Hannah Heine, who co-founded the home goods shop The Post Supply, resides with her two children in her late grandparents’ residence in Los Angeles. “My father recently undertook some renovations, but prior to that, it had rough tweed wallpaper and brown carpeting,” she chuckles. “It was lovely — but certainly gave off a vibe from that era!” Here’s an inside glimpse…
LIVING ROOM
Sofa: Ikea. Coffee table: Wayfair. Candle: The Post Supply. Rattan armchair: Ikea. Rug: vintage. Kids’ piano: family heirloom. Print: from “Living on The Earth” by Alicia Bay Laurel.
On unwinding: I believe that the essence of a cozy home is to avoid anything too valuable. I selected a sofa with washable covers because I want everyone to snuggle under blankets and munch on snacks, without worrying about spills or crumbs. The more items are utilized and aged, the cozier and more homely they become.
On a trick for warm lighting: I adhere to the three-tier lighting principle. You start with a light source at a higher level, like a tall floor lamp. Next, include a light at face height, such as a sconce. Lastly, the final light source should be below, like a table lamp or candle. The combination of these three tiers creates an inviting and warm atmosphere in the room.
On a new form of relaxation: This year, I made the decision to cancel all my TV subscriptions because flipping through shows didn’t leave me feeling fulfilled. Now, if I wish to watch something, I have to pay to rent a series or movie, which leads me to choose only what I truly enjoy.
Bookshelves: Ikea.
On pastimes: I’ve been playing the guitar since I was 16, and I enjoy playing at home for my kids. Lately, I have been drawn to classic Carter Family songs and Johnny Cash. I like anything that evokes a sense of sorrow in the old country music scene. If it brings a tear, I’m all in!
KITCHEN
On honoring family: I feel my grandparents’ presence most strongly in our kitchen. During my childhood, I would sit at their table enjoying seeded German bread and robust cheese, watching my grandmother prepare Dampfnudel (steamed buns) or Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup). Every time I wash dishes, standing in her footsteps, I feel her spirit with me.
Paint: Admiral Blue from Behr. Mug: Ginny Sims.
On vibrant cabinets: My dad painted these cabinets in a bright French blue. It complements the eclectic aesthetics of this home — and there are many! My grandparents’ keepsakes carry an old-world European charm, while my furniture leans more towards modernity. But that’s perfectly fine — life encapsulates a generational tapestry of moments.
On mastering German: My grandfather hailed from Luxembourg, and my dad’s primary language was German. I always aspired to converse with my grandparents in their native tongue, so I enrolled in German classes in college, and thankfully, I managed to chat with them in German before they left this world.
DINING ROOM
Dining table: thrifted. Dining chairs: Wayfair. Credenza: vintage Henry Link. Pendant lamp: Ravenhill Studio.
On favorite recipes: I’ve been cooking from Health Nut by Jess Damuck, and she offers a delightful tahini banana bread recipe. I also frequently make soup. One year, my son gifted me a can of soup for my birthday because he claimed it was my favorite!
On an inviting atmosphere: Our dining table can accommodate 10 people, and we frequently invite friends over for veggie pasta. Often, my friends will let themselves in before we return home, so by the time we arrive, the kids are already playing and enjoying popsicles outside. It’s such a wonderful feeling. My grandparents were always the hosts, so it feels as though they are blessing the relationships that grow within this household.
On cherished items: This hutch belonged to my grandma, and it holds all of my great-grandma’s china. It carries immense sentimental value for me.
BEDROOM
Bed: vintage. Bedding: Matteo. Lamps: inherited from Hannah’s mother.
On inspiring women: I adore this print above my bed from Danny Lyon — it features images of his wife with their baby, titled ‘Super Woman’ due to a Super Woman poster in the frame, but also because she embodies motherhood. I cherish this house, and I draw on the energy of strong female figures every time I enter.
Thank you very much, Hannah!
P.S. More home explorations, including a single mom living in an apartment with a swing and a vibrantly colorful house in Connecticut.
(Photos by Leela Cyd for Cup of Jo.)
**Mom of Two Revamps Grandparents’ House, Brightening Kitchen with Vivid Blue Hue**
In an endearing narrative of familial legacy and imaginative transformation, a mother of two has infused her grandparents’ aging house with new energy—beginning with a striking and vibrant kitchen update. With a vision steeped in nostalgia and a knack for modern design, the renovation reveals how a dash of color and a lot of affection can fully revitalize a space.
### Celebrating the Past, Welcoming the Future
When Sarah Thompson, a 34-year-old graphic designer and mother of two little ones, inherited her grandparents’ mid-century residence in upstate New York, she recognized more than just faded wallpaper and obsolete appliances—she perceived possibility. “This house is filled with so many memories,” Sarah shares. “From Sunday dinners to holiday baking with Grandma, the kitchen has always been the heart of the household. I aimed to maintain that warmth while making it practical for my family.”
### The Magic of Paint: A Striking Blue Accent
The focal point of Sarah’s renovation is the kitchen, which she transformed using a lively shade of blue paint. “I desired something bright and invigorating,” she explains. “Blue is soothing, but with the right tone, it can also be incredibly uplifting.”
After experimenting with various shades, Sarah settled on a cheerful, Mediterranean-inspired blue for the cabinets. The paint instantly modernized the area, creating a striking contrast with the white quartz countertops and subway tile backsplash. Brass fixtures and open wood shelving added warmth and character, seamlessly blending the old with the new.
### Cost-Effective and Family-Oriented
With two children under 10, Sarah approached the renovation with practicality at the forefront. She chose durable, easy-to-maintain materials and ensured ample storage to keep the space tidy. “I needed a kitchen capable of managing pancake mornings, science projects, and everything else,” she laughs.
To keep expenses manageable, Sarah embraced a DIY mindset wherever possible. She painted the cabinets herself, sourced secondhand furniture, and even repurposed some of her grandparents’ original accessories. “Retaining elements of their legacy in our home was essential to me,” she expresses.
### A Space for Generations
The outcome is a kitchen that feels both refreshing and familiar—a place where Sarah’s children can forge their own memories while remaining connected to their family’s heritage. “Every time I step into the kitchen, I sense my grandparents’ presence in some way,” she reflects. “It’s more than merely a renovation. It’s an homage.”
Sarah’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of design and the lasting significance of familial heritage. With thoughtful improvements and a vivid color choice, she has renovated a dated kitchen into a lively center of family life—demonstrating that often, the best way to honor the past is to provide it with a vibrant new future.
