My Houzz: Cheery, Playful and Collected in Ohio

Andrea Cardinal and Graham Johnson were charmed by the original details of their 1929 home in Toledo, Ohio. "We absolutely loved the hardwood floors, original glass doorknobs and drawer pulls," says Cardinal, a graphic designer and lecturer at Wayne State University. Using secondhand finds, artwork from local designers and a bit of DIY handiwork, the couple outfitted their interiors with playful touches that enhanced the early-20th-century window trim, hardwood floors and pointed archways.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Graham Johnson and Andrea Cardinal, and daughters Drew (age 3) and Emese (1)
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Size: 1,477 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Year built: 1929

The entire family relaxes at the bottom of the stairs here. The open orange shelves make it easy for the girls, Drew and Emese, to access their books and toys. "We couldn't live without books," says Cardinal. "They are piled up in every corner of every room on every floor. Same goes with musical instruments. We have cheaper ones and more expensive ones, but they're all accessible to the girls all the time."

Shelving: Ekby Mossby, Ikea


The sash windows were left undressed, exposing their period trim. The walls were painted a soft gray to bring a light, airy feeling to the main living space. The couple refinished the original wood floors when they moved in.

The bull woodblock print hanging above the sofa is one of Cardinal's prized possessions. It's a limited-edition print signed by the art critic and philosopher Arthur Danto.

Wall paint: Modern Gray SW 7623, Sherwin-Williams; rug: CB2; leather sofa: Karlstad, Ikea


Near the entrance to the living room sits a Grinnell Brothers piano the couple found on Craigslist. "The girls have been banging on the piano since they were just tall enough to get their fingers on the keys," says Cardinal.

The framed art is a typography silkscreen of all the neighborhoods in Detroit, where Cardinal's design studio is located and where she teaches.


Johnson chose a bright orange hue for the dining room, in honor of the Cleveland Browns, whose team colors are orange and brown. In the corner is an Ikea toy kitchen, where the girls like to play house.

Wall paint: Mandarin SW 6891, Sherwin-Williams; toy kitchen: Duktig, Ikea


An Ikea Expedit unit in the living room organizes Johnson's record collection; toys and cloth diapers are stored in colorful totes. Johnson's stepmother found the yellow chair on the side of the road.

Baskets: Critter Storage Caddy, Container Store


Bold stripes of chalkboard paint add a dramatic touch to 3-year-old Drew's bedroom. Johnson's stepmother built and installed the drawers, which Johnson topped with illuminated bookcases from Ikea to create a built-in look. The unit artfully houses Drew's toys and books, as well as dress-up clothes and accessories neatly tucked away in decorative boxes.

Table: Lätt, Ikea; shelving: Billy, Ikea; baskets: Zig Zag Strapping Baskets, Land of Nod; hooks: Bästis, Ikea


Drew's bedroom is painted a soft blue with feminine details like floral-print pillows and bedding. The three framed pieces of art above her bed are lyrics her parents printed from Stevie Wonder's song As to express their love to their daughter. The side table is a curbside find that was originally green, repainted a cheery yellow.

Wall paint: Soar SW 6799, Sherwin-Williams


This silkscreen print adding punchy color to Drew's room is by artist Leslie Taylor. The phrase "Not there yet" symbolizes for Cardinal how she is always in the process of working toward perfection. The green rocking chair is another lucky roadside find.


Baby Emese's nursery is painted pale yellow, to give it a happy and soothing atmosphere. Cubbies keep her toys organized.

Wall paint: Fun Yellow SW 6908, Sherwin-Williams; bookshelf: Expedit, Ikea


The master bedroom is decorated with Cardinal's beloved postcards, collected on her trips to art museums, flea markets and concerts. The patterned chair is a vintage thrift store find.


One wall of the master bedroom displays artwork with sentimental significance to Cardinal. The acid-etched metal bird artwork (lower right) was made as a gift for Cardinal's grandfather. After he passed away, she got it as a way to remember him. The artwork in silver frames commemorates the first time Cardinal and Drew painted and drew together. The pink quilt is a family heirloom passed down to Cardinal from her grandparents. "It has been in every room at some point and is my favorite blanket to sleep with," she says.

Dresser: Malm, Ikea

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