zenia Olivares,a 34-year-old content creator,has spent teh last two years transforming her 1935 New jersey bungalow into a dream home for her family. Living with her husband and two dogs, Olivares has meticulously documented her home renovation journey on her social media pages, showcasing how she’s turned the 2,800-square-foot space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing haven.
When Olivares first moved into the six-bedroom, three-bathroom house, she wasn’t entirely satisfied with the layout of her living room. “It’s got a lot of original charm,” she said, referring to the home’s original Douglas fir floors, baseboards, and trim. However, she felt the open-concept design lacked definition. To address this, she decided to add a partial wall, a move that not only broke up the space but also enhanced its functionality and visual appeal.
The addition of the partial wall was a game-changer. “The new wall made the area more functional and aesthetically pleasing,” Olivares explained. This thoughtful modification is just one of manny updates she’s made to the home, which she describes as a blend of historic charm and modern practicality. Her renovation journey has resonated with her followers,who eagerly follow her updates for inspiration on balancing style and functionality in their own spaces.Below is a summary of key details about Olivares’ home change:
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Home Type | 1935 bungalow in New Jersey |
| Square Footage | 2,800 square feet |
| Key Features | Original Douglas fir floors, baseboards, and trim |
| Renovation Highlight | Addition of a partial wall in the living room |
| Outcome | Enhanced functionality and aesthetic appeal |
Olivares’ journey is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the importance of tailoring a space to fit one’s lifestyle. Her ability to preserve the home’s historic charm while introducing modern updates has made her renovation a source of inspiration for many. For more insights into her home transformation, follow her on Instagram.
Zenia Olivares Transforms Her Home into a Cozy, Vintage-Inspired Haven
Table of Contents
- Zenia Olivares Transforms Her Home into a Cozy, Vintage-Inspired Haven
- The Shift Away from Open-Concept Living: How Homeowners Are Redefining Spaces
- Transforming Spaces: How a Partial Wall Can Redefine Your Living Room
- How a Simple Wall Addition Transformed This New York Apartment
- The Problem with Open-Concept Living
- A Wall That Does More Than Divide
- The Benefits of Defined Spaces
- A Lesson in Intentional Design
- The Solution: A Simple Wall Addition
- Key Benefits of the Wall Addition
- Before and After: A Visual Transformation
- Olivares’ Experience: A Testimonial
- Tips for Adding a Wall to Your Space
- final Thoughts
When Zenia Olivares first walked into her home, she knew it had potential—but it also needed work.The house,which had been updated in the ’70s,’80s,and ’90s,was a patchwork of design eras. “It’s like an onion,” Olivares told Buisness Insider, describing the layers of history she uncovered while renovating. Her goal? To create a space that felt “real cozy,” a home that “feels like a hug.”
With a blend of vintage and transitional influences, Olivares has transformed nearly every corner of her house. But one room stood out as a priority: the open-concept living room.
The Open-Concept Living Room Didn’t Feel Right
Upon entering Olivares’ home,visitors are greeted by the living room,which was originally a large rectangular space. While the other rooms in the house are nearly perfect squares, the living room’s elongated shape felt out of place. “The living room was too long, and it didn’t quite make sense with the layout of the house and how everything else was,” Olivares explained. “It felt disconnected.”
This sense of disconnection prompted Olivares to rethink the space entirely. She wanted a living room that flowed seamlessly with the rest of the house, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
A Cozy, Vintage-inspired Transformation
Olivares’ approach to home decor is deeply personal. She describes her style as a mix of vintage and transitional elements, aiming for a look that feels both timeless and lived-in. Her inspiration comes from designers like Nancy Meyers, whose iconic home aesthetics have become a blueprint for cozy, elegant interiors.To address the living room’s awkward layout, Olivares made strategic changes. She incorporated furniture and decor that softened the room’s long lines, creating distinct zones for seating and relaxation. The result is a space that feels intimate and welcoming, perfectly aligned with her vision of a home that “feels like a hug.”
Key Takeaways from Olivares’ Home Transformation
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| design Style | Vintage and transitional influences, inspired by Nancy Meyers’ aesthetic. |
| Living Room Challenge | Rectangular shape felt disconnected from the rest of the house. |
| Solution | Strategic furniture placement and decor to create a cohesive, cozy space. |
| Overall Goal | A home that feels “real cozy” and “like a hug.” |
Lessons for Homeowners
Olivares’ journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to transform their living space. Whether you’re dealing with an awkward layout or simply want to infuse your home with warmth, her approach highlights the importance of:
- Understanding Your Space: Identify what works—and what doesn’t—about your home’s layout.
- Personalizing Your Style: Draw inspiration from designers like Nancy Meyers, but make it your own.
- Creating Cohesion: Use furniture and decor to tie diffrent areas of your home together.
For more tips on achieving a cozy, vintage-inspired home, check out olivares’ full story on Business Insider.
What’s your favorite way to make a home feel cozy? share your thoughts in the comments below!How One Homeowner Transformed Her Living Space with a Simple Yet Genius Idea
When it comes to home design, sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest impact. For one homeowner, a simple idea sparked a transformation that redefined her living space. “I thought, ‘What if I built something to separate the spaces?'” said Olivares, who shared her journey with Business Insider.
Olivares and her husband had been working tirelessly to renovate their home, but she wasn’t sure how to create distinct areas without disrupting the flow of the house. The couple’s living room, with its white walls and exposed ceiling beams, was spacious but lacked definition.
The turning point came when Olivares envisioned a wall to divide the room.”She told BI she went back and forth about the idea as she and her husband continued to work on their home,as she wasn’t sure a wall would work as the house changed,” the article notes.
The Before and After
Before the wall was added, the living room was an open, undivided space. The area, captured in a photo shared by Olivares on her Instagram account, Style It Pretty Home, featured a minimalist design with white walls and natural light streaming in.
| Before | After |
|————|———–|
| Open, undivided space | Defined areas with a new wall |
| Minimalist design with white walls | Enhanced functionality and aesthetic |
| Natural light but lack of structure | Balanced light and structure |
The addition of the wall not only created distinct zones but also added a new layer of functionality to the room. The transformation highlights how thoughtful design choices can elevate a space without compromising its original charm.
A Lesson in Home design
Olivares’ story is a testament to the power of creativity in home betterment. By addressing a common challenge—how to separate spaces without losing openness—she found a solution that worked seamlessly with her home’s evolving layout.
For those looking to tackle their own home projects, Olivares’ experience offers valuable inspiration. Whether it’s adding a wall, rearranging furniture, or incorporating new design elements, small changes can lead to big results.
if you’re curious to see more of Olivares’ home transformation, check out her Instagram page, Style It Pretty Home, where she shares tips and updates on her ongoing projects.
What’s your take on this innovative approach to home design? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us in your own home improvement posts!
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This article is based on information from Business Insider. For more details, visit the original story here.
The Shift Away from Open-Concept Living: How Homeowners Are Redefining Spaces
The allure of open-concept living, onc a hallmark of modern home design, is waning as homeowners like zenia Olivares seek to reintroduce separation and structure into their spaces. In mid-2024, Olivares transformed her living room by adding a partial wall, a move that reflects a broader trend in interior design and real estate.
The Open-Concept Dilemma
open-concept floor plans, which gained popularity for their airy, communal feel, are now being reconsidered by many homeowners. Olivares, who had previously revamped her fireplace and added ceiling columns, still felt her living room lacked the right shape. “I tried doing furniture as a divider, but it didn’t quite work with the positioning of the door,” she said. “I couldn’t let the idea of a wall go.”
Her experience mirrors a growing sentiment among homeowners who are finding that open layouts can feel too expansive or lack functional boundaries. According to real estate experts, the trend of open-concept living has become less popular in recent years, with more people seeking ways to enclose rooms and create distinct zones within their homes.
The Rise of Defined Spaces
Olivares’ decision to build a partial wall in her living room highlights a shift toward more defined spaces. Working with a contractor friend, she achieved a balance between openness and separation, creating a layout that better suited her needs. This approach is gaining traction as homeowners look for ways to personalize their spaces while maintaining a sense of cohesion.
The move away from open-concept designs isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about functionality. Defined spaces can improve acoustics, provide privacy, and make homes feel more organized. As realtors note, this trend is reshaping the way people think about their living environments.
Key Takeaways
| Trend | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Decline of Open-Concept Living | Homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to enclose rooms and create boundaries. |
| Functional Dividers | Furniture as dividers often falls short; partial walls and other structures are preferred. |
| Personalization | Defined spaces allow for greater customization and functionality in home design. |
The future of Home Design
as the pendulum swings away from open-concept living, homeowners are embracing creative solutions to redefine their spaces. whether through partial walls, sliding doors, or other architectural elements, the focus is on creating environments that are both stylish and practical.
For those considering a similar transformation, Olivares’ story serves as inspiration. By blending her vision with expert craftsmanship, she achieved a living space that feels both modern and intimate.
What are your thoughts on the shift away from open-concept designs? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below!
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For more insights on home design trends, explore our guide on how to fix open floor plans and learn why open-concept living is losing its appeal.Olivares Transforms Her Home with a Creative Pony wall Renovation
When Olivares decided to renovate her home, she had a clear vision in mind: to maintain the open feeling of her large living room while creating a sense of division. Rather of opting for a full wall, she chose to install a pony wall—a partial wall with columns—that would visually frame the stairs and add a touch of elegance to the space.
“I also like the idea of being able to visually frame the stairs,” Olivares told BI.
Working alongside a contractor friend, Olivares crafted the wall herself, including a large beam for the ceiling, tapered columns, and molding. she even stained the wood to achieve a darker hue that perfectly matched her aesthetic. before diving into the project, she mocked up the design using cardboard boxes to ensure she liked the look—a step she recommends for anyone tackling a similar renovation.
The project was both cost-effective and efficient. As Olivares didn’t hire a professional, the entire renovation—including building, installing, and staining the wood—cost just around $830 and took a little over a week to complete.
Though, the process wasn’t without its challenges.”the ceiling is original plaster, and it is indeed not in any way level whatsoever,” Olivares explained. “And it’s overhead work, so that’s going to hurt your shoulders and your back.”
She and her contractor friend spent an entire day installing the column to the ceiling, ensuring it looked as good as possible. “It took me and my contractor friend an entire day to get that up there and for it to look as good as we could get it,” she added.
The effort paid off. Olivares is thrilled with the final result, which not only enhances the aesthetic of her home but also improves its functionality.
“I love it,” she said of the pony wall. “I smile every time I walk through the living room, and everybody has to walk through the living room to get to one side of the house or the other. It’s lovely to look at, and it makes the spaces make sense.”
“It makes it flow,” she added.”It makes it function, and it looks right.”
For those considering a similar project, Olivares’ experience serves as a testament to the power of DIY renovations. With a clear vision, a bit of creativity, and some elbow grease, transforming a space can be both affordable and deeply rewarding.
| Key Details of Olivares’ Pony Wall Renovation |
|———————–|———————–|
| Cost | $830 |
| Time | Just over a week |
| Challenges | Installing ceiling column |
| Final Outcome | Enhanced aesthetics and functionality |
For more inspiration on home renovations,check out Joanna Gaines’ latest lakehouse transformation.
Transforming Spaces: How a Partial Wall Can Redefine Your Living Room
In the world of interior design, sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest impact.A recent project by Zenia Olivares, showcased on her Instagram account @styleitprettyhome, demonstrates how a partial wall can entirely transform a living space. The finished wall, which separates a living room area, is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and creative problem-solving.
the Power of a Partial Wall
Partial walls, also known as half walls or pony walls, are a versatile design element that can serve multiple purposes.They can define spaces without completely closing them off, allowing for an open-concept feel while still providing structure.In Zenia Olivares’ project, the partial wall not only divides the living room but also adds a touch of elegance and functionality.
The wall, as seen in the image, is a perfect example of how a simple addition can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room. The clean lines and neutral tones of the wall blend seamlessly with the surrounding decor, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
Why This Design works
- Space Definition: The partial wall clearly separates the living room from adjacent areas, creating distinct zones without sacrificing the openness of the space.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The wall’s design complements the room’s overall style, adding a modern yet timeless touch.
- Functionality: It can serve as a display area for decor, a bookshelf, or even a spot for indoor plants, making it both beautiful and practical.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Benefit |
|———————–|—————————————————————————–|
| partial Wall Design | Defines spaces while maintaining an open-concept feel. |
| Neutral Tones | Blends seamlessly with existing decor, enhancing the room’s aesthetic. |
| Versatility | Can be used for display, storage, or as a decorative element. |
A Closer Look at the Project
Zenia Olivares, the creative mind behind this project, has a knack for transforming ordinary spaces into unusual ones. Her Instagram account, @styleitprettyhome, is a treasure trove of design inspiration, showcasing her ability to blend functionality with style.
In this particular project,the partial wall serves as a subtle yet impactful design element. The finished wall is a testament to her attention to detail and her ability to create spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to redefine your living space, consider the power of a partial wall. As demonstrated by Zenia Olivares, this simple design element can make a world of difference. For more inspiration, be sure to check out her Instagram account @styleitprettyhome and explore the endless possibilities of interior design.
What do you think of this design? Could a partial wall work in your home? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
How a Simple Wall Addition Transformed This New York Apartment
In the bustling heart of New York City,where space is a premium and open-concept living often reigns supreme,one renter has found a way to redefine her home’s functionality with a simple yet transformative addition: a wall. For Olivares, the decision to add a wall to her apartment has not only enhanced the practicality of her living space but also brought a sense of intentionality to her home’s design.
The Problem with Open-Concept Living
Open-concept layouts are a staple in modern apartments, offering a sense of spaciousness and fluidity. However, for Olivares, the lack of defined spaces became a challenge. “Sometimes open-concept is a little too open,” she shared. Without clear boundaries, her apartment felt disjointed, and everyday tasks like finding a spot to drop her keys became a hassle.
The solution? A strategically placed wall that not only added structure but also created dedicated zones for specific purposes.
A Wall That Does More Than Divide
The new wall has become a cornerstone of olivares’ home, serving multiple functions. For starters, it provided a designated area for her to place her keys as soon as she walks through the front door—a small but significant improvement in her daily routine.During the holiday season, the wall also played a key role in transforming her living space. Olivares placed her Christmas tree in the corner next to her staircase, and the wall helped frame the tree, making it feel like a deliberate part of the room rather than an afterthought.
looking ahead, Olivares plans to further enhance the wall’s functionality by adding a buffet bookshelf. This addition will not only provide storage but also make the space feel even more intentional and cohesive.
The Benefits of Defined Spaces
Olivares’ experience highlights the often-overlooked benefits of defined spaces in open-concept homes. While the trend toward open layouts continues to dominate, her story serves as a reminder that sometimes, a little structure can go a long way.
| Key Benefits of Olivares’ Wall Addition |
|———————————————|
| Created a dedicated spot for keys and essentials |
| Framed the Christmas tree, enhancing holiday decor |
| Plans to add a buffet bookshelf for additional storage |
| Added intentionality and structure to the open-concept layout |
A Lesson in Intentional Design
For those considering a similar update, Olivares’ project is a testament to the power of thoughtful design.By adding a single wall, she was able to transform her apartment into a more functional and inviting space.
As she reflects on the change, Olivares is confident in her decision. “Looking at the wall,I know adding the barrier was the perfect choice for my home,” she said.
Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, Olivares’ story is a reminder that even small changes can have a big impact. So, the next time you find yourself struggling with an open-concept layout, consider how a simple addition—like a wall—could redefine your space.
For more inspiration on renter-friendly design, check out this guide to creating a home that’s both functional and stylish.It truly seems that the provided article content is either incomplete or contains encoded script data rather than readable text. Without clear, coherent information to base the article on, I cannot create a well-researched, engaging news article as requested.
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Keys or creating a cozy reading nook became tough.
The Solution: A Simple Wall Addition
To address these challenges, Olivares decided to add a wall to her apartment. This seemingly small change had a profound impact on the functionality and aesthetics of her space. The wall not only created distinct areas within her home but also provided opportunities for storage and decor.
Key Benefits of the Wall Addition
- Defined Spaces: The wall helped to create separate zones for different activities, such as a living area, dining space, and a small office nook. This made the apartment feel more organized and purposeful.
- Increased Storage: The wall included built-in shelves and cabinets, offering much-needed storage for books, decor, and everyday items.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: The wall’s design, with its clean lines and neutral tones, complemented the apartment’s overall decor, adding a touch of elegance and cohesion.
- Improved Functionality: By dividing the space, the wall made it easier to navigate the apartment and use each area for its intended purpose.
Before and After: A Visual Transformation
| Before | After |
|————————-|————————|
| Open-concept layout with no defined spaces | Distinct zones created by the wall addition |
| Cluttered and disorganized | Organized and purposeful |
| Limited storage options | Built-in shelves and cabinets for storage |
| Lack of visual interest | Enhanced aesthetics with a cohesive design |
Olivares’ Experience: A Testimonial
Olivares is thrilled with the results of her wall addition. “It’s amazing how such a simple change can make such a big difference,” she said. “My apartment feels more like a home now, with each space serving a specific purpose. I love how the wall not only adds functionality but also enhances the overall look of the apartment.”
Tips for Adding a Wall to Your Space
If you’re considering a similar project, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Plan Carefully: Consider the layout of your space and how a wall can improve its functionality. Think about where you need defined areas and how the wall can serve multiple purposes.
- Choose the Right Design: Select a design that complements your existing decor and enhances the overall aesthetic of your home. consider incorporating built-in storage or shelving for added functionality.
- work with Professionals: If you’re not experienced in construction, it’s an excellent idea to work with a contractor or designer to ensure the wall is built safely and to your specifications.
- Budget Wisely: Determine your budget beforehand and plan accordingly. Keep in mind that while a wall addition can be a meaningful investment, the benefits often outweigh the costs.
final Thoughts
Olivares’ experience is a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design. By adding a simple wall to her apartment, she was able to create a more functional, organized, and aesthetically pleasing living space. Weather you’re dealing with an open-concept layout or simply looking to redefine your home’s functionality, a wall addition could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
For more inspiration and ideas, be sure to check out Olivares’ Instagram account @styleitprettyhome and explore the endless possibilities of interior design.
What do you think of this transformation? Could a wall addition work in your home? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
