When Jessica and Christopher Brigham still lived in their East Haven, CT rental apartment, Jessica used to go house hunting in rural areas, hoping to find that dream property with character, charm and a good amount of land. The couple had no immediate plans to move, but daydreaming never hurt anyone. When Jessica’s mother, a realtor, first told her about a house for sale in New Haven, Jessica scoffed — staying in the city wasn’t what she had in mind. Despite her hesitations, Jessica decided to drive past the house that her mom had mentioned, just to see what it looked like. The moment she set eyes on the 1930s Craftsman that stood on a double lot and bordered a city-owned forest, something sparked. A few days later, Christopher, who hadn’t really been in on the house hunt game, came home and told Jessica that he too had driven by the house and had the same feeling — it just felt right. “Chris and I opened a bottle of red wine that night and talked it through — the rest is history. We still have that bottle. I’m so grateful this home independently tugged at our heartstrings and that it’s ours,” Jessica shares.
Fast forward four years brings us to a couple of very satisfied homeowners living within the New Haven city limits. Jessica, a photographer, blogger and creative jack-of-all-trades, hasn’t thought twice about the country properties she used to long for. Although she and Christopher live in the suburbs, you’d never guess it. The forest that borders their property brings almost daily visitors including turkeys, hawks, deer, coyotes, and woodchucks. “We often joke that we live in Vermont, CT,” Jessica says.
The chance to enjoy country life in the city isn’t the only reason why Jessica and Christopher fell so hard for the house they now proudly call home. The rare double lot and captivating forest aside, the house itself had everything the couple could wish for — a functional layout, big windows, tons of natural light, and heaps of period charm. It has its history too — in the 70s, it was burned all the way to the roofline. “It’s structurally sound of course, it’s amazing how well-built these old homes are.” The house has what Christoper, Captain at the New Haven Fire Department, calls “deep char” in the beams of the attic. When some future renovations have been completed, Jessica has plans to commemorate this detail. “I want to make a pocket door in the ceiling with a brass plaque that details the char as part of the home’s history — my bungalow museum,” she explains.
When Jessica and Christopher first moved in, they relied on well-loved hand-me-downs to create a cozy and welcoming feel. During the last year, the couple’s home has rapidly evolved more in tune with their personalities. Jessica, who has always been an eclectic collector and lover of color, has begun to trust and embrace a wilder and more vibrant style. Many rooms in the home have recently been transformed and now reflect this newly found freedom of expression. Everything from the roaring 20s to mid-century modern and Christopher’s California roots has inspired the couple’s cheerful style. Jessica loves the challenge of mixing these various looks to create personal spaces that feel bold, uplifting and ever so inviting. “My goal is to create a vibrant and inspiring home with a modern, eclectic and glammy twist that’s warm, welcoming, and relaxing to all who enter,” she summarizes. The dining room and master bedroom, two of the most recently updated spaces, are perfect reflections of what Jessica and Christopher’s home is all about. Both spaces feature vividly patterned accent wallpaper and brass details, balanced with warm woods and white walls. The process of creating these beautiful spaces gives Jessica a wonderful creative outlet and a chance to reflect her personality. “Finding ways to make our house a home is like meditation to me,” she adds. Consider this home Jessica and Christopher’s meditative milestone for the senses, sure to spark creative ideas and inspirational thoughts in others too! — Sofia
Photography by Jessica Brigham
Image above: Jessica and Christopher’s bright living room is an ode to mid-century style. The beautiful view of the moody office is framed by a set of French doors that Jessica installed herself.
from Design*Sponge http://www.designsponge.com/2017/10/in-new-haven-a-boho-glam-bungalow-thats-welcoming-to-all.html
from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/166946751479
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