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I have another gorgeous house tour for you guys! I came across Gwen of The Makerista just last week through the BHG Blogger Awards. I thought her house was so beautiful, so I immediately reached out to see if I could share it with you all. I was especially impressed because she talks a lot about decorating on a budget--and she has two kids!! So I thought it would be interesting to get her advice and find out a little bit about how she does it. Ready? Let’s go.
I've always loved creating and learning. When I became a stay at home mom about 4 years ago I started reading blogs. I fell in love with the women and what they were doing, but I also realized I was doing a lot of the same things, just not documenting them. I finally took the plunge last summer after lots of planning.
I think the living area is the best reflection of my personal style, and I just really enjoy spending time in it.
I consider my style neo-traditional with a touch of the unexpected. I like clean and classic lines, but I also love something a bit off, whether it be art or the color pallet. It needs some personality and energy.
I love tone on tone color right now. I've always been more of a mixer than a matcher anyway, so mixing shades of reds and pinks or blues and greens is totally up my alley.
5. How do you go about decorating a room? Do you have a process?
I usually start with an inspiration piece, whether some fabric, a piece of art, or a collection of inspiration photos, and go from there. I try to start with wall color and larger pieces first, but I also attempt to keep the big picture in mind and be open to finding things in any order. Especially when you're thrifting and searching through one of a kind pieces, you can't mull over choices. If you see a great side table, but you haven't found the couch yet, you don't have the luxury with thrifting of thinking about it for a few days.
6. A lot of my favorite items in your home are from thrift stores and Craigslist. Do you have any tips for thrifting or finding awesome stuff at antique stores, Craigslist, etc.?
I actually just posted some thoughts on that here. Consistency is key though. The more you look, the more likely you are to stumble upon something amazing! (P.S. Gwen got both the green chair above and the peacock chair below from thrift stores)
7. Your blog is all about making things yourself. What’s your favorite thing that you’ve made so far?
The blog is about making things, and making a home is probably my favorite thing to do. I've so enjoyed renovating our home and decorating it. The most popular thing I've made is this baby swing for my daughter Milly's first birthday.
8. Do you have any tips for making a house kid-friendly but still stylish? I feel like you’ve nailed it.
Well, thanks. It works out for me that I'm on a budget, so I don't have anything too expensive for the kids to destroy. But they know what they can and can't touch. It takes time to teach them that, but it can be done. I have quite a few brass figures that they enjoy playing with, but they know to stay away from the glass objects. As far as the furniture, keeping eating in the kitchen or occasionally in the basement helps and as far as toys: keeping the bigger things pretty and not plastic and lots of bins and baskets for the smaller toys is key. I want my kids to feel like this is their house too, but I also want them to know limits, restrictions and manners. I hope that because we work on respecting things in our own house, that they will do the same elsewhere.
Everywhere. Literally. From photos that show up in my Instagram feed to a church floor in the Dominican Rupublic. Can you tell I'm a bit obsessed with Instagram?
I wish I made more time for these things! I'm currently doing a study on the book of James but as a young mom, curling up with a book isn't something I do very often. Movies aren't really my thing, but I love Masterpiece on PBS. I read more than a few blogs, but some of my favorites off the top of my head are Little Green Notebook, The Hunted Interior, and FROM THE RIGHT BANK. Those girls KILL it and are fearless and innovative.
Thrift stores, antique malls and craigslist definitely take the cake, but you can often find me at Home Depot, Homegoods and Target quite often too.
12. What future plans, projects, and goals have you most excited right now?
We are currently refreshing our master bedroom and we have some plans in the works for the master bath. I'm really excited about both of those projects, and also enjoying being apart of the Better Homes and Gardens Blogger Awards right now. What an honor!
Isn’t she awesome? I’m totally inspired by not just her home, but by Gwen herself.
What’s your favorite thing about this house, or about the interview with Gwen? My favorite is probably all the plants throughout her house. And the living room. Did you love those shelves? She used black foam board for the back of them--so smart!
All photos via The Makerista.
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It's a beautiful, stylish, colorful and comfortable home!
Agreed! I do love all the color in their home.
I love the bookshelves best. I could live here and call it home! Traditional with a twist might be me! :)
The bookshelves are definitely beautiful. I seriously love that foam board idea, to make the back a contrasting color without all the work of sanding & painting--and without the hassle if you change your mind. I’m going to have to try it in the future!
Love this interview. Thanks for sharing! That green chair is AMAZING!!
I know!! I seriously need to get out there and go thrifting more often.
What a great interview! Gwen is a sweetheart and has done an amazing job with her home. Thanks for the shout out too, Gwen! :)
Yes, she has! I’m glad to have found your blog through her, too :)
Ah! I'm obsessed! Her home is beautiful - and decorating on a budget?! I'm all about that! I'm in love with her lettering wall art and that cart she has her plants on (!!!) Great learning more about her and her design process. Thanks for sharing, Aileen!
What a beautiful home! Love how unique and eclectic it is!! Do you know where the "Love is Gold" print is from, by chance??!
Yes! It’s from this shop: http://lindsayletters.com
Thank you!! I'm in love with everything in her shop now!!! :)