Mike and Robin Gay had an inkling to buy a rental property when home prices bottomed out in 2012. That idea led them to purchase a house that had been vacant for years and became their primary residence.
“We started sketching out immediate things to do,” said Robin.
She said her husband isn’t intimidated by large projects such as removing a wall, retiling a bathroom or replacing the front door and door frame with a Tudor-style arch and door that he designed and built.
“He will try anything, and we just dream it up together,” she said.
Snapshot
Residents: Mike and Robin Gay, and their dogs, Boo, Bella, Bindi, Ollie and Aubie, and cat, Reba. Mike is director of a family-owned line of body shops, Robin blogs at allthingsheartandhome.com.
Location: Marietta
Size: 3,486 square feet, six bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths
Year built: 1989
Year bought: 2012
Architectural style: Tudor
Favorite architectural elements: Gables and arches
Renovations: The couple renovated the kitchen, which included building a pantry, refinishing the cabinets, installing new countertops and backsplash, and adding a farm sink, open shelving and a range hood. The living area had two arches, and they added a third between the breakfast area and the living room. Hardwood floors and a wall of bookshelves also were installed. They also added a screen porch.
Consultants: King's Carpentry helped them make repairs before moving into the home. Since moving in, the Gays have completed all the projects.
Interior design style: Rustic chic
Favorite interior design elements: Using 250- to 300-year-old wood to create shelves and furniture such as a farm table, side tables and an entertainment unit. A couple of years ago, Mike brought loads of the beams from a lumber yard that was going out of business, and they have used the wood to add rustic elements to every room on the main floor, Robin said. "We're DIY crazy," she said.
Favorite room: The den. In their previous home, the ceilings were lower, but this home had a 16-foot-high stacked stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. They saw space to host their extended family of 35. "We walked in here. It was kind of a mess in this house, but Mike and I both said, we can have all of our family in here, and we have plenty of room," she said. A pair of angel wings that Mike made out of wood and sheet metal are above the fireplace.
Favorite outdoor elements: The couple redesigned the backyard, which was a disaster, Robin said. New features include an arched garden gate made by Mike, a paver patio with a stacked stone wall, a fire pit and pondless waterfall.
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