reader submissions

Before & After: Updating a Childhood Home

published Feb 17, 2016
Add UsNew
See more Apartment Therapy stories when you search on Google.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Living room with blue sofa, vintage sewing machine table, rocking chair, framed art, and wooden beam ceiling.
(Image credit: Submitted by Jill)

A year ago my husband, our two sons and I bought the house I grew up in and my parents had owned for over 30 years. Not only did the house need quite a few renovations but, for us, it also needed to not look like the house I grew up in. Because the house is small and we don’t have a playroom the open concept living room is the busiest room in our home. It is where our kids play, where we read and watch TV and dance.

(Image credit: Submitted by Jill)

My style is eclectic but I love the mid century and since this house was built in the late 60s it accepts my style flawlessly. Our sofa and chair were purchased for a whopping $1 at an auction, which is great because kids have a way of destroying nice things. The dresser serves as a landing strip when you come in the front door and houses paper work, craft supplies and toys.

Thank you, Jill!