Welcome to The Bird House
Meet The Bird House
Inspired by the charm of the South, the comfort and creativity of my childhood Ohio home and my desire to live in full color. I’m so excited to finally say: Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!
Where did it all begin? At the end of 2021, I came across Isaiah 66:21-23:
“They shall build houses and live in them, they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit; They shall not build and others live there; they shall not plant and others eat. As the years of a tree, so the years of my people; and my chosen ones shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”
It felt like the perfect metaphor so (with no plan of buying an actual house) I claimed it as my verse for 2022. On January 29th, the metaphor became a lot more literal. The house four doors down from me went on the market and 24 hours later, thanks to mix of luck and strategy, it became my new home. It had “good bones,” required a lot of rebuilding and had a giant garden to go with it. Build houses, plant vineyards. This was it. On March 3rd, 2022, I got the keys and the renovation began.
The Bird House - named after the cut-out bird motif perched on the front - is a labor of love. Bringing her back to her former 1930s glory has proved to be a steep learning curve, a true experiment in provision, a testament to the saying “teamwork makes the dreamwork” and the best project I’ve ever worked on.
Thanks to the help of my Dad (who answered about 15 calls a day from Ohio and is a genius when it comes to seeing potential), my Mom (who talked me through many paint color crises and decor decisions) and my best guys - Norman, Ricky, Juan, Stoney, Leon (who showed up on the scene to rescue me when I was in too deep and spent long hours putting this house back together) - and many others - this 1937 Southern stucco home has been officially transformed.
I’m so grateful for the work of many people’s hands that helped make this transformation possible. I pray that all those I love long enjoy the work of it.
Scroll on for some before and after eye candy and all the stories behind the shots.
Many thanks to Elizabeth Cox from Refined Business Collective for the photos! All clothing is from Poppy + Pink! Shop the Caroline Edit launching 8/24 at 10am ET here.
HOUSE+GARDEN
Timeless and sweet with a dash of personality
The scalloped awnings were brought back to life, we replaced the door and painted it pink, updated the exterior lighting, freshened up the white, laid a lot of mulch and grew a garden full of zinnias, giant sunflowers, eggplants, tomatoes and more. I’m sensing a garden party in the Bird House’s future! See you there?
A favorite memory from the renovation - "Miracle Worker" suits made by my friend Meg.
Shirt from Poppy + Pink coming 8/24!
This found Facebook Marketplace potting bench has been my favorite summer spot. I’m no gardener - but I’m learning!
Paint: Alabaster by SW - Exterior Stucco and Trim | Romance by SW - Pink Door | Cocoon by SW - Exterior of Awnings | Honest Blue by SW - Interior of Awnings
Sources: Potting Bench - Facebook Marketplace | Picnic Table - Facebook Marketplace
Links you might be looking for:
FRONT OF HOUSE
Sitting under the canopy of two old magnolia trees, The Bird House is a soft + shaded place to land
Can you spot the bird on the front? With the help of a new window box, house numbers, coat of paint and a plaque that reads “place des amis” (place of friends, in french), this entry (and the birds!) are singing again.
Paint: Alabaster by SW - Exterior Stucco and Trim | Caviar by SW - Black Door | Cocoon by SW - Exterior of Awnings | Honest Blue by SW - Interior of Awnings
Links you might be looking for:
PORCH
A preview of the color to come, this Southern style porch is equal parts soothing and spunky
A freshly painted blue ceiling, white porch furniture and bright rug make it the perfect spot.
Paint: Alabaster by SW - Exterior Stucco and Trim | Caviar by SW - Black Door | Cocoon by SW - Exterior of Awnings | Honest Blue by SW - Interior of Awnings
Sources: Outdoor Furniture - Tommy Hilfiger Home Goods Bistro Set | Rug - Old Home Goods
Links you might be looking for:
LIVING ROOM
Brimming with color and outlined in pink
Through the front door you’ll find the Living Room. My favorite detail is the pink painted window interiors and fireplace. And the yellow couch, of course.
The painting on my mantle is by Tina from Tina’s Art Life. In college, when I started Wing Woman Company, Tina was one of my first clients. I traded a website for this piece of art, knowing it would be something I would treasure forever. It makes me grateful for where I started and inspires me to keep going for what’s next.
How I found my yellow couch is one of my favorite stories to tell. You can read more about it here. It was my first furniture purchase before I moved to Charleston and when I bought it, above was the painting that reads “Maybe this is how it starts.” I took it as a sign - my adult life began with a yellow couch. The other art is a collection of work by my Dad, a portrait I had done in Paris, some thrift store finds, one I did myself, one from a local artist in my home town, this cross from Etsy (with “Miracles Happen Here” inscribed on the back), and a Marian painting by my sister, Marie.
Paint: Sanctuary by SW - Walls | Pure White by SW - Trim | Romance by SW - Fireplace trim and interior of windows | Honest Blue by SW - Interior of Awnings seen from house
Sources: Yellow Couch and Teal Chair - Anthropologie | Rug - Old West Elm | Mantle Painting - Tina’s Art Life | Bar Cart - Bed Bath & Beyond
Links you might be looking for:
KITCHEN
A mix of original and modern, this kitchen cooks up a lot of color
I love this kitchen. I’m so glad we kept the blue tiled countertops and the orginial cabinets. Thanks to my Dad’s genius use of space, we turned this slightly scary, appliance-less room into a fully outfitted kitchen. I’ve been dreaming of a retro fridge for a long time and I’m so grateful that it made it’s way into this space. The wallpaper ties everything together!
This wall in the kitchen was just space waiting to be used. My Dad came up with an amazing use for it:
Paint: Pure White by SW - Walls & Trim | Commodore by SW - Interior of Windows | Honest Blue by SW - Interior of Awnings seen from house interior
Sources: Butcher Block - Facebook Marketplace | Kitchen Faucet - Home Depot
Links you might be looking for:
HALLWAY
A corridor WITH A STORY
This pink hallway holds a lot of meaning. With a Marian shrine and mood boards, passing through explains some of my personal story.
I found this note in my grandma’s things when I was helping her move. It reads “Don’t just pray about what seems logical or possible. Pray hard about the “impossible.” God will show you THAT NOTHING - nothing, nothing is impossible with Him. EVER. PERIOD. END OF STORY!” I love seeing this reminder every day.
My parents found this vintage Lourdes grotto for me a few years ago. It finally found it’s home in the old phone nook of the house. I’ve been on pilgrimage to Lourdes, France twice now and it’s a place so dear to me. Many miracles happen there and I hope to make this house a place of similar healing and hope. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us! With lights installed in the top, this once strange spot in the house has turned into my own perfect Marian Shrine.
On my bulletin boards you’ll find a collection of things that inspire me. But this post wouldn’t be complete without a shoutout to the most handy man around - Juan. Early into the renovation, I was panicking a bit about what I had gotten myself into. I went on a run and asked (read: begged 😅) God to send me someone to do the heavy lifting. I felt the Holy Spirit tell me to go back to the house and sure enough, tucked into my front door was a business card. I called Juan right away and he drove right over. He said “no problem” to all the *actual* problems.
If you live in Charleston, he’s a God send! He’s so patient and professional - even when working with someone like me who previously knew nothing about renovations.
You’ll also find a letter Virginia sent me after I bought the house. She grew up here! I can’t wait to show her how far it’s come. How sweet is she?!
Paint: Romance by SW - Hallway Walls | Pure White by SW - Trim | Honest Blue by SW - Ceiling Medallion
Sources: Bulletin Boards - Old Home Goods | Marian Shrine - Vintage
BEDROOM
ecclectic and elevated
In the bedroom, I worked to combine bright colors with a soothing shade of beige for an eclectic and elevated look. It came together with the help of a green headboard, fun lampshades, a few Facebook Marketplace finds, a white chandelier and a ceiling medallion moved from the kitchen and painted blue.
On one wall are 9 frames that illustrate The Canticle of The Creatures by Saint Francis. When I was in Assisi, Italy a few years ago, I picked up these prints and have been hanging on to them since. I love them in these painted frames in my bedroom and I’m thrilled to finally see them hanging up.
This ceiling medallion was originally in the kitchen. I saved it, painted it blue and moved it to the bedroom to give this chandelier an even more dramatic effect.
This dresser was found on Facebook Marketplace. I love the shape! (And if you couldn’t tell already - I love Facebook Marketplace!)
Paint: Sanctuary by SW - Walls | Pure White by SW - Trim
Sources: Nightstands - Facebook Marketplace | Dresser - Facebook Marketplace | Chandelier - Anthropologie | Bed - Joss & Main
Links you might be looking for:
BATHROOM
DIY-ED AND VINTAGE INSPIRED
The bathroom is refreshed and bright! For the vanity, I found a vintage TV cabinet and this fancy sink on Facebook Marketplace. The cabinet was painted blue and the top was cut to fit the sink. It was a cheap way to achieve a custom look! This “Wings Of Joy” wallpaper will soon be installed to complete the bath.
Paint: Sanctuary by SW - Walls | Pure White by SW - Trim | Honest Blue - Vanity
Sources: Sink - Facebook Marketplace | Vanity - Facebook Marketplace
Links you might be looking for:
I won’t spare you the behind the scenes. I ended up purchasing and returning 7 different toilets because I couldn’t get the measurement right. I almost lost my mind but am now extra grateful for my working bathroom. Everything looks pretty in the end, but things often get worse before they get better. 😉
GUEST ROOM + OFFICE
A BRIGHT AND HAPPY PLACE TO WORK OR STAY
Shiplap on the walls, a light hanging from the ceiling, a day bed and small desk give this room an easy flow. The back door was replaced for one with a window. The light from the door alone triggered amazing transformation. Once dark and dreary, this room has come a long way!
My favorite details include the fun desk chair I found on Facebook Marketplace and the wall mounted light that was original to the porch. This now spray painted gold light fixture was the original exterior light to the home - dating back to 1930ish!
Paint: Pure White by SW - Walls + Trim
Sources: Bed + Dresser - Old West Elm | Desk - Facebook Marketplace | Desk Chair - Facebook Marketplace | Light Shade - Ikea | Marian Pillow - Be A Heart Design (Use Code ‘CAROLINE’ for 10% off)
Links you might be looking for:
LAUNDRY ROOM + ENTRY WAY
A CHARMING ENTRY + smart SPACE
Through the pink side door is the laundry room and entry way. Unsure we could achieve much with such a small space, once we got rid of the green ceiling, finished the walls with paneling, and installed a fun tile - this room became way more welcoming.
Paint: Pure White by SW - Walls + Trim | Alabaster by SW - Stucco | Honest Blue by SW - Interior Window Trims
Sources: Baskets - Home Goods
Links you might be looking for:
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
TO MY DAD
Thank you for being so quick to come alongside my dream, coaching me through every step, flying down to Charleston numerous times just to work so hard, staying on speed dial to remind me that everything will be just fine, and for being my favorite person to work with. We make a good team. Being Doug’s daughter is my greatest honor. Love you!
TO MY MOM
Thank you for the help of your aesthetic eye - I get any taste or talent from you. I loved watching you bring your sweet touch to the garden and am so thankful you were here in the thick of it to make sure I ate food and my laundry was clean. And for reminding me to breathe. Love you, Mom.
TO MY BROTHER
Thank you for mowing my lawn, talking some sense and some humor, charging my power tools and hauling old, filled-with-lizards air conditioner units to the dumpster (even in a wool sweater). Thanks for being “proud of you for seeing the vision in this, you really have to squint.” Love you!
TO NORMAN & RICKY
Thank you for being the most fun to work with, for putting up with my great paint debate, repainting the door and awnings when I didn’t like the color, filling all the giant holes in the house, and watching out for me during the process. Stormin’ Norman and Ricky against the world. Thanks for believing in #girlpower.
TO STONEY
For being the most cheerful to work with, spending way too much time in that crawlspace and for reminding me to slow down. You always say to “keep that smile,” so that I will. Thanks for being my friend! Cheers!
TO JUAN
Thank you for saving my reno-life, solving all the problems and saying yes to anything I threw out there. A true God-send and the most talented handy man alive. I am so grateful.
TO LEON
Thank you for all the trips to Lowes, your belief in my ability, your immense generosity and the countless hours you spent in this home. I’m so lucky to know you and Donna.
TO LINDA + DEACON TOM
Thank you for blessing this place when it was a mere construction site and for believing that God will be here.
TO MEG
Thank you for joining me on every Facebook Marketplace pick up adventure, responding to every “do you like this?” text and being up for the challenge of just about anything. My right hand woman, ILY!
to CHERYL + HER FAMILY
Thank you for being a great realtor and trusting me with your home!
TO ANNA + JESS
Thank you for receiving my renovation panic with grace and helping me pick paint colors - even in the office.
TO MARTHA
Thanks for keeping me company. No matter the cat allergy, I’m glad we’re friends now.
TO KAYLEE + LIZ
Thank you for featuring The Bird House and coming over to capture it. It means the world to me!
TO MY INTERNET FRIENDS
Thank you for cheering me on from the DMs.
TO KEVIN AT THE LOWE’S RETURN DESK
Remember when I returned 7 toilets? Thanks for being a good sport about that.
TO everyone else
When are you coming over?
BEHIND THE SCENES
What happens when you’re raised on HGTV and try to renovate a house with no experience? Something like this:
CHEERS!
To sum it up, here’s what the bird house taught me:
You can learn anything. And if you can’t - you can always find help.
Risks are required if you want to keep life interesting.
People are good and helpful.
My parents are my heroes.
Picking paint is way more complicated than it looks.
Don’t try to carry that picnic table by yourself.
The Lord always finishes what He starts.
I’m in love with wallpaper.
Prayer changes things - even reno emergencies.
Home is where we wait for heaven. It matters!
Thank you for loving The Bird House as much as I do.
in love + liveliness,
Caroline