There have been many times that I’ve sat in an empty house surrounded by wood paneling, flocked wallpapered and shag carpet trying to picture the memories held in the cervices of the space.
Many of us still spend holidays in rooms that social media might call old and outdated. But, for us, these spaces represent home.
A dining room with an oversized china cabinet, traditional table, padded dining chairs, Pepto Bismol pink walls and well-worn carpet is heaven when filled with family and the smells of yummy dishes only enjoyed at the holidays. No modern renovation necessary.
I have sat in old, abandoned dining rooms and wondered when the last family dinner was held there. Did they know it would be the last in this space?
We’ve found old calendars and mementos in kitchen cabinets. There have been pencil marks noting the children as they grow. Our houses hold so much energy that never leaves no matter how we manipulate the space to fit the needs of a new homeowner.
It’s fun to transform a house, but I’ll always honor the families and the memories that came before.