Houzz Interview: Melissa's 320 Sycamore

A few years ago, Melissa, her husband and their five children moved into a fixer upper and transformed it into a charming home. Documenting her house renovating adventures, Melissa started 320 Sycamore, where she shares her passion and tips for home design. Naming her blog after the house address from her favorite movie "It's a Wonderful Life", 320 Sycamore has become an inspiring source for many readers.
"I love to look at possibilities of what can 'become' with limited time and money" says Melissa.
Melissa and her family will soon move to another state and another house and we wish them a lot of luck in their new place.
In the meanwhile, we are very happy to introduce you to Melissa and her 320 Sycamore.

Please tell us about your "first meeting" with your house to be

Oh, goodness. We had one weekend to pick out a house on a quick trip down to Texas. We had been looking, but nothing was clicking. We walked in this empty, worn house frozen in the 70's with the yellow appliances, gold/brown shag carpet, flowered wallpaper, dark wood paneling and trim, and started looking around and saw the potential. It had good bones. The cabinets were dark and ugly, but they were in good shape and just needed a coat of paint, I loved the layout, the neighborhood, the location, the big trees, and the owner was giving a $15,000 allowance. I said, this is it! My husband and realtor looked at me in shock and said, are you serious? :)

The first step of your remodeling process

Making a list and getting quotes right away. I love lists. We decided what absolutely had to be done right away, what absolutely had to be done but could be finished later, what work we could do, what we needed to hire out for, and what we could finish along the way.

The biggest renovation challenge you faced

Ugly wallpaper everywhere! Some came off easily, some came off with fabric softener and hot water, some with a steamer, and some would not budge and we textured over it and painted.

Your favorite style and colors

I love many styles, but am drawn to classic, traditional styles with a warm, updated feel. I love all colors, but have never been drawn to use purple in my decor. Why? I have no clue. I don't think I've ever had a stitch of purple in any of my homes. Maybe I just don't have any royalty in my blood.

A spot in your house that makes you very happy

Our master bedroom/bath. It's not huge, but it feels peaceful and like it's ours. With 5 kids, that is important. :)

Your precious accessory/furniture/art

The glider rocker my husband gave me for my first mothers day right before my first daughter was born. He shopped around and found out what made a quality glider that would last forever and bought the best our little salary could buy. It has rocked all 5 of our children, had countless stories read in it, and we still use it all of the time.

Your next house project

Selling it! We just put it on the market since we're moving in December.

5 things that houzz readers need to know about you and your blog

love the movie It's a Wonderful Life. 320 Sycamore is the address of the old, rundown Granville House that George and Mary move into and she makes into their home.

I love seeing potential in houses, furniture, and accessories others may toss aside.

I dread the technical part of blogging. Taking the pictures, waiting for the pictures to upload, choosing which ones to use, arranging the format, taking what's in my head and typing it so it makes some sense. I wish I could just talk while I'm doing my projects and it would automatically type into a post.

My blog motivates me to get things done. I love that. I also love the encouragement and kind words people leave along the way~I don't think people realize how a few thoughtful words can completely brighten my day.

I'm pretty random. Most of the blog is dedicated to home things, but I easily wander to share good deals, thoughts on motherhood, life, etc.

Best tip for the remodeling beginner

Always overestimate your costs~it always costs more than you think and always budget for unexpected things, especially with older homes. (Ahem...like having to re-pipe the entire house. $3800 we didn't see coming...ouch.)

Last but not least: as a houzz friend, Melissa has chosen a Target giveaway gift card to one of the lucky readers that will share their thoughts about her house and interview..


Thank you for sharing your beautiful home Melissa!


For your chance to win a $50 Target gift card, comment on this interview by Sunday, November 22, at 5pm EST.