Couple's $70K DIY Renovation Brightens a 1939 Dutch Home
A couple purchased a 1939 house in Rotterdam and spent about $70,000 on renovations, tackling wiring, plumbing, and dark finishes themselves. They filled the 1,420-square-foot home with color and DIY personality. The project took several years, starting in late 2016.
Melissa and Ruben, along with their children Sam and Bo, settled into the Rotterdam home in early 2017 after acquiring the keys the previous November. The building's earlier residents were nuns, a heritage indicated by religious symbols and separate telephone lines wired into each former bedroom.
Their personalized touches include a dining space with a pink cabinet, a new table, and a vintage light fixture, plus an entryway painted in custom blue shades. The living area features a Danish couch, a hand-built wall lamp, an IKEA floor lamp, a vintage coffee table, and a modern turntable.
This narrative could inspire budget-conscious homeowners to undertake extensive DIY renovations, potentially reshaping how they approach property upgrades and manage expenses. It may also influence interior design trends by championing bold colors and personal touches over neutral aesthetics, affecting consumer purchasing in home goods and fostering greater appreciation for preserving historic architectural elements.