Over time the requirements of our home change, our style evolves, and we’re compelled to remake our space as a reflection of our current life. This was precisely the case for designer, Anja Michals. In the ten years since she built her dream home, her children grew, business flourished, and she gave her home a fresh new look to express this. Take a look at the thoughtful changes she made in the images captured by Jessica Burke, along with styling by Anika Gawthorne.

From the designer… This is my own home that we moved into in 2013. When it was being built, it felt like a match made in heaven, as the architect has a modern farmhouse style in her homes and this resonated with me. My children were little and I wanted easy living without anything too fussy. As we have evolved, I decided to make some updates. Mainly in the kitchen, replacing the subway tile with a bold Calacatta Viola marble. The marble was a risk, but because I do this for a living, I knew this would be an amazing result. The cabinets were repainted and we added Rocky Mountain hardware in a patina finish.

We kept going and decided to reface the fireplace, which has a pivotal moment in our open concept living area. Instead of keeping the limestone, we decided to plaster in a soft white to offset the reclaimed wood bookshelves. It feels cleaner and a bit more modern which I wanted, especially to offset the kitchen. I also made an update in the powder room, with a new floating marble sink, mirror, and lighting from my favorite ceramicist, Heather Levine. I wanted it to feel fun, and not too serious. We replaced our two living areas with new furniture, rugs, and some vintage pieces. I collect objects so I always make sure to layer those pieces into what I do just in a new way. I have to keep it interesting and change things up since this is what I like to do at the end of the day.

Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Anja Michals Interior Design · Photography: Jessica Burke · Architect: Kelly Haegglund · Styling: Anika Gawthorne