After visiting our rehabilitated properties people often say to me - “I’d really love to see your house.” Well, I’m not so sure you would.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my life to rehabilitate and decorate multiple properties that I don’t actually live in. We own three Airbnb properties, all of which I was able to design and decorate, mostly for show. Yes, people do live (very temporarily) in these spaces, but they don’t have a year’s worth of magazines to contend with, stacks of laundry or baskets filled with pet toys. No one “lives” in a short-term rental, so there’s very little need to consider things like where to put the winter coats or store small kitchen appliances.
But my personal house, my home, is designed for real life. It’s a wonderful home, but it’s not a showplace.
My husband and I built our home in 1992 – during the log home craze. So of course, we have a log home which now feels very dated. I love dark, moody colors and during the pandemic I painted almost all of our non-log walls a deep charcoal gray (Sherwin William’s “Iron Ore”). Just a few years later, I’m over the dark walls and need to re-paint. Our great room has a wood planked ceiling that my husband absolutely loves, but I find it very 90’s and would prefer to paint it. Our gas fireplace was built in the early 2000’s, and the faux stone has orange undertones which no longer work in that space. I’d like to upgrade the entire fireplace. The tile floors should really be re-grouted and the hardwood floors need to be re-finished. We have an exercise bike in the great room. Need I continue??
Before you get the impression that I hate my home, let me state that I adore my home! It’s a warm, welcoming and comfortable space filled with 30 years of wonderful memories and much love. My sister-in-law once told me our home was her favorite house in the world. That’s the kind of compliment you never forget! Our home has been a gathering place for family for many years, and we hope it will continue to be for many more.
The house itself sits on seven acres of land. It has an abundance of windows which let in copious amounts of natural light. There are two cozy fireplaces (outdated but cozy), glass french-doors leading to an A-frame covered deck, three bathrooms, a massive storage room, a well laid-out kitchen, three bedrooms, two great rooms, laundry room and so much more. It really is a fabulous house and we are very fortunate to live here. And yet….there will always be things I can improve on.
People sometimes tell me they’d like to hire me, but they’re too embarrassed for me to see their homes. I always reassure them that I completely understand how they feel. I’m not sure I’d want to open my home up for scrutiny either. But at the same time, I know I can help them change the way they feel about their home. I know with absolute certainty that I can do this. With a little effort, most homes can be transformed into better versions of themselves. It does not have to involve knocking down walls, or buying all new furniture. It can be as simple as getting rid of clutter and adding an area rug. Small changes can have a great impact if you know what to change!
Danna
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