“A friend messaged me the real-estate listing and urged, ‘You have to buy this house,” shares Sharon Beesley, based in Connecticut. “Rob, my husband, and I attended the open house and instantly realized it was our permanent home. We’ve resided here for six years now, and I have no intention of leaving.” Today, she offers us a tour…
ENTRYWAY
Wallpaper: William Morris. Mirror and table: vintage.
On historical aspects: Our home dates back to the 1800s. While selecting wallpaper, I discovered textile designer William Morris crafted all his prints in the same era. Thus, this wallpaper seemed so appropriate.
Starry floor mat: Wayfair.
About a star-filled touch: Truthfully, I opted for this floor mat because it fit my budget, is washable, and it’s low profile so the front door doesn’t catch. I feared it might look tacky, but the compliments it receives suggest otherwise!
On budget pieces: Nearly every item in our home has a Goodwill price sticker. I sometimes picture a future estate sale where folks marvel at my Goodwill art, admiringly thinking, ‘She was incredible! Can you believe she paid such a price for that?!’
On working with your partner: My golden rule is to read a chapter from a marriage therapy book before Rob and I begin any home project together. It doesn’t matter which one, any suffices. The book I referenced before our foyer wallpapering was Us: Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship.
DINING ROOM
Paint: Farrow & Ball’s India Yellow.
On holiday customs: Thanksgiving is a big event here; we celebrate grandly. Last year, I embraced Samin Nosrat’s guide to enliven Thanksgiving and it was wonderful. Her assortment of dips and toppings enhanced our feast tremendously.
Table and chairs: thrifted. Rug: “gifted by the late Lou, our beloved neighbor.”
On thrift shopping advice: I discovered our dining chairs at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, my ultimate favorite store. I love checking out local Habitat for Humanity ReStores during my travels to see their offerings.
Lamp: thrifted from Goodwill. Poster: thrifted from Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
On decoration triumphs: My aesthetic can easily veer into ‘circus’ territory. I continuously rein myself in, like, No, no, no, no… Yet, this poster delights me as it permits a circus moment.
On design fixations: Stepping inside an antique store overwhelms me. My approach is focusing on one item and seeking only that over time. Candlesticks were this quest two years ago; this year, it’s vases.
Locker: vintage, similar.
On multifunctional furniture: We acquired this locker during our New York City days. Initially, my three children used it for their school bags. Now, I store my tools inside, like hammers, tape measures, and sandpaper.
On embracing an empty nest: Saw that viral clip with Michelle Obama and Jon Stewart? I empathize with Michelle. As soon as my kids are home, the energy is incredible but also exhausting. I married at 21 and became a mom at 23, often yearning to reach 40 when all my kids would be teens and more grown. Now I’m 44, and for the first time, experiencing adulthood without kids.
LIVING ROOM
Paint: Farrow & Ball’s Inchrya Blue.
On picking a show: We’re drawn to YouTube, so Rob and I devised a system where each gets 10 minutes of viewing time before swapping the remote. Rob enjoys vintage car auctions, comedy, and concerts. I prefer Say Yes to The Dress, gymnastics, and Gardening With Monty Don.
Sofa: Article. Blue throw, side tables, and coffee table: vintage. Armchairs: antiques from Key to the Past. Lamps: Goodwill. Rug: “Another piece from Lou.”
On snug corners: This is our go-to spot, where we dine and watch TV in the evenings. Once, not lounging here, one of my kids asked ‘Is everything fine with you and Dad?’ as they’re used to us being nestled together in the same place. It was adorable.
On paint choices: I don’t dwell too much on paint colors because I change them often. Like the blue in the living room? It might change soon. The bedroom has been green, blue, white, and now brown.
KITCHEN
Paint: Benjamin Moore’s Breath of Fresh Air. Chandelier: The Trove. Mirror: West Elm. Black chairs: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, similar.
On parenting adults: Raising three small kids was all-consuming. Now as adults, our role as their parents equates to occasional support. They call weekly, and our chats are meaningful. I reminder myself, our relationship is not of friends yet as parents they still require my support; I always remain available for their needs.
Wallpaper: Home Depot. Breakfast bench: custom. Table: Wayfair. Chairs: William Sonoma.
On nook claims: This nook “belongs” to my son Owen, he used it frequently, and I miss seeing him there. He worked on his computer or lounged on the bench.
On honoring loved ones: This photo features my mom and me. Typically, I recall her death date, July 3rd. This year I forgot. So, I decided to position her photo where it’s a daily sight. It makes it feel like she’s still part of my life ensuring I don’t let another year pass in forgetfulness.
On helping young mothers: When I see a new mom, my heart truly ache for them. Becoming a parent is tremendously challenging. Young mothers, remember it’s fine to merely cope sometimes. You’re doing amazing already.
HOME OFFICE
Wallpaper: Home Depot. Curtains: Wayfair. Armchairs: Facebook Marketplace. Coffee table: “a $5 Goodwill treasure!” Lamps and rug: Goodwill. Basket: vintage from Branford Antiques.
On a wallpaper technique: This peel-and-stick wallpaper was easily applied using a helper spray that lubricates the paper backing to allow easier adjustment on the wall.
Bookshelves: Wayfair. Floor lamp: vintage. Pig: “gift from Rob.” Pillow: Marimekko.
On a surprising detail of being a therapist: As a therapist for six years, my clients’ responses to questions always surprise me! Their readiness to confront deeply terrifying life aspects is honorable and fills me with gratitude.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Paint: Benjamin Moore’s Tamarind. Bed: Wayfair. Bedding: Quince. Side tables: West Elm. Rooster lamps: Janis Melone. Bench and rug: vintage.
On 20+ years of marriage: I constantly work on verbal communication, asking Rob to alert me when harshness slips out. We also revisit marriage counseling occasionally. Confidently entering believing Rob’s at fault, it’s humbling when the therapist points out areas I could improve…
Armchairs: Facebook Marketplace. White lamp: antique.
On keeping the spark alive: Our morning routine includes a coffee walk to a gas station for dollar coffees, it’s a simple way for us to savor the mornings together.
Dresser: West Elm. Record player: Overstock.
On relationship joy: I appreciate the excitement of seeing him every day, even after all these years together. Although it doesn’t last long [laughs], every time he enters the house, my heart flutters.
GARDEN ROOM
Paint: Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke. Tapestry: Anthropologie. Book: Super Bloom. Work table: estate sale. Hutch: vintage. Pendants: Lowes.
On having a personal space: When my children left for college, I converted this room into a gardening area, and I ADORE IT. It will likely sustain me throughout the winter. My advice for novices is: just dive into gardening, don’t overanalyze. The drive to garden is all that’s necessary.
Poster: Goodwill. Side table: vintage. Hanging baskets: Etsy.
On giving back: One spring, with an excess of large-flowered tickseed, I left bunches in a bucket by the sidewalk with a ‘free flowers’ sign. Daily, people, from giggly teens to women of all ages, picked small bouquets. It was utterly delightful.
Duck curtains: Goodwill.
OUTDOOR GARDENS
House exterior paint: Benjamin Moore’s Queen Anne Pink. Trim paint: Benjamin Moore’s Capitol White.
On favored flowers: I must mention black-eyed Susans. With myriad varieties, they thrive in my poor soil. I admire their toughness.
On a garden project: This year, instead of pruning all my flowers in autumn, I’m allowing them to appear dreadful throughout winter. Society’s narrow beauty standards even seep into gardening, and I’m keen on challenging these norms by leaving my garden untouched and displaying the decay.
On decoration blunders: I bear many decor regrets, like embracing minimalism and painting all walls white or removing the original cute mailbox. Nonetheless, Rob aptly labels this house as my master art project. It’s true that living here deeply inspires me.
Thank you immensely, Sharon! We adore you. You can also explore her week in outfits, should you wish.
P.S. Additional home tours, including one filled with books in Copenhagen; a Massachusetts home abundant with literature and cats; and a delightful place in the Japanese countryside.
(Photos by Lyndsay Hannah for Cup of Jo.)
Sharon Beesley’s Home: A Showcase of Goodwill Treasures
Situated in a charming neighborhood, Sharon Beesley’s residence exemplifies the allure and elegance emerging from second-hand treasures. Her abode serves not solely as a dwelling space but as a thoughtfully curated gallery of distinctive pieces from Goodwill stores. Every room narrates a tale, resonating with Sharon’s sharp design sense and her affinity for sustainable living.
The Living Room: A Warm Collection
Stepping into the living room, one encounters an eclectic gathering of vintage furnishings and ornaments. A mid-century modern sofa, refreshed in vivid fabric, holds the spotlight. Encircled by mismatched end tables, each brings its own past and persona. Walls grace an assortment of artwork, from abstracts to timeless landscapes, unearthed at various Goodwill spots. A vintage record player occupies a corner, amidst assorted vinyl records Sharon has collected over the years.
The Dining Area: A Bow to the Past
The dining space channels nostalgia, spotlighting a rustic wooden table accompanied by diverse chair designs. A chandelier, unearthed and restored from Goodwill, hangs overhead. Typically, the table showcases vintage china and glassware, cultivating an inviting ambiance for family reunions and dinners.
The Kitchen: Where Function Meets Flair
In the kitchen, Sharon marries function with flair. Open shelves exhibit colorful dishware and cookware, all thrift store finds. An antique hutch, now a pantry, lends character and is ample for storage. Sharon’s culinary passion shines through an eclectic array of kitchen gadgets, each bearing its own story and role.
The Bedroom: A Tranquil Retreat
Sharon’s bedroom embodies tranquility, centering on a splendid wrought iron bed frame, a Goodwill find. Layered with vintage linens and quilts, it forms a cozy haven. Antique mirrors grace one wall, enhancing depth and light. Completing the room, a vintage vanity where Sharon begins her day amidst cherished trinkets.
The Outdoor Spaces: An Enclave of Reclaimed Charm
Beyond, Sharon reimagined her garden, crafting an enclave of salvaged beauty. Recovered planters and ornaments shape a fanciful landscape, whilst reclaimed outdoor furniture promotes leisure and enjoyment. Sharon’s eco-focus manifests through repurposed materials, contributing to a balanced setting.
More than just a trove of Goodwill finds, Sharon Beesley’s home mirrors her values and creative flair. Her talent for spotting potential in forgotten items and reigniting their charm is inspiring to every visitor. Through her residence, Sharon affirms style can intertwine with sustainability and revels in discovering beauty within unexpected nooks.
