Houzz Interview: It's the little things that make a house a home

For the last two years since Karla moved to her current house, she was busy renovating and decorating, creating a beautiful nest for her family. The end result is absolutely gorgeous. Each room was decorated with great attention to detail and a lot of love.
Karla, who is admitting to be "obsessed with interior design", is always at work on some project around the house. She is also pursuing a career in design and we can't wait to see what other great designs she will inspire us with.

I'm very happy to introduce you to Karla and her blog It's the little things that make a house a home.

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

Our situation with this house is a bit out of the ordinary. In November of 2006 we got the call that my husband, Will, had been hired by Alaska Airlines. In one months time we had to pack up our home, put our house on the market, find a rental house up in Seattle and, with three kids in tow, make the three day drive up from Arizona where we had lived for the past 2 & 1/2 years. Luckily, we found a rental house on short notice and moved right in. In June of 2007, I got a phone call from my mother-in-law asking if I could quickly drive over to her neighborhood to look at a house that was just put on the market. A little confused, but admittedly excited to go through an open house (we love to look!), I went over and we did a walk through. At the end of our tour, she asked me if I thought we could handle living there. Without a doubt, I said "yes" and a little less than two months later we had moved in. We now rent this house from my in-laws and we live three doors down from them. And yes, we love it! Living houses down from your in-laws isn't as bad as everyone thought it would be! The house is a one story - which we love - and is similar to the house we sold in AZ. We were sad to leave that house, so getting back to something familiar felt great! Besides, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to have the grandparents so close to our kids. Watching those relationships grow has been the best part!

The first step of your remodeling process

Paint, paint, and more paint! When we moved in, the house was 13 years old. It still had the builder paint on the walls - except where they had tried to "touch up" spots where photos had been hung, prior to putting it on the market. The color of every wall in the house was a beautiful shade of packing paper grey (note the sarcasm!) and the house just felt lifeless. The first thing was to get all of that old, original paint covered up and start fresh. Our first big construction project was to give the fireplace in our family room a makeover. It had a tiny mantle over it that was really just a thin shelf. We tore that down and put up panels, trim and molding to make a big, floor to ceiling impact. It was a lot of fun! And the difference was amazing!

The biggest renovation challenge you faced

Our biggest renovation challenge has been the one we are just finishing up. The house came with a formal dining room just off of the front entry. We set it up as a dining room when we moved in because we had the furniture from our house in AZ to do so. Recently, we've been feeling a bit cramped in the house. It is just over 2000 sq. ft., but with a formal dining room that we only use for Thanksgiving dinner, it meant that we were letting an entire room sit unused the other 364 days of the year. We decided to close off the arches and walkways into the dining room, install French doors, and turn it into a playroom for our kids. My husband has done framing and dry walling before, but this project was an entirely new experience for me! We learned a lot and now that it is nearly finished, I can say that we had fun doing it. It was definitely worth the work!

Your favorite style and colors

I'm not sure that I can put a name on my favorite style. The feelings that I want for my home are cozy, comfortable, relaxed, casual, while still feeling clean, contemporary and sophisticated. We have three young kids, ages 7, 5 and 3, so while I can't always achieve the look that I may want, I can always achieve the feeling that I want. The colors that I love are that of the ocean: watery blues, cloudy skies, the colors of the sand and seashells and pebbles. My absolute favorite color is Wedgewood Gray #HC-146 by Benjamin Moore. It is vibrant and refreshing in the morning light, and calm and relaxing when the sun starts to set on it.

A spot in your house that makes you very happy/proud

I would have to say our family room. This past January we did a Board and Batten treatment that included our family room, kitchen, and eating area. In the grand scheme of things, it was an easy project. It gave us a whole lot of bang for our buck! It freshened up the room and gave it the detail and architecture that it was lacking. I love being in there!

Your precious accessory/furniture/art

I treasure our old family photos. My mom passed on my grandpa's old military trunk to me and in it are photos and mementos from the past. Will and I cherish the history of our families and where we come from. I display some of the old black and whites from when our grandparents were young. Our kids ask questions about them every once in a while and it's fun to have those conversations with them about the "olden days". As far as furniture goes, Will has built some beautiful pieces of furniture that will be with us always. Things that are handmade are of great value, but when it's made by someone that you love, that's when it really has meaning. We're not big art collectors...yet! But that doesn't mean that we won't be someday!

Your next house project

Our next big project will most likely be tearing out the old, original, builder grade carpet in our family room. It borders our kitchen and we have a peninsula the runs between the hardwood floors in the kitchen and the carpet in the family room. The countertop on the peninsula extends beyond the cabinets so that people can sit at the countertop on bar stools and eat, drink, etc. The carpet goes all the way up to the cabinets which has made for a lot of stains made by kids and adults alike. There are also French doors leading from our family room onto our deck. We've never understood why the original owners laid carpet through such a high-traffic area where you transition from outdoors to indoors. We're hoping to lay new hardwoods, or find a suitable option for the family room that will make it food and outdoor friendly!

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

1. We are DIY'ers to the core!
2. My blog is written from our home, so first, I am a mom. That means that I am in our home, with our kids, every day of every week, so it's important for me to love where I live. Your home should be uniquely yours! And that's what I strive for in my designs.
3. My husband/carpenter would tell you that it is my blog, but I will tell you that it is OUR blog! He is just as much a part of making the design a reality, as I am. (I am working on him to do a couple of "How To" posts. We'll see if I can make it happen!)
4. I love to look through magazines and catalogues for inspiration and then find or make the same thing for a lot less! For me, it's not a matter of whether I can afford to buy the item - it's the thrill of finding it for less, or making it custom ourselves!
5. I crave change! So you will always find a project happening on our blog. Whether it's a makeover happening inside, or furniture being built out in the garage - something is always changing!

Best tip for the remodeling beginner

It's worth the work! I cannot stress this enough. There were definite moments during the renovation of our dining room that I thought "what were we thinking?" or "I don't want to do this anymore!", but the mess, the exhaustion, the stress of it all was worth every minute of work. If you have an idea - a game plan - for a way to make your space work for you, instead of fitting your family into the builders idea of how your house should be lived in - put in the effort to make it happen! Throw out the traditional ideas of how a house should be used and customize it to work for you! These days, a 2000 sq. ft. house for a family of five would be considered small, but we're well on our way to making it suit our needs. And honestly, more house equals more cleaning. And I would rather spend my free time designing than dusting!

Last but not least: as a houzz friend, you get to choose a giveaway gift to one of the lucky readers that will share their thoughts about your house and interview.

Since this interview comes on the heels of our latest renovation, I've selected a $50 Lowe's gift certificate for this giveaway. If you've been waiting to start a project in your home, this may be the perfect beginning! And if nothing else, $50 will buy you two gallons of paint - and paint is the easiest and most inexpensive way to transform the look and feel of a room.

Thank you for sharing your charming home Karla!


For your chance to win the $50 Lowe's gift certificate, selected by Karla, comment on this interview by Sunday, September 6, at 5pm EST.

"The feelings that I want for my home are cozy, comfortable, relaxed, casual, while still feeling clean, contemporary and sophisticated".
We are DIY'ers to the core!
Headboard turned Bench
"The colors that I love are that of the ocean: watery blues, cloudy skies, the colors of the sand and seashells and pebbles".
For your chance to win a $50 Lowe's gift certificate, comment on this interview by Sunday, September 6, at 5pm EST.

Comments

magic_happens After spending a good part of my day photographing, measuring walls and furniture in an attempt to have my game plan ready for a move at the end of this month, I found this interview to be very timely and encouraging.

Favorite comment :... "If you have an idea - a game plan - for a way to make your space work for you, instead of fitting your family into the builders idea of how your house should be lived in - put in the effort to make it happen! Throw out the traditional ideas of how a house should be used and customize it to work for you!"

Favorite room/picture:...Pretty much most of them, but bonus points for the wine rack and the compass initials in the Living Room. Brilliant !!!
4 years ago ·
Erin Lang Norris Wow! You did a wonderful job in creating your home! I would love to retire to this house after a long day of work.

We just bought a house and I too am obsessed with design...even attended design school for a bit before we got the call that we were moving to a new city that lacks a decent design program...so it was nice to read that you are trying to make a career out of something you love.

My favorite parts of your home are the gorgeous wall colors and I love all the attention to detail! You've certainly put a lot of thought into everything and reading your interview made me smile.
4 years ago ·
Jill Asher You did a fantastic job creating a beautiful home... I absolutely love it!
I have found that taking my children's art work, having it framed and hanging them over our walls.... has made our home warm, cozy and beautiful.

Thank you for sharing your home on houzz.... and I love your blog!

Jill
4 years ago ·
diva2009 Amazing, I love every single room! Great interview.
4 years ago ·
Addressing Spaces My favorite homes are ones that aren't bought, but "made". You certainly made this house a home with all your personal touches. Great interview!
~MB at www.downhomediy.blogspot.com
4 years ago ·
karen1974 What a beautiful home! I enjoyed the interview and the gorgeous photos.
4 years ago ·
slauntche Absolutely gorgeous! Fantastic interview! I cannot wait to see your home in person. You and Will make such a perfect team!
4 years ago ·
jctbarnett What a gorgeous home! I love everything! I recently painted my tiny 1/2 bath downstairs in horizontal stripes, and I love it.
4 years ago ·
Anny What a gorgeous home! I love the picture of the leather seat with ottoman by the fireplace. Its so inviting! I love your color choices as well, everything is so soothing. Good luck with your next projects :)
4 years ago ·
sportsmadgirl Beautiful home! I read Karla's blog and love it. She offers a lot of creative inspiration and makes you feel like you can do all this yourself.
You have really made your house a home. Great interview

Lynda @ sportsmadgirl.blogspot.com
4 years ago ·
cheapdiva this is a testament to your creative talents! And how lucky your children can have grandparents in their lives every day - you are all fortunate.
4 years ago ·
carolynbertram I love all your little touches. Your home looks so inviting!
4 years ago ·
sweetdreams Stunning! great colors, beautiful design, fabulous interview.
4 years ago ·
nini Thank you sharing your wonderful talents. We live in a small space, but have been doing little things that make us happy and comfortable.
4 years ago ·
sgarlick I'm in love with the colors- this is definitely a home where I want to relax in. Fabulous job!
4 years ago ·
jenny8675309 I found your website through another blog (Thrifty Decor Chick) and have fallen in love with your home and decorating style! I've been studying at my living room lately wondering how board and batten would look (my husband has no idea what he is in for). Thank you for the wonderful inspiration!
4 years ago ·
millertime I love your house so much! I wish I could find the motivation to do such wonderful things to my house. I can barely keep it clean and I only have two kids. I really admire your energy. Beautiful house, great interview.
4 years ago ·
misty w Beautiful home....lots of great inspiration for my own home! Thanks!
4 years ago ·
alyson444 As a soon-to-be homeowner, I found this post very inspiring. Our "new" house is 13 years old too and we will face many of the same issues regarding paint and carpet. The first major project will be re-flooring the second story and painting every single room with updated hues. I love your blue choices!
4 years ago ·
avia1976 I love your style - classic and clean. And, I also love your color choices. Your home looks very calm and serene. I especially love the coordinates in your tray ceiling; very cool and unique!
4 years ago ·
angie Your color choices are beautiful. I'm redoing some rooms in my house and you have inspired me! Thanks.
4 years ago ·
smstock very nice
4 years ago ·
mammy What a beautiful home. So peaceful looking. You've got style!
4 years ago ·
lmdaw Love! Love! Love your home!
4 years ago ·
hroms All of it was super. Seriously, I kept saying "OH, my goodness. I love that. NO, I love THAT!" Awesome inspiration!
4 years ago ·
Margaret Everton I wouldn't say that this is my style per se, but I was immediately drawn to each room because of the home's blend of coziness and sophistication. It's a hard balance to strike, and this place looks great!
4 years ago ·
scraphappyangie Karla is amazing. She is helping me with my office space and my home! I can't wait to see the outcome! Ü
4 years ago ·
mary morriosn I love your home. The colors are so soothing. Every room is so inviting. You have great style. Thanks zoomzoommary
4 years ago ·
lilies_503 Beautiful house! It's my kind of style. And I love the wine rack!
4 years ago ·
msccchels I love your house! I have saved a few of the photos for inspiration - particularly the horizontal stripes (I'm doing vertical, but in those same colors - what color is the brownish one?) and the scallops. I never thought to add the little dot of detail on the scallops like that--brilliant.
4 years ago ·
Sonja Hilliard, DVM Love the wine rack!
4 years ago ·
tcengiz beautiful home and very inspiring interview. thanks for sharing your ideas and home with us.
4 years ago ·
kristi Simply stunning...Karla's style is very similar to mine...I would be happy to spend time in such a beautiful, serene environment!

And, I just found a new blog to read...woohoo!

;) Kristi
4 years ago ·
sindy I have been enjoying Karla's blog for a few months--it's always inspiring! :)
Sindy
MC3073@aol.com
4 years ago ·
dryan0907 Love the look of this home - gorgeous!
4 years ago ·
geo55 Looks like you well-achieved what you set out to do-- your home is just beautiful!
You say: My absolute favorite color is Wedgewood Gray #HC-146 by Benjamin Moore. ...vibrant and refreshing in the morning light... calm and relaxing when the sun starts to set on it.

Which rooms that you posted are painted in that shade?
Thanks for sharing!
4 years ago ·
shanrod20 I love the wine rack holder. Did you make it?
4 years ago ·
fivekerr2000 Love your entire space. I read your blog regularly because I love your decorating style so much. I want to be like you when I grow up--lol!!
4 years ago ·
Lynn Levinson What a beautiful home and what an inspiring story!!
4 years ago ·
blondie I love every single room! GORG!!! Now I need to visit your blog. Stat.
4 years ago ·
Elizabeth I am head-over-heels for each and every room in your home. Stunning!
4 years ago ·
ambreyno I loved the artwork over the bed. There was a sense of the branch coming alive as it moved off of the canvas. Brilliant idea that I would love to incorporate.
4 years ago ·
sara1972 I LOVE your home. Thanks for a great interview and beautiful photos.
4 years ago ·
keylime Love the "Est. 1999" sign above the entry door! I want that in my home! :)
4 years ago ·
cpetrie I read ITLTTMAHAH. It's great to see all of the renovated rooms all at once.
4 years ago ·
lorri I have followed Karla's blog for some time and am so addicted! Every morning I check in to see if there is a new post to be inspired by. Definately one of the very best blogs I've seen.
4 years ago ·
leighbra am now a follower. great post!
4 years ago ·
ctervort i've been following Karla's blog for a while and I love everything she does. my favorite is the boarda and batten.
4 years ago ·
kozakr Lovely house, you inspire me to change some things in my own house!
4 years ago ·
nmadias9808 We might have been separated at birth. Congratulations on following your dream. You inspire me. How is the economy in the Pacific Northwest? Michigan is a beautiful amazing state but our economy is making everyone jump ship. Your blog speaks to those with more dash than cash!
4 years ago ·
sierrad Love the feeling of your house. It's so sophisticated, yet totally kid friendly. You have inspired me to start small in my house to slowly reach what I love!
4 years ago ·
lovewhatyoulive I just love every single one of your photos, what a beautiful home!
4 years ago ·
Kelly Lautenbach Such a soft and welcoming color scheme... :) I see something I enjoy in every picture!
4 years ago ·
AnNicole Great interview Karla! I love your home.
4 years ago ·
bljgraves Great interview!
4 years ago ·
debkb Love all the personal touches!
4 years ago ·
sharon70 You have a beautiful and inviting home. I love the flow of colors throughout your home and your taste in accessories.
4 years ago ·
yevrah Absolutely beautiful home.....I have blues and browns throughout my house as I find them so soothing and cozy without feeling claustrophobic, so your home definitely resonates with me! Great interview as well!
4 years ago ·
craftyniche Your home is so warm, cozy, and inviting. Also, a great inspiration! I enjoyed your interview.
4 years ago ·
raemo26 I love how family friendly your spaces are without be taken over by kids! As a stay at home mom I appreciate the inspiration!
4 years ago ·
tigers Wonderful interview Karla...you have a beautiful home. I'm about to start work on my kitchen...new countertops...new paint...new lighting...installing beadboard(I have done this in three of our beach condos, should have no problem). This will be a big job and a gift card from my fav store would surecome in handy.

Blessings,
Linda

linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com
4 years ago ·
carmenmariap I have read Karla's blog before and I fell in love with her house then. I still love it!!! The colors are just gorgeous!!! What a great interview. Congrats on being featured, Karla!
4 years ago ·
shelbie clouse I am so happy I found this place. Let me just say that Karla and her blog are so inspiring. I check it almost daily, and now I have a new one to check! Thanks. I am shocked how much I can relate to her passion for interior design! Sometimes I can't sleep at night because I am trying to decide on what to do to each room in my house! It's pathetic, but I love it! It makes me feel better when I find other people as obsessed with it as I am. I am so excited to have another inspirational "idea-land" to spend hours at! Congratulations Karla!
4 years ago ·
theweatheredcottage I LOVE LOVE LOVE Karla's blog. It is easily one of my 2 favorites! Her style is exactly the look I strive for in my home. It would be so helpful to win the gift card, as we just bought our first home and are trying to work on projects as we have the money!
4 years ago ·
Emily@notionsonnesting.com A truly inspiring interview. Karla's home is beautiful. Can't wait to browse this site and hope I win the gift card to help pay for a new project. Here I come Lowes!
4 years ago ·
cynmc76 love!!!
4 years ago ·
jsmreed I've followed Karla's dining room/play room transformation and am so inspired. It's really made me look at the living spaces in my home and evaluate what's good and bad in each. Thanks for helping me think outside the box!
4 years ago ·
Melanie Riley Your home and decorating style are gorgeous! Love your paint colors and that unique wine rack.

~Melanie
www.melathome.blogspot.com
4 years ago ·
laura12 Love Karla's blog, that is how I found Houzz.com!
Great job on all your projects, very inspired!
4 years ago ·
fawnlett Great interview! Love the pics of your home, wish I lived there!
4 years ago ·
embellishedbayou I'm a recent follower of Karla's blog, and I love all her ideas and projects! I had never seen some of those photos before, she has done a beautiful job making her house a home!
4 years ago ·
carlamo Karla, your home is beautiful! Love the blog!
4 years ago ·
dianey I have always loved your family room and living room. In fact, they have inspired some projects in my own home!
4 years ago ·
Vivian Ruble Karla, I read your blog regularly ever since I stumbled onto it and notices we had the same idea for the board & batten! I have never seen anyone do it but you and I! I was shocked to see someone else had come up with the very same way to do this. I still absolutely love mine (and yours!) years later! I have now done my kitchen & hall, also. I felt we were so much alike! I adore your home and it is MY style! I have always had trouble picking a "style" when people ask, also. I am and RN but not working right now. I am presently in the planning stages of totally remodeling my friends kitchen/ family room. I LOVE IT!! When you can do this typ eof really hard physical work for someone else (free) you know you love it!!

Your husband and kids better know how blessed they are to have a mommy & wife like you! Keep it up! I love to glean ideas from you. (Our fireplace was a BIG problem until I saw yours and the idea is perfect for mine... that is my NEXT project!
4 years ago ·
nvygrl1010 i love the bedroom color, i think we might use it now two. I have been afraid of dark walls but that look really good ( i like how you used sophisticated!)
4 years ago ·
asfarmer I am a blog follower....but it was fun to see so many pictures of how the little things have made your house a home all in one spot. Congratulations on the recognition!
4 years ago ·
onelildream I love the colors in this house. What a beautiful home!
4 years ago ·
kimb Wonderful home. It seems to have such a nice flow and continuity of style. I love that you have an "I can do anything" attitude. Great job! Very inspiring!!
4 years ago ·
star_dust Beautiful and inspiring. I enjoyed reading your interview and loved you tip "It's worth the work!".
4 years ago ·
rebeccam Wow! So amazing and inspiring! Love so many of the details that make it feel so inviting. I am so horrible at picking paint colors, so your choices are inspiring as we are completely remodeling our newly purchased 17 year old home (I know it was built in the 90's, but can you say ugly 80's decor? YIKES!)
4 years ago ·
beccaross You are my inspiration! Your home is beautiful and seeing it makes me want to make my house a home too. Hope your boys had a good first day of school!
4 years ago ·
tinam61 Karla, I have been reading your blog for a while now. So nice to see this interview and read how you came to the house, etc. Love all your DIY ideas. You have made a beautiful home for your family!

tina
4 years ago ·
courtney Loved the photos and the interview. I linked over from Karla's blog and now am in love with this site too!
And boy could I use that $50! :)
4 years ago ·
kfsonshine What a great interview! I follow Karla's blog, so it was neat to find her out and about on the web. Fingers crossed for that giftcard! :)
4 years ago ·
reclaimingdinner I follow Karla's blog and have loved looking and getting great ideas! The builder is coming tonight to start working on finishing our basement!!! It's our biggest project yet and I can't wait until it's done so I can decorate! :)

www.reclaimdinner.blogspot.com
4 years ago ·
brandi0821 Loved all of the photos and I adore Karla's color choices. What a great interview also, so inspiring. It's great to see a home so personalized yet so beautiful. I follow Karla's blog and linked over from there and boy I'm so glad that I did.

I'm so glad that I stumbled onto this site! It is truly wonderful. Of course I would really love a $50 gift card too! :)
4 years ago ·
jeano What a lovely home! Great interview.
Would love to win the gift card...
4 years ago ·
victoria_d What a beautiful house. I like every single room.
4 years ago ·
hautedecorgal Lovely home! It's so calming and serene and definitely has the feel of a vacation home!
4 years ago ·
bemarsha Karla, your home is lovely. I hope you don't mind if I "borrow" some of your ideas.
4 years ago ·
hollyeve Beautiful home! We always have projects going on over here, too. I think that is what make a house really feel like "home". It is so rewarding to see the results of your own hard work and creativity.
4 years ago ·
danielledeskins I've been a "It's the little things..." follower for a short while now and am totally inspired by Karla and her design style, creativity, and tenacity. I'm so glad she got a chance to participate in this Q&A because not only did I learn more about her, now many more can too! By the way, what a great resource this site is!
4 years ago ·
casplan Very inspiring and encouraging! I'll definitely be checking out the blog.
4 years ago ·
katrinkajane Can't wait to see your finished playroom!
4 years ago ·
jtrumper I love your home! I found some true inspiration within and need to get busy with a plan for the many unfinished rooms in my home. Thank you!
4 years ago ·
jmeek32 I love Karla's blog and I so excited to have found this one! She has given me so many ideas and I can't wait to get started.
4 years ago ·
moondiva Each pictures is a dream come true!!! I'm adding your blog to my favs.

Blessings, Deborah
4 years ago ·
noodle My daughter, MegJill, led me to your blog, but I've never seen so many pictures of your home all at once! (She's the one that just did your red door redo - great, great idea and color!) Anyway, I find your blog fascinating and can't believe how much you and your husband get accomplished. You inspire me, so thank you for sharing!
4 years ago ·
mrseod_2004 I love how she said to customize the house around you - and after years of moving with my husband and the Army, we're finally able to do that now that he's out. We're going to make our house our own and do it our way. :)
4 years ago ·
trisha what a wonderful interview. I recently found their blog and have loved her ideas...now to make them happen in my home is some of my recent goals! Thank you for sharing a little piece of your passion and life. :)
4 years ago ·
ewise1 I love this house! My husband and I are also do-it-yourselfer's and I love getting new ideas from all of these talented people online :) Thank you for sharing your ideas with us!
4 years ago ·
godawgs Your home looks like a giant hug! COmfortable and liveable for children, yet stylish and fresh for adults. I love the coat hooks in the hallway and the compass detail in the family. Great work!
4 years ago ·
tc_raney I love your house and your blog I have followed you for awhile now. Great interview.
4 years ago ·
bebe I love your house and your style. Thanks for sharing your home...
4 years ago ·
monroefiles I LOVE all of the neat ideas that you come up! And love the fact that it doesn't take a professional to pull it off! We bought a house Dec. 31, 2008 and are just starting to make big changes (besides paint! That was easy!) and I am taking all of your renovations as doses of inspiration to making our tiny old house work for us. Thanks for being an inspiration to others who have the gumption but not always the know how! :)
4 years ago ·
grumpypantskelly I really like your color scheme, especially the color in your bedroom and the mantle looks beautiful
4 years ago ·
marty Oh I have been following her blog since I first started blogging, and I am always inspired by her creativity. Her home is lovely and reflects her style so perfectly. I can't wait to see the next project. Marty
4 years ago ·
dianeswoveland I am Karla's mother-in-law and I am so proud of all the improvements she has made to her home. I love following her progress and I hope she and our son continue on their path to home improvements. I am so fortunate to live only 3 houses down so I get to see their progress in person. Karla & our son Will make the perfect match both in their marriage and their home projects. Even the neighbors are impressed at how they have improved the neighborhood. Great work kids, you do us proud.
4 years ago ·
kelleighr I've been following Karla's blog for a while now, and it seems like every single post is a source of inspiration to me. Her board and batten family room is my favorite home improvement, but I just LOVE the new playroom. I wish she could come down to Oregon to help me with my home!!
4 years ago ·
ms_pea I am a follower of Karla's blog, and I get so much inspiration from her projects and ideas! :-)
4 years ago ·
gertie Great interview! I just found your blog and I am totally hooked!
4 years ago ·
brendav Love the interview...love you blog!
4 years ago ·
aladdintn You have a great sense of style and balance. I truly love your home...and the fact that you know that your sons will benefit so much from living near their grandparents! What a wonderful family story entertwined with decor!
4 years ago ·
Two Ellie Such a great home! love all the detail. Our next project is to enclose the TV hole that came above our fireplace, ugh.
4 years ago ·
megjill I love all of your design ideas, but my favorites are the new fireplace fronts and you board and batten. Beautiful! They add so much to your home. Oh, and of course the front door, which I repeated and love!
4 years ago ·
bettyboogie I think Karla has the best ideas! I tried to choose a favorite project but there are too many that I really like.
4 years ago ·
christyn Hi -! I'm glad I found this interview and your blog. I love the little things you've done to make your house a home - beautiful!
4 years ago ·
tweetartistmommy Karla, I've been a fan for a while now -- from Rate My Space to your "it's the little things..." blog -- your designs are always a great inspiration!! I've also always loved the board and batten look and I'm going to try it in our family room! And if I ever come across a great old headboard it's definitely getting a new life as a bench! Keep up the fantastic work! :)
4 years ago ·
yvetteyasui Thanks for the wonderful inspiration. You did so much in such a short time. I've been in our home for 3 years and just put custom blinds up. whew, i'm soo slow! love the paint colors you chose, that is my next project, but am dragging, not committing to the job at hand. am newly energized.
4 years ago ·
sandi My first visit to this site and I've already passed it along to friends. You're color selections are spot on with my own favorites. You shared one of them in your interview, I'd love to hear the other colors you used, they look so cozy. I was wondering... most often you see stripes painted vertically -- what made you decide to paint them horizontally? Does it have to do with it being a small space or was it just your own preference? Thanks for sharing!!!
4 years ago ·
anneke I just decided that I want an established 2002 sign for Christmas!! We shall put in our order:). As always your projects are beautiful.
4 years ago ·
primfreak Love her blog and her home!
4 years ago ·
misskimberlee I'm completely inspired! I love her space. Thanks for directing me to her blog.
4 years ago ·
chicksandchaps What an inspiring interview! I have been a big fan of Karla's for a long time now and dare I say I like her even more after reading this :) It is so much fun watching her home transform and she always has the best ideas. Now it looks like I'm going to be hooked on Houzz too, uh oh!
~Rachel
4 years ago ·
teresa Love your blog and all of your ideas. You have inspired me to keep with the DIY projects. Thanks!
4 years ago ·
clionne Love your blog! Been following a while & glad you found houzz...
4 years ago ·
claire Gorgeous house! Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. I really enjoyed reading this interview.
4 years ago ·
brmm_cre Such a great job you're doing! I love it! I want to go with a bluey theme too but the hubs isn't for it yet. Working on him though...
4 years ago ·
Adi Tatarko Thank you everyone. The lucky winner of the $50 Lowe's gift certificate is misty! Congratulations and thanks again Karla for letting us peek into your beautiful home.
4 years ago ·
woody58 What a beautiful home! Your decorating style is so warm and inviting. Hope you dont mind if I borrow a few.....
9 months ago ·
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Ideabook updated on Oct. 24, 2009.

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