When Audrey and Kevin moved their family across the country two years ago, they knew they wanted to live in a mid-century home. They found what they were looking for in a quiet, forested neighborhood just north of Seattle. The couple (she’s a freelance writer and homeschools their kids; he works in network security) are handy and industrious, and got right to work on their 1958 John Burrows house.

By far the biggest transformation (and their proudest DIY, according to Audrey and Kevin) was the exterior of the home. “We built the upper and lower decks, fence, courtyard, painted our exterior, and removed the previous grass and replaced it with our own landscaping.” Inside the house, the couple has let the home’s original features shine, while thoughtfully updating the kitchen and more.

It’s always inspiring when homeowners take on renovation work themselves as Kevin and Audrey have, and equally impressive when so much great style happens on a very small budget. Besides her talent for decorating, Audrey has a knack for bargain shopping, and has found nearly all of her vintage furniture at local thrift stores. She has also stuck to budget by finding many of her newer pieces at discount stores like Homegoods and Target.

Our Style: Mid-Century with elements of Scandinavian and Bohemian

Inspiration: Japanese and Scandinavian Design

Favorite Element: The way our house is set in the trees and how it invites the outdoors inside with its large windows. This allows nature to become one of the major design elements of our home.

Biggest Challenge: Updating our home to suit the way we live life now, while still staying true to its mid-century roots. Also, having the patience to stick to a strict budget with furniture and accessories, since we’re focusing the majority of our budget on our house projects. We searched for months before finally finding our custom-made couch from a local consignment store! Almost all of the items in our home are thrifted, from Craigslist, or found on clearance.

What Friends Say: “What project are you working on now?!”

Biggest Embarrassment: Definitely always having tools and DIY materials strewn about the house!

Proudest DIY: Our front exterior transformation. We built the upper and lower decks, fence, courtyard, painted our exterior, and removed the previous grass and replaced it with our own landscaping. We hardscaped our yard and planted plants in a rare Seattle heat wave last summer. We’re so happy our plants survived!

Biggest Indulgence: Updating our wood burning fireplace with a gas insert. On our frequent damp and chilly Seattle days, it’s so wonderful to be able to turn on the fire with the flip of a switch. We have our fire going almost always during the fall, winter, and spring.

Best Advice: Gather inspiration photos before you tackle a project, and look carefully for sources in all price ranges. Some materials can give you a similar look without the high price tag!

Dream Sources: Rejuvenation, CB2, West Elm, Design Within Reach

PAINT & COLORS
Behr-Ultra Bright White(Living Room, Hallway,office)
Behr-Astronomical(Dining Room, Kitchen)
Behr-Poseidon(Master Bedroom, Boy’s Room)
Behr-Custom Mix(Bathroom)
Behr-Rockwall Vine(Lower Entryway Door)
Sherwin Williams-Caviar(Exterior)

ENTRY
Entry Door- Frank Lumber, The Door Store

LIVING ROOM
The Edward Sofa- From a consignment store, but originally from Couch
Area Rug- Ikea
Bookshelf- Crate & Barrel(no longer available)
Coffee Table- Vintage from FunkyRetroCool
Pillows- Marshall’s
Artwork- Thrifted
Wooden pendant Lighting-Jonathan Adler (No Longer Available)
End Tables- Thrifted
Mid-Century Lounge Chair- Thrifted
Mantel- DIY

KITCHEN
Range-Blue Star
Faucet- Moen Motionsense
Sink- Kraus KHU100-30 Undermount Sink (Amazon.com)
Marble Shelves-CB2
Coffee and Tea Canisters, Creamer and Sugar set- Crate and Barrel
Utensil Holder-Crate and Barrel
Cabinets- Ekestad fronts, Sektion Kitchen Line Ikea
Lack Upper Shelves-Ikea
Counters-Arctic White Quartz by MSI
Runner-Ikea
Pendant Lights-Jonathan Adler (No Longer Available)

DINING ROOM
Dining Room Table, chairs and bench- Conran (no longer available)
Globe Light-Jonathan Adler (no longer available)
Credenza- Vintage
Vintage Prints-Old Seattle Paperworks, Pike Place Market, Seattle
Eames Chair Print-By Artist Laura Browning
Reclaimed Wood Artwork-By Artist Laura Burkhart
Bookcase, barcart and frames-Target
Umbra Ribbonwood Clock- West Elm
Metal art on fireplace- Target
Gold lamps- Target
Wood candle sticks- Revivals

BATHROOM
Shower curtain, towels, rug- Target

MASTER BEDROOM
Headboard- Marshall’s
Bedding, Nightstands, Mirror, Area Rug -Target
Table Lamps- Jonathan Adler
Dresser- Vintage
Artwork- Target
Pendant Lights- TJ Maxx BOYS’ BEDROOMS
Headboards-Marshall’s Desk-HomeGoods Dresser-Vintage
Wooden pendant Lights- Jonathan Adler(no longer available)

OFFICE
Desk, artwork, file cabinet, typewriter- thrifted
Rug- IKEA
Large maple cabinet- Terence Conran collection from JCPenney when they carried a Mid-Century inspired line a few years ago.
White and yellow ceramics- thrifted BOYS’ HANGOUT ROOM
Sofa and table –Bludot
Lighting fixtures- Ikea
Carpet Squares-Home Depot

OUTDOOR
White Acapulco chairs -Marshall’s
Oversize house number—Modern House Numbers. They are a wonderful company to work with! I can’t recommend them enough!
Yellow metal chairs- They are from Ross and were originally red.
Basement garden bamboo chairs- Target clearance find

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