Meet Bridgette and John Panek! The couple moved here from New York over the summer and are some of our sweetest clients. Bridgette is a blogger/designer and John is a graphic designer for AB. Bridgette previously worked for a design/build firm back in NY, focusing on the drawing & construction side of the industry. She’s excited to join the design community here in St. Louis and branch out into residential design. And John’s no stranger to the home makeover game. He’s been a huge asset to the couple’s own renovation; from learning new skills in the DIY department, to expanding the endless ideas Bridgette throws at him, and ultimately helping her bring the many ideas she has to life. Oh, and we can’t forget their adorable pup Oakley, who’s made himself right at home in their Affton abode 🙂
The natural light was the thing that drew the couple to their home (and we couldn’t agree more). “We love the vaulted ceilings, and the open floor plan. I also felt that the house had good bones. I knew that with some attention to detail and easy cosmetic upgrades, I could add value and make this house work for us.” And add value they have! From putting up the crowd favorite shiplap, to transforming a closet into an office nook (perfect for 2020). And let’s not forget the multiple accent and board + batten accent walls or the creation of a moody sunroom that has become their favorite space in the house. It’s almost exhausting how creative and productive they are, isn’t it? Quit makin’ us look bad, guys! These two are constantly working on things to make their home just how they want it to be and we are here for it.
Bridgette says she tends to go for a “Bohemian Farmhouse” vibe and we think she nailed it. “I take inspiration from everywhere; my brain never stops. I love to pull from nature, using greenery, stems, and natural textures. I strive to keep a minimal aesthetic. I like simplistic design, while making it cozy.” And trust us: it’s the coziest. We want to just snuggle up and never leave. Some of the couples favorite places to buy pieces for their home are Etsy for all things decor and Burrow for furniture (we’re taking notes, don’t worry). “I really enjoy the unique and versatile selection of home products Etsy offers. It makes me happy to support small business instead of buying mass-produced products. And Burrow’s products are high quality, customizable, and super functional.”
As for advice from these DIY darlings: “Anticipate that your timeline for finishing a project will never go exactly as planned. Have a goal for how you want your space to function. Start with one design element as the basis for your space, and then build your room around that element.” Also, “Accent walls! Whether it be paint, a wood feature wall or wallpaper, these are easy ways to transform a room. It’s also money well spent, as you’re adding value to the home versus simply decorating.”
Given the size, fenced- in backyard, and great location, Bridgette and John are convinced this is the perfect home for first time homebuyers or a small family and we couldn’t agree more. Although this is the Panek’s first home and they absolutely love it, they’re not sure if this will be our forever home. Bridgette says, “I see us staying here for many years to come, but who knows where life will take us!” And from what we can tell, their home renovation skills will take them very far 🙂 CHEERS!