In Our Reno Era
There’s something special about a home that feels effortlessly elevated- lived-in yet perfectly considered.
Step inside Steve and Jess Black from @the.reno.eras’s Mid-Century meets Australian Coastal Luxe home, where earthy tones, soft textures, and natural light come together in total harmony.
When it came to window furnishings, plantation shutters were the natural choice. “We wanted that perfect mix of Sunday morning light and main-character energy.”
Working with The Shutters Dept, Jess and Steve transformed tricky corners and character-filled spaces into calm, light-filled moments — proof that even the most unique homes can find their perfect fit.
Now, with shutters framing the mudroom, bathroom, and laundry (and more on the way), this home is the definition of Timeless. Transformative. Considered...
Keep scrolling to read Jess's amazing answers!
1. How would you describe your interior style in a few words?
Earthy, elevated, and comfortably warm; Mid-Century meets Australian Coastal Luxe. All on a practical, budget-friendly level. A home that feels curated but completely lived-in.
2. What made you choose plantation shutters for your space?
We wanted that perfect mix of Sunday morning light and main-character energy. We felt the timeless look of plantations ties our mid-century bones and modern updates together perfectly, giving each space the finishing touch it didn’t even know it was missing.
3. Tell us about the process – how did you find working with The Shutters Dept from start to finish?
We have a unique mid-century home (read: out-of-square walls, intricate mouldings, and corner bays that would test anyone’s patience), but James from The Shutters Dept was absolutely incredible. Honestly he’s a genuine expert — nothing phased him, and he somehow made the whole process feel effortless. We were so impressed.
4. Where did you install your shutters, and what difference have they made to those rooms?
So far, we’ve installed them in our mudroom, bathroom, and laundry — and we’re completely hooked. Every space feels instantly polished and calm, and we genuinely can’t wait to add them to every other window in the house when the next batch arrives.
5. We love how they look in your home! Do you have a favourite view or time of day when the light hits just right?
Late afternoon, hands down. That golden glow filters through the shutters and turns everything into a lifestyle ad. Even the toddler toys look photogenic.
6. What surprised you most about adding shutters – something you didn’t expect but now love?
How much bigger and more finished each room feels. There’s something about them that instantly makes our house feel like a home — and makes us feel like we’re adulting successfully. The privacy without compromising on natural light is a bonus we hadn’t thought of as well.
7. If you had to describe your shutters in three words, what would they be?
Timeless. Transformative. Considered.
8. Do you have any styling tips for others thinking about shutters or looking to elevate their interiors?
Keep it simple. These shutters honestly already do most of the heavy lifting — think clean lines, soft textiles, and a few hero pieces to make the space feel intentional but lived-in. And don’t forget greenery: plants + shutters = instant calm.
9. What does “home” mean to you – and how do you like to make yours feel welcoming and personal?
Home is where the chaos happens — but still somehow looks good in a photo. For us, it’s about warmth, light, and small moments that make the everyday feel special: music on, dog asleep in the sun, coffee brewing… and now that golden light filtering through the shutters at just the right time really tops it off.
10. And just for fun – if your home had a personality, what would it be?
A relaxed overachiever — the friend who’s always put-together but swears she’s “just winging it.”
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