Nostalgic Warehouse recently had the pleasure of partnering once again with Ashley, the creative force behind the popular social media account Holistic Haus. This time, the collaboration involved supplying beautiful new hardware that perfectly complemented the freshly painted doors in her latest home update. In this interview, Ashley shares the inspiration behind her thriving platform, her unique sourcing methods, and the evolution of her style and online presence, highlighting how even small details like hardware can contribute to a significant transformation.
The genesis of Holistic Haus stemmed from Ashley's desire to connect with others and share her passion for DIY projects and secondhand finds. She envisioned a space where she could inspire others by showcasing her latest treasures from Facebook Marketplace and thrift stores, encouraging them to embrace their own creative endeavors.
Ashley's approach to sourcing materials is characterized by her love for the "thrill of the hunt." Whether exploring local thrift and antique shops or navigating online marketplaces, she finds joy in discovering unique pieces. Interestingly, she has honed the Facebook Marketplace algorithm to such an extent that it now proactively suggests items aligned with her evolving design ideas, often before she has even conceptualized a specific project. Her general philosophy prioritizes well-loved secondhand items or new pieces that emulate the character and charm of older finds.
When it comes to home updates and renovations, Ashley's favorite aspect is the tangible realization of her creative vision. The feeling of accomplishment upon completing a project is deeply rewarding for her. Conversely, tasks involving the ceiling are her least favorite, with painting ceilings particularly dreaded. She humorously admits she would choose sanding over that any day.
Over the years, Ashley's personal style has undergone a significant transformation. Her first apartment leaned towards a minimalist take on shabby chic. With her first house, she briefly embraced the monochromatic farmhouse trend. However, upon moving to her current, more traditional home, she found that the farmhouse style felt too impersonal. Initially inspired by mid-century modern design, the introduction of warm wood tones didn't feel quite right. It was only when she began to embrace the inherent architecture of her current home that her style truly clicked. In a way, she has come full circle, revisiting elements of her shabby chic origins, albeit with a refined approach that emphasizes the natural beauty of refinished wood.
Similarly, Holistic Haus itself has evolved organically. Initially, Ashley's content focused on her family's nontoxic lifestyle and glimpses into their daily life, primarily shared with friends and family. As she began documenting her home projects and renovations, she discovered a greater passion for sharing the creative process. The enthusiastic response from a growing audience, drawn to her DIYs and decorating, led to a natural shift, transforming Holistic Haus into the home decor-focused account it is today.
Reflecting on her journey, Ashley highlights collaborations with admired brands as particularly special moments. She also fondly recalls an unexpected opportunity to audition for a television show competition, even though it didn't lead to a callback. Despite the rewarding aspects, Ashley acknowledges the challenges inherent in home projects. She notes that even seemingly simple tasks often present unexpected hurdles. Balancing motherhood, homeschooling, and the demands of both large and small projects also requires constant juggling.
When asked about her favorite types of projects, Ashley gravitates toward those that yield significant impact with relatively minimal effort. Painting a room a new color or updating cabinet and door hardware are prime examples of such transformative changes. For those new to home projects, Ashley offers a valuable piece of advice: "Just remember not to judge your beginning on someone else’s middle." (Love this!)
Currently, Ashley's favorite space in her home is the parlor, a formal living room adjacent to the entryway. She describes it as a beautifully moody green sanctuary that feels like a "warm hug." Featuring a curated gallery wall, a comfortable couch with a view of the front yard, and the added benefit of being infrequently used (making it easier to keep tidy amidst the "tornadoes" that are her children), it has become her peaceful retreat for enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
Thank you once again to Ashley for sharing her home with us!
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