Bi-Level Beauty

A gorgeous 1970s home is refurbished in simple, economical ways to create a unique, vintage-inspired farmhouse

- JILLIAN CHAPMAN

With its white and natural wood exterior, this bi-level home stands out among its brown-brick neighbors in the cozy suburbs of Chicago. The inside of the home is no different and boasts airy whites with pops of natural wood. The home wasn't always this way-it has seen a lot of touch-ups since Cynthia and her husband bought it in 2017. As soon as they purchased the home, Cynthia began her journey of slowly refurbishing and updating the 1970s space to suit her style. Cynthia documents her home décor journey on her blog, Vintage Grace and Living, where she writes about many of her DIY projects and reveals helpful tips and tricks for decorating on a budget. Driven by her desire to create the home of her dreams without breaking the bank, she found simple and creative ways to bring her home to life with her personal style and charm.

DINING OUTDOORS

Eating outside is not only the perfect way to gather in the warm summer months-it's also a fun opportunity to showcase an area that may not get as much attention during the other seasons. No matter what type of outdoor area you are working with, Cynthia has tips to create a wonderful dining space.

• LOCATION.

When picking where to set up your outdoor dining consider what your space has to offer. Perhaps you have a garden that would provide a beautiful backdrop to your summer lunch or maybe you have a less cluttered grassy area that will allow your guests to move about freely. Pick your setting intentionally to create the best dining experience.

• SET THE MOOD.