Houzz Tour: Three Men and a Lady's DIY Paradise
One Handy Mom Takes Her Home from Blah and Beige to Bold and Beautiful
Market Editor, Houzz.com
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Michelle Hinckley took to blogging rather by accident. Her husband originally spearheaded their website, started to keep family and friends up to date on their life. Michelle would chime in now and again with projects she was working on, but that was about it. Needless to say, those occasional posts with great crafting ideas were hugely popular. Cut to now, and the Three Men and a Lady blog is solely focused on documenting all of Michelle's clever, low-cost home fix-ups.
The Lady of the blog was kind enough to answer a few questions for us and share a look inside her family's handmade home. Take a peek:
The Lady of the blog was kind enough to answer a few questions for us and share a look inside her family's handmade home. Take a peek:
| "When we first moved in about 3 years ago, everything was very bland and vanilla," Michelle says. "The house was in desperate need of character, so room by room I set out to transform it into something with a little more pizzazz."
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Above, the den/office. |
"If I had to put a label on my style, I would say it's modern, vintage and eclectic. "I scour Craigslist at least 4 times a week, I love estate sales and thrift stores. I'm definitely not above hauling things I find curbside for trash pick-up either, to give it new life."
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Michelle turned an old mirror into this pretty bulletin board. Directions for the project are here.
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| In the living room, Michelle created a sophisticated yet comfortable continuous space for entertaining guests and her growing family. Conversation can flow easily from the living room to the kitchen. The chairs heading up the dinner table are slip-covered salvaged office chairs that can easily transition anywhere in the house for additional seating.
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Check out the FAQ section of her blog for the formula to her living room paint color. |
Michelle says, "I am very budget-conscious, so most of my style comes from drooling over interior design magazines, then setting out to re-create a similar look." The ottoman in the living room is a Michelle original. It's covered in white vinyl, making it much easier to clean than leather, but with a similar look. Check out her tutorial to see how she did it.
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The first major project Michelle took on in the home was the entryway. "It's sort of a funny space because it is really quite grand and spacious in comparison to the size of the house. I knew whatever I did had to match the grandeur of the entry."
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Michelle and her husband decided on bold stripes to complement the space. What had been conceived as a weekend project ended up taking up bulk of their evenings for 3 full weeks!
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As Michelle states, "Projects always take triple the time and triple the money you originally plan for. However, the time and effort are always worth it in the end."
One wall of the entryway is covered in chalkboard paint — the perfect spot to jot down a quick note or write a favorite quote.
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One wall of the entryway is covered in chalkboard paint — the perfect spot to jot down a quick note or write a favorite quote.
| The once bland master bedroom now feels like it could be in a boutique hotel, thanks to a sophisticated palette of gray and yellow. Private Comment
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That sunburst mirror? Another DIY by ingenious Michelle. The original small mirror at the center got a boost courtesy of a bag of barbecue skewers.
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What was once an unfinished wood dresser now has sleek style.
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The wingback chair was salvaged from a garage sale and re-upholstered in vinyl. Now it can be easily wiped down with a rag — another kid-friendly white piece of furniture!
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| One person's trash... you know the rest. Latex eggshell paint in that signature yellow pop of color (Disney's "Bee a Friend"), an air compressor, and updated hardware transformed this Craigslist find into a statement-making dresser. Michelle says, "My favorite pieces are the ones that I customize to make my own."
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Michelle made the Joshua Tree painting above the dress for less than 5 bucks. |
The guest bathroom got a dramatic facelift thanks to DIY details. Michelle painted the formerly gold mirror frame white, and went with a neutral wall color (Dutch Boy's Stonewall Jackson).
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The stenciled ceiling was a labor of love by Michelle and her husband. They used Cutting Edge Stencil's Trellis Pattern.
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A vintage cabinet with the door removed is used to neatly store bath necessities.
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| With her own take on the popular "Keep Calm & Carry On" prints, Michelle thoughtfully reminds her boys to keep clean. Private Comment
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| Two of the three men in her life share this nautical-inspired room. Private Comment
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The nautical theme continues on the tidy shelves, providing a place for found treasures.
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A bulletin board wrapped in burlap provides a place to hang art, awards, school schedules — whatever the boys want to display.
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| Michelle made sure that the personal touches of a boutique-style hotel carried through to the guest room as well. Private Comment
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Red adds a fun element of surprise in the otherwise brown, white and green room.
Thanks, Michelle!
See more of Michelle's clever DIY projects on her blog, Three Men and a Lady.
All photos by Michelle Rasmussen of Wondertime Photo.
More Houzz Tours:
Abbey's Aesthetic Outburst
Designs for Every Space from Atypical Type A
A Modern Renovation in Seattle
Next:
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Thanks, Michelle!
See more of Michelle's clever DIY projects on her blog, Three Men and a Lady.
All photos by Michelle Rasmussen of Wondertime Photo.
More Houzz Tours:
Abbey's Aesthetic Outburst
Designs for Every Space from Atypical Type A
A Modern Renovation in Seattle
Next:
Comments
Denise Vilim says:
Fantastic! As a fellow DIY, modern decor and gray-walls-with-bold-accents enthusiast, I sooo appreciate Michelle's labors of love in her beautiful home. The difference is, my projects have been ongoing for 10 years, changing from uber-traditional to uber-modern, and a ton of mistakes. For every room that gets a new coat of paint, I hear from family members, "Your walls are going to be 5 feet thick and fall down if you keep painting them!"
I think I should probably head on over to Three Men and A Lady before my house implodes!
I think I should probably head on over to Three Men and A Lady before my house implodes!
16 months ago ·
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Arseniy says:
Very nice. All photos are beautiful except maybe one from the bathroom. But who cares, awesome job!
16 months ago ·
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Rebecca says:
Oh wow. Thank you so much for bringing this blog to my attention! My husband and I have just embarked on a massive home renovation, and I fully intend to DIY as much as possible. Michelle's ideas are incredibly inspiring!
16 months ago ·
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loishapi says:
iT ALL WORKS WONDERFULLY EXCEPT: DITCH THE OFFICE/BATHROOM RUFFLES & FRILLS - TO MY EYE IT CHEAPENS AND WEARIES AN OTHERWISE TASTEFULL, UPBEAT AND CLEAN LOOK. IF IT'S WARMTH YOU'RE LOOKING FOR - GO IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION WITH YOUR TEXTILE? THE BATHROOM ORNATE MIRROR FRAME MIGHT WORK BETTER FOR YOU IN RED, YELLOW, EVEN CHARCOAL BUT NOT WHITE. WELL DONE AND ORIGINAL.
16 months ago ·
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ladi says:
Very nice except for the ruffled shower curtain and frilly covers in the home office! Excellent!
16 months ago ·
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inkwitch says:
So impressed by someone else's DIY challenges. This blog will be a big help. Love it all -- and her brave white sofas with boys!! I agree, that shower curtain -- dyeing it almost any color would be an improvement! Hurray for someone else who admits to curb scavaging! I've found some of my best pieces there -- and at 2ndhand stores.
16 months ago ·
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Tonia Bozeman says:
I've been following Michelle blog a little over a year now. She's a pro when it comes to DIYs. One thing that I didn't know is that her husband started the blog.
16 months ago ·
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georgetownsandi says:
Wow! I love this - what an amazing home! Congratulations, Michelle, on your style, adventure, and thank you for sharing so generously your DIY processes. Inspirational!
16 months ago ·
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Linda Elston-Butera says:
As a twenty year design pro, I rarely find DIY talent like yours. If your not currently in the design business you should consider it. Your raw talents are evident by your clever way of balancing color and scale of your furnishings in each room. I have also used the wide, whimsy horizontal stripes in many homes and they are a fun way to invite your guests into your home. I once did them in a little girls room and used two tones of Sherwin Williams' Haute Pink. Check it out on my shot.
16 months ago ·
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ellie48 says:
Hasn't Michelle done a brilliant job with her house! The stripes in the hallway, the whole look of the bedroom with the wasabi green accents, the white living room, the grey and yellow bedroom. The frilly shower curtain in one of the bathrooms is the item I least like. I guess it is just not my style. Otherwise, what a great post. Yes, inspirational. Thanks so much.
16 months ago ·
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janerae says:
Can anyone tell me the color name and company of the grey used in the bedroom?
16 months ago ·
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Roberta Philbrick says:
Love all the diy paint techniques with the stripes, stencils and chalk board ;)
16 months ago ·
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bevyg says:
Any clutter? Where is your stuff? All in the office/den? Good decorating.
16 months ago ·
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mary elizabeth hulsey says:
I'm so impressed with how straight the bold stripe lines are in your foyer! Did you paint them?
Very impressive- as is your entire project.
Very impressive- as is your entire project.
16 months ago ·
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Jennifer Simpson Johnson says:
Wow, loved her blog - there's so many great ideas there. Goodwill, here I come!
16 months ago ·
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Saam Phelps says:
I love it all! even the ruffles! love the bathroom ceiling, just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing I got some really great ideas for my upcoming remodel
16 months ago ·
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atonewithhim says:
Wow! It does NOT look like a DIY job. You guys did an awesome job. I wouldn't change a thing.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
16 months ago ·
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lara_jane says:
I'm in awe! I don't employ the clean, modern style in my own home but this is so cool. (Though I, too, am wondering about books, toys, etc.)
The only thing I can't wrap my head around is that people with this much creativity would have fake plants on their kitchen cabinets. Very surprising!
The only thing I can't wrap my head around is that people with this much creativity would have fake plants on their kitchen cabinets. Very surprising!
16 months ago ·
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toshonamaste says:
Why would anyone want his HOME to look like a boutique hotel? Like an empty, perfect non inhabited place?
16 months ago ·
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aeykelbo says:
This woman is a genius... Loved the use of burlap, in particular, and the way she used those gray and yellow scarves to insert the white vinyl chair into her bedroom. I love that palette, but I don't have the cojones to use it.
I am pretty surprised, however, how contentious that shower curtain is! For me, it seemed completely in character with the rest of the home and a very flirtatious addition to the bathroom.
I am pretty surprised, however, how contentious that shower curtain is! For me, it seemed completely in character with the rest of the home and a very flirtatious addition to the bathroom.
16 months ago ·
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Saffronia Baldwin says:
I love the big bold horizontal stripes in the foyer. Excellent. Lots of energy. Good job on the continuity. The house flows beautifully from room to room, and yet each space has its own personality.
16 months ago ·
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Mona says:
By far, one of my more favorite posts...put most of it in my idea book. Thank you, thank you....you truly are a genius with massive taste!
16 months ago ·
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Lauren Gries says:
Not only does she have a great eye, it seems as though this woman has a lot of time on her hands. In a good way of course because she also has a lot of discipline and devotion to her now beautiful home!!! I love it!
Seeing this house gets me inspired to get back on track with my DIY apartment. Oh and seeing that stenciling in the bathroom, I know the labor that had to go into that! Hence why my stencil project has been on hold for quite some time.
Seeing this house gets me inspired to get back on track with my DIY apartment. Oh and seeing that stenciling in the bathroom, I know the labor that had to go into that! Hence why my stencil project has been on hold for quite some time.
16 months ago ·
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2princessmama says:
AMAZING!!! What great talent! Can't wait to hop on over to the blog. As for the ruffles, I think it's all a personal taste as I like them. Sure, there could be something different but I'm a ruffle-y type gal myself and when you're doing things on a budget work with what you have. I think the ruffles, as well as everything else, look beyond great!
16 months ago ·
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Nancy says:
Amazing~! I would love to move right in ;) Can't wait to go read her blog! Thanks!!
16 months ago ·
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Brenda says:
I enjoyed every photo and every room. You did a fabulous job - the stripes in entry are by favorite! CONGRATS --
16 months ago ·
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bovagoods says:
as the mother of 2 boys and another on the way, i think michelle can have as many ruffles as she wants! i've been reading her blog for quite a while and i have always loved the ruffles. it adds the perfect amount of softness, playfulness and femininity. she does it without being frou frou or tacky. this was a great feature michelle, congratulations. your home looks as good as ever!!!
16 months ago ·
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sparklymom says:
I think Michelle has done an amazing job on her home! Not only does she have amazing style but its all been done DIY and is a personal home...not something sterile out of a magazine. Her REAL family lives there and make messes there, has fun there. Thats what really matters.
Id encourage you all to check out her blog. Not only does she have great ideas, but shes also been on the NATE show. So perhaps her ruffles arent that bad afterall;)
Id encourage you all to check out her blog. Not only does she have great ideas, but shes also been on the NATE show. So perhaps her ruffles arent that bad afterall;)
16 months ago ·
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Ginger says:
So refreshing to see individual creativity. Beautiful colors. Obviously very talented and knows her style well. She has made a beautiful home for herself and her family. Great job.
16 months ago ·
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Yes, Michelle did an exceptional job! I love the design and creativity put into this home. However, I too, am not fond of the ruffled shower curtain and the frilly covers in the home office! I do believe that a home can have ruffles and frills, but it does not work with this design. It detracts from it, instantly calls attention to it (not in a good way), and looks out of place.
16 months ago ·
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Courteney Kay says:
That shower curtain from urban outfitters is great! I have been a follower of her blog and love love her house!
16 months ago ·
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Budislava Kekovic says:
great, rely like your home, and more, I like that a lot of stuff you did it yourself- as I like to do that too! this is my DIY, I painted and upholstered the chair, and painted the dresser. chair is from my great-great grandmother,and dresser is from my husbends parent house.
16 months ago ·
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thehelpmeet says:
I have followed Three Men and a Lady for quite some time now. Michelle is a phenomenal decorator and I love EVERYTHING about her home (even the ruffles). It's difficult when you're taking a small look into a person's life - on her blog she keeps it real and lets us know that everything is not always perfect and clutter-free. But how weird would it be not to show your best self on a houzz tour? Kudos on a lovely home, Michelle!
16 months ago ·
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asthokie says:
It's a good thing everyone has their own personal style or the world would be a really boring place. Lay off the shower curtain! Michelle, your house is beautiful. Congrats on what was obviously a lot of hard work.
16 months ago ·
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piter1705 says:
Спасибо дизанеру за свежие идеи. Мне очень нравится. It's really looks amazing!
16 months ago ·
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Rebekah Williamson says:
Hi I'm absolutely stoked that Micheles bathroom is featured here. My International Code Flags are above the loo! You can find them at www.empressionista.com or www.bexpert.etsy.com Michele's got fab style and I adore the boys bedroom too.
16 months ago ·
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Rebekah Williamson says:
Hi I'm absolutely stoked that Micheles bathroom is featured here. My International Code Flags are above the loo! You can find them at www.empressionista.com or www.bexpert.etsy.com Michele's got fab style and I adore the boys bedroom too.
16 months ago ·
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cvillela says:
The ruffles are the BEST PART! Come on! Especially when you live with boys...gotta soften it up.
16 months ago ·
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Fabulous Finishes Inc says:
great great ideas! love the stripes and use of bold color on focal walls
16 months ago ·
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