Welcome to Studied Living: A Journey of Home Renovation and Inspiration
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONSDIY HOME RENOVATIONSBOOKISH HOME DECOR
5/24/20263 min read
Welcome to Studied Living
My Historic Home
Three years ago, my husband, Sean, and I bought our biggest project yet. When we bought our house, the listing said it was built in 1900. However, after noticing clues in the house's structure, we decided to dig into our local Historical Society's town records. The house had been built in the 1790's and had a well-documented history. I have always been a lover of antiques and furniture restoration. We always knew we wanted to renovate much of the house when we purchased it, but after learning more about its history, I felt drawn to renovate with intention and restore what I could. Sean and I have tackled so many projects and learned so much that I thought it was time to share our lessons and resources with you! Studied Living became an outlet for me to share the ways I have renovated, decorated, and grown in this house.
With Studied Living, my mission extends beyond home renovation; I want to foster a deep appreciation for the art of restoring historic homes while balancing the demands of contemporary living. In a world often predisposed to discard the old in favor of the new, I have committed myself to preserving the unique character and stories embedded in the pieces I curate. Every renovation project is an opportunity to refresh the aesthetics and revitalize the spirit of a home with history.
In my few years of owning this home, I have come to understand that renovating historic homes comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. I want this blog to serve as a resource for anyone interested in navigating a renovation, whether in a new or an old home. I will be sharing tips and advice I have gathered along the way and showing my process for all the projects I tackle. In my articles, you will find insights into materials, techniques, and products, so you can approach your home projects with greater consideration. My goal is to outline the restoration process, from understanding the home's historical significance to selecting appropriate renovations that enhance both aesthetic and functional longevity.
Through Studied Living, I invite you to join me on this journey of restoring my old home. Together, we can create spaces that honor the past while meeting the dynamic needs of modern living, ensuring our homes' legacy endures for future generations to appreciate.
Bookish Living
Throughout my renovation journey, literature has often been a rich source of inspiration, literally and figuratively. Many design concepts and renovation ideas can be traced to influential books that explore the artistry and functionality of home environments.
One notable title is Home by Design by Lynda Kelsey. This book emphasizes the importance of reflecting personal identity in home spaces and offers insightful guidance on the interplay between design elements and emotional well-being. Similarly, The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka argues for quality over quantity, encouraging homeowners to think critically about their spatial needs rather than simply acquiring larger living areas. Design books are not where my inspiration stops. I have an ever-growing list of fiction novels and series that have shaped my home aesthetic in some way or another.
I will share resources on how I'm styling my home, both accidentally and intentionally. You'll find gift guides and links to several handmade shops I frequent for home decorating.
Discover Unique Decor in my Shop
I have been creating art my whole life and finally feel ready to share it! Any products you see with illustrations are my own works!
Purchasing from our shop supports our mission of historical restoration, ensuring that these artistic inspirations connect to deeper narratives of preservation and appreciation. When you choose our decor, you not only enhance your home with original pieces but also contribute to the broader initiative to honor and revitalize history.
