Customizing My Vermont Farmhouse Jr. Dollhouse

If you’ve been following along with my Vermont Farmhouse Jr. dollhouse build, you already know . . . I didn’t exactly stick to the script. While the kit comes with its own set of instructions and charming details, I saw it as more of a starting point than a rulebook. I made several changes along the way to really bring the house to life and make it feel like my own.

Here’s a full look at what I changed, skipped, and added throughout the build.

What I Left Out (Exclusions)

Let’s start with what didn’t make the cut. Some elements just didn’t fit the vibe I had for this house, so I chose to leave them out entirely:

• Gingerbread trim
• Porch railing
• Solid front door
• Flower boxes

These pieces are beautiful in their own right, but removing them gave me a more modern and updated look to build on.

What I Added (Inclusions) and Why

This is where things got fun! Where I really leaned into creativity and started adding details that made the house feel finished and personal with my own style and flare.

Front door with lookout glass
I swapped the original door for one with a lookout window to add a bit more character and light.

Porch coach lights
These instantly elevated the exterior and made the home feel warm and welcoming.

Porch canned lights and wood paneling
One of my favorite additions, these small details made a huge impact, especially when lit.

Porch step
This one wasn’t planned. I actually made a mistake that completely ruined my foundation but instead of starting over, I used leftover materials to create a porch step (lolz . . .when life gives you lemons). Honestly, it ended up being one of those happy accidents that made the house even better.

Shutter dogs (3D printed)
A tiny detail that adds so much realism. I modeled and printed these myself for a custom touch.

Window trim (top detail)
Adding trim above the windows helped give the exterior a more elevated, layered look.

Shutter hinges
Another small detail that makes a big difference in bringing the shutters to life.

Final Thoughts

This build was a reminder that you don’t have to follow every instruction to create something beautiful. Sometimes the best parts come from experimenting, making mistakes, and figuring things out along the way.

If you’re working on your own dollhouse, don’t be afraid to make it yours. Those little changes are what turn a kit into something truly special.

Continue the Build

Want to see how I got to this point? Explore the earlier steps in the series to follow along from the beginning here.