.

There are different styles and themes that you can have for your dollhouse. For example, if you have always loved the appearance of old Victorian homes, your dollhouse can be the dream home you fantasize about. From Tudor mansions to Country style homes that ooze comfort, there is no style unheard of for a dollhouse.

If you are especially creative or you just can’t find the dollhouse kit that is perfect for you, don’t rule out building your own. Sketch out a design and follow up by building your very own dollhouse. Though it is certainly a lot of work, it is a guarantee that your house will always be an original. It’s a fantastic way to exercise your creative side while allowing your dream home to come to life, even if it’s a smaller version.

If budget plays a role in your choice of dollhouse kit, that’s totally fine. It’s actually very wise to start off a new collection by starting small rather than big. A low investment is better for beginners who may not be sure if this is something they will continue on with. When you become more informed and gain a real knack for dollhouse collecting, purchase values will become a familiar area.

The assembly time associated with a dollhouse can vary greatly depending on which kit you have. If simple is what you are looking for, consider a dollhouse that comes already put together. Of course, to some collectors building the house is half the fun. Take some time to shop around in order to discover the dollhouse that is right for you.

Seasonal Dollhouses

As a society, we follow certain seasonal traditions. Spring brings Easter, complete with bunnies, eggs and candy. In the summer, we highlight July 4 in the United States, while other countries have similar mid-summer events. Fall brings the changing of the leaves and Halloween with its spooky graveyards, witches and black cats. In winter, we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States with turkey dinners, pilgrims and cornucopias. This is followed by Christmas, Hanukkah or another mid-winter celebration. Then comes New Year’s, and the cycle of the year begins anew.

As we decorate and redecorate our homes for the changing traditions throughout the year, many dollhouse enthusiasts have discovered the fun of redecorating their dollhouses the same way. Due to its miniature scale, a dollhouse is the ideal backdrop for extensive redecorating projects that simply are not practical on a full scale in your home. If you have the time and patience for the project, it is relatively simple to perform even elaborate remodels to better suit a particular holiday theme, changing the house back to normal after the season ends.

If you prefer to add small touches rather than performing major remodeling work, seasonal decorations for dollhouses abound. You can purchase a Christmas tree (fully decorated or ready to decorate), a Hanukkah menorah, Jack o’ Lantern for Halloween, and almost any other seasonal decoration you can imagine. Let your own creativity run rampant, crafting miniature versions of your own decorations or those you would love to have for use in your dollhouse.

Don’t forget the small touches such as seasonal tablecloths and kitchen decorations, as well as seasonally appropriate food items. Nothing says “American Thanksgiving tradition” better than a turkey on the table or the stovetop. Adding a few appropriate items in most or all of the dollhouse rooms will give the dollhouse a very festive air. Also, consider changing the dolls’ clothes a bit. Seasonally appropriate clothing, whether a nice dress for Christmas or a costume for Halloween, will add to the realism of the scene.

If you want to do something to mark the holiday with a dollhouse, but you do not want to work with your display piece, another option exists. It is possible to purchase seasonal dollhouse kits or even fully-built seasonal dollhouses. These seasonal dollhouses are a bit over the top, decorated to the hilt for their respective seasons. However, they make a fun addition to your seasonal home decorations and are a nice substitute for fiddling with your display dollhouse.

However you decide to decorate with dollhouses for the changing seasons, remember that your dollhouses are a portion of your overall home décor. Just as it is necessary to retain balance in the interior design of your dollhouse, you should also maintain balance between your dollhouses and the rest of your home decorations. Enjoy your seasonal dollhouse additions but remember not to overdo it. A harmonious blend is the ideal, during the holiday seasons as well as throughout the year.