It was the exterior that first hooked Katlynn and BriAnna Storey.

The steeply pitched A-frame roof, the pair of hexagonal windows, the arched front door — all the charming details of a century-old house in Stoughton made the couple fall hard when they saw it in the summer of 2019.

“As soon as we pulled up, we wanted to put an offer in right away,” BriAnna Storey says.

They did just that, and three weeks later, the house was theirs. It’s since become a modern-bohemian oasis for the couple, their 9-year-old daughter, Rylee, and their menagerie of pets — dogs Kona, Kaia and Luka, and cats Yoshi, Boots and Ophelia.

A mix of wood tones, backdrops of white, pops of darker hues, cozy textiles and plenty of plants create a relaxed vibe that suits both their personal style and the historic setting.

“We really like neutrals and earthy tones,” says Katlynn Storey, who owns Coast Hair in Madison. BriAnna Storey is also a beauty entrepreneur, running Gemini Lash & Brow.

When the family moved in, there wasn’t much they had to do; the abundance of natural light and white baseboards created an airy feel, and their furniture and decor worked. But after spending more time at home during the pandemic lockdowns, the desire to start some projects kicked in.

They began by painting the walls white and the fireplace black, as well as adding bamboo shades to the windows and installing gold and white light sconces.

Now the living room is a natural gathering spot, with a cream sectional filled with textured pillows and soft throws, a chair and table, and floating wood shelves displaying photos, pottery and mementos. On one side, the original wood staircase leads up to the bedrooms, while on the other, an arched opening leads to the dining room and sunroom, which has a desk for working and a daybed for napping.

Pleased with their progress, the Storeys decided to go bigger, turning their attention to the kitchen. Out went the tired tile floor and long walls of orange-tinged wood cabinetry, and in came a warm wood floor, white lower cabinets, open wood shelving and white subway tile with dark grout on the walls. They also added a wood beam around which a plant grows, painted the wall that leads to the deck a rich green and installed a floating breakfast bar accented with leather stools.

“Our kitchen was super inspired by Instagram,” says Katlynn Storey, adding that she spent a lot of time searching for inspiration online to get exactly the aesthetic they desired. “We did everything on our own, even the cabinets.”

The family loves spending time together in the kitchen, while the upstairs rooms serve as more personal retreats.

In the main bedroom, what was originally a design challenge — the chimney juts out from a wall — became a focal point after the couple worked in shiplap and black paint. Photos from their wedding also add beauty and drama. The couple had gotten engaged on a California road trip, and so they headed back west in October 2020 to tie the knot in Yosemite. They had to hike 7 miles in their wedding dresses, but their jaw-dropping photos from that day prove that the trek was worth it.

Down the hall, Rylee Storey’s room is an ode to tweendom, with a “Wild Soul” fabric sign adorning one wall and a Billie Eilish poster hanging from another. Her bed, covered in a floral-print comforter, is tucked into an arched nook — the interior of the house’s A-frame — that’s covered with a botanical wallpaper, enhancing the coziness.

The bathroom is small but bold with a dark teal vanity, bright floral shower curtain and board and batten walls that BriAnna Storey installed. Next door, a third bedroom is a yoga space, with a mat set on top of layered rugs, pillows and cushions tucked in a corner, woven artwork on the walls and garlands hanging near the window sheers.

Throughout the home, the Storeys have taken care to preserve historic touches while also working in modern function and their warm, boho style. And they’re glad they’ve taken their time to get things just right.

“We tried with this house to be intentional,” says BriAnna Storey.

“When [you] wait for something you love, it’s more meaningful,” adds Katlynn Storey.

Katie Vaughn is a Madison-based arts, family, home and travel writer. 

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