Psst—apologies to Reader users for yesterday’s shortened post. We had some bad code in an embedded video. We prefer to share full posts, so if you ever see a truncated entry, it usually means something went wrong.
Today we’re sharing another inspiring home tour. This one stood out because the homeowner really embraced making the house her own. When someone buys a home and isn’t afraid to personalize it, the result can be full of character and creativity. It might not please everyone, but a space that feels like you is what matters most. So go ahead—leave your mark on your home.
First up: the charming exterior of Laura’s house in Reno. The curb appeal sets the tone for a warm, welcoming interior.
Laura lives here with her dog Emma and her three children. Balancing family life with design projects, she’s created a home that feels lived-in, creative, and approachable.
Inside, a wide foyer with a curved wall became a clever display area. Laura and her husband Dan transformed old secondhand chairs into floating shelves by cutting them in half and mounting them to the wall. They painted the chairs a soft seafoam green (Seacliff Heights by Benjamin Moore), and placed small potted plants on each shelf for a fresh, layered look. This simple repurpose project adds charm and shows how small salvaged pieces can become functional art.
The dining room is a standout example of DIY personality. An entire wall is covered with reclaimed shutters painted in coordinating beachy tones, creating a textured, colorful focal point. Many of the shutters were sourced from Habitat for Humanity ReStore, thrift shops, and Craigslist—great reminders that interesting materials can be found in unexpected places. The room also features distinctive light fixtures and a mix of chairs found online, while the table is a repurposed conference table from a local university. Together these elements give the dining room a curated, collected feel.
Laura’s kitchen blends classic style with playful, handmade details. Traditional white cabinetry and subway tile provide a clean backdrop for pendant lights that Laura and Dan fashioned from basic lamps. Industrial-style metal stools—once science stools from the same university where the table originated—add an unexpected, utilitarian edge. The overall effect is a homey, creative kitchen that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
To improve flow, Laura closed off a doorway and used secondhand window panes to gently divide the space while maintaining an open feel. A colorful bench, found at a thrift store and spray-painted Lagoon by Rustoleum, was glazed to give it a weathered look—another example of mindful upcycling.
In the bedroom, sheer curtains from Ikea are suspended from the ceiling to create an airy canopy that visually raises the room’s height. The result is a romantic, relaxed retreat that feels both simple and thoughtfully designed.
The bathroom nods to Laura’s childhood home from the 1920s with period-appropriate tile paired with bold, extra-thick black countertops and crisp white cabinetry. It’s a mix of vintage inspiration and modern functionality.
Laura hopes to eventually extend the subway tile to the ceiling behind the tub, but for now she’s added a reclaimed ladder and hanging plants to lend height and texture to the space. Small, inexpensive finds like these can make a big impact without a major renovation.
Thanks to Laura and Dan for opening their home. Their fearless, personal approach to decorating is inspiring—proof that using thrifted finds, DIY updates, and a willingness to experiment can create a house that truly feels like yours. My favorite element is the shutter wall in the dining room, especially paired with those glass pendants. What would you pick as a favorite feature?
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