Psst — sorry about yesterday’s truncated post for Reader users. We had some problematic code in an embedded video. We prefer to publish full posts, so if you ever spot a shortened entry, something’s gone awry.
Today we’re back with paintbrushes in hand. Who’s surprised? If you love design and DIY, you’ll appreciate this charming house tour from Reno. It’s a wonderful example of someone buying a house and making it unmistakably their own. When you personalize a home, it may not appeal to everyone — the in-laws or the mail carrier might raise an eyebrow — but the more a space reflects you, the more it will feel like home. So don’t be shy: leave your mark.
First, let’s admire the exterior of Laura’s Reno home. It greets you with warm curb appeal and a clear sense of the personality inside.
Here’s Laura with her dog Emma. She’s also a mom of three, which makes the calm and curated atmosphere of the house all the more impressive.
Inside, a wide foyer with a graceful curved wall sets the tone. Laura and her husband Dan transformed that space with a clever DIY: they cut secondhand chairs in half, painted them Seacliff Heights (Benjamin Moore), and mounted them as narrow shelves. Each mini-shelf holds a small potted plant, creating a playful, welcoming entry that mixes thrifted finds with thoughtful styling.
The dining room is a standout for color and texture. One wall is entirely covered with reclaimed shutters, each painted in soft, beachy tones to form an eclectic, layered accent. Many of the shutters came from Habitat for Humanity ReStore, thrift shops, and Craigslist, showing how affordable salvage can create big impact. The room is finished with striking glass pendants and curated seating — the chairs were found on eBay — and the table itself is a repurposed conference table from a nearby university. The result is a space full of personality and history.
The kitchen blends classic and playful elements: crisp white cabinetry and subway tile provide a clean backdrop, while pendant lights — repurposed from Home Depot lamps by Laura and Dan — add whimsy. The industrial-style bar stools, once science stools at the same university as the dining table, contribute a cohesive, lived-in feel. It’s a good reminder that practical pieces can be stylish with a little creativity.
To improve flow between rooms, Laura closed off a doorway and hung salvaged window panes to subtly divide spaces without blocking light. A colorful thrifted bench, spray-painted in Lagoon by Rust-Oleum and glazed for a softened finish, adds a cheerful vignette to the passthrough.
In the bedroom, sheer curtains from IKEA are hung from the ceiling to create the illusion of a canopy and bring height and airiness to the space. It’s an inexpensive trick that adds a cozy, romantic touch.
The bathroom nods to Laura’s memories of a 1920s childhood home with classic tile choices. High-contrast black counters paired with white cabinetry and hex tile flooring create a timeless look. Small details, like a vintage armchair and layered textures, reinforce the bathroom’s curated character.
While Laura dreams of extending subway tile to the ceiling behind the tub, she’s already introduced vertical interest with an old thrift-store ladder hung above the tub and dotted with hanging plants. It’s an economical and stylish way to add drama and greenery to the bathing area.
Many thanks to Laura and Dan for opening their home. Their fearless approach to decorating — mixing thrifted finds, reclaimed materials, and DIY projects — is inspiring for anyone tackling a creative home makeover. If you’re looking for a favorite detail, the shutter wall in the dining room stands out: those glass pendants set in front of the colorful shutters create a dramatic, joyful focal point.
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