Courtney & Her Home
When we found out that Courtney Ramsey and her family had called their Oklahoma City house “home” for just two years, we were speechless. Each space is filled with the type of layered style that only comes with time, yet Courtney has managed to give her practically new dwelling a time-honored feeling thanks to lots of love.
“We’ve only been in our home two years and already have made so many wonderful memories,” Courtney told us. “Our first night in the house eating pizza by candlelight on the floor, bringing our baby home from the hospital and all her ‘firsts’ and hosting dinner parties for friends and family.” Another secret to her home’s lived-in style? Secondhand vintage treasures!
Read on to hear more from this creative young mom and homemaker, and find out how she has managed to put her love for vintage to good use at home and even at her own wedding. Courtney’s home tour starts now!
Leather Bow // Circus Horses Romper
How long have you lived in your house, and how did you find it?
When we started the process of looking to buy our first home, I had this naive idea that it would be quick and painless and that we would own a home just in time to host friends and family for the holidays. It ended up being an extremely emotional and long year of searching, changing realtors and making a few offers that fell through for different reasons before we found our home. We have lived in our home for two years now!
Leather Sofa // Beige Rug // Jute Rug // Love Your Tribe Print // Throw Blanket // Coffee Table Book
What’s one design rule you love to break?
I really don’t pay much attention to design rules, so if I’m breaking them, it’s completely unintentional!
Can you share your formula for the perfectly styled surface?
I certainly don’t consider myself a designer or claim to know what I’m doing when it comes to design, but I know what I like. I usually style a little more minimally, try to mix heights, work in odd numbers, and a jar or vase filled with dried eucalyptus never hurt anything! And rearrange it all 100 times if you need to!
Hanging Cutting Board Trio // Floral Canvas // Dining Room Table
How has motherhood changed your home’s aesthetic?
Becoming a mother has definitely changed things around our home aesthetically. Between a baby and two dogs, you just have to adjust your style a bit to be a little more functional! You learn to buy things that can easily be cleaned or wiped down, like our metal dining chairs and machine-washable living room rug! You move breakables up high and decorate more baby-friendly down low. Oh, and buy tons of cute baskets to hide toys in!
You might think our home is filled with so much white, but you should have seen it a few years ago. I’m a sucker for a cozy white sofa, but that white sofa had to go bye-bye pretty soon after Violet was born. That’s why we love our Article leather sofa so much. We’ve only had it a few months and it’s already endured food and drink spills, muddy puppy paws and a leaky wet diaper, and it still looks brand new! Motherhood doesn’t mean sacrificing all the pretty things. It just means being a little more flexible aesthetically.
I love things that are old and full of history. If it’s white, chippy or falling apart, I’ll take it!
Tell us about your wedding!
We were living in California when we got engaged (at Disneyland!) and started planning our wedding. It was quite a challenge to plan a wedding that would take place in another state. We actually had to switch venues two months before the wedding, which only added to the stress! But we ended up getting married in the most beautiful clearing surrounded by trees on a property just north of Oklahoma City. Everything was very ‘do it yourself’ with a lot of projects crafted and put together with help from my mom and sisters. There were also a lot of vintage touches, like the Victorian sofa we used for photos, my great-grandmother’s dresser that we used as our altar and the handmade lace bridesmaid dresses I found on Etsy. I will never forget the moment I walked down the aisle to Clair de Lune to marry the man of my dreams. It was a very special day!
What TV shows are you obsessing over right now?
My husband and I are currently obsessed with “Game of Thrones” and “Billions.” I also have a few shows I love to watch that he just can’t handle! I’m a big “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Nashville” fan.
Cookbooks // Oklahoma City Tote
What is your favorite piece of décor in your home?
One favorite? I am constantly changing and moving things around in our home. I have a hard time keeping anything the same for very long. Items that I maybe wasn’t loving have now become current favorites! For example, the vintage dresser in our dining room has been in Violet’s nursery for the last year and a half. I almost sold it, but decided to try moving it downstairs. Now I have a new love for it and all its possibilities: Coffee cart? Extra kitchen storage? Bar cart? I also love items like our vintage racks or peg rails that you can decorate and change up anytime! I’ve found most of mine on Etsy.
How would you describe your personal décor style?
My personal style has changed a bit over the years into something that combines vintage and antique elements with a few modern pieces tossed in here and there. I love things that are old and full of history. If it’s white, chippy or falling apart, I’ll take it!
I hope Violet will always be curious, to truly love and be herself, give everything her best, pursue adventure and be kind to others.
What are a few things you always consider before purchasing a new piece of furniture?
Cost, functionality and how much do I truly love it, because buyers remorse is the worst.
We love all of the vintage, rustic touches throughout your home! Got any tips for sourcing good secondhand treasures?
Most of our vintage items are things I picked up while living in California. If you’re ever in Southern California, be sure to check out the Long Beach Flea Market! I’ve never been very good at thrifting, but I do love antique stores and estate sales for finding secondhand items. Craigslist can also be an excellent place to find treasures.
Letterboard // Curtains // Teepee // Linen Dress // Velvet Bow
How do you take your coffee?
If I’m at home, coffee with cream and sugar. If I’m out running errands or having breakfast with a friend, I usually order iced coffee or a vanilla latte.
Inspirational quote that you come back to over and over again?
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s just one of those things I sometimes need reminding of. Social media can be such a wonderful, creative, encouraging place, but if you aren’t careful, you can slide down a slippery slope of comparison.
Motherhood doesn’t mean sacrificing all the pretty things. It just means being a little more flexible aesthetically.
Linen Crib Sheet // Traceable Chalkboard // Mermaid Doll
Can you describe a favorite memory or two since living in your home?
We’ve only been in our home two years and already have made so many wonderful memories—our first night in the house eating pizza by candlelight on the floor, bringing our baby home from the hospital and all her ‘firsts’ and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. You get so emotionally attached to a home because of the experiences you have within those four walls!
Name a few of your go-to children’s books!
My husband and I both love to read. We started picking up books for Violet the day we found out we were pregnant and have been reading to her ever since. We tend to gravitate toward children’s books with beautiful art. A few of our current favorites are Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio, Wendell the Narwhal by Emily Dove, anything by Emily Winfield Martin and This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers.
What’s one life lesson you hope to pass down to your little one?
Not necessarily a ‘life lesson,’ but I hope Violet will always be curious, to truly love and be herself, give everything her best, pursue adventure and be kind to others.
Brass Hardware // Bamboo Drying Rack
Love! What is that pretty creamy white paint color used throughout the house?
I love all the white! I wish my husband loved white!!! So dreamy!
Beautiful! Melody the Mermaid looks right at home :)
Such a gorgeous home and family! So many small details I will be taking inspiration from. I have to say, though, that the shelf over the bed makes me very nervous. I don’t think big earthquakes are common in Oklahoma, but even a little shake during the night could send those frames and candelabras tumbling right on their heads. Just a friendly tip from a Californian :)