A Glamazonian 1934 Craftsman Bungalow in Connecticut
Name: Jessica Brigham, her husband, Christopher, two dog-like cats, Marla & Sylvester, and their doofy mutt, Murphy
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Size: 2,100 square feet
Years lived in: 4.5 years, owned
I’m from New York and I met my California-bred hubby, Chris, here in New Haven, Connecticut. Like me, Chris loves old homes, damn good food, cooking, being social, and having dinner (and dance) parties…so we met, got married, and settled in a 1934 Craftsman Bungalow to call home in this awesome city.
We knew before we stepped foot in the house that it was ours. We looked at one other house for good measure (and only because my Mom was our real estate agent and insisted – ha!!). We loved the layout, the windows, the wood floors, the double lot in a city (!) and all of the period charm. What’s crazier? Before we met, he owned a remarkably similar home in California except it was a Mission-style Craftsman with a Spanish tile roof!!
Our home has rapidly evolved more in tune with our personalities since January 2017. For years, we had well-loved hand me downs, but I’ve begun to embrace (and trust my gut about) a wilder, more vibrant feel. I’ve always been an eclectic collector and a lover of color. I’m an avid fan of the glammy ’20-30s, mid-century, boho vibes of my grandmother-in-law’s Southern California home. I love the idea of challenging myself to combine my BBB (big, bold and beautiful) antiques/thrifted goods with my husband’s California roots. Our home has since grown into a modern-eclectic-glam abode that’s super cozy to all who enter.
Every morning I enjoy my coffee on the “Blue Wonder” (my Article sectional) or tucked away in bed with hubby when he’s home (he’s my “El Captain” at the New Haven Fire Department). We recently started Progressive Dinner Parties (PDP for short) with our fabulous neighbors. Four or five backyards are connected and we’ll spend an hour and a half at one home enjoying the house specialty before moving onto the next – whether it’s a craft cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, entrées or dessert. All homemade, all delicious. I’m a tapas-style eater, so I opt for making all the appetizers!! And cocktails, of course.
A self-employed photographer, you’ll find me hanging in my moody office on a daily basis where the sun shines bright and I’m assaulted with love from either one of our two silly cats or countless licks from our goofball of a dog. The office space connects to our living room, which is an open space that doubles as a dance floor or a place to lay out my yoga mat. And if my eyes get tired from screen-staring, you’ll find this green thumb gal pulling those bastard weeds in the garden!!
What is your favorite room and why? SO TORN!! Every remodeled room in my home has gotten a lot of TLC. I’ll go with my wild + botanical dining room—I recreated her with my own two hands! I built the board and batten from scratch; laid the (crazy amazing Justina Blakeney) wallpaper; and installed the sputnik-style chandelier myself. My very talented IRL friends—Mason Dixon Handmade—built that beautiful beast of a poplar table as well. Full of plants, energy, and color, the space holds a lot of sentimental value and the reward of relishing in one’s hard work.
Any advice for creating a home you love? It takes time to decorate a home you love! My space is all about bold character and colorful whimsy. Most of my unique statement pieces are antiques I’ve come to find throughout the years. I believe in the hunt, and I know they will come! Don’t be afraid to try something either. If it doesn’t work out, try again! Decorate with perseverance. If you love it, you’ll make it work. You do you, boo.
Thanks, Jessica!
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