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Chairs: vintage.
This Dayton home tour introduces Sarah Gibson’s character-filled home in Ohio. Simple, streamlined furnishings sit alongside vintage pieces, while hunter green walls add depth and warmth. The home’s renovation also shows how thoughtful lighting and a flexible shared space can support everyday routines as well as gatherings.
A historic fixer-upper in Dayton
Sarah lives with her husband, Kalyn, and their giant schnauzer, Finn. They bought the house as a fixer-upper and completed most of the construction and renovation themselves. Although they had owned it for around three years, this was their second year living there.
Built in the early 1900s, the house appealed to them for its original character and the opportunity to shape it into a home of their own. It was also one of the few properties that fit their budget as a foreclosure. For anyone considering a similar project, it can help to identify what makes an older home special before planning updates, then prioritize the improvements that matter most to daily life.
A kitchen and dining room made for gathering
The open-concept kitchen connects to the dining room, making it a central place for cooking, sharing meals, and entertaining friends and family. Sarah says much of their renovation budget went into this room, and she is pleased with the result.
Natural light is complemented by numerous recessed fixtures and pendant lights, all connected to dimmers. Adjustable lighting makes the space more adaptable throughout the day: brighter settings can help with food preparation, while softer light can create a more relaxed atmosphere at mealtimes. When planning a renovation, consider both daylight and task lighting, and think about whether separate controls will make a room easier to use.
TV stand; chair; horse print: F2images; peony print: Katie Stratton.
Vintage finds and personal DIY projects
Sarah enjoys bringing vintage pieces into the home, especially items that feel distinctive and personal. Favorite finds include the dining chairs, sideboard, and nightstands in both the main bedroom and guest room. Her favorite DIY projects include the dining chairs, the main bedroom nightstands, and a gallery light.
Mixing vintage furniture with newer pieces can give a room an individual feel without requiring every item to match. Before buying a secondhand piece, check its condition, dimensions, and how it will function in the intended space. A practical update or repair can also help an older find work better with the rest of a room.
Bench.
Painting by Lauren Stern.
A home that keeps evolving
After two years of living in the house, Sarah and Kalyn continue to make changes as their needs and tastes develop. Compared with its condition when they bought it, the home now feels more lived-in, filled with things that bring them happiness. Finn has also become part of the household’s everyday life, including leaving his mark on the lower windows.
The home’s story is a reminder that renovation does not have to mean finishing everything at once. A considered plan, useful lighting, and meaningful vintage finds can help a space become more comfortable over time. This Dayton home tour highlights how an older property can retain its character while gradually reflecting the people who live in it.
