The House
Christmas has an extra-special feeling in an old house. “Every year when we decorate our Christmas tree, I think about how many families have celebrated in our home—there’s so much history!” says Jess Milburn. Her family bought their Oak Park, IL, 1893 Foursquare in 2015. Back then the 3,000-square-foot house had a bland peach-color exterior, a cramped layout, and rooms blanketed in carpet (including the kitchen). But Jess and husband James, who does commercial demolition for a living, were ready to work through all that in the spirit of creating a forever home.
They repainted the outside classic blue (Vermont Slate by Benjamin Moore), moved walls, refinished floors, and refurbished original molding, windows, and tile. Jess has filled it with cozy pieces, and she adds dashes of colorful holiday decor once Thanksgiving leftovers hit the fridge. “Nobody ever said Christmas has to stay downstairs,” she says. “We like to spread the joy around everywhere.”
