Today I am showing you the home of a real life renaissance (wo)man! Carin is all-around amazing! She is a writer, photographer, and fantastic mom.
She is also a thrifter extraordinaire who seems to have a magic touch when it comes to decorating her home! The first time I saw her house I knew I had to share it here. I hope you will be as inspired by her style as I am!
One of the first things Carin did when she bought her house two years ago was to paint her front door yellow.
It is so bright and cheery, and I love the addition of this wreath with its Parisian-feeling black-and-white striped ribbon.
The house is a cozy Cape Cod in the Chesterfield Hills neighborhood of East Lansing, Michigan. On a Saturday afternoon in the fall you can hear the crowds inside Spartan Stadium. Carin's street is full of lovely older homes and friendly families.
Most of the artwork has been picked up from thrift stores Carin visits on her lunch hour. This beach scene above her fireplace reminds me of the beach at Lake Michigan. The three perfect pears bring some vibrant color to the otherwise moody color scheme.
I think Carin made the pillow cover on the right using fabric paint and a potato-stamp. It references the larger hot pink cross on the pillow opposite it (see it poking out down there??)
The gallery wall over the fireplace includes a mix of landscapes and portraits.
Looking toward the other corner of the living room you see this beautiful piano that she recently acquired from a friend.
A gallery wall hangs around the TV, directly across from the gallery wall that hangs over the fireplace.
Coffee table books and a photo of one of her three daughters as an infant further soften the TV area.
This built-in display case near the kitchen is one of the first things you see when you walk into Carin's house. All of the vases are items that she has picked up while thrifting. Isn't this mix of neutrals perfect? I love the way Carin has arranged these pieces!
This pair of orange chairs was a recent acquisition for Carin. She wanted something with a lower profile to sit behind her pair of sofas and add to the seating in the house. And see that mid-century modern Eiffel chair in the background? Also thrifted!
She removed the skirts at the bottom of these chairs to give them a cleaner, more modern look. Don't they have amazing lines?? LOVE them!
This is the dining area. I like how Carin mixed the dark wood with white chairs.
The shelving system was a utility shelf left behind by the former occupants which Carin painted gold and styled. She is a fearless painter!
The view from the kitchen through the pass-through.
A detail shot of the cups inside the built-in corner cabinet. These cabinets are common to the era in which Carin's house was built and add to its character.
Carin used chalkboard paint in her kitchen and has some inspiring quotes posted around.
As a mom, I really appreciate this one.
She DIY'ed these concrete countertops.
... and also did the subway tile herself. Using this small lamp in the corner of the kitchen is a charming alternative to under-cabinet lighting.
This is the second wall color that Carin has used in her hosue and it makes the space feel bright while still adding a nice hint of color. She is thinking of painting again, though. The airy drapes are from IKEA.
Upstairs is a huge room that Carin and her daughters use as a studio.
More Parisian-inspired black and white stripes. This is simple to do with paper wrapped around tin cans. Using multiples of the same makes it look so cohesive.
This home is so full of creativity!
This little nook looks out on the street in front of the house.
And this window looks out on the private backyard.
"Create your best life with your consciously chosen thoughts and words." This quote sums it up perfectly! Carin inspires me to live this way. I hope she has inspired you, too!
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Thanks so much for commenting! I love to read what you have to say. ~Carrie
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