Mandi’s Eclectic Fixer Upper

Name: Mandi
Location: North End — Tacoma, Washington

My husband and I bought a major fixer-upper a few years ago. It was that magical combination of a clear vision, a husband who trusted me and a few family members with construction know-how. The house was very willy-wonka (the floors were so sloped it was an experience walking through the house), pink-carpet in the bathroom, brown shag rug in the living area, and a kitchen layout that was so, so awful. But the bones were amazing and it was in the perfect neighborhood.

It took about six months to strip the house down to its studs, level it, bull-doze the bathroom, rebuild, etc. and then another few years to fine tune and collect those treasures that really make it feel like home. Now we wake up everyday so, so happy that we took the homeowner leap on the fixer upper. The house was build in the 1920s and the history and craftsman style was what made us fall in love with it, so it was very important that we maintain that vibe.

I like to describe my style as eclectic romantic. I love using vintage pieces, it adds instant color, texture, history, architecture and is a great way to get those ‘wow’ pieces on budget. A lot of our pieces were found hunting at garage sales and thrift stores.

Thanks, Mandi!

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