Midwest Home Tour: A Bright Modern Container Home
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We first met the Bright family a few years ago when they used a few of our furniture pieces for an HGTV feature of their container home. You can only imagine how excited we were to get to view this mid-century modern inspired home for ourselves after seeing it on TV.
Nestled on family land just west of Tulsa, Hannah and Tyler Bright started building their container home in 2011 and officially moved in at the end of 2013. This handy couple (along with the help of their family) built the majority of their two-story container home with their own two hands. After nearly three years of work, Hannah and Tyler now happily share their bright, modern space with their two young daughters, Charley and Margo, their cats, Norm and Lila, and their dog Pita. Enjoy the Q&A with Hannah below as well as a full tour of this gorgeous midwestern home.
What made you want to build a container home? We really liked the idea of repurposing something old and used and turning it into something new and beautiful. We have always tried to reduce our environmental impact and we felt this would be a great way to do just that and have a unique place to call our home! We also thought that it would be easier to build than a typical home, but I'll let you in on a little secret, it was not!
What was the most challenging part of building your home? There were lots of different challenges that we didn't think of when we started building our home. Small ones like, having to cut tile and flooring to fit the shape of the container walls, or finding out after the fact that drywall and metal don't always work great together.
What was the most rewarding part of the process? The most rewarding part of the process was definitely move-in day. After all the long hours and long weekends we put into building our home, it was so nice to finally live where we were spending all our time.
What do you love most about your space? I love all the windows. I love being able to look out and see the birds, deer, coyotes, cows and whatever else has decided to hang out around the property.
Where did you get your inspiration for decorating your home? I didn't really get inspiration from any one source. I just really like mid-century modern lines and the warmth of wood tones and plants.
How would you describe your decorating style? Hm. I would say mid-century modern industrial farm house? Is that a style? [Oh, it's a style if you want it to be, Hannah! ;)]
Do you have a process you follow when decorating a space? I really try to keep things simple and uncluttered. So I will try a few different set ups and deduct or add if I feel like something is missing or something is too visually heavy for the space.
We love how you integrate spaces for your daughters throughout your home. Any tips for blending kid stuff in with your decor? I would say to try limiting the plastic toys, and to incorporate beautiful, well made items, as well as making their spaces blend with your home’s decor. Oh, and pretty baskets for storage.
Tell us about your experience using IKEA cabinets in your kitchen. Pros, cons? We love our IKEA cabinets. And have no negative feedback as of yet. They come with a 25 year warranty, and they have held up great, even with toddlers.
We know you love vintage shopping– tell us about your favorite find. Thats a hard question, they are all my favorite!
Favorite places to find furniture and home decor in Tulsa? Estate sales, garage sales and flea markets are our main go tos, but we really enjoy browsing other local shops like Retro Den, Mod50s and Vintage Vault.
Why do you think it's important to have vintage pieces in your home? I believe vintage pieces bring a bit of history and uniqueness to your home. They also have a better price to quality ratio than new mass produced furniture.
What is the next home project on your list? We are currently building a mid-century modern playhouse for our girls to go in the backyard!
Why do you think it's important, worthwhile to have a beautiful home? Your home is where you spend most of your time. It gives you a chance to express your creativity and create a warm comfortable space to be with your family.
Enjoy alllll the photos below!
The view upon entering the Bright home.
Hannah used very few window treatments in the home because of their rural location. The natural light throughout the space is amazing.
The Brights used IKEA cabinetry and have been pleased with their decision.
Daly has those same vintage canisters in her kitchen!
Hannah integrates vintage finds like this ceramic container throughout the space. It's a nice contrast to the newness of the home.
The family usually eats breakfast at the vast kitchen island.
Hannah tries to wake up earlier than her young daughters some mornings so she can read in this rocker with a cup of coffee and take in the morning views.
Unused space underneath the stairs has become a creative nook for Charley and Margo. We also hear dancing takes place on the soft white rug.
The TV is tucked away behind the stone fireplace and can slide out when needed.
We love the combination of the fireplace stone and the stacked wood.
The girls' toys blend seamlessly with the clean, minimal decor.
A music/office/play area can be found right off the living room.
The metal walls of the shipping containers almost appear to be striped wallpaper from certain angles.
Hannah and Tyler built their simple wooden headboard.
The first-floor bathroom is connected to the master bedroom and the main living area.
The view when you walk up to the second floor– a lounge/play area for the girls.
Palmer assured Hannah that vintage bird embroidery piece had a home if it ever needed to leave Hannah's house.
We love love love the thought and detail behind the artwork and found object vignettes throughout the home.
The Brights added the vertical wood pieces to the wall for both form and function. Also, Hannah inherited the sewing machine and is planning to spend more time on her creative hobby.
A lounging/music-listening area connects the girls' rooms.
Charley's room is bright and colorful! Also, check out those gorgeous cork floors. The family used this material in part because it could be cut more easily to fit the shape of the metal shipping container walls.
The rainbow and birds are vinyl decals that can be easily removed.
The artwork is a framed vintage rug.
Hannah found the hanging lamp while vintage shopping before her daughters were born. She saved it for years before using it in Margo's nursery.
The family loves using the second story covered deck– even (or especially) on rainy days.
To read more about the Bright container home, check out Hannah's blog. Now enjoy the tour!
