The Gratz Life started as a creative outlet for Vanessa Chaverri-Gratz, who grew up with a mom who was both an interior painter and a serial redecorator. Since she's always been around decorating, sharing her process on social media came naturally. We recently partnered with her on new door hardware for her beautiful 1926 Tudor-style home in Michigan. Our latest blog tells her story and includes gorgeous photos of Vanessa's home!
Please give us some more details on The Gratz Life.
My husband and I purchased our first home in 2020 and I wanted to share my personal process through the lens of social media. The Gratz Life is different because I'm not a traditional DIY page. You won't find me knocking down walls, painting a ceiling, or building things. I defer to the professionals when it comes to anything in that field. I love to decorate and feel very strongly about the power that small changes, like hardware or a new rug, can make to a space.
What are your plans for your current home?
We recently purchased a new-to-us circa 1926 registered historic home, and we were fortunate that the previous owners took excellent care of it. A lot of major renovations, like a complete kitchen remodel, brand new master shower, and new windows, were actually done by them. We definitely plan to put our stamp on this house, though. So far, we have only made cosmetic changes like new paint, lighting, and hardware, but we plan on a few really good "refreshes" on certain rooms.
What led you to choose Nostalgic Warehouse hardware?
I firmly believe in letting a house lead you in terms of decor. This house has a lot of history and original charm; I wanted to respect and add to it. I love that Nostalgic Warehouse has numerous options for every type of home, and many styles could have been original to this 1926 home. The Meadows collection feels historic and whimsical, and I love that it is so incredibly eye-catching.
How long did it take to install the hardware?
From start to finish, it only took a day! Our home has almost all original doors, which include mortise-style locksets. It was quick regarding installation, thanks to the specific instructions supplied with the hardware.
Will you use this hardware again in other areas of your home?
I am counting down the days until I can order more. The hardware is the dream duo of beauty and function. It's the perfect combination for anyone who loves a good statement in a space. Our next project will be the upstairs doors. I love consistency and want our whole home filled with the Meadows collection.
Did you learn any beneficial tips and tricks about door hardware?
When it comes to old doors, expect some hiccups. Even though the lock style was the same (mortise), we needed to make some adjustments to fit the newer set. I think this is the case when working with anything "older."
What is your design style, and how do you incorporate those decorating decisions within your home?
My answer to this question is complicated because my style is complex. The best way I can describe it is: "Low-key maximalism, lover of a consistent color palette, variety of textures and warm tones, mixing antique and modern pieces inspired by Modern French and English Countryside design with a splash of mid-century modern thrown in." I'm a big fan of mixing and matching what feels and looks good.
Where do you find design inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere. A stay at a beautifully designed hotel, a visit to a great museum, walking the streets of a quaint downtown. Digitally, I love scouring the websites of Arch Digest, Veranda, House Beautiful, and, of course, Pinterest.
When starting a project, how do you organize and plan for it?
I like to plan with mood or vision boards. Pictures are helpful, and I like seeing it all together for a good visual. I use Canva to create my boards.
How did you choose a house to buy and renovate?
I like to joke that this house found and chose us. The place we are currently in was for sale for about 8 months; in this current crazy real estate market, that's basically the equivalent of several years. We casually came across it while looking at houses for fun on Trulia. It was a Friday night, and by the following Thursday, we were getting off a plane in Michigan on our way to tour it. It was ours a month later. Ultimately, it was the location (one house off the water), size of the lot (just under an acre), and history of the home (circa 1926 Tudor), while not needing any major work, that sold us.
Many people want to take on large remodeling projects. What are some recommendations for readers who wish to do an extensive remodel project?
I would say make sure you have the bandwidth. We have yet to do any major remodel, and our personal bandwidth has kept us from taking one on. I have seen remodels that take time, so much money, and a lot of patience, and to date, we have yet to be in a situation where it made sense for us. That was one of the main reasons we were drawn to this house; it didn't need any major renovation work.
What are some tips for readers who wish to make a transformation in their home?
My best tip is to use the power of a coat of paint and great decor. You don't always need to knock down a wall or replace flooring to make an impactful transformation to a home. A great area rug, a new light fixture, and even beautiful door hardware can make a real difference in any space. Many people have a hard time looking past a home's decor or current state when looking to buy, which can often deter them. Remember that with time, you can change just about anything.
Are you working on any other properties or projects besides your own home?
I am working on an interior decorating project for a client's living room. They recently bought a new build and want to add more charm to it with decor. That's my specialty.
What is next?
Next for us is the powder bathroom refresh. We are replacing the vanity, mirror, and lighting and adding wallpaper and paint. The door handle has already been replaced; it's Nostalgic Warehouse! It's going to be beautiful when it's all completed.
Thank you to Vanessa for sharing these lovely photos! Note to our audience: mortise sets are a custom order that can be placed through our customer service department. You can reach them here, by calling 1-800-522-7336, or emailing support@nostalgicwarehouse.com.
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