You May Know Her: Jonnelle’s Home Tour

You May Know Her is a recurring column about identity. It’s an opportunity to showcase inspiring women who are also mothers and learn how they manage to separate those roles. It’s an invitation into the spaces they’ve so carefully crafted to serve as both a means of self-expression and a haven for their families. Come in. Get to know Jonnelle.

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How long have you lived in your home and how has it evolved since you purchased it?

About 3 1/2 years now and its evolution has truly been a labor of love. My husband and I have done everything ourselves thus far. It has gone from a pretty dirty and neglected old house with all pink and purple walls to a clean and comfortable, very cozy space. And while we still have work to do on it, it’s definitely a truer reflection of who we are as a family.

I know it’s difficult to limit your home decor style to one particular word, so let’s try three. Would you use those same three words to describe your clothing style?

Cheerful. Vibrant. Relaxed.

Yes, I think everything in my closet fits these descriptions!

This desk is a vintage 1960’s Kenmore sewing table. It was my Nana’s, and my mom graciously saved it and gave it to me after my Nana passed away. Unfortunately, the built-in machine doesn’t work, but I liked the idea of upcycling it as a desk to sew with my own machine on. So I covered the peeling laminate with craft paper and lots of Mod Podge, then painted the rest with the same turquoise color that’s on the wall in the sunroom. All the other details, including the gold hardware, are original.

You’ve shared your hair journey to your readers, but would you mind sharing a bit about it here? Do you feel like your hair plays a leading role in your identity?

My natural hair journey began a few months after I had my oldest daughter, and ironically when we began hunting for this very house. Furthermore, I was overwhelmed with having two babies under two while being in an uncomfortable/temporary living situation. I’d never really been happy with my chemically-straightened hair, no matter how much time I spent on it, so I was fed up and looking for ways to make my life less stressful. Cutting it all off felt like freedom and a chance to start over again while guaranteeing a less time consuming beauty maintenance routine for myself for a while. So I did the big chop! My husband shaved my head for me and it was crazy liberating.

That was five years ago and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Doing this also gave me a chance to set an example for my daughters. They’ll only remember me with my kinky-curls and I believe that will allow them to accept and love their own.

My hair definitely plays the lead role in my identity. First of all, I think people see it coming before they see me, but secondly, it is my favorite accessory. It went from being the thing about myself that I was most insecure about to what I am now most comfortable and confident in wearing. I never fully appreciated my hair until I began this journey, since then I can’t imagine my personal style without it.

These candles were purchased to use in my home birth as a focal point during the labor of my last child. The positive affirmation and scripture were things I wanted to focus on to help me through. One to remind me of my strength and one to remind me of my faith. Now they serve as daily reminders of those things and of how powerful and amazing that experience was.

In any given week, how many days do you “get dressed” (I.e. no yoga pants or hoodies)? Have you noticed any difference in your demeanor, attitude or productivity level on the days that you do and the days that you don’t?

Lord knows I wish I could say 7 days a week, but it’s more like 2-3. To be honest, with 4 kids under 7 and one of them still a baby, taking a shower everyday is a stretch. But getting dressed daily (and showering) is a goal of mine because I am absolutely more productive and in a better mood when I take the time to dress and accessorize a bit. It also makes me more outgoing; there’s no hesitation to leave the house to take care of business or just get some fresh air because I am fully confident in myself when I’m dressed.

What do you hope people notice when they walk through your home? How do you hope they feel? What are some things guests have said about your home that make you feel proud?

What I really hope is they notice the little details. The inspiring messages I have here and there, the handcrafted and unique pieces placed throughout, the positive energy and colors… and I hope they feel loved, because they are.

I’ve been told that our house felt peaceful and I think that makes me the proudest. I strive to create an atmosphere that inspires creativity, yet isn’t too over-stimulating, so something that puts people at peace is a win!

If you had to pick one space in your home to spend an entire afternoon, where would it be? Is this a space that you enjoy sharing with others or is this a place you visit for solitude?

This was a tough decision. I truly love every space in our house, all for different and special reasons, but the sunroom wins. It actually serves as both. It’s where we play games on the floor as a family, it’s open to guests when we entertain and I even gave birth to our last child in this room! And for me, this is also the best place in the house to find peace. Even on the cloudiest day the light is beautiful in that room, so it’s a great place to lounge on the couch with a good book and a good cup of coffee or tea by yourself.

Our sunroom was an addition to the house and that owner smartly had pocket doors installed for ultimate privacy. Plus, it is hands down the best place for my plants to grow, which is my newest found hobby and love. Its definitely the most special space in our home and I could spend all day there!

Assuming your personal style has changed over the past decade, how much of that change was prompted by the evolution of style trends and how much of it was a practical adjustment to the role of mother? 

I’d say most of that change was directly influenced by my transition into motherhood. After having four little ones all up on me all the time I can no longer stand clothing that clings to my body, but ten years ago? EV-ER-Y-THING was tight fitted ha ha! These days I want comfort more than anything. I purposely seek loose, flowy pieces that I can breath and move easily in because, well, I move a lot. And it’s hot in Houston. But they still have to feel stylish to me and have some unique detail or color because those are the qualities that have always been true to my personal style. The trends have definitely helped me pick out some key statement pieces that I could wear everyday to feel more like Jonnelle and her unique self as opposed to just Mommy.

Tell me a bit about what you’re wearing. Why did you choose it? Where did you find it? 

The smock dress is from ASOS. Relaxed fit dresses are so comfortable and chic looking in my opinion. While the color and pattern is bold, the baby-doll shape softens that out a bit. I chose it because it reminds me of the edgy, modern, artsy side of myself. I have a background in graphic design and it’s a piece that makes me feel true to my roots and like a real creative.

The blush sweater is from Target (Mossimo) as well as the shoes (A New Day). As much as I love bold hues, I love soft pastels too. They appeal to the little old vintage lady that lives inside me. It feels luxurious and those ruffled sleeves give just the right amount of unexpected, feminine detail that helps set my style apart.

And those mules, well, I love me some pearl and rhinestone details! And they are easy to slide on and off which is convenient for my running around. They are the perfect blend of fancy and casual to me.

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Want more home posts? Check out this super easy DIY desk tutorial 

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Find out more about Jonnelle Dupas on her website or follow her on Instagram

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