"Though Nicole Thompson wasn’t obsessed with her Alabama home’s cookie-cutter looks at first, she didn’t let that hinder her design process. Instead, she viewed the cozy abode as a completely blank slate ready to be jazzed up with some bold decor. The result? Nicole created a totally unique house for her family — she’s a mom-of-four! — that includes statement wallpaper, eye-catching area rugs, and chic paint colors throughout.
Keep scrolling to read more about Nicole’s bespoke design aesthetic, learn how she mixes thrift store furniture into her spaces, and why she chose black as the featured color of her son Rocco’s hipster nursery.
Name: Nicole Thompson
Location: Spanish Fort, Alabama
Sq. Ft.: 3,032
Years Lived In: 6
Rent or Own: Own
What was your first job, and how did you land it?
My first professional job was a reading specialist. I had no experience other than student teaching, but I was poor and hungry! LOL! Willing to do just about anything, I agreed to get my master’s degree if given the position and I was hired.
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What was the adjustment like moving from Ohio all the way to Alabama? What was the hardest part for your family and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part of moving from Ohio to Alabama was the isolation. I was a new stay-at-home mom with a 10-year-old, a 6-year-old, and a newborn. I didn’t get out much other than to taxi the kids to different activities. The kids adjusted easily. They made friends quickly in dance, tennis, and karate. Making adult friends did not come as easily. I had to be intentional and push myself out of my comfort zone.
You had no previous interior design experience before designing your home, and you still nailed it! Where did you get your inspo and what was your design process?
I gather inspiration everywhere. Yep, even public restrooms! I, of course, also pull inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest. My design process is ever evolving. I edit all the time and never like to refer to a space as finished.
How would you describe the aesthetic of your home?
Comfortable. Design is more of a feeling to me rather than a style. I want my family and my guests to feel at home. Put your feet up; stay awhile.
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All of the furniture in your home seems like they were curated so perfectly. Where were some of your favorite places to shop for these pieces?
Some of my favorite pieces are thrifted! I also like to support entrepreneurs and shop small.
What’s your favorite room in the house?
My favorite room in our house is our den. The Hague Blue walls speak to me! It’s bold, but it’s comfortable.
The open-shelving in the kitchen is so on trend! Why did you decide to go this route, and how do you like it?
We removed the existing upper cabinets and added the open-shelving to create more visual interest in the kitchen. There are still so many cabinets! I LOVE the open-shelving, but no one warned me about having to dust them so frequently!
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Rocco’s nursery is so adorable! What made you want to go with a shiplap wall in this room?
I knew I wanted to use black in his nursery, but I needed the shiplap to break up the bold color choice. Plus, every room should have an accent wall or a bold design element.
We love your use of wallpaper throughout the rooms. Do you have any advice for using bold wallpapers?
Keep the other design elements in the space quiet.
With four kids running around, how did you manage to find a balance between a functional and stylish home?
I avoid pieces with sharp corners. LOL! I intentionally choose quality pieces that I know will last. Style shouldn’t have to be sacrificed for function ever.
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Were there any quirks in the home when you moved in that you had to design around? If so, tell us about them.
There was zero personality in our home. It was a production built cookie cutter. The silver lining: it was a blank slate.
You have such a great use of bold colors. How can someone incorporate dark colors into their home without it becoming overpowering?
I rely on natural light to balance the bold colors. I avoid using bold colors in an already dark space.
You’ve been married to your husband for 17 years. That’s amazing! What is one piece of advice you would give to couples for a lasting marriage?
Show up! Marriage is work. If you don’t show up, you get fired. We have literally lived by that phrase for 17 years.
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What’s the best part of being a stay-at-home mom? The hardest?
The best part of being a SAHM is being with my children all the time. The hardest part of being a SAHM is being with my children all the time.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
Busy.
So, you’re moving again! Where are you headed to now?
We’re not going far! We’re staying in our current city, but we would like to design and build a custom home. This is a personal dream of mine!
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How have your kids inspired you?
They inspire me to buy easy to clean fabrics! Lol! They remind me not to take myself or design too seriously. Homes are meant to be lived in, and we should all be comfortable.
What are some of your favorite activities to do as a family?
Everything from traveling to ice cream dates, but the most important thing we do as a family is gather around our table to eat dinner together every single night. We make it a priority!
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Nicole Thompson is The Everymom…
Self-care activity you love?
GlamGlow Brightening Treatment masque at home. The scent is exquisite, and my face feels so fresh afterward. Mani-pedi, otherwise.
Go-to meal to cook?
Tacos because they go with Tequila. Kidding. Tacos because everyone in our family loves tacos.
Home essential everyone needs?
Anthropologie’s Capri Blue diffusing oil
Kids movie you love?
Matilda
Go-to date night?
Sushi Pizza at Master Joe’s in Fairhope. Always.
Most embarrassing mom fail?
Forgetting on more than one occasion to pick a child up from school or an extracurricular activity! It’s a chronic problem. Lol! At least one of them can drive now.