A Texas Blogger Turns a Builder-Grade Home Into a Design-Forward, Cozy Retreat

Fariha Nasir is the woman behind the popular interior design blog, Pennies for a Fortune. On her blog Fariha takes readers on a journey, exploring some of her favorite things and revealing the latest updates to her 3,400-square-foot home located in a suburb of Houston. In just two years, Fariha has turned the builder-grade home that she shares with her husband Hassaan and five-year-old son, Zaki, into a cozy family-friendly space.

“I took my builder-grade home and added my own custom design to each space by DIY-ing my way through it,” says Fariha. “I didn’t make any structural changes other than adding a fireplace wall in my living room. The rest is more cosmetic changes and I’ve taken it on one room at a time.” The fireplace wall was a big undertaking. Fariha and Hassaan built the structure in the living room and then installed an electric fireplace. The unique feature wall looks as if it was an original architectural feature of the home. “The most difficult space to design was the living room because of the height of the room. It’s a 24 foot ceiling and I really wanted to make the space look inviting and cozy. The fireplace wall really grounds the rooms and creates a focal point,” she says.

The living room features an array of designer details. Pieces that are artisan and handmade add a global touch to the space, while upholstered seating and wood furnishings provide a warm, contemporary feel. Fariha describes her style as “transitional with a nod to my heritage…each room has a different story to tell and I have a lot of my Pakistani heritage and culture that is reflected in my home.”

This room was designed with five-year-old Zaki in mind. “This is my son’s playroom and a space for us to hang out in as well,” says Fariha. “I chose a deep green for this space and kept the entire board and batten wall one color. I’m really into tone-on-tone rooms these days and love carrying the same color throughout.” She also added whimsical details perfect for a growing boy. “I made an indoor swing which is one of my favorite things about this room.”

The reading nook carved out in the playroom looks like the perfect place for both mother and son to sit back and read a good book together. A mix of creams and metallic accents creates contrast from the dark green walls that envelopes the entire playroom.

In the playroom, Fariha’s love of vintage is on display. “I love going to antiques markets and thrift shops to find decor. One of my recent favorite spots is this shop called Sparrow in Waco.” On the wood shelves favorite finds are showcased, including small pieces of art and a collection of books.

Fariha made the transition from the first floor of the home to the second floor into a design feature. The staircase is dramatic, painted in black and white. “I ripped out the basic beige carpet from my stairs and refinished them with black paint.” A stunning Persian runner adds the final touch. “I stitched together three different runners to create my own custom vintage inspired runner,” says Fariha.

Up the stairs, the main bedroom is a restful retreat for Fariha and Hassaan. “For my main bedroom I wanted a light and airy feel,” says Fariha. The mix of wood and paneled walls adds interest to the neutral color scheme. “To make it a calming retreat I kept the walls light and DIYed the reeded wall paneling behind the bed. I did a coat of limewash on the rest of the walls to give it a different texture but still in the same light color family.”

Fariha is certainly not afraid of DIY projects. She and Hassaan have documented some major projects they’ve done to personalize their home on her popular design blog. One recent project was turning black vases into bedside lamps for the main bedroom. A black urn vase and simple white lampshade were paired together to create some statement lighting that goes perfectly with the retreat space.

When asked about her favorite room in her home right now, Fariha quickly answers, “currently it’s my guest bedroom. This is my most recent room makeover and one of my favorites.” The room has been painted from top to bottom in Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink. “I’ve used a lot of very different colors throughout my home but it still looks like it belongs in one home.”

Doors painted the same color as walls in this guest bedroom creates a warm and cozy feeling. Black elements add unexpected contrast against the soft, feminine wall color. “Each room reflects my personal style. I wanted to give this room a modern cottage feel with some art deco elements,” says Fariha.