I had a bit of a lull in projects this summer. Most people have beach vacations or family outings on the calendar here in Wisconsin where the memories you make in the warm months have to sustain you during the unmentionable ones. As I usually do during this wane, I decided to turn my attention…
This large sunlit bedroom just needed a little love and a fresh start. The goal of this short and sweet project was to make the space more cohesive and grown-up, a little bolder, and a little more refined. I kept the same basic layout, but edited out some of the furniture that wasn’t necessary for…
By now you might already know the process. I like to start with some positives. It’s a tried and true way to approach a transformation. The client and I try to figure out what they want to honor and bring out about their space. Even when there’s extensive demolition required, I like to think of…
I know you want the works, but be real about if your bank account is giving underfloor heating and bidet vibes or if this is more of a finally towels that match each other situation. There’s no shame in a simple well-put together modest space. HGTV has broken us all.
I approached this bedroom and en suite bathroom with a focus on light and balance. I wanted to bring a new openness and freshness to the space that many of us see as our sanctuaries. In their original state, they were definitely vibrant but did not feel cozy or especially comfortable. I set out to…
We had on our hands a classic Midwestern-to-oak or not-to-oak dilemma.
When I first approached this dining room project, as always, I reflected on the things I liked about it. It was open with lots of natural light. It would be visible from both the kitchen and the living room so the colors could play on each other in a fun way. I also liked that…
I had a vision right away for this Living Room. I saw great potential in what was there. Not just in what could be changed, but in what could be revealed. So much about transformation is about revelation. The ceilings were high. The open flow between adjoining rooms was an opportunity for interplay. And it…
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…
We named this house The Mothership because it’s supposed to be a hub for our most beloved weirdos. But it’s not right now. This foyer and this whole house feel aspirational. Shit. I feel aspirational right now. But this project makes me smile and if I ever actually leave my house again it will be a nice way to be greeted home. And most importantly, a great way to greet you too.
My sweet friends Steve and Bridget’s house has everything a house needs. It is welcoming and filled with love and laughter. It is tidy and comfortable and built on memories. But they were ready for an update. I’m not saying the family room and dining room were stuck in the 90’s but they did make…
When I sat down with my husband, Nick, to talk about what he wanted out of his new office, I wasn’t prepared for his casual shrug. He has so many interests and so much personality. He’s funny and active and loves music and the arts and is passionate about social justice and his community. The…
When my sister in- law, Julia, first sent me photos of their new home, I had to hold my eyeballs. The gorgeous 1906 brick home in the city abounds with character and original detail. Just look at the entryway that greeted me on my first visit. I mean…? But there was something wrong, not because…
The Idea Soon I’ll get to share with you guys the exciting reveal of my husband Nick’s office. But I really think the wall mural that features so prominently in that bad boy deserves its own shoutout. First I’ll take you through the process and then I’ll delve into the poetry that Nick chose and…
Black history month is upon us (ayyyye), Black Panther is out here making me temporarily care about super hero movies (Lupita is my shepherd), and is it just me or have TV choices gotten like 5% blacker in the last year or so? All in all, black and African identity is in an era of…
Mary and mike I did it again folks, convinced a few fellow Racinians to open their doors to me. And for the first time, the series has taken me into the kringlecentric neighborhoods of West Racine! If you are local, you know that West Racine is adorable. If you are not local, consider pulling your…
Holly & Scott I legit could not wait to cross the threshold of one of my favorite houses in Racine. And Holly is the best. So welcoming and accommodating of my inappropriate fervor over her house. When she met me at the door she made a little joke about not expecting too much (yeah right)…
BETSY & DUSTAN Dustan and Betsy are a DIY power couple who live for the summer and the outdoors and practice some pretty diligent beach- bummery. These two built or reworked just about every corner of their adorable 1947 NorthSide ranch. And Betsy has painted (and painted and painted) re-purposed and re-imagined their home of…
KARA AND TODD Kara was sweet enough to be the very 1st person to let me poke around her house for this series… even before she knew if I was a weirdo. (I definitely am.) And she’s also the reason I ultimately decided I was on the right track because the tour reiterated exactly…
Megan and Travis Okay. This house was delightful AF. I continue to be surprised by the sheer variety of styles embraced by my fellow Racinians and reminded why I had the idea to start barging into their homes! I’m a genius. Megan works with her family’s business, which deals in fine art, antiques, furniture,…
KARRI AND KEITH This home was stately meets arty meets mid-century kitsch. So. Fun. Karri and Keith are level ten treasure hunters and the space is bursting at the seams with personality because of their cool finds.The décor borders on quirky and Karri will be the first to admit that she does not subscribe to…
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…
When you’re trying to suspend disbelief you have to be transported, visually, into the lives of the characters you’re wasting your life on. But sometimes, no matter how compelling the plots and how humpy the love scenes and how hungry the zombies, the drama of the spaces overshadows the stories. Shout out to all those set designers…