Fascinating. Quite something that the home owner was able to find places that made vintage looking finishes like the bathroom tiles and the hallway floors. Not sure this style is something that I'd live with but I do appreciate it.

Best story I have seen on HOUZZ. I love the painting from the photograph and so many other details!

I love this story. A true home is so much more than design and style; this gets to the heart of a home; every piece has meaning and memory,and is not only beautiful but speaks to the love of home and family. The owner has beautiful taste and vision. and so lovely to create a dream home full of memories.

Home is where the heart is... this story is truly indicative of that... wonderful, welcome and warm... thank you!

This is now my all time favorite houzztv episode I fell in love with everyone and everything!

i do have a lamp I inherited that I adore and art pieces done by relatives that are my prize possessions. Also some great plexi pieces I inherited from my mother - I should have kept them all!

This is the first home-documentary I have seen as I am new on Houzz. I loved it and the perfectionism of the owner and the love and dedication in creating a warm and slightly quirky mid-century/Victorian home. I have just put an offer to buyon a mid-century house and this has given me inspiration to follow my heart and go for it even though it isn't a beautiful Victorian dwelling.

I have long been a believer in cherishing things from those I loved, and those who had such a huge impact on my childhood. When my grandfather passed away, none of my siblings or my mom really wanted anything, so I became " the curator ". I have my nana's hats, grampie's pipes, furniture, my grandmother's scrapbook of Royal visits to Canada, old linens, lamps, toys, irons, hair crimper, etc. And they aren't packed away in the attic. We should always surround ourselves with cherished memories, and enjoy them every day. Not a day goes by that I don't look at something, and smile, then say " thank you nana, or thank you gramps".

Thanks to John for sharing this wonderful story about his family and how he designed his beautiful home. Some of the pieces such as the dining room light and wall sconces brought back memories of the 1950's that I had long forgotten.

Nothing short of wonderful.

Such a great story! I love the midcentury furniture in a Victorian house.

Loved this story. Reminded me of the Era I grew up in. Bathrooms were similar with that style of sink and glass tiles on the walls. The furniture was not blonde but mahogany and it came from Paine' s in Boston.

Such a sweet story of a wonderful relationship. Thanks for sharing!!!

Fancy!

Well done, John! The paintings are precious! The attention to detail remarkable!

I just love every bit of this. Especially the painting above the sofa. His grandmothers influence is so precious.

This story has brought me to tears! How precious and beautiful !

I just love this house and this story. Thank you!

Great job!!! Nothing like a Grandmothers love!!

Not my style but, what a wonderful job he did turning that house into a home.

He has created a film backdrop, like a lot of nostalgia it may be rose tinted.

It's beautiful! I'm buying a new condo and hope I can do as wonderful a job on it as he has.

Can't wait to see that kitchen!

Great story. Well told.

Oh my God!!!! LOVE this!! So, so reminds me of my Grandmother's home in the Chicago suburbs when I was growing up...always a happy place for me to go to as a kid. So cool.

Wow - this video was awesome and such a wonderful home! Bravo~ p.s. love the art around his home!

Such a well-loved home. Which is what a home should be!

Who is the artist who reproduced the photographs?

Oops, never mind - just found their names in the story.

This is first Houzz video I watched for its full length. It is a beautiful home and the story well told.

Amazing; so beautiful. Fabulous job!

Love it. He has all the details, even down to the crocheted toilet paper doll (we had a poodle) and wheat pattern china. And he managed to stay away from rose beige, that was never one of my favorite colors.

I grew up in that era so the whole design is very familiar. Would like to find the light fixture over his dining room table. My grandparents had that very one. Great story.

Great design! Your grandmother chose the right person to share her treasures with! Lovely!

I was riveted by the video, and full of admiration for the home John created. The home is a loving memorial to his grandmother as well as an ongoing personal journey for him as he thoughtfully considered how to incorporate midcentury design into a Victorian structure. I, too, hope we all have the opportunity to see his redesigned kitchen.

Another story that makes me really question Houzz as an interior design resource ~ There is no commonality between Victorian and Post WWII "IKEA" style furniture for newly weds. It would take true creativity is to find a commonality and weave the two together. This is not that... cheap '50 furniture in a Victoria smashed together... I'm glad he likes it - but the split in psyche is a split - not a fusion ~ Wow

This clip is very nostalgic for me. I recognize many of the pieces of furniture and lighting in the home from when I was a child growing up in the era. Thank you for sharing! Your home is lovely and comfortable. E

Splendid styling - I love the hall floor tiles - would have enjoyed seeing the kitchen - need any more furniture?

I also enjoy the pieces that have been handed down over generations. The first step was sorting out, then cleaning. Now I have favorite table ware that I use daily, silver for display or special occasions. Pictures from around the world. A wonderful book collection with the previous owners names and dates written on the inside. Very rarely do I shop for pieces to decorate with. I find that an original with history better then massed produced products.

John's inner sense of design balance is absolutely stunning, His home is so well appointed as well as his deep understanding of the energy that comes from beloved family pieces. Starting my day with John's story was like sitting down with a great friend for morning coffee and wonderful conversation. John, labor of love well done! You are very engaging and I enjoyed the story coming from you. I leave with glad tears of appreciation.

Absolutely stunning!

Would love to know how and where to take photos and have them made into paintings like in this piece.

In my opinion, the bedroom set was more of a 1930s art deco look than mid-century. I am glad the home owner treasures his grandmother's possessions but I can honestly say I am glad I did not inherit such pieces.

I have my grandmother's dining room furniture. It is Danish modern and she bought it after the war. I love it. I have painted my dining room pink and after watching him I now know why I painted it pink. Thanks for this video, it brought back memories.

Fabulous story. Fabulous home.

I really enjoyed the whole feature. The background to the story was so very interesting. Thank you.

I really enjoyed the video and love how the family memories have been incorporated into the redesign of the house. It makes it so home. Everything is carefully and well thought out, is very attractive and functional as well as honours the well made pieces of older furniture. The artwork painted from family photos is amazing. The tile work on the hall floor and walls beautiful. Congrats on a a lovely 'home'.

Love the paintings, love love love, ... most fascinating thing I saw in the video. The chifferobe in the bedroom set reminded me of a very similar one that I went off and left in a garage apt once in college time...crazy days. BTW-we can re-create the foyer floor tile in our cement tile for much less than the UK version.

Great piece Houzzzzzzzz ! Lundy Wilder

Love this story and love that he incorporated things that had such a story behind them. Beautiful job. The photos incorporated into paintings - am now set on doing this myself. Bravo!

I adore this story! This is the best thing I have read on Houzz. My husband and I have been living in our house for the past 10 years and finally have saved enough to do the renovations. The result is that I have several bins of home décor items which I have collected for 10 years - all different styles because trends would come and go and I could not decide on one style. Recently, I too inherited my grandparents furniture and suddenly my design decisions became easy. Match my personal style with these pieces that evoke wonderful family memories. The house is really coming together now and I love it. To those who are naysaying this video and article, claiming it is not haute design - let us remember that home is much more than just décor pieces. Home is love, memories and family. Well done, John!

Great Story! I love what he did to the house and how he incorporated his family furniture into his home. I've done the same with some Scandinavian/Mid Century furniture that my parents bought new in 1956.

I have one very minor comment; his beautiful bedroom set is Art Deco. Not Victorian or Mid Century.

Best HOUZZ video ever! So impressed! Makes me sad I let all my grandparents' furnishing go. Just perfect! Saw so many bits and pieces from my childhood around the house. Good job!

Wonderful film. Truly enjoyed the style and attention to detail. You should be very proud of your home. Thank you for sharing!

I love what he did with the old photographs so much! What amazing art he created!

Oh that every homeowner would have the taste and caring to keep what is wonderful about their homes as they age. Perhaps that could then translate to a larger caretaking vision of our communities, our natural and historical niches that are so precious. What a world this would be! Thank you for this marvelous piece- an inspiration to us all!

Absolutely love this segment! I felt like I was walking through my grandparent's home! Brought back so many memories!! Thanks for creating such an amazing film!!

I absolutely love this piece. It brought back memories of my own childhood. I too vegged out on Mad Men (after I had mastered quitting smoking) LOL

Thanks you for a beautiful trip down memory lane! I grew up in the 50's a recognize so many elements that John Smagner has pulled together and curated in his home. I still remember how exciting it was for our family when our bathroom was redone in pink and green ceramic tiles and looked exactly like the one in this home. What a joyful, loving, beautiful tribute to Mr. Smagner's grandmother!

John is one of my oldest and dearest friends, and I have to say ever since I knew him (at age 6), he has had a fine eye for detail and a zest for design! It does not surprise me that he has created this masterpiece home, so beautifully put together, and based on his love for memories and tradition. I am very proud of his accomplishments and so thankful I was a part of this phenomenal experience!

FABULOUS Job!!! I'm so glad you got your grandma's stuff! I have my grandparents (maternal) bedroom set from the 1930's or so, and my grand mothers (paternal) hoosier cabinet. She painted it blue and pink - her favorite colors - and I haven't re-painted it. I think the really nice aspect of things from the 50's is it was a more playful time - furniture and decorative items weren't so serious/stuffy. I LOVE those lamps and sconces, and especially your D/R chandelier! You really did a great job pulling it all together and creating a beautiful arrangement of spaces that work great together. LOVE it!

Love this!!!

Lovely story, but wrong era of house for this furniture.

J.P. the house is wonderful! you have done a beautiful job. bill and i were guests in this beautiful home and we thank you . your mother and grand-mother are proud of you.

Ok, for those wondering, I found the artists who did the wonderful painting's FB & website. I had to listen closely and play it back a couple of times,

https://www.facebook.com/Signe-Genna-Grushovenko-129292267147143/

and http://grushovenko.com

http://www.houzz.com/photos/query/grushovenko/nqrwns

Who would have thought the 'before' picture would be the 'after' picture. I love the pink fixtures and tile in the bathroom. They should bring back pole lamps!

What an excellent job of honoring both the house and his grandmother's things. I don't normally care for mid-century, but since this was mid to late 40's maybe that made a difference. Lovely house!

My favorite houzz story to date. I love the tile floor, painted English wall plates (don't know what they are called) and staircase with original finish. Just beautiful.

Absolutely Beautiful! The art from the photos is brilliant. Great piece HOUZZ!

It's amazing how many companies still make original mid-century elements for kitchens and bathrooms. Retro Renovation is a great site with lots of inspiration and numerous links to suppliers.

Wonderful story and such a beautiful redo. So nice when vintage is loved.

Incredible job, John! Normally, I am a purist when it comes to period décor but you did an impressive job and I totally approve!

Lovely story. Fabulous work. The pink dining room is beautiful (actually, you did a superb job with colors throughout the house). Congrats and enjoy your beautiful house!

AMEI

Love the artwork. Great article.

loved all of this story

A touching story. I bet grandma is happy with her grandson. He looks happy too.

That's a lovely individual, stylish, comfortable home.

Seeing comments on the period of the home and the contents, let me please ad a perspective as an English viewer, since we have many older buildings, often several hundreds of years old. These buildings and their contents normally move with the times, extensions, additions, makeovers; also extra furniture, art etc so the contents will rarely match the date of construction. A collector with a 400 year old home may add pictures by Warhol or the latest contemporary art alongside a 500 year old icon. That reflects life and tastes. For many it adds interest. For the owner it makes home home.

Both furniture and house design reflect fashion which is always changing. Fashion is not specific within 20 years or so, often much longer, for furniture or architecture, I can see that when after a specific period house design in a city has faded out, they can still be building it for many years after in a nearby small town which is 'behind the times', even with hairdos too! There's a time lag and overlap.

I absolutely love this home! It gives me the feelings of my childhood and family! What a wonderful family to share that with us! Thank You!

I love it

Well done!

A work made with love in every detail! Congratulations.

A wonderful, timeless home. I hope you will share the finished kitchen renovation. I can't wait to see it!!

A beautiful home & I love the pink! I wish I could inherit mid century furniture, its all so awesome. Love the bathroom too!

My favorite part is the bannister and the JFK an Jackie O shakers. This must have been a great experience for him, hats off!

It's interesting that two people felt the need to
make negative comments on this article, while 80 others commented
positively, many noting it is their favorite story to date on Houzz. How boring our world would be without style
differences! As one commenter so astutely observed, the décor in old
houses evolves over years and never remains static to the period in which the
house was built...otherwise the house becomes a museum. This
homeowner set out to create a space that honors his family memories and
heirlooms and also reflects the way the house could have looked in the
1950-60 era. It's astounding that anyone would not appreciate
the effort and great attention to detail. Since the negative
remarks represent less than 1% of the comments, these folks might want to
reflect on why they are in such a small minority and so missed the point of the
article.

Everyone's efforts combined to create this comforting and relaxed space. Brought the 50's style, colors, and design solidly into a clean, uncluttered and totally welcoming home.

All kinds of fabulous. Cherish those wonderful memories and family heirlooms!

One word: WOW!

LOVE this story and space! Great work. The painting he had commissioned from an old photograph is priceless!

To the Home owner, "WOW" you first are a source of inspiration and you have created a wonderful living space. Amazing how you have kept precious memories alive within your family history. I wonder who you will pass it onto...

Love the family dinning picture where did you have this done? anyone know!

I LOVE it! Also want to see the new kitchen! How beautiful that you have your grandmother everywhere you look!

Absolutely Amazing!!!! The memories, the design, the antiques....I love every inch of John's magnificent home and seeing the picture of him with his grandmother is so heartwarming. I applaud him for incorporating her fabulous pieces into his home. It is definitely one of the very best I have seen on Houzz. I also loved the movie, I mean just Wow!!!!

Not a mid century person but love it , love , love it. Excellent attention to detail. Class act.

So enjoyed your houzz tour! Amazing attention to detail and meaningful design. Well done!

What a nice guy...and what a WONDERFUL grandma who earned such love.

Such a beautiful love story! My favorite part is the painting he had made of the photo of the family at the dining room table now hanging in the dining room. Perfection!

What a beautiful story and beautiful home! I am sure your home brings you such happiness.

I loved this story. I have my special aunt's 1953 Henredon bedroom set, which is blonde (although not midcentury). She had those pink bathroom fixtures, too, including a great pink bathtub set on the diagonal in a square, so there was plenty of room for bath oil bottles and candles....I wish I had that tub. She loved pink and I made a pink bedroom for her furniture, in her memory.

plis

nick721 and c17221 -- well said.

I inherited gma's Henredon sofa 25 yrs ago and have had cushions replaced. My brother keeps asking when I will replace that old sofa while friends from various parts of world compliment it. Other's opinions (good or bad) simply remind me of my love of the sofa & my gma.

I also got leftovers from gma's estate sale...mainly gpa's homemade furniture from turn of century that buyers (and gma) didn't like. Definitely NOT trendy but I've made it work FOR ME. It won't get some "great" designer's approval but who the hell cares? I get compliments which, again, add to my love of my heritage.

Btw, I like the pink walls with the furniture and the paintings. Not my style but I do appreciate his and enjoy his story of LOVE!

First decorating story that made me tear up!

This was a wonderful story. I too have such nostalgia for mid-century design having grown up in the 60's. It was so glamorous to me as a kid and still, I love it. So glad to see someone who has really surrounded himself with the spirit of that time thanks to those wonderful pieces from his grandmother.

bravo - just bravo. on every last aspect of this feature: from the juxtapositions to the preservation of both heart n hearth, to the way this place flows visually - every room in congruent to the next

Such a wonderful story and inspiring!

It's so nice to see that this furniture found a home someone who appreciates it and has the taste and talent to display it so well.

Cannot wait to see the kitchen!!! Love everything!!!

I really like this story and the design, love and detail are the important things in design, this is worthy for me to learn.

What a great story. How wonderful to live in a home surrounded by so many cherished things.

It's awesome.

I love everything about this so much. Please Please show us the kitchen after the renovation.

I remember a built in stove that was pink with push buttons. My mother was so proud of it. Very modern for 1955. The counters were pink speckled and the walls pink. The living room was "Danish Modern". Thanks for the memories.

Wonderful. What city? Neighborhood?

Love it!

Ditto all the positive comments above! Stunning! There are so many things I love in this home, especially the art! I also love the way John filled his bookshelves. They look like art themselves. Much happiness in your home, John. Thanks for sharing! And please share the kitchen when it's done.

I enjoyed this story very much! I grew up in a house built in 1896 and looking at these pictures took me home again. Thank you.

One of the best things I've seen on Houzz. While luck played a part in it (after all, he did inherit great stuff from Grandma), there is no way that the average person could have pulled all of this together the way John Smagner did. Bravo and kudos to Mr. Smagner. My (imaginary) hat is off to this gentlemen of exquisite taste.

What a lovely story, and what a nice person to show love and respect for his gran this way. We inherited some pieces from my husband's parents and mixed them in with our modern furniture, one piece per room, looks fabulous and keeps the memories alive.

So nice.

I loved this! Great story. Love your home

I watched mad men for the design more than the story line. They did such an incredible job with their sets! I think that this style is going to be a top trend once again, soon.

Just... wow!!

Thank you so much for the video. I know it is American channel so it is for English native speakers but I understood every words! Of course I started the video due to perfect design style. That is so great not only to fall in love with picture of this nice design but also to understand the story. Thank you! I really enjoyed!

What a great story and a wonderful way to keep your grandmother's, and your family's, history alive through such beloved personal items!

So much heart went into this house! Love!

This is the best & most inspiring story I've came across on Houzz!
Love the fact that even John's Grandparents didn't have expensive & high end furniture, they still took very well care of what they had been able to achieve of material goods!
Kudos to John for making his home HIS & paying love & respect to his heritage!

forgot how to get to my activity please advise

Janet- click on the "Your Houzz" on the top bar on the far right hand side of this screen. In the screen that appears you will see a bar below the photo (towards the top of the page middle right) that has "Activity." That will take you to the activity page.

This is emotional, design for his soul. Glad it's being preserved. However, not a true "design". Doesn't appeal to me as a well crafted design job.

This is a wonderful story! Love the home and the close attention to detail to keep memories alive. Very well done!!!

I keep saying various things on Houzz are my favorite. But the love and detail that went into this make it one of my favorites ever!

So interesting to pursue a dream like this with such thorough research! You have made an otherness environment to retreat to. But the cherry on the cake is your art! I reiterate previous comment this is inspired! Really interesting artist! And your choice to give the works space is ideal. Wishing you happiness in your dream home.

Good for you! You really touched my ❤️️. Your grandmother's furniture is in impeccable condition. Way to go grandma!
What is so awesome about this whole thing is you took an old Victorian and made it 1950s with the freshness of 2016. It looks meant to be... it just works!!!

Pretty cool. What a great story and wonderful design.

In 2016 my grandma passed away and I inherited her mid century furniture as well. I had always been fascinated by it and she told me I could have it when she was gone. It is a great way to remember our loved ones and I'm very thankful to have something of my grandparents that I will use everyday. I have a waterfall bedroom set just like in this video and the dining room furniture and patio furniture as well. I love the paintings that he had made from his photos. That is really neat! Thanks for this video Houzz!

Inspiring endeavor and results make for a beautiful home that obviously brings joy and comfort to the owner. What a legacy to inherit and what passion and commitment to so carefully preserve and refurbish. Congratulations on your lovely home and thanks for sharing.

What a beautiful home and a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. Having grown up in a 823 sq ft cube house ( 2 adults 6 kids) with blonde and black furniture, black shower curtains with pink poodles, and pink and black faux plastic wall tiles...I wasn't a fan of what is now called mid century furniture! I must admit this collection of the 1940s waterfall inlay bedroom furnishings and collection of personal art has definitely changed my mind. Well thought out, brilliantly and tasteful designed and simply a house that's says HOME. I'm so glad the owner didn't go crazy by painting furniture with that horrible chalk paint that's all the buzzz

This was the most amazing house story I have read/viewed on Houzz. It certainly took me back to my 50's childhood seeing many of the items my parents had looking so wonderful in this grandsons home. I hope that one of our grandchildren will one day want some of our pieces to cherish like this. Kudos to this grandson from all the grandparents everywhere.

nice home.

Researching your bathroom redo, you must have seen the house where I grew up in the '50s (in Chicago, too!). You nailed it! Pink & gray wall tile is especially perfect. We also had a lot of blonde mahogany furniture, most by American of Martinsville. Years ago I was told it had no value. One appraiser actually said it was "finished wrong. Mahogany should be stained dark."

I have a lot of hand-me-down furniture and accessories...we live in my grandparents home and are currently renovating and focusing on integrating the hodgepodge into the design. It's really fun and nostalgic!

A beautiful story, and a fabulous home! Bravo!

his is the best & most inspiring story I've came across on Houzz! Love the fact that even John's Grandparents didn't have expensive & high end furniture, they still took very well care of what they had been able to achieve of material goods! Kudos to John for making his home HIS & paying love & respect to his

Thank you for sharing your gorgeous home with me. I enjoyed every moment of the tour.
Carol

I love this story! Your design and research amaze me. Thanks for sharing ~

Love the documentary, should always respect our heritage. Love the Victorian house

I'm so inspired by this story.

Great project, very nicely accomplished. I love the art, who is the artist?

What a beautiful home created with a lovely emotional meaning that went along with it. I love all the details of the period.

Wonderfully decorated home! So nice to see traditions carried on in his family.

Love Houzz

What is the name of the artist that did the paintings?

So awesome!! My house (also my dream home and homage to my Mad Men childhood) is a 1946 war time house that is also filled with treasures I inherited from my Grandparents and our family office furniture business. Kind of cool to know I am not alone in my weirdness!! Also: great job!! LOVE the colors and modern functionality.

This is a really lovely story. It is so nice to read about someone else honoring family memories and history by keeping inherited treasures. And the reno is beautifully and tastefully done.

Absolutely LOVE Mark's desire to honor his grandparents furniture as he has! What an amazing home to live in - exceptionally well done! Thank you for opening your home & telling your story.