If you follow us on social media, you’ve probably seen the recent transformation that Christina Zepf (of @holymackerelhouse) did featuring our John O Light. Christina’s ability to blend nostalgic charm with modern practicality is nothing short of inspiring. Her home is a perfect reflection of her signature grandmillennial style—layered, thoughtful, and full of personality. We caught up with Christina to learn more about her design philosophy, favorite DIY tricks, and what’s next for Holy Mackerel House!
Inspiration Behind the Name
Christina’s home is aptly named Holy Mackerel House, a phrase she grew up hearing as a child. “Holy Mackerel was one of my family’s favorite exclamations, and to me, it means ‘WOW!’” she shares. “I wanted to embrace that mantra for every space I work in. I want to make them memorable!” And memorable they are—every room is filled with charm, creativity, and warmth.
Defining Grandmillennial Style
Grandmillennial style has become a buzzword in interior design, but Christina’s approach is both fresh and timeless. “To me, grandmillennial style is an aesthetic that is nostalgic but not dated, classic but not boring. Large-scale florals are mixed with antiques, layered patterns, and a few modern touches to make it feel fresh,” she explains. “It’s an appreciation for quality furniture, classic lines, and the thoughtful creation of a layered space.”
Her love for the style stems from a deep appreciation of craftsmanship. “The attention to detail in textiles, furniture, and fixtures is what drew me in. There’s so much beauty in the materials and history behind them.”
Balancing Design & Family Life
As a mother of six, Christina understands the importance of practical, family-friendly spaces. “We purchased our current home in pretty rough condition. Initially, we considered hiring a contractor, but I found that many designers didn’t understand the needs of a larger family,” she shares. “So, I started doing the design—and eventually the building—myself.”
Her approach to design prioritizes functionality. “Simple choices make a big difference: a pull-out step stool in the powder room vanity, a walk-in pantry, wide passageways around the kitchen island. Capturing improved functionality is always my primary goal—pretty design is just the icing on the cake!”
Favorite DIY Projects
When it comes to quick and effective DIY transformations, Christina has a go-to: paint. “Paint is easy to do, affordable, and makes such an impact! You can paint trim, stencil a floor—the creative options are endless.”
Remodel & Decor Process
With a background in management consulting, Christina approaches renovations and design projects with a strategic mindset. “I start with a defined budget and focus on meeting the functional requirements of a space,” she says. “Mood boards help with decor planning, then I create floor plans. I prioritize the ‘must-haves’ first and creatively work the rest into the budget.”
She embraces flexibility, knowing that things rarely go perfectly to plan. “Sometimes, a tight budget is the best source of creativity.”
Vintage Meets Modern
Blending vintage pieces into a modern home without making it feel outdated can be tricky, but Christina has a simple solution: color. “A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference. Crisp, freshly painted walls provide a great backdrop for vintage and thrifted finds, keeping the space feeling current.”
Signature Look
If there’s one thing that makes visitors say “holy mackerel!” when they enter Christina’s home, it’s her masterful pattern mixing. “I hope people find the way I mix patterns the most interesting part of my designs!” she says.
Incorporating Personality
With a big family, Christina makes sure every design choice reflects their collective personalities. “Home is our safe place, and kids are very honest,” she says. “I pick several options that would work together, then let my children help make the final decisions. They’re happier when they’re involved, and sometimes they surprise me!”
Advice for Budding DIYers
For anyone hesitant to dive into grandmillennial style, Christina suggests starting small. “A small room is a great place to experiment. A powder room, entryway vignette, or even a laundry room can be the perfect place to test your style,” she advises. “Find an inspiration picture and recreate one or two elements you love.”
Future Plans for Holy Mackerel House
Christina always has a list of projects in the works. “I have a running list of 5-10 projects at any given time! I’d love to learn new furniture-making skills this year. If all goes to plan, 2025 is going to be incredibly busy for our whole family!”
We can’t wait to see what’s next for Holy Mackerel House! Be sure to follow @holymackerelhouse for more stunning transformations and design inspiration. And if you’re looking to bring a ‘holy mackerel’ moment into your own home, our John O Light is the perfect place to start!
