What happens when a mason and a textile designer renovate a house together? In the case of Molly Fitzpatrick, the creative behind the colorful home wares of DittoHouse, and her husband William Sill, the result is a modern space with an attention to detail and a respect of natural materials. What makes this house’s renovation really stand out is the couple’s collaboration on the space; and most impressively, William has done much of the work himself. It’s not just looks, though, that makes this renovation successful: at just 875 square feet, much of their changes have led to more storage, and an unfinished attic renovation created an ultra-organized studio space.

The house was built in 1955, but you can tell from their before photos that the structure had had plenty of changes over the years that left it looking more dated than historically delightful. They bought the house, located in a suburb of Cleveland, in 2010 and began renovating the home in 2011.

I actually met Beth in person at ICFF last year; her booth full of colorful and patterned textiles caught my eye (not easy, in a design show full of beautiful things!). Her throw pillows and blankets are definitely modern and cheery, but her made-in-the-US products are also sustainable; they’re made from recycled cotton that would’ve ended up in a landfill.

The contrast between her bold, bright textiles and the nearly all-white, minimal house was a bit shocking at first. But then I realized it’s an ordered, soothing space perfect for being creative in. And it’s also a simple backdrop for her fun textiles. Here’s what Molly wrote about their home:

“My husband and I purchased our bungalow in a suburb of Cleveland in 2010 and began the process of making our home brighter, more open and more modern. I am a textile designer and my husband William is a mason and our home is a collaboration that we are so proud of. This collaboration has been slow, since my husband does everything himself, after hours and on weekends, but it is so rewarding to be in a space we love so much!

My favorite space in our home is my studio office/playroom. My husband knew he needed to create a home office that was toddler friendly; but over the course of the year-long construction, the project evolved significantly. Unusable areas under sloped ceilings became dedicated play spaces, and as my textile design business grew it became clear that the entire 370 square foot second floor need to be be devoted to the business.”

You won’t find any photographs of the bedrooms in this tour, unfortunately. As Molly underscored, they both have busy careers and they’re taking this renovation one room at a time. “The bedrooms have not been touched yet and are, believe me, uninspiring!” writes Molly, “Also, at the moment, since we have a new baby and a three year old, we have way too much furniture in the room (crib, changing table, baby everything…).”

My Style: Clean lines contrasted with natural edges

Inspiration: Big open spaces in architecture and nature. Religious spaces such as Buddhist meditation halls, Catholic sanctuaries, and industrial spaces with their catwalks and exposed structures.

Favorite Element: The catwalk to the second floor

Biggest Challenge: Finding time to get through the project

What Friends Say: “It’s so open!” “Sure doesn’t look like a house in Cleveland.”

Biggest Embarrassment: The rooms I haven’t gotten to remodel yet, like our bathroom.

Proudest DIY: The custom-built pendant lights hanging through the beams in the living room.

Biggest Indulgence: Our Bernhart sectional sofa

Best Advice: Don’t think about how big a construction project can become, just focus on the one room you’re working with and then move to the next one.

Dream Sources: Dwell magazine, the churches and industrial buildings I repair and restore at my work DittoHouse.

ENTRY
Marble and slate tiles, custom design by Molly Fitzpatrick

LIVING ROOM
Lighting, custom design by William Sill
Bernhardt Como Sectional — Bernhardt
DittoHouse Cushions — DittoHouse
DittoHouse Throw Blankets — DittoHouse
Ikea Cow hide rug — Ikea
Ikea curtain system — Ikea

KITCHEN
Cupboard and drawer pulls, custom design by William Sill
Lighting, custom design by William Sill
Ikea hood vent — Ikea
Samsung stove — Samsung
Ikea stool — Ikea
Ikea curtain system — Ikea

OFFICE / PLAYROOM
Happy Face window covering, custom design by Molly Fitzpatrick
Mini rug in crawl space, custom design by Molly Fitzpatrick
DittoHouse Cushions — DittoHouse
DittoHouse Throw Blankets — DittoHouse
Cardboard Storage — Uline
Counter stools — Marshalls
Desk Set Family — Hatch Hub
Spools of thread — Antiques from an American textile mill

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