I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. After four years of college on and in the ocean, I wound up … of all things … a TV producer and journalist. For me, curiosity reigns. I couldn’t confine my interests, not even to the vast oceans. (Back then, a Monet seaside print livened up my dorm walls — the seed to my budding French country and coastal style)!

Pursuing stories took me from the pulsing coastline of South Florida to high-intensity newsrooms along the East Coast. By 2009, I’d added mother and homeowner to my resume. I pursued those vast unknowns in the same way — with hours and hours of diligent research on parenting, home decor, and home improvement. (Also, countless desperate amusing phone calls to my parents).

Following the adage ‘write what you know’, I started journaling for a parenting blog called mommypoppins.com. In the in-between, my husband and I were tackling house project after house project. One in every room, it seemed. When I googled ‘French Country and Coastal’ — the two interior design modes we wanted to capture — there really wasn’t much out there. I kept digging and imagining and eventually, I’d compiled a ton of research … not to mention a growing file of wonderfully shocking before-and-after photos. I finally figured I should publish this info — maybe it would help someone with their home?

Where is home, you ask? Connecticut. For many, the mere mention of this state conjures images of wealth and exclusivity — white picket fences, popped polo collars and the perfect shade of navy. I love that style, even aspire to it in some ways, but I’m just never going to be that girl. I was raised in the Midwest, went to a scrappy liberal arts college on Long Island, and married a Philadelphian. No one we know is putting on airs … and certainly not tolerating it from us!

In 2014, we bought our 1981 Dutch Colonial from the original homeowner. This is the story of how we’re slowly bringing it into the 21st century, and making it ours — a mix of French country and coastal New England. What weaves them together is coziness and joie de vivre — coffee, gardening, cocktails, conversation, travel planning … all while trying to keep up with these kids.

Come on in.

Go to the BEFORE & AFTER PICTURE INDEX