Shorewood Bungalow
Georgia Autio’s daytime hours are consumed with her responsibilities as a Product Director at a large insurance company in Milwaukee. Her free time is spent volunteering, walking her dog, exercising, re-fueling…and hanging out in her newly refreshed bungalow.
When Georgia first decided to make a change, she wasn’t sure how to define her style. So, she decided to try using Pinterest as a tool, pinning any home design picture that gave her a good vibe. She then consulted with Pat, who reviewed the items and pulled out emerging themes and color schemes. Although she couldn’t pinpoint it at first, with Pat’s guidance, Georgia realized her own unique style!
The first step in the refresh was to figure out how to give a new look and feel to the space, make it flow better and generally just make it feel like “home.” The floor plan was the starting point, mapping out the location of the major pieces. Georgia now has a functional space in her remodeled home for each of her activities, including: working at home, watching TV, listening to music, eating, drinking wine with friends, figuring out what to wear…and displaying her signature shoes.
An assessment of which of Georgia’s current items would stay or go followed the floorplan. Georgia applied her executive skill set to create an impressive spreadsheet to budget and identify what needed to be purchased. That which no longer made sense to keep was donated and the space became free and clear for the floors to be refinished. Furniture was sourced from local shops and online. Painting was expertly done by a good friend of Georgia’s and lighting installed by Shorewood’s #1 electrician, Diedrich Electric.
The bungalow she has lived in for 18 years now looks and feels like Georgia. It is essentially her “brand of me” – fresh and clean with Boho and edgy touches. The hardwood floors carry the space and the dining area and kitchen are at the heart of it. A private suite – master bedroom and dressing room – has been created off the living area. New recessed lighting on dimmers and funky lamps work their magic to change the mood with light levels. Tracy Porter, who is from Georgia’s hometown, was the inspiration for some of the design and now a few of her lamps grace the bedroom. Georgia’s fondness for crystal and color can be seen throughout as well as her eclectic style. She is continuing to leverage newly formed confidence in her design style to add personality to her home by visiting antique and resale shops.
