You know those homes that just whisper stories of generations past? The ones with intricate details and a soul that modern builds often lack? Courtney, the creative force behind Heart & Home Crew, found herself drawn to just such a beauty – a 120-year-old Victorian in the United States. Leaving Canada behind to be closer to family, Courtney embarked on a journey not just of relocation but of revival, sharing her inspiring story and budget-friendly design tips along the way. We caught up with Courtney to delve into her passion, renovation adventures, and recent partnership with Nostalgic Warehouse, which added the perfect touch of timeless elegance to her dining room.
For Courtney, Heart & Home Crew started as a way to connect with others who shared her passion for thrifting and home decor. "I wanted to find like-minded people and show them that making your dream home on a budget is possible!" she explains. What sets her apart is the genuine storytelling woven into her projects, proving that a beautiful home doesn't have to break the bank.
Moving into a home with such a rich history meant embracing both its beauty and its challenges. While Courtney thankfully avoided major structural overhauls, each room presented its own unique puzzle. From repairing water damage in her daughters' bedroom to painstakingly stripping five layers of paint and stain from the entryway's newel post, Courtney tackled each task with dedication. "Each room has its challenge," she admits, "But it is all part of the story, and I am just thankful I even got the opportunity to restore this gorgeous home!"
When it came to selecting the perfect finishing touches for her dining room door, Courtney knew exactly where to turn: Nostalgic Warehouse. "I had initially seen Nostalgic Warehouse through other creators, and I was blown away by their hardware's gorgeous details and amazing finishes," she shares. The allure of hardware that complements the home's original architectural details was undeniable. The result? A dining room door that now proudly showcases a beautifully restored charm, enhanced by the exquisite door knob and push plate from Nostalgic Warehouse. Courtney enthusiastically notes that the dining room door transformation was swift, taking only a couple of days.
For those hesitant to tackle hardware updates, Courtney offers encouraging words: "I think it’s important to know that changing out hardware actually isn’t all that tricky! If you have a door knob or light switch you have been wanting to change out, try it! You will be pleasantly surprised by how simple it can be while making a dramatic difference!" And will Nostalgic Warehouse grace other areas of her home? Absolutely! "I would absolutely love to use Nostalgic Hardware in other areas of my home. My front door is in desperate need of a makeover, and I know that I would definitely use it again there."
Courtney describes her design style as a blend of traditional and vintage with a French flair. She masterfully weaves these elements throughout her home, creating a cohesive yet individual feel in each room. Her secret weapon? A love for thrifting and vintage finds, which not only adds character but also keeps her projects budget-friendly.
Like many creatives, Courtney finds inspiration on Pinterest and through fellow social media enthusiasts. However, she also believes in listening to the house itself. "A lot of the time, though, I will let the room tell me what I should do with it and go from there." When starting a project, a mood board is her go-to tool for visualizing the space and guiding her thrifting adventures.
The decision to purchase this particular Victorian was a mix of practicality and destiny. "We chose this house because it was honestly all we could afford at the time, and it allowed my mom to also move in with us instead of living on her own." Despite initial hesitation, the moment Courtney stepped inside, she felt an undeniable connection. "Once we walked in, my soul just lit up with butterflies at the possibility of owning it and having the chance to renovate it!"
Courtney advises patience and observation for those dreaming of large-scale renovations. "I would say to make sure, if you can, to live in the space for a minute before remodeling anything. It will allow you to see what works for you in the home and what doesn’t." Budgeting is crucial, and embracing DIY can lead to significant savings. And of course, Courtney champions the thrill of the thrift store for unique decor finds.
For smaller transformations, her message is simple yet powerful: "DO IT! That is something I tell my followers all the time: you won’t know until you try, and what have you got to lose?!" She emphasizes the learning process and the immense satisfaction of creating a space you love. "And have fun!! It is so cool to be able to build or redecorate a space and say I did that!"
While still focused on her own home, Courtney is gearing up for a special project: her mom's closet and bathroom. This will involve tearing down a non-original wall to create a custom closet and bringing more design and detail into the bathroom – a testament to her caring nature and design expertise.
Courtney's journey with her Victorian home and her partnership with Nostalgic Warehouse serve as a beautiful reminder that creating a home you love is within reach. Her final words resonate with the spirit of Heart & Home Crew: "I hope you are encouraged and inspired to go thrifting and attempt the DIY you have been thinking about!"
Thank you, Courtney, for sharing your inspiring story and valuable insights! We can't wait to see the next chapter unfold at Heart & Home Crew.
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