The Brownstone Boys share their blueprints for communication, budgeting and turning a house into a home.
Newlyweds and renovation experts Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, better known as the Brownstone Boys (@thebrownstoneboys), know a thing or two about balancing big life projects. As business partners and life partners, they've navigated home renovations, launched a successful design brand, and planned a wedding — all with a deep commitment to intentionality and authenticity.
Bring the same level of intentionality to home buying as you do your wedding.
When it comes to designing a home, Bordelon and Slocum believe couples should approach it with the same care and personalization as planning a wedding. “We always tell people that one of the reasons we love what we do is because you get to approach a home with intention,” Bordelon explains.
That means thinking beyond the aesthetics — considering how you'll actually live in the space. “We work closely with our clients to understand how they use their home on a daily basis,” Bordelon adds. “Do they work from home? Do they host a lot? Do they have family heirlooms they want to display? All of those things shape the design decisions.”
Should you buy a move-in ready home or a fixer-upper?
For couples debating whether to buy a turnkey home or take on a renovation, The Brownstone Boys break down the pros and cons.
PROS OF A FIXER-UPPER
- You get to design the home to fit your lifestyle.
- There may be an opportunity to restore historical charm, if applicable.
- Sometimes, it can be more cost-effective than buying a fully renovated home.
- Unknown issues revealed during construction, whereas issues may be hidden in a move-in-ready home.
CONS OF A FIXER-UPPER
- The process takes longer, often a year or more.
- You may need alternative accommodations during renovations.
- There's always the potential for unexpected expenses.
Though there's a romantic appeal to renovating a home, you must be realistic about what you're getting into. “Some people love the idea of DIY, but there are certain things — like electrical work and structural changes — that should always be left to the pros,” says Slocum.
The biggest mistake that couples make when renovating together.
Home renovations, like wedding planning, can put a couple's relationship to the test. “One of the things that helped us was setting a weekly check-in time, which was a suggestion from our wedding planner, Modern Rebel,” says Bordelon.
“We blocked off time every Saturday morning just to talk about wedding planning,” adds Slocum.
The same approach works from home renovations. “Having a dedicated time each week to go over decisions, check progress, and talk through concerns prevents stress from building up,” Bordelon adds.
Another common issue? Differing design styles. “There's a balance,” says Slocum. “I always compare it to our aesthetic. I want color everywhere and Barry likes three shades of light gray. But the combination of my eccentric patterns and his neutrals made for something really beautiful.”
“There are lots of opportunities in thehouse for everyone to get what they want,” adds Bordelon.
Budgeting for the unexpected.
Just like wedding planning, renovations often cost more than expected. That's why The Brownstone Boys strongly recommend a contingency budget. “We always tell our clients to set aside an extra 10 to 15% of their budget for surprises,” Bordelon advises.
Hidden problems — such as outdated electrical systems, structural issues, or faulty plumbing — are common in renovations. “The unknowns can be the most stressful part of the process,” Slocum adds. “By planning for it up front, you eliminate a lot of anxiety when something inevitably comes up.”
How to find — and vet — good contractors.
Choosing the right professionals to help bring your vision to life is crucial. The Brownstone Boys recommend:
- Checking referrals. “Talk to past clients to see if they'd recommend them.”
- Visiting jobsites. “See their work-in-progress and finished projects.”
- Listening for experience. “A good contractor should be able to say, ‘We've done this before, here's how we handled it.'”
- Watching for red flags. “If they're slow to respond before you even hire them, that's a bad sign.
And just like in a relationship, trust is everything. “You have to feel like you can problem-solve with them,” Bordelon says.
Slocum advises interviewing multiple contractors. “Don't hire the first contact,” he explains. “Interview a couple and see how they all communicate differently and which one you really like. Communication is imperative — in weddings, in renovation, in design.”
Can you really plan a wedding and renovate a home at the same time?
As seasoned renovators, even The Brownstone Boys admit they wouldn't recommend taking on both a wedding and a significant home renovation simultaneously. “I don't know how people even plan a wedding and a honeymoon at the same time,” Bordelon laughs. “I can't imagine someone renovating a home and planning a wedding at the same time!”
“Unless you have a really great team of trusted professionals,” adds Slocum. “We trusted the professionals [with our wedding], and we tell our clients, ‘You're hiring us as professionals, just trust us.'”
Do your research.
“We sought our blogs, forums, and community groups when we were first starting,” Bordelon says. “We learned so much from other people's experiences.”
Hyperlocal online forums can also provide valuable insight. “It's a great way to get real, specific advice from people in your community,” says Slocum.
At the end of the day, home buying and renovations — like marriage — are about partnership, trust and a little bit of compromise. “It's a journey,” Bordelon says, “but when you create a space that truly feels like home, it's all worth it.”
**This article was originally featured in Love Inc. V10 print issue. Buy your copy here.**
Cover photo by Erin White Photography
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