Step Inside This Vintage-Inspired Abode Full of Color, Life, and Warmth
There's nothing better than a home that exudes character, charm, and warmth. It's the kind of home that offers endless inspiration, a home that makes you want to cozy up with a warm drink and good company and stay awhile. That's exactly how we felt when we laid eyes on Stef Turner's 1910 craftsman farmhouse chock full of thoughtful details, splashes of vintage, and delightfully charming wallpaper. From the calm and neutral kitchen to the bunk beds dressed in delicate patterns and vintage quilts, it's clear that every aspect of this space was thoughtfully and carefully designed with her family in mind.
Below, we asked Stef to share more about her personal style, chat through the Schoolhouse pieces she chose for her space, and share what she believes makes her house a home.
Tell us about your home. How long have you lived here?
Our home is a 1910 craftsman farmhouse in rural Michigan. We are actually located directly across from the farm/elevator that is owned by my husband’s family. We have lived in this house since we've been married, so just under 12 years!
How did you know this home was the one for your family? Were there any design details that stood out to you?
At first we didn’t intend on this being our “forever home”. When we moved in, it needed quite a bit of work and we didn’t have the budget to do much at the time. We started with some smaller updates, peeling old wallpaper and painting, then moved onto bigger ones as years passed. The electrical needed to be updated, and so did the insulation which led us to gutting the entire upstairs, then a few years later, we decided to take on a much larger remodel by gutting the downstairs and kitchen and entry. The more projects we did, the more the house felt like it was meant for us.
A couple of my favorite parts of our home are elements that were already there when we moved in- the brick behind the lath and plaster that we decided to expose, and the tall oak trim that we had refinished by a local friend. The character and charm of our old home is what I love the most!
Could you share a little bit about your background?
I grew up in a small town about an hour from where we live now, and met my husband while I was doing my undergrad at Michigan State University. He had just finished up his Agriculture degree, and I was in my last stretch of school for Advertising. I worked in the field for a couple of years, but decided to primarily stay home to raise our babies.
I have always had a passion for design and found that working with my hands really helped as a creative outlet for me. I started pouring more and more of my passion for design into our home, and decided to share that journey through Instagram. It has been amazing to meet like-minded people through the home content community, and has brought forth so many amazing opportunities.
To you, what makes a house a home?
To me, home is more of a feeling than anything. I have always wanted a home that feels warm and welcoming. My Mema’s house is one that I find myself referencing a lot when I think of what I want ours to “feel like”. Hers has always given off the “always welcome” vibe, and feels so lived-in and cozy. Throw pillows and blankets are a must, and vintage artwork and furniture are elements that I love to incorporate into each room as well.
How would you describe your home in three words?
Vintage. Lived-in. Colorful.
What are some of your favorite DIY projects that you’ve completed in your space?
My favorite DIY is, by far, wallpaper. Wallpapering is my happy place and can change a room even more drastically than paint. It always makes for a satisfying before and after, and adds lots of character and charm. With our house being built in 1910, it is very true to the time period too.
We also recently updated our outdoor patio area by adding string lights and furniture. My husband and I (the kids helped too), used cement to hold 4x4 posts in planters, and it transformed our backyard! It is so cozy for summer, and so beautiful at night!
Do you have any design tips to share?
My biggest design tip is to always go with what YOU love. I have struggled with this in the past and found myself caught up in Pinterest trends and what I saw other people doing. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I really found my style, and started trusting myself enough to go with my gut. The more you stick to what feels true to yourself and your family, the more you will love your home.
Last but not least, could you share a few of your Schoolhouse favorites and why you selected them for the space?
This is a hard one! I have been a Schoolhouse fan for a LONG time! Your quilts are always my favorite. I love the design, weight, feel, colors, everything about every Schoolhouse quilt I own.
The “START WITH YES” sign is also one I can move from room to room and it adds the perfect pop of red. It means a lot to me too because if I wouldn’t have said “yes” to doing what I love, I wouldn’t be living out my dreams today!
