“I always keep an eye out for solid wood pieces when browsing Facebook Marketplace,” says Jessica Manning-Brose, who grew up in Stockholm and Minneapolis, but now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Zach, and their baby, Nina Mae. “They’re typically well made and priced lower than what they’re worth because they belonged to someone’s grandma and aren’t the exact current trend.” Here, Jessica gives us a look inside…
DINING AREA
Pendant: Noguchi. Dining table and chairs: Facebook Marketplace. Seat cushions: H&M Home. High chair: Stokke. Rug: Rush House.
On growing up in Sweden: I was born in Stockholm and lived there until I was six. I remember feeling very held by our community there. It’s a society that’s rooted in family and making sure everybody has what they need, like a playground on every corner. I also remember running through the forest with our friends and picking berries. It’s such a sweet and peaceful place.
On Swedish traditions: I have a sweet tooth and adore Swedish pastries. My favorite is a semla, a cardamom bun that’s cut in half and filled with fresh whipped cream and almond paste. We also have candles lit year round; they make the whole house feel cozy.
LIVING AREA
Daybed: Sundays. Armchairs: Lulu & Georgia. Lamp: Facebook Marketplace. Coffee table: “thrifted at Goodwill for $20!” Rug: Rugs USA.
On clever furniture: This room contains both our dining room and living room, so I wanted to have two areas that flowed well. The daybed signals that each part of the room serves its own purpose.
On rug shopping: I love how a really big rug makes a room feel warm and grounded. I think people often don’t get large enough rugs because they can be super expensive, but the company Rugs USA does partnerships with interior designers and comes out with beautiful collections. If you’re buying second-hand, look for a 100% wool rug. That way, you can just take it to a rug cleaner, and it will last forever.
On learning to thrift: Our family had a pretty fixed budget, so I grew up thrifting for clothes and furniture with my mom. Sometimes it felt embarrassing. All the other kids at school were wearing Abercrombie & Fitch, and I would have styles from Goodwill. But now I’m proud that I’ve developed the muscle to go into a store and seek out unassuming pieces that can work in our lives.
KITCHEN
On family rituals: Zach, Nina, and I cherish our morning walks. When it’s hot in L.A., we’re out the door by 6 a.m. to catch the crisp morning air. At that time, the neighborhood is super quiet, and our daughter loves the stroller, so everyone is content looking at the gardens and waving at a few neighbors with dogs.
On a pantry staple: I like baking with Trader Joe’s bourbon vanilla bean paste. It’s affordable and has little vanilla bean flecks and a great depth of flavor. It also tastes great stirred into coffee.
FAMILY ROOM
Bookshelves: “all three from Facebook Marketplace for $75.” Marble side table: “handmade by my husband’s great-grandfather.” Striped armchairs: Facebook Marketplace.
On growing up in Minnesota: My American parents met while living in Stockholm, but they always planned on moving back to the U.S. We ended up settling in Minneapolis, close to my grandparents. Minneapolis is a decent-sized city with so much access to nature. The lakes are magical, and kids can just be kids. The winters there are brutal (those negative 40 wind chills!), but it’s a great place to grow up.
Sofa with ottoman: Interior Define. Coffee table: Sundays. Throw pillows: Banana Republic Home. Rug: Rugs USA.
On negotiating tips: If you want to bargain with a Facebook Marketplace seller, let them know you can pick up the item right away. They’re often open to accepting a lower price once they realize they won’t have to negotiate with lots of people over a few days.
On a home sweet home: To me, thrifted pieces make a house feel like a home because you know they have stories behind them. They bring a sense of coziness and security, which feels especially nice since we live in a rental and don’t know how long we’ll stay.
NURSERY
Paint: Old White by Farrow & Ball. Glider: Oilo. Crib: Namesake. Rug: Rugs USA.
On a labor of love: My husband and I found our daughter’s dresser at a thrift store. I ended up spending my entire pregnancy working on refinishing it — sanding, stripping, and staining. I almost gave up a few times because I hadn’t realized how big of an undertaking it would be! But it was exciting to prepare a special piece for her.
Shelves: Amazon. Chair: Charlie Crane.
On pops of color: We wanted her nursery to feel fun and childlike, but also not super ‘baby.’ I painted the walls ‘Old White’ by Farrow & Ball which makes it feel light and pretty, then relied on Nina’s toys to add color and whimsy.
PARENTS’ BEDROOM
Bed: Lulu & Georgia. Duvet: Jenni Kayne. Lamp and side table: Facebook Marketplace.
On easy TV: Zach and I recently decided that we needed to something light for winding down at night. We are getting back into Schitt’s Creek and I forgot how funny it is! My favorite character is Alexis, she’s iconic.
On motherhood surprises: Growing up, I worked as a nanny, so I thought I understood what it was like to be a parent. But the realities of becoming a mom knocked me on my face. It’s very different going to someone’s home, caring for their kids, and then going home to get a good night’s sleep. The sleep loss has been real! On the other hand, being a mom has also been the most wonderful transition — to see the world through fresh eyes has been magical.
Thank you so much, Jessica!
P.S. More home tours, including a very colorful house in Connecticut and a 175-square-foot Brooklyn studio.
(Photos by Leela Cyd for Cup of Jo.)
