Sofia’s 1910 New England Colonial

Name: Sofia
Location: Waltham, Massachusetts

I bought my house about a year ago, on my own. It’s a 1910 New England colonial, which had been rented out for decades. Because of this, the previous owners had neglected to paint over the original wood trim, mess with the steam heat, or do any renovations whatsoever (including the decision not to put something as frivolous as a sink in the main room of the kitchen!).

I renovated it with my own hands on nights and weekends (with the exception of plumbing and electric). It’s mostly decorated with collected treasures from past apartments. I love patterns and textures in warm hues and natural materials, but always used with restraint. There’s a love for minimalism, simplicity, and comfort in my choices. My favorite thing is my book collection – housed in barrister bookcases from a hidden antique depot in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Upstairs I splurged on William Morris wallpaper for my office, a close second. I am most proud of how the kitchen design turned out – though it was done for under 18,000, its spacious, beautiful, and inspires me too cook. I have a roof garden to look out at while I was the dishes. I haven’t decided to seal the countertops, which are made of slate from discarded pool tables (gotten for free on craigslist) so I rub them with mineral oil every few months.

The house has been a great project – and I am really happy to say that it’s finished (mostly). I’ll tackle the backyard this Spring.

Thanks, Sofia!

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