A Colorful Home With DIY Murals Subscribes to a ‘Do What Works for Us, Not What Works for Resale Value’ Mindset

Posted in Angelcityfurniture

Name: Abbey Chiavario , my husband Jake, dog Jet, cat Gracie Location: Nashville, Tennessee Type of home: 1960s Ranch Size: 1800 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, owned

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My husband and I bought this house in a neighborhood solely based on its original hardwood floors and its garage. Combined, we own ten vintage motorcycles and our last home only had a carport. We knew this house was the one when we saw it had a half-walkout basement, half-garage, which we turned into one big two-bay garage to act as both a workshop and a wrenching spot. Since then, the theme of our house has been “do what works for us, not what works for resale value.”

We’ve remodeled the entire house ourselves. Everything from a kitchen gut job to refinishing the hardwood floors to installing a glass garage door to allow more natural light. Every room is serene but energizing.

Our entire bedroom and connected half-bath is black. Our kitchen has jade-green ceramic tiles coupled with a tropically inspired mural that I did myself. Every little part of our home, down to our pink, color-blocked hallway, is our own. Sure, we’ll probably have to paint over the numerous murals and black walls if we ever sell the house, but why settle now?

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Colorful, refreshing, energizing, cozy, eclectic

What is your favorite room and why? My dining room is my favorite room in my house. I am an artist and I love to create large-scale projects that flow into the decor of the home. I designed and painted a big mural on one wall in the dining room that draws the eye around the room, perfectly pulling in the colors of the green backsplash in the kitchen. Combine that with a table that I whitewashed myself, the room has an elegant, eclectic, but relaxed feel to it.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I found two INCREDIBLE blue glass table lamps in my neighbor’s garbage. They were caked with years and years of thick, brown dust and cobwebs, but a little bit of window cleaner has them shining like brand-new. They catch the light in the most stunning way.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Don’t worry about resale. Don’t settle. Save for the big things, and don’t compromise.

This submission’s responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Share Your Home:

⇒ House Tour & House Call Submission Form