The Jensen family home was already perfect when they called me. It was filled with laughter, love, and a palpable spirit of compassion that was most embodied by the many (many) furry family members that met me (and all who dared enter) at the threshold with an excited delirium that made me feel every time as if I was arriving home from “the war”. There are rescues, fosters, and fancy purebred creatures. Old ones, baby ones, stumpy little things, and tall graceful majestic beasts. Dogs, horses, rabbits, and cats. Yes, I said cats.
Not the most exotic of the animals I mentioned but the most noteworthy due to my severe allergy combined with that particular animal’s well-documented tendency to not give af about your little allergies and for sensing your apprehension and b-lining directly to you to investigate why exactly you actin funny.
Now, friends who know me best would not describe me as an “animal person” anyway, but my severe allergy to cats and rodents is marked by a lifelong history of trying to navigate potential social situations around the presence of doggone cats. You might as well include it in the invite at this point cuz I’m gonna ask. I have memories of going to sleepovers as a kid and trying to will myself to have fun (breathe) for hours before calling my mom, wheezing, and admitting that there was a hidden cat or bunny that I swear I had no idea about and requesting a prompt evacuation before full-blown anaphylaxis could ruin my middle school reputation; I’d be waiting outside.
I swear I tried yall. I tried all the pills and the “I’ll just put her in the bedroom”. All that. I even looked into the shots because my best friend betrayed me (water under the bridge) by having a cat but girl, you have to get like 57 of them a day and they cost 12 million dollars. So I was definitely a little nervous about what I affectionately started referring to as “The Animal House”; less in like a Belushi way and more like in a Snow White and her forest friends sense. But the strangest thing happened. Member when that plague befell us? We all started wearing masks (not all of us but this ain’t about that) and I found my solution! After so many years of suffering, sniffing, and sneezing the answer was an N95 this whole time. I’m one of those rare people that found a weird and unexpected silver lining to this absurdist period in our lives. Obviously, you know…. not worth it, but never look a gift cat in the whatever.
Or… Hear me out.
When I first sat down at that table with sweet Lori, matriarch, business owner, personal zookeeper, and Odell the cat slinked onto the dining table to get on my level, walked over to me and gently put his forehead and nose to mine at first as if to kill me as efficiently as possible but then as if to hypnotize my allergies away… like…did he?
I’m just saying. #doyourownresearch
Anyways, that was the start. What followed was a fun and eye-opening series of projekts filled with creative solutions and design firsts. I can’t wait to share them with you.
So, let’s go.
We all have that one room. It’s not the one you put the most Pinterest hours into, it isn’t the most organized, or the one that gets the most sunlight but it’s where everyone naturally gravitates to. It’s the natural comfort hub and you can’t fight it. It’s above you. It’s the soul of your home and there’s nothing you can do but just try to honor it.
In the Jensen home that hub is the family room, where a network of young people can be found on any given day playing video games, watching movies or passed out under a layer of cats and dogs. In this split-level home, this room is accessible via a short walk down a staircase off of the kitchen, adding to its convenience. So this was the predetermined hub and the goal was simple.
Maximum coziness.
But let’s talk specifics:
The Problems
The seating was insufficient and not arranged well for the media center Lack of hidden storage allowed for too much visible clutter Despite its visual dominance in the room, the fireplace was inoperable and the mantle height did not allow a natural space for a TV The stonework was purely decorative and limited storage options The blinds minimized the size of the sole window and the existing artificial lighting was not flexible enough for the multiple uses of the space The piano wasn't really being used and was taking up space Carpeting isn't always the best choice for maintenance in pet houses Everything from the fixtures to the fabrics was generally dated and in need of an update
The Plan
Maximize the lounging area to fit more youths (cats) Lessen clutter by creating more hidden storage for games/ media Revive the fireplace to add to the cozy ambiance Brighten the space/improve overall “basementiness” Bring the space into the 2020s
The Solutions
Sourced a large lounge-y sectional from Joybird in one of their pet-friendly fabrics Incorporated extra deep closed storage cabinets on either side of the built-ins New fireplace with optional blower New, larger and diffused overhead fixture plus table lamps and accent lighting in the built-ins for layered options One large light-colored roman shade on the window makes it look less broken up and the fabric adds some softness to the room Lori did a great job of editing out long-forgotten treasures and paring down She even found someone to haul away that piano Replaced the carpeting with a wood-look porcelain tile in a chevron pattern (It's easier to clean than carpet and heavy duty, rated for commercial and even outdoor use It's light enough to keep all the spaces feeling bright but warm enough to blend with the oak trim Sourced an inexpensive a low-maintenance printed rug for this space because of it's heavy use They can be great alternatives to woven options if you have young children or lots of pets or if the budget is tight
A Few Faves:
The Results
The resulting space has been a hit. The room now feels balanced, functional but less cluttered, upgraded but not fussy brighter, and yet cozier. In short, I hope it now lives up to its esteemed position in the house as the comfort zone.
Thanks to John and the team at J Edwards Renovations, Joe and crew at Woodcrafters, and the Jensens, especially Odell for his ehem… services.
