Before and After: A Retiree’s Renovated 550-Square-Foot Home Fits Their Needs Perfectly

Name: Gwendolyn Hillesheim
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Type of home: Cooperative
Size: 550 square feet
Years lived in: 9 months, owned

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: As a retired person I knew I wanted a unit that fit me and my needs perfectly. I took the time to assess my wants and prioritized four things. A great kitchen for baking, a flat surface with good light for projects, a good bed, and excellent storage allowing the rest of the space to remain uncluttered.

I had lived in a one-bedroom in the building for eight years and was unhappy with the amount of unused space so when the chance to downsize and remodel occurred I jumped at it. The 100-year-old building unit was in its original configuration and there had been no updates so I essentially had a blank slate and started over.

This home is filled with items I love and lots of great art. The walls are neutral but the art, wallpaper, and furnishings bring personality. I wanted each room to be unique and “separate” from the others so utilized rugs and color to define the spaces. The pink chair was the beginning of the color palette. The three smartest things I did were remove doors for the lost swing space. One became a built-in bookcase, and another a sliding door. The hanging room divider was the third; adding zero bulk but clearly delineating the entry from the bedroom.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Efficient, Organized, Eclectic, Comfortable, Light-filled

What is your favorite room and why? That’s a hard call. I appreciate the walk-in closet for how useful it is, and the living room and bedroom for how beautiful, but the kitchen and dining room is where I spend most of my time and I couldn’t be happier with them.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I bought a Diana bust planter made of blue resin and filled her head with eucalyptus giving her a great hair design.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Make sure there is good light and then take the time to know what is important to you.

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity. 
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