A designer respectfully reimagines, remodels and refreshes a 1950s bungalow.

WRITTEN BY MERYL SCHOENBAUM I DESIGNED BY SHAYLA GRAHAM I PHOTOGRAPHED BY KACEY GILPIN

CL ASSIC COLORS. The bungalow’s facade was painted white with black shutters. “We warmed it up by adding cedar flower boxes,” Shayla says.

PATRIOTIC PORCH. “The American flag was a no-brainer because that is the core of this design,” Shayla says. She added bursts of color to the front yard with plants and flowers. “Landscaping is what creates great curb appeal and I never skimp on that.”

COZY LIVING. Shayla made this corner of the living room both pretty and practical. “It is a small, simple space, so we brought in smaller, optional furniture that gave ample seating but added to the bungalow feel,” she says.

LAYERED LOOK. The living room sports a mix of textures and patterns that blend in harmony with their color story.

Designer Shayla Graham went treasure hunting at an estate sale in Shawnee, Oklahoma, one day—and the treasure she ended up buying was the house itself! Shayla recalls the serendipitous connection. “Last spring, I was on a walk and saw a little house around the corner from me that was having an estate sale,” the owner of Homegrown Design (homegrownblog.net) says. “Of course, I walked over because I am always on the hunt for treasures to add to my collection. I overheard the owners saying they were going to put the house on the market soon, so I started the conversation about possibly making something happen. I explained to them what I do, and they told me the house was their mom’s, who had recently moved into a nursing home. After some discussion, we proceeded with purchasing the home. I jokingly told them that it was my best find at an estate sale! After closing, I asked them to stay away until I was finished with the renovation and then I would bring them back to see it. I always want to make the original owners proud of what I do, and I take pride in paying respect to the story that was there before me.”