Andrea avoided home ownership for years, preferring the more flexible, mobile lifestyle of renting apartments. And, she always thought she’d wait until finding a life partner to buy a house. But after a brief stint in Chicago for work, she realized she loved her home state of Michigan and her community, and that she could absolutely buy a house on her own. “I bought my home in September 2016 and it was the fourth home I looked at. The day I saw it, I put in an offer. It had a fenced in backyard for my dog James and I saw so much potential in the home.”

Andrea works in public relations, but for eight years has been running a style blog, Blonde Bedhead. Lately though, she’s been gravitating away from just covering fashion to also including home decor. “It’s been an incredibly fun process to bring my interior design visions to life at my own house.”

Andrea shares more information about her house:

“My home was built in 1950 and is situated in a tight-knit community called Westside Neighborhood, just a mile behind the Michigan State Capitol building. Many of my friends live in the neighborhood and it’s just a mile from my office; it’s incredibly convenient!

The home’s interior was originally very dark and felt gloomy with the dark interior paint. The kitchen was outdated with green laminate counter tops and old tile backsplash with dirty grout. With a white cabinet paint color, granite countertops and a fresh subway tile backsplash, I was able to quickly and affordably transform it to light and bright to match my aesthetic!”

My Style: A mix of bright, eclectic and modern.

Inspiration: My friend Merl is a jewelry designer of Clyde’s Rebirth and owns a boutique, The SHUDIO, that sells a mix of her jewelry, vintage clothing and vintage home décor. Her home and shop are beautifully curated. I’m a little more of a minimalist than her, but her bright spaces filled with plants, natural wood tones and brass details have always served as an inspiration for me. And when I see new vintage pieces at her shop on social media, I can text her and claim them!

Favorite Element: I love my dining nook. It’s cozy with natural wood tones and still keeps that mid-century, inviting vibe with plants, antique finds, a cowhide rug and great natural light. I also love the matching vintage leather chairs I scooped up from an antique store to flank my fireplace in the living room.

Biggest Challenge: My biggest challenge was determining a layout for my living room and effectively using the space. It’s still a work in progress.

What Friends Say: Friends love how clean and bright it is!

Biggest Embarrassment: Dead plants and tumbleweeds of dog and human hair no matter how often I vacuum and sweep.

Proudest DIY: Honestly, the house was dark and moody and it took hours and patience I didn’t think I had to complete the painting process. I wanted the painting wrapped up before I moved in and I had only a week to accomplish that. I’m also like a child with a paint roller. I can’t seem to stay within the lines! I perfected my painting skills thanks to my pro painter mom and friend Maggie.

Biggest Indulgence: Dedicating a spare room to a closet was definitely my biggest indulgence. I’m a single woman and have no need for two guest bedrooms! Previously in rentals, I’ve dedicated my second bedroom as closet, office and a space for guests. In this home, I wanted it to be simply a closet, my happy place where clothes, accessories and shoes are neatly organized and easy to find.

What cost the most? Upgrading the kitchen. The cabinets were painted, the green laminate countertops were replaced with a black and white granite to blend the white cabinets and subway tile backsplash with the existing dark slate flooring.

Best Advice: “You don’t have to get this done all at once” said everyone as I exhausted myself to tackle project after project. I moved in and had my garage roof and door replaced, kitchen renovated and all rooms painted and almost furnished. I’ve decided at this point, my bathroom renovation, exterior painting and smaller projects can wait. And I can enjoy my home in its current phase!

Dream Sources: Alicia of Cheetah Is the New Black is my fashion and interior design inspiration.

PAINT & COLORS
Benjamin Moore—Designer White on cabinets

LIVING ROOM
Velvet Kendall Sofa — World Market
Velvet Kendall Chair — World Market
Mongolian Lamb Pillow Covers — West Elm
Wynton White Lacquer Coffee Table — Overstock
Faux Cow Hide Ivory Rug — Overstock
Matching vintage leather chairs, April’s Antiques
Grey Shearling — World Market
Marble accent table — World Market
White bookcase — Ikea
Gold Wall Décor — Target
Gold Mirror — Target
Gold Floor Lamp — Target
Wood accent table — Target
Glass and gold plant holders — thrifted
Baskets holding plants — thrifted
TV stand — Ikea
Ceramic Cacti décor — local shop Bradly’s Home and Garden
White vases — West Elm
Vintage glass vases holding pothos plants — the SHUDIO

DINING NOOK
Tulip Dining Table — World Market
Weave Wishbone Dining Chairs (2) — Overstock
Wood Leg Accent Chairs (2) — Overstock
Shelves — Target
Single Marble Tile on dining table — Home Depot
Cowhide Rug — Kohls
Wool Blanket — Homegoods
Shearling — Ikea
Image files by Lila x Lola via Etsy and printed through Shutterfly
Photo frames — Michael’s

DINING ROOM
Shag wool rug — Overstock
Oversized Art — Homegoods
Custom made dining room table and matching bench by Matt Waugh — Hew and Hue.
Blue dining chairs — AllModern
Vintage brass and acrylic candle holder set — the SHUDIO
Tall brass candle holder — thrifted
Picture ledges — Target

BEDROOM
Upholstered bed frame — World Market
Rug — Lulu & Georgia
Dresser — Art Van
Gold mirror — Target
Lamps — Homegoods
Nightstands — Overstock

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