According to Amanda Jacobs, one of the owners and designers of the Louisville-based company Journey + Jacobs Design Studio, this home project was special in a number of ways. “The clients are originally from New York and basically needed a whole first floor of furniture to fill their 1800s farmhouse, but on a tight budget,” Amanda explains. “Both avid horse and horse race lovers (hence the great choice for Louisville, Kentucky), they wanted the bones of the old farmhouse to speak for themselves and to also incorporate their funky and vintage sense of style.”

For the homeowners Dave and Jess Harrison, the home’s history seems to have been a big selling point. “We love the age of our home. It’s so full of beauty and character but that can also make it more work and maintenance for sure,” described Jess.

Professionally designed homes can sometimes come off feeling a little impersonal, but not here. “We love using the homeowners’ personal items and unique style and felt this was the perfect project for fun color choices and accessories. A large custom built-in that we chose to paint navy was intended for their large book and record collection as well as place for them to use their record player. Lastly, we had a carpenter remove carpet and remodel the stairs to their original glory and finished them with a fun and playful patterned runner.”

Though the project is aesthetically beautiful, the home functions perfectly for Jess and Dave’s lifestyle, too. “Their cats are very special to them and every item was carefully thought through to make a practical and functional way of life for them and their pets!” explained Amanda.

My Style: Eclectic, farmhouse (in honor of the style of the house), collected, vintage, feminine touches, bright light-filled.

Inspiration: We wanted our home to be a reflection of our life experiences and places we’ve called home in the past. From a farmhouse in Michigan, an apartment in the heart of NYC, summers spent in Nantucket and the Outer Banks—all tied together by the amazing character and style of this 124-year-old house.

Favorite Element: The new built-ins increase the storage and display space that the house was sorely lacking, and the redesigned stairs present a beautiful first look for guests at the style and personality of the house.

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge was getting it together enough to agree on the renovation and undertake the process. Especially with two cats and a puppy, there were definitely some uncomfortable nights in a basement Airbnb while the work was being conducted!

Proudest DIY: The gallery wall in the dining room pays tribute to our family histories and is a beautiful eye-catcher above the fireplace mantel.

Biggest Indulgence: Deciding to redo the kitchen at the eleventh hour–it was an extra expense and hassle, but well worth it!

Best Advice: Once the work is done, let yourself enjoy it!

• Walls ⁠— White Dove by Benjamin Moore
• Built-ins ⁠— Custom color By Benjamin Moore, similar to custom mix similar Van Deusen Blue

• Custom tree hall by Hopper Rustic Design
• Desk ⁠— Family heirloom
• Hutch ⁠— Vintage
• Desk Chair ⁠— Blue Ocean Traders
• Runners on stairs ⁠— Overstock

• Sofa ⁠— West Elm Harmony Sofa, Extra Deep, Taupe
• Copper Light Fixture ⁠— Westinghouse
• Vintage Wooden Coffee Table ⁠— Blue Ocean Traders
• Leather Club Chair ⁠— Blue Ocean Traders
• Turkish Stools ⁠— Vintage Turkish stools Blue Ocean Traders
• Jute Rug ⁠— Safavieh
• Built-in Shelving ⁠— Custom woodwork by Philip Logan Construction

• Dining Table ⁠— Blue Ocean Traders
• Rug – Ruggable ⁠— Vintage Daisy Bordered Tangerine Rug
• Chairs ⁠— Mix and match from Blue Ocean Traders
• Copper Light Fixture ⁠— Westing House
• Art ⁠— Vintage finds and personal heirloom photographs
• Hutch ⁠— Vintage
• Bar Shelf ⁠— Vintage

• Marble Kitchen Island ⁠— Bee & Willow

Thanks Dave, Jess, and Journey + Jacobs Design Studio !

⇒ House Tour & House Call Submission Form

See More: 
⇒ Recent House Tours 
⇒ House Tours on Pinterest