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Jessee Maloney’s home is a welcoming mix of thoughtful design, family life, and things that bring joy. Built to suit her family’s needs, the house combines an open layout with personal touches and collected treasures.
How Jessee Maloney’s home came together
Jessee and her husband spent three years living with his father while they worked on their credit and saved for a home. Their daughter was born during that period, and the growing family eventually needed more room. They had considered choosing an available house simply to move forward, but then learned about a new community near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
The homes there had classic exteriors and open interiors. After touring a model home, the couple fell in love with the design and signed a contract within a week. Because their house was built from scratch, they could select details such as the light gray exterior, dark gray shutters, hardwood color, and some changes to the floor plan. Construction took four months, giving them time to make considered choices for the interior rather than rushing to fill the rooms.
Three years after moving in, Jessee still loves the home. Some additions have been made, while the original pieces remain part of the space. Practical tip: If you have the opportunity to plan a home before moving in, make a list of daily needs first, then choose finishes and furnishings that support how your household actually lives.
Personal decor and everyday family life
The decor reflects the family’s sense of fun. Faux deer heads hang on the walls, toys are part of the everyday scene, and a dedicated shelf displays Jessee’s Doctor Who collection. The library even has a plush toilet. Rather than following a single formal style, the family makes room for objects that make them smile.
Jessee is a stay-at-home parent who also runs a business, so she spends much of her day at home. Surrounding herself with meaningful and amusing pieces helps make the space feel personal. When decorating, a useful approach is to balance display items with clear surfaces and storage, especially in rooms used for work and family activities.
A longtime favorite: the thrifted Eames-style chair
One of the most treasured pieces is a chair inspired by the Eames design. Jessee and her husband spotted it at a thrift store shortly after moving into their first home, more than a decade ago. The chair was priced at $200, which was beyond their budget at the time. As they were leaving, an announcement said that all furniture would be 50% off for the next hour. They returned for the chair and managed to fit it into their car.
The chair has moved with them for 11 years. At times it was too large for the room, but they kept it because it mattered to them. This is a good reminder that a well-loved furnishing does not need to match every new space perfectly; measuring doorways and planning a suitable spot can help make a favorite piece work through a move.
An open layout with distinct spaces
Living in a more rural area gave the family more space for their budget and a quieter setting. The main level has an open feel, with most rooms having only two or three walls. The bathroom and exterior entrances are the main places with doors. Although the areas connect visually, each has a clear role.
The living room is used for their daughter’s play, television, and entertainment. The dining room is where the family usually eats and where they host guests; its large table is also useful for cutting fabric when Jessee sews. A casual room connected to the kitchen, which she calls the morning room or kitchenette, offers another place for people to gather around a table.
The family’s favorite space is the library. Though it may have been intended as a formal living room, they use it for books, collections, and Jessee’s art collection. Located near the entrance, the room introduces visitors to the family’s interests and continues to change as new pieces are added. Planning tip: Give each area a primary purpose, even in an open-plan home, to make shared spaces easier to use and organize.
What makes Jessee Maloney’s home feel like home
Jessee Maloney’s home shows how a space can feel cohesive without being overly formal. A flexible layout supports family routines, while cherished furniture, collections, and playful decor make the rooms distinctly personal. The most useful takeaway is to prioritize comfort and daily function, then surround yourself with items that genuinely matter to your household.
