Kathy’s Modern, Eclectic Vibes

Name: Kathryn Baugher of Up to Date Interiors
Location: Okinawa, Japan
Size: 1500 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year

It takes creativity, guts and energy to turn a plain space into something spectacular, and Kathryn’s done it. The home in Okinawa that she shares with her family exudes both serenity and excitement—and those floral covered kitchen cabinets are amazing!

From Kathy (who is behind the blog Up to Date Interiors):

We are a military family currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan. We live in a little three-bedroom rental right on the Pacific Ocean. The house has white floors, cabinets and walls, so it was the perfect canvas to showcase our style. You’ll find an eclectic mix of furnishings with a nod to contemporary classic and a little bohemian and coastal flare in our home.

Color-coding books and vintage style rugs are a couple of my favorite ways to decorate a new home. I’m really proud of the way we’ve overcome rental obstacles, transformed cabinet doors, and hid eyesores (fuse boxes, fire extinguishers, random signs, etc…)

My Style: Modern Traditionalist with Eclectic Vibes

Inspiration: Other bloggers and creative online sites, our beautiful island, and my closet

Favorite Element: Our big windows and sliding doors facing East overlooking the ocean

Biggest Challenge: The kitchen (specifically cream cabinets with plastic hardware) and overall small space. Living in another country where furniture is a completely different size and there are limited home decor resources. We also have to work with government-issued furniture due to the limited household items we were allowed to bring overseas.

What Friends Say: They feel inspired when they come over and enjoy how cozy it feels. Sometimes seeing our house prompts them to DIY home decor and handmade accessories.

Biggest Embarrassment: The movers unpacking all of my curtains and seeing the US curtain rods and laughing because they knew I wouldn’t be able to use them. They also laughed at my big vacuum.

Proudest DIY: Covering our concrete walls with creative treatments like fans and Washi tape. Also being able to cover up eyesores, like fire extinguishers and fuse boxes that are in the middle of the wall.

Biggest Indulgence: Our Asian solid wood walnut TV stand bought at a local recycle store for $300.

Best Advice: Create multiple zones in small space living, purchase items that have multiple functions, and keep larger pieces neutral—play with colors and patterns in the smaller accessories.

Dream Sources: West Elm, World Market, IKEA, Anthropologie Home, good ol’ American antique stores and thrift stores

• Taupe leather couch from Macy’s
• Large area rug from RugsUSA
• Club chairs, side table, TV stand, coffee table from thrift stores
• Sofa table made with local Okinawa pine wood and hair pin legs from eBay
• Gray upholstered storage bench from Threshold Target line

• Table set from Bookoo.com
• Kitchen cabinets – removable wallpaper from Walls Need Love
• Pineapple art print from Minted
• Rug from Max Plus (Japanese chain store)

• Canopy Bed from Overstock
• Etagere and desk from local thrift stores
• Gray Louis style chair from World Market

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