Vintage Ornate Door Details with a Touch of Crystal

Please give us more details on The Good Wrench. How did you develop it, and what sets it apart from the rest?

Our family has moved, on average, every two years for the last ten years. We've been in Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, and then back to Indiana (our current residence) and forced to purchase homes sight unseen due to aggressive housing markets. During this last move, I decided to document the purchase of a home we'd never seen in person and renovate the house to make it a "home" suitable for our family's needs. I also wanted to add my personal touch to reflect our style, so @thegoodwrench was born.

Did you do a remodel on your entire home? If so, were there specific rooms that were more challenging than others? Why?

We did a complete gut job on the kitchen; as with any kitchen renovation, it was a beast. In the end, it took about eight months to complete. The appliances were on backorder for six months, and our original general contractor took off unannounced, so I became the contractor for the entire project. Because we are new to the city, it was hard to know the best providers for plumbing, electrical, cabinets, etc. We eventually got there, though, and the kitchen is absolutely gorgeous now. I wouldn't change a thing about it. Regarding other rooms, they have been primarily cosmetic updates and things I can easily DIY with time.

How did you choose the hardware featured in this project? What attracted you to Nostalgic Warehouse?

I have always browsed the Nostalgic Warehouse website and social media pages. I love the products' unique character and the selection of different styles. What stuck out to me most were the crystal knobs. They are showstopping, and I had to have them in my bedroom, no doubt about it.

How long did this project take to complete?

I tackled the Spring 2022 OneRoomChallenge, media partner Apartment Therapy, and it took eight weeks to complete the cosmetic makeover of the primary bedroom. It only took a few minutes to install the actual hardware.

Will you use this hardware again in other projects/areas of your home?

I will absolutely use this hardware again in the house. Now that I have completed the primary bedroom, I am eyeballing the primary bathroom. We need updated drawer pulls in the bathroom, so I am looking at the crystal knob options to coordinate with the French doors.

Did you learn any tips and tricks about door hardware along the way that you think would be beneficial for others?

The only advice I can share is to not underestimate a design element as "little" as door hardware. This "little" update can majorly impact an entire room, and Nostalgic Warehouse exists to support this fully.

What is your design style, and how do you incorporate those decorating decisions within your home?

I think I have more of a transitional style, with a touch of everything. I like to mix modern/contemporary with vintage charm as well. In my opinion, a splash of color can go a long way. While I love neutral décor in many homes, it's not what you will find in mine. I love adding colors to every corner.

Where do you find design inspiration?

I love to follow professional Interior Designers and self-taught designers/DIYers on social media. Many incredibly talented and creative people are willing to share different tips, tricks, and insights on decorating a home.

When starting a project, how do you organize and plan for it?

I typically head to Pinterest or Instagram to find inspiration. If I have my heart set on a décor item, like a rug, I will design the room around this one piece to maintain a cohesive look. I have been known to completely change gears in the middle of a project and head in a different direction. This is the luxury of tackling these projects myself - I can always change along the way if I need to.

Many people want to take on large remodeling projects. What are some recommendations for readers who wish to do an extensive remodel project?

Get as many referrals as you can when it comes to contractors! If you schedule an appointment and they no-show or show late without acknowledging it, find someone else for the job – your time is just as valuable as everyone else's, and a good contractor will respect this. If you do not have time to be your own general contractor, find someone to do this for you.

Also, do your best to maintain a budget because it can quickly spin out of control. But, my most important piece of advice when preparing for an extensive remodel is to expect hiccups because rarely will things go as planned. Be prepared to be flexible and stay calm when unexpected things happen. Cool heads prevail.

What are some tips for readers who wish to transform their homes?

Do your research, and if you are hesitant about a particular style or design, don't commit. Instead, take your time and allow your mind to comprehend the options. Eventually, your mind will clear, and you will have your answer on how you should move forward. Rushing design decisions can be costly and stressful, so TAKE YOUR TIME.

What is next?

Since I just wrapped up a large project, I will slow down and enjoy the extra time with my children. However, I will be tackling smaller projects here and there to keep busy.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you want to try Nostalgic Warehouse products, just do it already! Their quality is phenomenal, and you will LOVE their products.

Thank you to Jessi for working with us. We love how it all came together!