AT HOME IN RACINE: A WEEKLY BLOG SERIES IN WHICH I BARGE IN YOUR NEIGHBORS’ HOUSES AND ASK “WHAT’S THAT” A BUNCHA TIMES

             Have you ever driven past a house in Racine and been like … “Ooo, I wonder what their deal is?” I decided to start a series where I basically just knock on doors and ask that very question. You welcome.

I should explain.

I’m not a journalist (That was legit the best headline I could come up with). I’m not a photographer and I’m no architectural historian. I’m just a design nut. I’m starting this series because of my love and curiosity for the way people express their truest selves in their built environments. We surround ourselves with things that have meaning and evoke feelings. And cherish things that once belonged to other people as a way of keeping them with us. The resulting collection of things, when appointed with intention, discretion and scrutiny, is style.

Style is everywhere. And it is not just for the rich and it does not look like just one thing. I wanted to explore the everyday styles of fellow Racinians and find out what makes their spaces uniquely theirs.

The folks in this series were kind and trusting enough to let me snoop around their homes and ask them about their stuff. The result is not so much a profile on your neighbors themselves, but a glimpse into their everyday perspectives as they are reflected in their homes.

So, here goes nothing: The first installment of “At Home, in Racine”.

Frenchish Rustic Decor Details In A Zoo- Area home & A Bright Southside spot With Musical Roots

Bruce & Sandy

I had to bust into Sandy’s house because she’s super stylish and I just knew there were fun surprises hiding behind that door. Her delightful Northside ranch is decorated with distressed white wood and an antique Frenchie vibe.

The style is weathered and bright.

Sandy is a flea market fiend and Bruce is an artist. The home is filled with vintage, remastered and handmade treasures.

Fun little vintage rustic details abound!

Thanks to Sandy and Bruce (and Goldie, who apparently loves a good photo shoot) for letting me meddle in your style business.

 

Enett & Marco

 

At this welcoming family home, the door is always open! (In a metaphorical way. They definitely lock their doors, come on?)

This loving duo is all about their large community of friends and family and celebrating a rooted cultural tradition and passion for music. Marco comes from a musical family, with his father, Eugenio “Gene” Jaimez, having been a Tejano Musician in Laredo, TX. Marco plays several instruments himself and he and Enett run a music label call Paxia Records where they count their eldest son (also named Marco) among the talent they manage.

The home is bright with a straight-forward and natural feeling, a cozy spot for a beer and a plate (they throw down in the kitchen) and inevitably a song. The art and décor reference all the things these two hold dear just like any successful personal style should do.

 

Thanks to Marco and Enett for being my blog guinea pigs.

 

Check out Marco Jr. with his band New Vices here

and read more about the family’s musical mission at www.paxiarecords.com.