The Girl in the Red Shoes

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Home Tour: In-Law Suite

A little backstory: I’m from California. When I decided to move to Michigan for graduate school my mom told me not to meet a guy, get married, and end up living in Michigan. And oops, that’s exactly what I did. Thankfully, my mom moved to Michigan about a year before I had Hudson. I’m an only child and couldn’t live without her close. And I’m lucky that she feels the same way about me. I grew up with my grandma living in the apartment above our garage, and loved having her right next door. So, when Jon and I decided to build our house, we asked my mom if she would want to join us and build her an in-law suite. And she said yes! Our original plan was to build her a separate little house behind ours…but due to strict laws in our desired area, we had to scrap that plan and build her house attached to ours. So we made it work. And today, I want to show you my mom’s super cute space! She designed it all herself and we both really love how it turned out. It compliments our house but still has it’s own style.

Her unit connects to our house via our shared laundry room. My mom has her own garage stall, garage entrance, and outdoor porch and entrance. I’ve encouraged my mom to lock the laundry room door so my kids can’t just barge over…but so far she hasn’t. This is the view of her side when you are standing in the laundry room. 

My mom graciously adopted our two cats, Henry and Sophie, when we moved. They lived with her while we were trying to sell our house and she loved it. And they love her. Jon is allergic to cats…and during that time he lost all of the immunity he had built up. So…my mom had our builder build a little litter box area built in to her house! Behind this little door is where the kitties do their business. 
Once you turn down the hall, you come to my mom’s bathroom.

And across the from the bathroom is her bedroom. She has a giant closet…that for some reason I didn’t take a photo of. 
Funny story, I remember when I was little I got in to a fight with my mom about blowing my nose. For some reason I just couldn’t do it and we both were in tears. I ran outside, up the stairs, and right in to my grandma’s house. After some cookies and encouragement, she had me blowing my nose in no time. I will never let my mom live that one down. So it’s funny to me that now my kids do the exact same thing. As soon as I say no to Sadie, she’s right at the laundry room door banging on it and crying “GIGI! GIGI!” she’s learned Gigi has a hard time saying no to her sweet and sassy self. And Gigi also has fruit snacks. 
 But the best part, is her open kitchen.

The focal point of her kitchen is her amazing vintage O’Keefe and Merritt stove. It’s a family heirloom and was in our California house while I was growing up. We all LOVE this stove and every single person who comes over just gushes over it. It’s pretty awesome. 
I just love this stove.

Her kitchen and living space are connected, so it’s just one giant room. 

So that’s my mom’s space! So happy to have her close to me!


Comments

  5. I would love to have my mom living right next to me. Your children will love having their Gigi so close by to create memories and celebrate life's greatest moments.

  7. While I wouldn't want my mom quite this close, I love it that it works so well for you! And so sweet that you had the same unique situation growing up! Her place is adorable! You're right, it very much ties in with your house, but definitely gives off "grandma vibes". So cool!!

  9. So sweet that your mama moved to be closer to you! I love her little space. Especially that kitchen! So pretty. I love the bright white with splashes of red. And that stove – LOVE!! So awesome. I am a sucker for anything vintage.

  11. You are so lucky to have your Momma right next door! My parents are only about a 7 minute drive from our house, but I wouldn't mind having them even closer. It's so funny because my parents always joke that they're going to build a tiny house in our back yard because it's so huge. Haha.

  13. So first, a funny story, my (very serious) boyfriend is from the south, and moved up to the pacific northwest for a job and when he did that his mom told him not to go falling in love with a yankee and deciding to stay up here…. which is exactly what he did! lol! And now onto the post, I LOVE your mom's space! One day, this is really what I would like to have for my mom too. For now, she lives 20 minutes down the street, but one day, I would love having her live with me. My grandma lived with my parents after my grandpa passed, and it was so great having her there! Also, her space is SO cute! I am totally with you, that stove is amazing! And, the kittie hole in the door is so clever and cute.

  15. Her space is gorgeous! What a fun idea and so nice that you're so close that can enjoy having her live with you. Bonus when the kids are driving you crazy, grandma's house is just a few steps away 😉

  16. I just love this!! We built my mom her in law suite in our daylight basement. The kids love having their Gigi right downstairs. So helpful and fun for all. Your mom's space is awesome.

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