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How This Couple Unflipped Their House to Rediscover Mid-Century Charm

Update Reviving a Mid-Century Dream In a world filled with generic home flips, the inspiration behind the journey of Dana Jenkins and Colin Davis, a DIY couple in Atlanta, stands out. Their dedicated efforts to transform their home back into its original mid-century spirit highlight a growing trend—"unflipping"—where homeowners restore properties to their authentic architectural roots rather than adhering to modern trends. The Backstory Dana and Colin embarked on their home journey about six years ago, intent on finding a mid-century modern home filled with charm and character. However, they soon discovered that almost every property in their search had been inadequately flipped, losing elements unique to the original design. The couple finally settled on a mid-century home only to see it molded into a bland “millennial gray” style. Determined to bring back its aesthetic, they embarked on an extensive DIY project to restore what had been lost. The Challenges of the Unflip The process, however, hasn’t been without its share of challenges. Dana and Colin often encounter remnants from the flippers’ attempts that reveal shortcuts and poor workmanship. From falling vanities to improperly installed doors, every setback encouraged the couple to grow in their DIY capabilities. Learning from these obstacles has proven invaluable, making them more confident with each project they tackle. A DIY Renaissance In their six-year renovation journey, Dana and Colin have completed numerous enjoyable and ambitious projects. They restored the home’s exterior to better reflect its 1966 origins and stripped paint from the interior brick, designing a “groovy” basement complete with vintage wood paneling and a bar that speaks to the era. They even transformed the kitchen into a vibrant green and brown homage to mid-century style, infusing warmth and personality back into the spaces. Finding Inspiration in History Part of the couple’s success derives from their commitment to research and period accuracy. They explored historical documents from when their home was built, showcasing original design elements to guide their renovations. This effort not only honors their home but also ensures that their changes reflect true mid-century modern aesthetics. The Joy of DIY One of the most rewarding aspects of this entire undertaking for Dana and Colin has been watching the house transform. Their proudest moments come from details such as installing a retro orange color-blocked front door or replacing mismatched interior doors with period-appropriate designs. These projects have brought their vision to life and made their home feel uniquely genuine. Words of Wisdom for Aspiring DIYers For those interested in embarking on similar projects, Dana and Colin emphasize the importance of just starting, despite initial hesitation and lack of experience. Their saga showcases that trials and errors are essential in the learning process. Embracing imperfections as part of the journey is crucial; each mistake leads to growth and improvement. What Lies Ahead The couple isn't finished yet—their main bathroom renovation is on the horizon, promising to blend custom elements that reflect the spirit of their home while enhancing its functionality. Undoubtedly, this latest project will infuse even more character and style into their lovely mid-century abode as they continue their journey. If you’re inspired by Dana and Colin’s journey, you can follow along on Instagram at @un.flipping, where they showcase the detailed process of their impressive restoration efforts. With patience, persistence, and creativity, you, too, can revive your home’s history!