Austin House Tour | Thrifted, Secondhand, + Eco-Friendly Decor (sustainable reno plans)

[@j.o.d.i.e]

I love that you drove home the importance of avoiding instant gratification and really being mindful with choices before acting!! Such a crucial first step.

[@Sarah-di8vy]

You could definitely get the silver lampshades either powder coated or spray painted black, if it’s just the colour that bothers you?

[@DevilishFailure]

Thought so to, such a little change with such a big impact! I think those lamps really suit the place, so spray paint might be awesome. :)

[@Shelbizleee]

Ooooh this is a good idea!!

[@udderlylost1178]

I was thinking the same thing! I'm trying to build a coat rack to hand by my front door and all the hooks I like are silver but I would prefer the dark bronze or black

[@mariansimarrogonzalez8612]

@@udderlylost1178 I was about to comment the same thing!

[@CosnerCoPiloting]

Came here for this! The metal shades would take paint really well, make sure you wipe down with hot soapy water to remove any grease since it is in the kitchen. It may require a few washes, but since you are right near the back door, you could likely paint without even taking them down. Aerators are super easy to put on faucets, you can do it!

[@alliemay6076]

My husband and I bought an old home and have been remodelling for 6+ years. The best piece of advice I can give for anyone is that your home will never be “finished”. Especially if your goal is sustainability, it’s takes time and patience. I feel like weather proofing our home has been the best thing we’ve done since we live with both extreme cold and extreme heat.

[@shirleycarvajal193]

I love whenever you talk about wanting kids because becoming a parent should always be a decision that you desire and even plan for. I literally smile everytime you say something like "maybe this will be for our kids", I feel like your kids are going to have the most caring and loving parents! BTW the house is beautiful 💚

[@francescox8094]

I can’t explain why but I just love this house so much more than the other house. Just more the two of you. Really happy for you.

[@Shelbizleee]

Agreed 🫶 thank you so much!!

[@ZotatoSoup]

Thank you for taking the time to show us your new space and all your future visions for it!

[@Shelbizleee]

You’re so welcome 🫶 thanks for watching!!

[@samanthab9340]

Thank you for pointing out why you were saying primary bedroom instead of master bedroom. I've never thought about it.

[@sewcleverr]

Your home is so unique 😍 I would love a video where you talked about how you can take an older home (i am almost one year into my "new" home built in the 70's) and make it more energy efficient/sustainable!

[@awkwardatlas5623]

Yes please!

[@cfloster]

yes!! my home is technically over 100 yrs old - would love to see this

[@clairecooke6268]

So refreshing to see you carrying over everything from the old house & taking a “wait and see” approach to some less desirable inclusions ☺️ It frustrates me to see low waste influencers showing off their entirely new furniture or bucketloads of new clothes.

[@lourlopezsk]

You bought a beautiful house and the previous owners did a great job! Impressed ✨

[@Ferreneh]

Whoever designed that house made many smart decisions, and I too love the multi-level central area 😍 and the PLANTS 😍 just stunning through and through. And thank you for showing us the bedrooms! I always find it weird when youtubers refuse to show theirs. I get that it's a private area, but unless there's something strange like a red room, I don't understand why one wouldn't just show it. If anyone knows why let me know.

[@laurab8801]

I love how you highlighted the importance of taking it slow with decorating and finding pieces that you need/like for your house! I feel like marketing and social media really puts pressure on the idea of making your house "ready" immediately after your move in, which isn't realistic at all.

[@janaeiskonfektknisterpapie7004]

The House is so unique and pretty! I love all the big windows! And this video is a great reminders to don't rush with buying new things while we are about to move soon

[@audreyschmitt200]

Ooooo do propagation stations on both sides of your office fireplace! I'm just imagining rows of test tubes with little plant babies. Could also be a great way to always have plants ready to gift to friends and family

[@rosypink1206]

I like the idea of printing large prints of your own photos and framing them to decorate your home. I don’t really mean portraits of you and your family/friends, but like landscapes of places you’ve been. Especially those that have unique details that you were able to capture. I decorated my walls with large prints of landscapes I took during my travels. I love looking at them 😊

[@jbblue48089]

For the big white blank space above the fireplace, I’m interested in if you’d like a green wall there (cost prohibitive though) or a preserved moss wall. I’m planning on making one for my house after I saw some on pinterest

[@kimberlyk1502]

Yessss!! I was thinking the same thing would be beautiful right there! 😍

[@Shelbizleee]

THIIIIIS!!! This is what I want. I’m worried more about getting overwhelmed with doing it than cost but this would be the dream!

[@BelaVandella]

I love hearing about sustainable home stuff! When you go to do your renovations, I would love to learn more about how to do that sustainably!

[@jayyy__8604]

One tip for the shower my mom showed me is to hang the shower caddy on the opposite wall of the shower head by a command hook or other hook of some sort! Fixes the melty soap problem and protects the caddy from potential rust/gunk! 😊💧

[@racheljames9187]

It's a lovely space... and huge! The garden has so much space and will be amazing when you get it going. When I bought my forever home (just me, so it's a 2 bedroom 1080 sq ft unit including the garage - yes I just converted that for the sake of US people! My garden is probably around half the floor space of the house) the first thing I did was to plan the garden and install three lovely raised garden beds made from reclaimed timber... it's so nice not having to buy most of my herbs and veggies. Mine doesn't have solar - thinking about it in the long term, but my power use isn't high, and our electricity is hydroelectric here in Tasmania, so I am trying to pay the mortgage down a bit first on account of the high interest at the moment.

[@Stephanie-bh8hd]

I'm always looking for thrifted house tours. So glad you uploaded this!

[@HarryLovesRuth]

The switch to induction can be tricky, but once I boiled water on an induction element, anything else felt like rubbing sticks together to make fire. The lack of extra heat from the stovetop is amazing in summer, and I would keep a lookout on second hand sites for a single element induction cooktop.

[@ajthahippie6023]

In love with the home and decorations

[@lisaschyllert2703]

The layout of the house is absolutely amazing! I would love my future home to look like this house!

[@darcyferrigno]

So as someone who loves to be sustainable but loves decor, I have a rule that if you can live in a place for a bit prior to totally redocorating and/or renovating is key. I now know that part of our kitchen needs to be redone, but we have lived here for two years and have a set list of things we need, things we don't need and things we can find second hand. Needing things immediately leads to cost and waist in my opinion.

[@darcyferrigno]

Two other things: I LOVE your sweater! Also, I prefer shower bath combos. I am not into cleaning two seperate areas.

[@snailrat]

Sooooo jealous of all those beautiful windows! Perfect for a crazy plant person haha

[@alienor17121994]

The ecological impact of a house is not that much related to furniture. It will be a huge challenge to make this house sustainable, because of how it is built. It is a huge house (in European standards at least), with quite high ceiling in some rooms (harder to heat). Moreover, you have these beautiful windows...that will get you a lot of heat during summertime, increasing the need for air conditioning. Even with double-panel windows. And houses with no party walls are also always harder to heat than terraced houses or flats. You did not chose the easiest path, but good luck for turning this house in your sustainable home!

[@DevilishFailure]

Love your home! Looks really cozy and has enough room for future plans :)

[@ashleyballard9561]

I know I’m late to the game (you only posted this a year ago! 😅) but if you like the style of the silver pendant lights, you could paint them! We got the lights for our bathroom secondhand. I absolutely loved the style, but hated the polished chrome. So, we used sandpaper to scuff the surfaces and spray painted them matte black. They look amazing and have held up so well.

[@thebackpackingbookwyrm]

Seriously envious of the windows in the bathrooms 🤣 we are in a 4 bed 1 bath 1950s ranch and have a tiny, windowless bathroom. Once we get to renovation time a big focus is new, big windows (ours are also getting old and some have issues so they need replaced) and solar as well. I'd love to see more on sustainable home stuff because it's a big focus of my life currently too.

[@awkwardatlas5623]

"Buying a 50 year old house rather than letting it go to waste" is NOT a phrase you'll hear in London (where I've mortgaged all my future children to live in a 125 year old shoebox🙃). Still... Love the house and what you've done with it.

[@MyMixedLife]

I just know the air is crisp in this house with all those plants!

[@corrinamckend2097]

When I look at the whole room, the silver theme shines through. The lamps, the cupboard hardware and the ceiling fan in the background, all complete the look and incorporate flow.

[@TracyHRodriguez]

It's absolutely beautiful. I love all of the natural light. I'd put plants and photos on the office mantel. You could paint the pendant lights black.

[@tgardenchicken1780]

We are thinking the very same way, funny.

[@MultiDaisy1995]

I also really like all of the half landings. It adds dimension to the house & allows for separation while remaining open. ❤

[@rachelwolf5370]

Congratulations on getting your forever home suited to you! 😊

[@sarahwenger4479]

Definitely look into getting the lights repainted/powder coated! Especially if you like the shape but don’t love the color

[@paganshredder1492]

What a beautiful home! And you two have decorated very nice. I'm sure your garden will be set up and thriving soon.

[@laurennightshade]

You have such a beautiful home. Second hand is the best with almost everything including homes, so much character and dimension.

[@Cindy-by3ho]

What a lovely house! It’s so bright! Congratulations.

[@sabrinasassine7578]

Love the house. I agree about slow and mindful for changes in your new home. I moved a few months ago and am doing the same thing. ❤

[@angelamoynahan2627]

Question: if you had to replace windows in your home, what is the best materials for the environment? Wood, vinyl, fiberglass, etc?

[@kgrose102]

For the silver lights above the side island, have you thought about just painting them a mat black to match the rest. They're a pretty cool shape and it could help save you from having to keep an eye out for a second hand pair to go there.

[@MNeathway]

That would look great and be so easy

[@alexandracolors3971]

Very lovely and I like to see a "normal" house tour where the person owning it hasn't changed literally every wall and floor, ripping apart all that the previous owners had. We have a new house, unfortunately from a sustainable perspective, but although we did not choose the floors or the marble or the bathroom sink masks etc, we won't change the flooring because we would've liked another color better, for example... But everyone seems to do that now.

[@leahaf808]

The levels are great, because you get the feeling of it being open plan, but without turning the whole place into one cavernous space

[@jessthoma2803]

For your mantle, I think you should get a large framed painting and lean it against the chimney wall. I love that "industrial minimalist" look of a non-hung art collection!

[@TheLunarFire]

I do find it a bit funny that in some parts of the US someone would call a 50 year old home old. But honestly I think you're takin great care of the place and making good sustainable choices for your forever home

[@beatricemarsilius5585]

Try spray painting the lamps over the bar before buying new ones. There is matt sprat paint if you prefer a matt finish :)

[@huuuuuugu]

Your house is gorgeous! Can't wait to watch as you furnish more and more

[@black0sweety]

OMG I'm absolutely in love with it! 💚 Congratulations on getting such a lovely place 😍🪝🏡

[@katyyanda8958]

For the space in your office you can use it to display items you already have and use. (Until you make it into a living wall like you said would be the dream) I have seen things like hat walls. That’s the only item I can think of right now haha

[@croakiex9873]

Just a psa - Ask your city/electric companies about free inspections, or at least look into options - Here is Rhode Island we have something called RISE, and they will come to your house and do a full inspection to see if there is anything you can do to make your home more efficient. They also gave us a bunch of free lightbulbs, and a couple energy saver extension cords!

[@Shelbizleee]

Yes!! We did that at our old house actually. They weren’t very helpful unfortunately. But we’ll try the one in ATX and see if they’re any better

[@croakiex9873]

@Shelbizleee Fingers crossed they have something for you!! They couldn't do much for us either, as it seemed the previous owners already had them come through (which on its own is a good thing I guess lol) - but hopefully it will help others who may not have known about the option

[@andrearichardson7931]

I love that fixture above the kitchen table! I think when you combine the shower and tub in the primary bathroom, you could make another closet in the extra space.

[@lynndollarhide6887]

FYI skylights are not energy efficient. Particularly if you have solar panels and LED lighting. They allow in too much heat/cold even if double glazed and are leak prone. LED lighting will use less energy than what is required to make up for the skylight’s thermal losses.

[@startrekkindelta]

Hopped over here to see how you guys were doing and I saw you had a house tour posted. It’s absolutely beautiful! I’m so happy for y’all!! 🥹💝

[@christinewaldvogel174]

Your fire place should have come with a built in cover - perhaps look at either a custom one or look to see if used. They are to have vents so you can open them in the winter to help heat yourself. I believe California is banning gas things now if new? Beautiful new home! Enjoy and can hardly wait to see your garden & it will be large:)🤩

[@MultiDaisy1995]

I LOVE the full length mirror in your primary bedroom! ❤❤❤❤

[@Ariesmary3387]

Love the house and your sweater! Can I ask where you got it from?

[@NomNomFairy]

Honestly love the layout and your style!

[@timikaballantyne6144]

The half ups and downs make sense now! Lovely lovely home Shebi and Maddison. Looking forward to what you do with the house! Xx

[@lindseyfarmwald]

Such a lovely home!! ❤ I would move some of your plants into your office above the fireplace if you don’t have anything to put there for now! In the fall you could always relocate the plants to make room for your seasonal decor. 😊

[@elisabettaconcolato5163]

Wow this house looks like a dream!! (I would love to hear your favourite baby names lol). Much love xxx.

[@creationslandscapedesigns]

When I first moved into my home 8 years ago, all the walls were painted sky blue. hah I changed that real quick. Also hahaha you don't have enough plants.

[@maggiegrant-op2ij]

Can you talk more about washers and dryers in general (and why the person who came over to fix your washer would never buy that kind)? My husband and I are in the market for a washer/dryer set and want to make a good decision. I do understand that hang drying is best, but with the allergies in our family, hanging clothes outside is a no-go for us :/

[@tgardenchicken1780]

Love this. Could a rice paper screen help shelter the dry food storage area from the sun? Or a white curtain, stiff (Not flowy) work? I could see a one-of-a-kind painting or fiber arts work above the fireplace on the wall--with plants or terrariums on the mantle. Spray paint the pendant lights black.

[@jessikapettit7647]

The white space above the fireplace is screaming for original artwork. I'm sure you can find some great artists in Austin. (I also like checking local universities or art schools where the artwork is great and may be slightly less expensive.)

[@leticiaramirez7031]

Love your home it's so cozy and beautiful. On your fireplace you could also put some of your plants on top.

[@yazzybananas3106]

My husband and I want to live in Austin especially since there a lot more vegan options! It’s so hard to find a home 🏡 We are currently saving up and hoping to be able to purchase a home in the next couple years. If we can’t find a home in Austin, we might be looking at San Marcos or San Antonio. Your house is beautiful! It’s my dream style home ❤

[@360shadowmoon]

This is one of the nicest houses I've seen. For the fireplace, I feel like a large mirror (in the middle) would look cool. I'm sure you could find one secondhand.

[@tracyhuckaby5876]

I would put some of my house plants on each side of the fireplace. Maybe even some plants with trellises so the plants can climb the walls.

[@arinaira1417]

What a cozy place

[@brrrrrrg]

How do you stop kitty from eating plants? Mine eat them all! I keep the toxic ones hanging high up but I wish I could find a way to stop them eating any of them.

[@krististroschein4908]

I think still a construction surplus in Waco you can check for light fixtures,etc.

[@colleenruf7139]

Your home is beautiful! I love the split levels

[@abby5419]

Your home is so beautiful! I love watching y'all, congrats!!

[@abbiewinger]

recently learned about not saying 'master' bedroom myself - immediately noticed you didn't use it :) love your awareness for all peoples!

[@kristaw206]

LOVE houses with levels!!

[@CH-sw1bg]

A nice large mirror on the mantel would be perfect! Arched or circle! Or something that flows with the interior

[@arencarrr]

those stairs really break up the space! i prefer that to open layouts!

[@chellomarie]

ive been waiting for this one!!!! I needed to see all the sustainable decor so I can see what ideas i could use to decorate my dorm and future apartment/home

[@mchmonster]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful home! Congrats on your plaque too. Ideas for office mantle… plants!!!!! Mirror/s Maybe a couple of guest items displayed (functional and beautiful-- like a basket with guest items… snack basket you can use for yourself as well… )

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

I like the table find.

[@hannahwallenkamp8134]

So beautiful!! Congratulations on the new home!

[@vibingvegan]

Your home is GORGEOUS. And that plant wall at the front is stunning. You should keep it like that 😍

[@sandys6379]

You have a beautiful and functional home, thank you for sharing it with us! I can’t wait to see the garden!

[@Savvaannaahh]

So so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@SheriLynNut]

What a pretty home! The lighting is amazing! Congratulations to you both ❤

[@HaileyPrice-tc1df]

I love that you use Primary room!!!! :)

[@cheynic1828]

Ahh! I’ve been waiting for a tour! Your home is so beautiful! It’s my dream layout honestly! So glad to see you guys manifesting your dreams and making this into your forever home. I can’t wait to see what else you two do it with it! So excited to see the garden/homestead process! 💚

[@gGadget]

Idea for the blank space in fireplace area - Design and paint a mural! Can be an easy line design with whatever you want! The art can be the decoration

[@rh7968]

I love the house!! ❤ you ladies are blessed

[@laurawarburton]

Paper Work on South Congress has a room full of prints of local artwork. You could definitely grab some pieces to help decorate the empty space in your office. ❤️

[@nataliawineland34]

Beautiful home! I do follow the vlogs but seeing a proper tour is great thank you! Also love the half flight stairs that's so cool

[@dmlbs]

Some plants on the fireplace for living room overflow, looks like good indirect light

[@jaimeerindy4573]

Your home is so beautiful!! I love it!

[@Showl.l]

Your house is gorgeous!! Ever since you moved I've been anticipating your house tour because I loved your design/decor aesthetics at the old house, and these unique half flights looked so interesting on the vlogs. I also just moved, and we have a similar half-flight that is kind of opposite from your layout. The floor level where you walk in has the main dining room and kitchen space and the half flight goes up into the main living room area with my office on the same floor and upstairs where the bedrooms are. I will add that I am slowly finding different fixtures to also be black accents, but no rush there. The primary bedroom also has an ensuite bathroom and there is a built-in skylight!! My husband loves it so much especially during the night or early mornings when you don't want a bright light blinding you. The skylight provides good moonlight :)

[@tay2520]

Beautiful Home 💛

[@StorytimewithMeemaw57]

Lovely home! Thank you for sharing it with us.:) Put plants on that huge mantel downstairs in your office room.:)

[@thamires.magalhaes]

9:35 why don't you put those baskets and bowls you used to have on the stair wall of the previous house? They were really gorgeous and would make a beautiful piece above the fireplace :D

[@Shelbizleee]

I do think they would look good there but I’m kinda going for a different vibe. I think I have an idea now tho!!

[@thamires.magalhaes]

Ooh, I see. I'm really excited to see what you come up with :D

[@jbblue48089]

If you’re open to gardening advice? My home is on a sloped lot as well, and I’m learning a lot from Andrew Millison on KZbin. I hoped I spelled that right, gotta check. He makes great videos about permaculture and sloped sites get more benefits which is so cool.

[@wiltedspinachcat3472]

loveeee! so relaxing such great minimalist inspo