My stepdad, Joe, welcomed me into his home when I was 17 years old. Even though I lived in the home briefly, I have a lot of lasting memories. Over the years the house has been renovated and updated time and time again. The building of each project is mostly done by my step-dad and the decorating is mostly done by my mom. As my step-dad reaches retirement, I’m unsure how much longer I will be visiting their beautiful home. I wanted to start this home tour by interviewing my step-dad about his years of building experience and inspiration behind his home.

 

DDD: What’s your background in home improvement?

J: I grew up around home improvement because my dad was a carpenter. Being that my dad was a carpenter he slowly renovated the house, he put an addition onto the house, a utility room. I was the only son so I was the only one to help him. I felt pretty good as a kid because you feel a sense of accomplishment. When people needed something done, I would try. I was never afraid to try anything. When I was twenty years old, I got a job as a carpenter. They built houses and did rough framing.

DDD: This was in Michigan?

J: Yes. Then I got another job installing flooring. I did that for 30 years. 15 years full time. That involved going into houses that were remodeling and doing home improvement. Then I got married. My ex-wife’s father offered us a piece of land to build a house on and I said sure. I got the plans for the home in the newspaper.

DDD: What’s the style of your home?

J: California, we had a change of plans to have it meet Florida code.

 

DDD: What attracted you to that style?

J: I thought it was very modern at the time. It was very open.

DDD: Why build your own home?

J: Cost. I was told by my father in law that we could build this home. We were the contractors. I learned about electric, plumping, masonry, drywall from my father in law.

DDD: What is your favorite feature about this home?

J: All of the cedar. In the roof, in the trim, and the cedar cathedral ceilings.  The wood adds something more to the house.

 

 

 

 

DDD: I feel very lucky over the years to have parties here. Some that stick out are my 16^th birthday, your 50^th birthday, our rehearsal dinner, pregnancy announcement. Did you envision your home as a place for gathering?

J: I always hoped so. I felt like it was a good party place and I like to party.

DDD: What was your inspiration behind the outdoor living space?

J:  I think sports bars.

 

 

DDD: What has been the most fun project?

J: I’ve done everything in this house. ***starts listing everything that was not fun*** I enjoyed making the cabinets for the patio. For work, it was closest to fun as I was gonna get.

DDD: Which renovation did you do that you feel was a benefit to the home?

J: The patio roof.

 

 

DDD: What’s next for you?

J: To keep up with all the things that are breaking down.

DDD: What’s the next reno/project?

J: It depends on whether we stay living here. The pool, pull up the concrete and the deck.

 

DDD: What advice do you have for beginners in home renovations?

J: Don’t be afraid of a challenge. You learn by doing and by watching. Always ask for advice. Ask 20 different people because you will get different answers and pick the best. You’re no different than me, you can do anything I can do. Anybody can do anything.

I’m sitting at the kitchen breakfast bar after a dip in the pool. My mom is cutting up watermelon insisting she has no personal style. I disagree wholeheartedly as I attribute my thriftiness to her. I try to use my sewing and crafting skills in my home design, something I have watched her do for years.

DDD: How would you describe your style?

M: I try to have a beachy style.

DDD: Where do you think your decorating style comes from?

M: When I go on vacation I stay at beachy places. I want to have it at my house so I always feel like I’m on vacation.

 

 

 

 

DDD: What beachy places do you visit?

M: Anna Maria Island

DDD: Which room are you proudest of?

M: My living room is beach themed. It has a warm inviting feel to it.

 

 

 

 

DDD: Tell me about a home décor piece you made.

M: I made my curtains in the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

DDD: How can sewing impact your home design?

M: You can have one of a kind.

DDD: What is your favorite part about your home?

M: I probably like my kitchen the best because that’s where family gathers. It’s at the heart of the house.

DDD: What has been your favorite renovation?

M: Probably putting the windows in the living rooms because it brightens up that side of the house.

DDD: What’s something everyone must have in their home?

M: There should be a place to put your purse and personal items when you come home.

DDD: Finish these phrases:

You can never have too much __________ in your house.

M: comfortable seating for everyone

 

 

DDD: The last thing I bought was __________.

M: the rug that’s in your bathroom and the two beachy pictures in my bathroom

 

 

 

DDD: The last thing I made was _______________.

M: burp cloths, that big quilt

 

 

 

 

DDD: I need to get rid of _________.

M: I just got rid of a bunch of stuff. I need to get rid of my motorcycle, a set of dishes. I need to get stuff. There’s a lot of walls that have nothing on them. The room with the crib I’m going to redecorate.

 

DDD: What’s your next project for the house?

M: We’ve got 3 things we want to do: Put in hurricane impact windows, put in new front doors, and remodel our bathroom.

 

 

DDD: What makes a house a home is ________________.

M: the warmth of the family and all of the things you do together

Selfishly, my husband and I want them to stay in this house forever so we can make new memories in it with our son. This weekend will be the last visit we make before the baby comes. I can't wait to see how their new projects come out when we return next year!

 

Do you have a unique sense of style or a design element in your home you would love to share? Contact me for a home tour interview: drew@drewdanielledesign.com

Why You Should Host a DIY Party

I had the pleasure of working with a group of ladies on custom signs during today’s DIY Party.

 

Everyone has untapped crafting potential, they may just not know it yet!

Why You Should Host a DIY Party

1.       It’s a fun and unique way to gather with your friends and family.

Whether you want to catch up during brunch or try a girl’s night in, DIY Parties can gather old friends and new. DIY parties are social events just as much as they are a craft class.

2.       You will learn a new skill.

DIY Parties help you learn a crafting technique that you can replicate. For example, you can use the paint pen technique you learned while making a custom sign and use it on a flowerbox in your garden.

3.       You’ll avoid a DIY fail project.

Ever spent a ton of time, effort, and money on a project you saw on Pinterest and it just didn’t turn out right? A DIY party is structured so you can learn how to create a project while feeling successful in your crafting abilities.

4.       You’ll walk away with a usable product.

Out of the four products offered, each can be displayed or used in your home or office or even given as a gift.

5.       You can earn your item for free.

. With a guest count of 10 or more the host receives their project for free! Plan a DIY party starting with just 5 guests. Contact me to learn more: drew@drewdanielledesign.com or 860-327-4371

 

Antique Vanity

A beautiful vanity transformation for a beautiful little girl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love all the details on this piece especially on the drawers.  Sometimes the knobs on older pieces are so worn down, missing, or out of date. These pulls are keepers. Just look how ornate they are!

Now this piece feels fresh and youthful. My favorite part about working with this family was consulting with the little girl who will be receiving this vanity on the perfect paint color. A future antique furniture lover in the making! The paint colors are Vivid Violet and Valentine Pink by Glidden.

Family Furniture Makeover

I love it when family furniture is kept in the family. This client has quite a few inherited pieces that simply need an update. We decided on Garden Path by Glidden. So bold and bright! I know the green will lighten up her space and complement her décor.