admin
The Megan Charters home in McKinney, Texas, is a warm, colorful reflection of its owner’s love of vintage objects, collected treasures, and playful design. Located about 30 miles north of Dallas, the 1,100-square-foot house was built in the 1940s and sits near a historic district with homes dating to the mid-1800s. Its mix of architectural styles offers plenty of inspiration for a home that feels personal rather than perfectly matched.
Inside Megan Charters’ Eclectic Home
Victorian houses, bungalows, cottages, and ranch homes make up the neighborhood’s varied streetscape. That architectural mix suits Megan’s approach to decorating: she combines colors, patterns, eras, and styles to create rooms with character and a sense of humor. Her aim is to make visitors feel comfortable and leave with a smile. A useful takeaway for anyone decorating a home is to choose objects that tell a story, then balance them with comfortable spaces where people can relax.
A Vintage Portrait With a Holiday Tradition
One of Megan’s favorite finds is a vintage portrait of a well-dressed man labeled only “Jerry.” She thought the subject looked remarkably like actor Jerry Orbach, known for Law & Order and Dirty Dancing. After comparing photographs, she became about 98% certain it was Orbach—or at least enjoyed believing it might be.
The portrait inspired a running joke with friends and family. Megan made Jerry a paper Santa hat one Christmas, then dressed him for holidays throughout the year. His costumes included David Bowie’s Aladdin Sane look for Halloween, and a series of the portraits appeared on around 50 holiday cards. For collectors, this is a reminder that displaying an unusual find can be just as rewarding as owning it: a small creative idea can turn an object into a lasting tradition.
A Telephone Booth With a Practical Purpose
The home’s most surprising feature may be a full-size telephone booth. Megan bought it at an antique auction after returning from a trip to the UK and feeling nostalgic for the country. Getting it home in her mother’s van was a challenge, but the booth now provides storage for odds and ends and her vintage china collection. When incorporating a large statement piece, it helps to give it a practical role as well as a place where it can stand out.
DIY Projects That Make the Space Personal
Megan moved into the rental almost two years before sharing her home, leaving a small apartment decorated mainly in white and beige. Her friends, who own the house, gave her room to paint and decorate while keeping existing features such as the tile floor and light fixtures. The larger space has made it easier to display her collections and take on hands-on projects.
Among them are a dining table made with her father, a geometric mobile in the bedroom, and a quilt featuring the phrase “You’re weird. I like you.” The table was inspired by a tutorial by Rachel Denbow. For renters considering DIY updates, it’s helpful to check which features must remain unchanged and focus projects on reversible decor, furniture, and textiles.
A Home for Reading, Guests, and Everyday Life
Megan enjoys welcoming friends and family for meals, movies, book-club conversations, games, and cards. Childhood toys are kept on hand for visiting nieces and a nephew, while a closet of craft supplies makes it easy to host themed gatherings. As a librarian and an avid reader, she also values having a comfortable place to listen to an old record, spend time with her Pug/Boston Terrier, Lola, and settle in with a book.
What Makes the Megan Charters Home Distinctive
The Megan Charters home shows how a mix of collected objects, practical choices, and creative projects can make a modest-sized house feel deeply individual. Rather than following one decorating style, Megan uses meaningful finds and playful details to create a welcoming place for both everyday routines and gatherings. Start with pieces you genuinely enjoy, make room for comfortable use, and let the home develop over time.
