In a bold move reflecting a growing trend towards embracing the past, Aubrie Taylor has chosen to preserve the honey oak features in her newly acquired home instead of opting for expensive renovations. Taylor, along with her husband Alex, made the transition from suburbia to a charming countryside property in Illinois at the start of 2024, seeking a tranquil environment for their expanding family.
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Upon taking possession of their traditional 1990s colonial home set within six picturesque acres, there was one element that struck Taylor immediately: the pervasive honey oak woodwork, which she initially viewed as a significant eyesore. “The home was absolutely beautiful, but it was dated,” said Taylor, now 39. Her instinct was to strip away the old wood and modernise the surroundings with a contemporary fresh coat of paint.
Nevertheless, a thoughtful conversation with a close friend eventually offered her a different perspective. This friend had recently renovated her own home while keeping the honey oak, and the discussion prompted Taylor to reconsider her initial plan. Rather than tearing out what she deemed outdated, she began to appreciate the potential beauty of the wood and its role in creating a uniquely inviting atmosphere.
Determined to enhance the home’s character rather than erase it, Taylor developed a strategic design plan aimed at harmonising the existing honey oak with more modern elements. “I started by creating a three-colour palette to visually neutralise the orange in the wood,” she explained. Taylor incorporated architectural features, including picture frame mouldings, while opting for elegant warm white walls. The final touch included gold and black accents paired with warm wood furniture, promoting a balanced aesthetic that complemented the existing structure.
Taylor’s transformation journey also represented a significant shift in her approach to interior design. In the past, she had followed trends closely, often conforming to what was fashionable and disregarding the history imbued within a home. “I think our generation was taught that updating a home meant removing all the traditional, dated elements and following the trends,” she remarked. However, her new home provided the opportunity to embrace its history instead.
Reflecting on the essence of her home, Taylor said, “This house had all the good bones of a traditional home but was just lacking the design elements.” By leaning into its warm, timeless characteristics, she successfully revitalised the space while retaining its original charm. The result was an inviting home that exuded warmth and personality, showcasing a distinct style that set it apart from contemporary designs.
Preserving the honey oak woodwork not only provided aesthetic satisfaction but also proved financially beneficial. Rather than incurring thousands of pounds in costs associated with replacing or refinishing wood features, Taylor allocated her budget towards more impactful updates. “Replacing or refinishing the wood would have been a huge expense,” she stated, noting that they only needed to remove the carpet runner and deep clean the existing floors.
As she began to share her home’s transformation on social media, Taylor anticipated negative feedback regarding her choice to retain the honey oak. To her surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive, resonating with many who share fond memories of homes that feel warm and lived-in. “It has been amazing to see that this topic has brought people together,” Taylor noted, as her decision evoked feelings of nostalgia among viewers who remembered similar homes from their childhoods.
For homeowners grappling with the pressure to renovate spaces they perceive as outdated, Taylor’s story serves as a source of encouragement. “Many homeowners feel like they cannot afford to replace everything all at once, and flooring is very costly,” she outlined. Her hope is to inspire others to appreciate what they already have and to view honey oak not as a problem, but as an opportunity.
In a design world often fixated on rapid trends and fleeting aesthetics, Taylor advocates for a balanced approach that harmonises old and new elements. “You don’t need to keep everything and you don’t need to paint over everything,” she advised. Her journey illustrates the artistry involved in creating an enduring living space, reminding us that thoughtful design can celebrate the past while integrating contemporary style.