Welcome to The Bird House

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Aug 26

MEET THE BIRD HOUSE

Inspired by the charm of the South, the comfort and creativity of my childhood Ohio home and my desire to live in full color.
I’m so excited to finally say: Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!

Where did it all begin? At the end of 2021, I came across Isaiah 66:21-23:

“They shall build houses and live in them, they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit; They shall not build and others live there; they shall not plant and others eat. As the years of a tree, so the years of my people; and my chosen ones shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”

It felt like the perfect metaphor so (with no plan of buying an actual house) I claimed it as my verse for 2022. On January 29th, the metaphor became a lot more literal. The house four doors down from me went on the market and 24 hours later, thanks to mix of luck and strategy, it became my new home. It had “good bones,” required a lot of rebuilding and had a giant garden to go with it. Build houses, plant vineyards. This was it. On March 3rd, 2022, I got the keys and the renovation began.

The Bird House - named after the cut-out bird motif perched on the front - is a labor of love. Bringing her back to her former 1930s glory has proved to be a steep learning curve, a true experiment in provision, a testament to the saying “teamwork makes the dreamwork” and the best project I’ve ever worked on.

Thanks to the help of my Dad (who answered about 15 calls a day from Ohio and is a genius when it comes to seeing potential), my Mom (who talked me through many paint color crises and decor decisions) and my best guys - Norman, Ricky, Juan, Stoney, Leon (who showed up on the scene to rescue me when I was in too deep and spent long hours putting this house back together) - and many others - this 1937 Southern stucco home has been officially transformed.

I’m so grateful for the work of many people’s hands that helped make this transformation possible. I pray that all those I love long enjoy the work of it.

Scroll on for some before and after eye candy and all the stories behind the shots.

Many thanks to Elizabeth Cox from Refined Business Collective for the photos! All clothing is from Poppy + Pink! Shop the Caroline Edit launching 8/24 at 10am ET here.

HOUSE+GARDEN

TIMELESS AND SWEET WITH A DASH OF PERSONALITY

The scalloped awnings were brought back to life, we replaced the door and painted it pink, updated the exterior lighting, freshened up the white, laid a lot of mulch and grew a garden full of zinnias, giant sunflowers, eggplants, tomatoes and more. I’m sensing a garden party in the Bird House’s future! See you there?

A favorite memory from the renovation - "Miracle Worker" suits made by my friend Meg.

Shirt from Poppy + Pink coming 8/24!

*This found Facebook Marketplace potting bench has been my favorite summer spot. I’m no gardener - but I’m learning!*

Paint: Alabaster by SW - Exterior Stucco and Trim | Romance by SW - Pink Door | Cocoon by SW - Exterior of Awnings | Honest Blue by SW - Interior of Awnings

Sources: Potting Bench - Facebook Marketplace | Picnic Table - Facebook Marketplace

Links you might be looking for:

FRONT OF THE HOUSE

SITTING UNDER THE CANOPY OF TWO OLD MAGNOLIA TREES, THE BIRD HOUSE IS A SOFT + SHADED PLACE TO LAND

Can you spot the bird on the front? With the help of a new window box, house numbers, coat of paint and a plaque that reads “place des amis” (place of friends, in french), this entry (and the birds!) are singing again.

Paint: Alabaster by SW - Exterior Stucco and Trim | Caviar by SW - Black Door | Cocoon by SW - Exterior of Awnings | Honest Blue by SW - Interior of Awnings

Links you might be looking for:

PORCH

A PREVIEW OF THE COLOR TO COME, THIS SOUTHERN STYLE PORCH IS EQUAL PARTS SOOTHING AND SPUNKY

A freshly painted blue ceiling, white porch furniture and bright rug make it the perfect spot.

Paint: Alabaster by SW - Exterior Stucco and Trim | Caviar by SW - Black Door | Cocoon by SW - Exterior of Awnings | Honest Blue by SW - Interior of Awnings

Sources: Outdoor Furniture - Tommy Hilfiger Home Goods Bistro Set | Rug - Old Home Goods

Links you might be looking for:

LIVING ROOM

BRIMMING WITH COLOR AND OUTLINED IN PINK

Through the front door you’ll find the Living Room. My favorite detail is the pink painted window interiors and fireplace. And the yellow couch, of course.

The painting on my mantle is by Tina from Tina’s Art Life. In college, when I started Wing Woman Company, Tina was one of my first clients. I traded a website for this piece of art, knowing it would be something I would treasure forever. It makes me grateful for where I started and inspires me to keep going for what’s next.

Paint: Sanctuary by SW - Walls | Pure White by SW - Trim | Romance by SW - Fireplace trim and interior of windows | Honest Blue by SW - Interior of Awnings seen from house

Sources: Yellow Couch and Teal Chair - Anthropologie | Rug - Old West Elm | Mantle Painting - Tina’s Art Life | Bar Cart - Bed Bath & Beyond

Links you might be looking for:

KITCHEN

A MIX OF ORIGINAL AND MODERN, THIS KITCHEN COOKS UP A LOT OF COLOR

I love this kitchen. I’m so glad we kept the blue tiled countertops and the orginial cabinets. Thanks to my Dad’s genius use of space, we turned this slightly scary, appliance-less room into a fully outfitted kitchen. I’ve been dreaming of a retro fridge for a long time and I’m so grateful that it made it’s way into this space. The wallpaper ties everything together!

Paint: Pure White by SW - Walls & Trim | Commodore by SW - Interior of Windows | Honest Blue by SW - Interior of Awnings seen from house interior

Sources: Butcher Block - Facebook Marketplace | Kitchen Faucet - Home Depot

Links you might be looking for:

HALLWAY

A CORRIDOR WITH A STORY

This pink hallway holds a lot of meaning. With a Marian shrine and mood boards, passing through explains some of my personal story.

My parents found this vintage Lourdes grotto for me a few years ago. It finally found it’s home in the old phone nook of the house. I’ve been on pilgrimage to Lourdes, France twice now and it’s a place so dear to me. Many miracles happen there and I hope to make this house a place of similar healing and hope. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us! With lights installed in the top, this once strange spot in the house has turned into my own perfect Marian Shrine.

I found this note in my grandma’s things when I was helping her move. It reads “Don’t just pray about what seems logical or possible. Pray hard about the “impossible.” God will show you THAT NOTHING - nothing, nothing is impossible with Him. EVER. PERIOD. END OF STORY!” I love seeing this reminder every day.

You’ll also find a letter Virginia sent me after I bought the house. She grew up here! I can’t wait to show her how far it’s come. How sweet is she?!

Paint: Romance by SW - Hallway Walls | Pure White by SW - Trim | Honest Blue by SW - Ceiling Medallion

Sources: Bulletin Boards - Old Home Goods | Marian Shrine - Vintage

BEDROOM

ECCLECTIC AND ELEVATED

In the bedroom, I worked to combine bright colors with a soothing shade of beige for an eclectic and elevated look. It came together with the help of a green headboard, fun lampshades, a few Facebook Marketplace finds, a white chandelier and a ceiling medallion moved from the kitchen and painted blue.

On one wall are 9 frames that illustrate The Canticle of The Creatures by Saint Francis. When I was in Assisi, Italy a few years ago, I picked up these prints and have been hanging on to them since. I love them in these painted frames in my bedroom and I’m thrilled to finally see them hanging up.

*This ceiling medallion was originally in the kitchen. I saved it, painted it blue and moved it to the bedroom to give this chandelier an even more dramatic effect.*

*This dresser was found on Facebook Marketplace. I love the shape! (And if you couldn’t tell already - I love Facebook Marketplace!)*

Paint: Sanctuary by SW - Walls | Pure White by SW - Trim

Sources: Nightstands - Facebook Marketplace | Dresser - Facebook Marketplace | Chandelier - Anthropologie | Bed - Joss & Main

Links you might be looking for:

BATHROOM

DIY-ED AND VINTAGE INSPIRED

The bathroom is refreshed and bright! For the vanity, I found a vintage TV cabinet and this fancy sink on Facebook Marketplace. The cabinet was painted blue and the top was cut to fit the sink. It was a cheap way to achieve a custom look! This “Wings Of Joy” wallpaper will soon be installed to complete the bath.

Paint: Sanctuary by SW - Walls | Pure White by SW - Trim | Honest Blue - Vanity

Sources: Sink - Facebook Marketplace | Vanity - Facebook Marketplace

Links you might be looking for:

I won’t spare you the behind the scenes. I ended up purchasing and returning 7 different toilets because I couldn’t get the measurement right. I almost lost my mind but am now extra grateful for my working bathroom. Everything looks pretty in the end, but things often get worse before they get better. 😉

GUEST ROOM + OFFICE

A BRIGHT AND HAPPY PLACE TO WORK OR STAY

Shiplap on the walls, a light hanging from the ceiling, a day bed and small desk give this room an easy flow. The back door was replaced for one with a window. The light from the door alone triggered amazing transformation. Once dark and dreary, this room has come a long way!

My favorite details include the fun desk chair I found on Facebook Marketplace and the wall mounted light that was original to the porch. This now spray painted gold light fixture was the original exterior light to the home - dating back to 1930ish!

Paint: Pure White by SW - Walls + Trim

Sources: Bed + Dresser - Old West Elm | Desk - Facebook Marketplace | Desk Chair - Facebook Marketplace | Light Shade - Ikea | Marian Pillow - Be A Heart Design (Use Code ‘CAROLINE’ for 10% off)

Links you might be looking for:

LAUNDRY ROOM + ENTRY WAY

A CHARMING ENTRY + SMART SPACE

Through the pink side door is the laundry room and entry way. Unsure we could achieve much with such a small space, once we got rid of the green ceiling, finished the walls with paneling, and installed a fun tile - this room became way more welcoming.

Paint: Pure White by SW - Walls + Trim | Alabaster by SW - Stucco | Honest Blue by SW - Interior Window Trims

Sources: Baskets - Home Goods

Links you might be looking for:

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

TO MY DAD

Thank you for being so quick to come alongside my dream, coaching me through every step, flying down to Charleston numerous times just to work so hard, staying on speed dial to remind me that everything will be just fine, and for being my favorite person to work with. We make a good team. Being Doug’s daughter is my greatest honor. Love you!

TO MY MOM

Thank you for the help of your aesthetic eye - I get any taste or talent from you. I loved watching you bring your sweet touch to the garden and am so thankful you were here in the thick of it to make sure I ate food and my laundry was clean. And for reminding me to breathe. Love you, Mom.

TO MY BROTHER
Thank you for mowing my lawn, talking some sense and some humor, charging my power tools and hauling old, filled-with-lizards air conditioner units to the dumpster (even in a wool sweater). Thanks for being “proud of you for seeing the vision in this, you really have to squint.” Love you!

TO NORMAN & RICKY

Thank you for being the most fun to work with, for putting up with my great paint debate, repainting the door and awnings when I didn’t like the color, filling all the giant holes in the house, and watching out for me during the process. Stormin’ Norman and Ricky against the world. Thanks for believing in #girlpower.

TO STONEY

For being the most cheerful to work with, spending way too much time in that crawlspace and for reminding me to slow down. You always say to “keep that smile,” so that I will. Thanks for being my friend! Cheers!

TO JUAN

Thank you for saving my reno-life, solving all the problems and saying yes to anything I threw out there. A true God-send and the most talented handy man alive. I am so grateful.

TO LEON

Thank you for all the trips to Lowes, your belief in my ability, your immense generosity and the countless hours you spent in this home. I’m so lucky to know you and Donna.

TO LINDA + DEACON TOM

Thank you for blessing this place when it was a mere construction site and for believing that God will be here.

TO MEG

Thank you for joining me on every Facebook Marketplace pick up adventure, responding to every “do you like this?” text and being up for the challenge of just about anything. My right hand woman, ILY!