Nathan and Amber Sherman bought this house — potentially built around 1880 — around 10 1/2 years ago, but the home in Bennington, Vermont, looked much different back then. In fact, their house, which they share with two kids, has had a few different looks over the years.
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"I’ve likely broken many design rules," Amber admits. "Once, I stumbled upon an article that said accent walls are out. I have a couple of those in my home, and I love them. Many people might suggest a more neutral color palette, but I don’t abide by that advice. I’ve heard that signs with phrases are tacky, and I believe some people might not approve of a themed house, yet I love a theme."
“We moved into our house when my firstborn was 2, and we managed to furnish the entire house with mostly free stuff we found off of Craigslist. I found myself painting every piece of furniture we brought into the house to improve its appearance. Over time our house became a hodgepodge of colors,” Amber begins.
“I’ve had people tell me they detest my home’s aesthetic and people who’ve appreciated it. I think it is important to love your home and pay no mind to the negative opinions of others.”
“Eventually we decided to upgrade our kitchen on a tight budget. We went with a neutral color palette that eventually spilled over into the rest of the house. We made wooden countertops for the kitchen, and a marble backsplash was installed. These choices were a nod to a home we enjoyed renting years prior. At the time of the kitchen upgrade, my husband and I were craving simplicity, and we imagined neutral colors and minimalist home decor choices would help us feel a greater sense of control over the everyday tasks of life. A mental decluttering of sorts,” Amber continues.
"I enjoy many things that some would consider childish or strange," Amber continues to admit. "Still, I firmly believe in making your home personal and enjoyable. I’ve had people tell me they detest my home's aesthetic and people who’ve appreciated it. I think it is important to love your home and pay no mind to the negative opinions of others."
But things changed in a big way in 2021. Amber says that she began to feel dissatisfied with the simple, neutral style of their home — instead feeling the desire to create a home that would elicit joy and playfulness. “I discussed this desire with my husband, and he supported me in decorating our home with this goal in mind,” Amber explains.
"I am grateful that my husband is a creative, and that my children, husband, and I have all been able to enjoy the process of our home’s colorful evolution. My husband encouraged me and gave me free rein to decorate to my heart’s desire, and it’s been a joyful experience and one that I hope my kids will cherish into their adult lives," Amber writes.
“I had been crafting coasters and mixed-media art for a few years up until that point, but I wanted to start applying my creative energy into something that would be enjoyable for us, lasting, and immersive. So I put away my art supplies and in time started decorating our home instead. This was a welcome change, and it allowed me to continue being creative when I found the time to do so.”
Amber looked to Facebook Marketplace, tag sales, and eBay for whimsical, kitschy, and fun items to add to the home. “My favorite things: pastels, carousels, candy, rainbows, carnivals, fairs, unicorns, fairies, nature, Alice in Wonderland, cats, rubber-faced vintage plushies, circuses, and iridescent anything!”
"I think being a mom is reflected in the decor of our home," Amber writes. In addition to other inspirations, I'd say my children were a big influence because I wanted to create a fun atmosphere for all of us — especially them. There are many items around the house that I feel tap into the wonder and interest of children. The color palette takes me back to some toys from my childhood and gives me a feeling of nostalgia."
And of course, Amber also used paint to create her colorful home. “I often paint things to fit my personal preferences, such as my carousel coffee table. Sometimes I paint things I can’t replace, like our refrigerator and kitchen countertops. This allows me to personalize items I’d otherwise consider an eyesore. I wanted to create a space that was so full that no matter where you are positioned in any room, you’ll have something interesting to look at. I’m still working on our space, and nothing is ever perfect, but that’s okay with me.”
"The softness of the pastels feels like the comfort of a favorite blanket. I love the whimsy of unicorns, mermaids, and other such mythical creatures. The ridiculousness of items like our laughing mannequins is a reminder to laugh and embrace silliness in life. I tried to decorate the house with items and colors that represent things to aspire to, and things to remember," Amber writes.
Amber knows that her home’s style isn’t for everyone. “Some people have an aversion to the things I love,” Amber writes. “The most important thing is that my children enjoy the fun decor choices I’ve made. I’ll often ask them for their feedback and input along the way, and they eagerly provide it. My husband, who is a remodeling contractor and a musician, has always been encouraging and supportive of my decorating. He has often helped me with many of our projects throughout the house.”
