Renovating an older home is always a journey full of surprises. Behind decades of paint, layers of wallpaper, or boarded-up walls, homeowners often uncover forgotten details—some charming, others perplexing. From hidden fireplaces and vintage tilework to time capsules left by previous residents, these discoveries add character to a space and connect the present to the past. While some homeowners choose to restore these features, others embrace them as a quirky part of their home’s story.
For Emily Harnasz, an unassuming section of her wall held more than just dust and forgotten history. What started as a simple home office renovation turned into a viral sensation, proving that the most unexpected design elements can sometimes make the biggest impact.
The Hidden Charm of an Unconventional Home
When Emily Harnasz moved into a quirky Scottish Victorian villa, she knew she had taken on a renovation project that would require patience, creativity, and plenty of hard work. Older homes often come with surprises—some delightful, others frustrating—but Harnasz had no idea she was sitting on a discovery that would captivate thousands of people online. What seemed like just another boarded-up section of the wall in her soon-to-be home office turned out to be something far more intriguing. Initially, she brushed it off, assuming it concealed rubble or an unsightly mess. It wasn’t until months later, on a random day, that her curiosity got the best of her.
What she found wasn’t just a hidden feature—it was a conversation starter, an unexpected piece of history, and a testament to her own evolving design journey. The moment she peeled back the board, she realized her renovation adventure was about to take a very interesting turn.
A Fireplace Beneath the Surface
The reveal was nothing short of a surprise. Behind the boarded-up section sat a fully intact fireplace, its surface coated in layers of cream-colored paint. While some homeowners might have shrugged at the find, Harnasz was immediately captivated. Her Instagram followers, however, had mixed reactions. Some likened it to the eerie secret door from Coraline, while others joked that it looked like an oversized urinal. But Harnasz didn’t see it as an oddity—she saw it as an opportunity.
Determined to bring the fireplace back to life, she embarked on a journey to strip away the old paint and uncover what lay beneath. With no prior experience in restoration, she turned to the internet for guidance, researching the best ways to tackle years of buildup without damaging the original structure. Eventually, she landed on a method involving Kling-Strip, a peel-off paint remover that required time, effort, and a seemingly endless supply of water. The process was tedious, but she powered through, peeling back history layer by layer.
When the final remnants of paint were gone, the fireplace’s true color was revealed: a striking cobalt blue. For any homeowner, uncovering a bold, original design element would be exciting, but for Harnasz, a color consultant with a passion for vibrant interiors, the discovery felt like fate.
A Colorful Approach to Home Design
For Harnasz, the fireplace was more than just a relic from the past—it was the missing piece in her vision for the space. Her home office was already a testament to her love of color, featuring a bright green ceiling and a cheerful yellow radiator. The vivid blue fireplace fit right in, adding to the room’s personality and charm.
Not everyone shared her enthusiasm. While some followers admired her commitment to bold design choices, others voiced their disapproval. The shade of blue was too much for some, and a few insisted she should have stuck with a more traditional look. But Harnasz wasn’t swayed by the criticism. One comment in particular stood out to her: someone called the fireplace “endearingly ugly.” Rather than taking offense, she embraced the sentiment.
“That almost sums up my personal style,” she said. “I find beauty in things that aren’t conventionally pretty. I’m always drawn to the weird, the unexpected. That’s what makes a home feel special.”
Embracing the Joy of Individuality
The rise of social media has given homeowners a platform to showcase their personal style, and Harnasz’s story is proof that people are drawn to authenticity. While minimalist trends and neutral palettes continue to dominate interior design, there’s a growing appreciation for spaces that reflect personality rather than perfection. Her viral video, which has racked up nearly 200,000 likes, resonated with people who believe a home should be a reflection of the people living in it—not just a carefully curated aesthetic.
“Our homes shouldn’t be serious,” she says. “They should bring us joy. And let’s be honest—people love seeing someone take a bold risk, whether they love it or hate it.”
Harnasz’s story is a reminder that design is personal, and sometimes the best finds are the ones hiding in plain sight. Whether it’s an old fireplace waiting to be uncovered or an unusual color choice that sparks debate, embracing the unexpected is what makes a house truly feel like home.
Celebrating the Unexpected in Home Design
Home renovations often reveal surprises, but it’s how homeowners choose to embrace them that makes a space truly unique. Whether it’s an old fireplace, an unusual color scheme, or a forgotten architectural detail, these discoveries add personality and depth to a home. While trends come and go, the charm of an unexpected find is timeless.
For homeowners like Emily Harnasz, these moments of discovery aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about storytelling. They remind us that homes aren’t just blank canvases for design trends; they are living, evolving spaces that reflect the personalities of those who inhabit them. In the end, the best homes are the ones that feel authentic, where every detail—planned or unexpected—adds to the joy of everyday living.
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