First, a quick clarification
A few days ago we shared “Why We Chose Franklin, Tennessee for our Next Investment” for our next business flip. That’s very much alive.
This post is different: it’s a peek at the personal home we just went under contract on: an old-soul bungalow in the heart of downtown Columbia. We toured a ton, even made (and walked away from) another offer—story for another day—but this one felt right the moment we stepped onto the porch.
It’s an early-century charmer with a few wonderfully weird 70s moments sprinkled in. The mix of history + quirk sealed it for us. Here’s how we looked past the rough edges and saw the good bones.
Why We Chose This Property
Right street, right city. We wanted to be in a community, not just near one. This bungalow sits on a walkable downtown block in Columbia—coffee, dinner, antiques, neighbors on porches. It’s the perfect landing pad while we continue our flip search in Franklin.
Architecture you can’t fake. Wide eaves, a generous front porch, original trim and fireplaces, those iron-and-glass entry doors—there’s real history here. The bones felt honest and worth investing in.
Light, volume, flow. Big windows, a vaulted upstairs rooms, and a footprint that already makes sense (with a few targeted walls we can open). We could picture morning light in the living room and golden hour on the porch immediately.
Good-weird details (that spark ideas). Checkerboard kitchen floor, a lipstick-red sink, a crystal chandelier, even that quirky dropped kitchen ceiling—time stamps from another era. Some will stay, some will inform the redesign, all of them made us feel something. Our experience through the years when we look at houses it’s the homes that we feel in our souls that speak to us and spark inspiration and potential.
Phase-able potential. It’s livable now, with clear upside through thoughtful updates: paint, lighting, kitchen/baths, windows (one of the bigger expenses!) and landscape. We can honor the soul, and edit the noise in smart, manageable phases.
Scale that fits real life. Enough rooms for comfortable living as empty nesters, but big enough for when kids are home visiting. And hosting of course — we always like to think about how a house will flow for entertaining since we love to have friends over. We also plan to reorganize some of the spaces for different uses than they were built for (more on this to come!). As empty-nesters, that balance matters.
Columbia, On the Rise (and How We Read It)
Why Columbia, why now. It has the small-town heartbeat we love, but with real momentum: independent shops opening, good restaurants staying busy, and a walkable downtown that feels more vibrant every time we visit. It’s a short hop to Franklin and an easy reach to Nashville, but with friendlier entry prices and gorgeous historic housing stock. This home is actually located in the historic district, which means we will have to get approval for any upgrades we make with the historical committee. They regulate renovations to make sure the homes stay authentic to their architecture.
The “street test.” We always judge the block, not just the house. This one scored high: tidy porches, fresh roofs and paint jobs, active renovations (dumpsters + trades = investment), mature trees, and neighbors actually using their front steps. The surrounding homes tell you where a value is headed; here, they’re trending up.
Phase One: Setting the North Star
We just cleared inspections, so now comes the fun part—defining the vision. Before hammers swing, we’re building a mood board that sets the style language for the whole house: color story, materials, lighting, and the mix of old + new that feels true to this bungalow and to us.
The Plan Right Now
- Mood-board sprint: Gather reference images, samples, and a loose palette (walls, trim, stone, tile, metals, textiles). This becomes our “north star” for every decision.
- Measure + map: Create a clean floor plan, note existing quirks, and flag opportunities (sight lines, circulation, natural light).
- Scope + budget: Prioritize spaces and phase the work so we can live here while we renovate. Build in contingency—always.
- Permits + trades: Identify any structural/mechanical updates and line up the right pros and timelines.
Quick Wins (Likely First)
- Paint + refinishing floors to lift the mood immediately.
- DIY project that I can’t wait to share soon.
- Fencing to create a beautiful little garden and patio.
- Deep clean so we can enjoy the house while plans finalize.
The Bigger Moves (On Deck)
- Kitchen rethink (goodbye drop ceiling/fluorescents, hello cohesive cabinetry + real task lighting).
- Bath updates with classic fixtures and tile that honor the home’s age.
- Upstairs bedroom refresh.
What We’ll Preserve
- Any original millwork, doors, fireplaces, and that lovely glass/chandelier charm—the bones that tell the house’s story. We’ll restore, not erase.
What’s Next
We’re in mood-board mode now—pulling references, testing swatches, and building a clear direction. Once that’s locked, we’ll share Phase One boards and the room-by-room plan. This is where the 70s funk starts its glow-up, guided by a timeless, collected Southern feel.
Need a little more direction?
Are you struggling to define your style or figure out how to pull your space together? That’s exactly why we created our Clouz Houz Design Guides. They’ll help you design a space that feels cohesive, elevated, and personal … without hiring a designer.
Click here to explore the five curated styles, complete with inspiration boards, designer tips, and product links that make sourcing simple.
Not sure which one’s for you? Take our free quiz to discover which aesthetic best suits your space.
We’re here to help you move forward with confidence, and create a home that truly feels like yours.
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Life is short. Make it beautiful!
