A pair of fixer uppers in Platte are putting their own twists on home design and are leaving their mark on many spaces in the process.
Jill Moret and Amanda Block have different stories, but they just so happen to have the same passions. Both have a knack for renovating homes and have created their own successful sign-making businesses just blocks away from one another.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS
Jill Moret: I started Jill Moret Design & Co. in 2016. It started as my college senior project and quickly became my own small business. I create poster canvas signs that I sell on Etsy, and I also do shows around the state. I love having a social media presence, website, and blog. My husband and I are renovating our first home, and I like to include my followers throughout the process and get their thoughts and opinions.
Amanda Block: About three and a half years ago, I started making wood signs by hand, along with custom signs sold on Etsy. I was working in medical transcription and had a strong desire to find something else to do. I work in the basement of my home and have a shop in our backyard. For the past year and a half I’ve been helping people with interior design. My husband and I have always renovated houses, and we’re working on our fourth fixer upper. Dwell 605 incorporates the sign making, interior design, and home renovating all under one title.
HOUSE FLIPPING 101
» Big changes on little budget.
» Adding personal touches.
» Can take months to years.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
JM: I feel like my style has really changed over the years. I think less is more. I really enjoy the modern farmhouse look, but with less décor and with statement pieces, mixing in lots of blacks and golds. I like to make simple things pop. I don’t want to worry about decorating when times get busy, and I want statement pieces that stick out. I also don’t want to have to clean around a lot of things.
AB: My style is pretty neutral with signs, either black or white with some gray. I like the neutral look because it’s easy to incorporate into other people’s homes. When we’re flipping homes, I like to have a modern farmhouse look with a contemporary twist on it. As a mom, I want to keep things practical and functional, and I also want it to be useful. I’m also
striving to live more simply and only bring products or décor into our home that are useful or that I absolutely love. Following this “simply dwell” method that I’ve coined has helped me to save money, decrease clutter, and it helps create a home that I love.
INTERIOR DÉCOR TRENDS
» Less is more.
» Keep it simple.
» Try black, white, neutrals with a pop of color.
» Dark accents and textures for the win.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU HAD A PASSION FOR DESIGNING?
JM: I’ve always had a bug for décor. I love making my own décor and doing paint projects. Growing up, my family and friends have asked me for advice, so that was encouraging.
AB:Â My dad is a masonry contractor. We grew up in a farmhouse, and throughout my childhood, [my parents] were constantly renovating. Once I
was in college, my husband (then boyfriend) bought a house and I helped him renovate it, so it’s just been part of who I am. One of my signs was also featured in HGTV Magazine’s July/August 2018 issue, so that’s rewarding.
“I’m always telling people to do what they really love… don’t put something in because it’s pretty.”
WHAT ARE THE TRENDY STYLES YOU'RE SEEING?
JM: The modern décor look is popular. It’s white and clean with dark tones mixed in, plus bright and clean lines with a bold wall or dark accents. It’s just really clean.
AB: One of the things I love the most is adding textures either through plants, furniture, or the walls. I’ve been in love with wallpaper lately. It’s a fun way to bring a different look that you can’t get with paint.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST SURPRISE SOMEONE WOULDN'T KNOW ABOUT HOME RENOVATING?
JM: It’s surprising how long it takes to tear the house apart. For our current house, we spent a whole month just taking things to the dump.
AB: Renovation is all about the time and money. It’s something you really need to consider if you’re looking at getting into home flipping.
WHY IS DIY POPULAR?
JM: You don’t have to have a lot of money to make the changes you want. A lot of people want to decorate a house and have big changes on a little budget.
AB: People want to create a space that they love. When you can put your own stamp on the look and feel, it makes the home that much more special.
For more information, check out Jill Morest Design & Co. at jillmoretdesign.com and Dwell 605 at dwell605.com.
