Dudes can wallpaper too & other beautiful things

I’m excited to share a great project with you today. My brother- and sister-in-law Parker and Kelsey own a darling historic Cape Cod down the road, and they’ve been remodeling it room by room since purchasing it last summer.

A couple weeks ago they asked me to help them wallpaper the dining room, and it turned out beautifully. I’ve got a handful of photos, and I want to share a few takeaways from this home too:

Before

After (wallpaper is Hygge & West)

1. Parker and Kelsey are in their early 20s, they just had their first baby, and they’re college students who work part time. They are busy, and money isn’t flowing today like it will in a few years. But they have worked their tails off to turn this house into a home, and I dare say it could become their forever home, not just a starter home.

One of the keys to their success is a willingness to learn and try new things. My brother-in-law taught himself how to trim, how to properly paint, how to sand and refinish hardwood floors, and now how to wallpaper. He has saved thousands of dollars by not being afraid to give it a go.

And by the way, his wallpapering is probably the most perfect I’ve seen in real life (and going around these arches was not easy), so guys can wallpaper too.

My, my, look at that coved plaster ceiling.

2. They chose a perfect trim profile for their Cape Cod. I mean, this fluted trim with corner rosettes looks like it was made for this house. Intention and educated decision making is important!

3. This house isn’t enormous, but because of its size, Parker and Kelsey will be able to customize every.single.space. Their work is already making the house feel special. You should see the nursery upstairs—cutest baby room I’ve seen, bar none. Moral of the story: You don’t have to have a huge house to have a fulfilling lifestyle. Square footage does not equal happiness.

Thanks, Parker and Kelsey, for letting us have a peek inside your home. And if any of you dear readers have similar projects or would like me to help you brainstorm ideas for your own old house, let me know via email. •