In 2019, Katie Bowling embarked on a journey to transform her newly purchased home in Southwest Virginia. Initially sharing the updates on Instagram, Katie had long loved working on homes but felt it was time to share her personal experiences more publicly. Though she lacked professional design training, she was guided by her instincts and a passion for color and pattern. This relatability, she thought, would resonate with others who might feel uncertain about their own design choices. Thus began Katie Bowling Home.
As she and her husband, Philip, began their renovation, they took a thoughtful approach, opting for a slower pace that allowed them to discover precisely what they wanted. Several rooms remained untouched, but one particular space challenged them—their library. This transformative project involved creating custom built-ins and laying new floors, turning what was once a blank box of a room into a vibrant area they now use daily.
The couple installed their new doors with hardware from Nostalgic Warehouse, which Katie had previously used in another project. She admired the New York long plate and unlacquered brass finish, believing it would beautifully complement their home's traditional style. It was essential for Katie that the new hardware looked like it had always belonged, seamlessly blending with the house's character.
The entire door installation process took about a week, as they had to hire professionals to handle the more complex aspects, like cutting into brick and placing a larger header beam for the frame. Fortunately, the hardware installation was straightforward, taking only about an hour. When asked if she would use this hardware again, Katie told us, “I love the New York style knob with the long plate. They dress up all the doors in our home and add a cohesive look to the house.”
Katie told us her design style leans toward colorful and eclectic older homes. She also emphasized the importance of aligning decor and design choices with her house's existing style. Inspired by various channels, from Pinterest and Instagram to printed magazines and neighborhood walks, she constantly collects ideas that fuel her creativity.
When starting new projects, Katie and Philip brainstorm ideas using graph paper and lists. Working collaboratively, they move forward with projects once they have secured the funding and feel prepared. Their home search had been intentional; they aimed for a property with rental potential, and a fortuitous tip from Katie's mother led them to their current home, which has remained largely untouched since the 1960s.
Katie encouraged others contemplating large remodeling projects to anticipate extended timelines and higher costs than expected. She advised those unable to tackle DIY tasks to consult contractors early on. If you can go slower and consider what would serve you best, you’ll likely be grateful later. Katie shared that even though they haven't renovated their kitchen yet, she's thankful they didn't hurry into it five years ago. After living in their home for a few years, they now have a clearer idea of what they want.
As for transforming homes, Katie suggested gathering inspiration beforehand. This enables clearer decision-making when the time arrives to start. Beyond her home, they have also been working on two short-term rental projects in Cape Charles, Virginia, for the past three years.
Looking ahead, she was particularly excited about addressing her kitchen renovation this spring and mentioned plans for their vacation rental kitchen in 2025. With a knack for small projects, Katie was sure she would add a few more plans to her list before the year's end. Grateful for the opportunity to share her journey, Katie appreciated every moment of the creative process and the joy it brought her.
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