When Michael and Michelle Worobeic owned a 56-acre farm in near Marionon the Olentangy River they were no strangers to fox-hunting horses with a herd of sheep and a guard llama.
The farm’s two large vegetable gardens and herb garden allowed the family to live off the land, and their dye garden contributed to their hobby of spinning yarn from wool, cotton and other fibers.
As their family started to grow with the addition of their two boys – Owen, 6, and Thomas, 2 – things began to change.
“It was a challenge to balance careers, family and the farm, which was a lot of work! We were also quickly outgrowing our quaint but small farmhouse,” says Michele.
“When Owen was getting ready for kindergarten, we realized it was time to make our move. Maintaining a reasonable commuting distance to our current jobs in Marion was important,” says Michael. They were looking for a community that offered quality schools and childcare, active lifestyle, support for the arts and diversity. They were also looking for something close to Columbus.
“We also wanted to live in an area with a strong sense of community pride. Dublin was the perfect fit – although the suburban yards are quite small! We really loved the feel of the community and neighborhood we selected,” he says, warmly.They moved into a four-bedroom home in the Belvedere subdivision in July of 2009, allowing Owen to start kindergarten at Deer Run Elementary last fall.
“We purchased a fairly new home that was still painted ‘builder beige’ throughout. It was important to make the home quickly feel warm and welcoming, and to have it reflect our personality. We brought some special rugs and other items that we wanted to include in our new home, but were not sure how to bring everything together in this new environment,” Michele says.
So the couple hired Sheri Toth of Dublin-based
Artistic Space Interior Design (www.artistic-spaces.com) because they realized they needed professional help creating a home that matched their personality and lifestyle.
“They were looking to personalize their new house and make it their home, and they wanted to do it with a more creative and artistic approach than other designers might suggest. They wanted to incorporate existing fine rugs, art work and antiques as well as some of the furniture they had already. They wanted to add color and richness while keeping everything comfortable and inviting not stuffy and museum-like,” says Toth.
Toth describes the Worobeics as a very fun and artsy pair who enjoy piano, guitar, collecting art and practicing a vegan and holistic lifestyle with their children.
The redesign encompassed the entire home and the family was very involved in the planning process with Toth.
She asked us about our goals for the home, interests and lifestyle, and she was more than willing to utilize the pieces of furniture and art that were important to incorporate, as well as new furniture our children just chose for their bedrooms,” says Michael.
Toth wanted to focus on creating spaces where the family could enjoy time together and relax. She used a bonus room upstairs to create a special play and reading area and she transformed their dining room into a music and gathering room.
Their favorite space is the great room. Toth placed the Worobeic’s favorite rug in the center of the room then incorporated some fox-hunting accessories. “The beautiful curves on the furniture, fabrics incorporated into the chairs and swags, and hand-painted panel featured in the back of the room, (they all) look wonderful,” Michele says.
“Due to the high ceilings in this room I chose to design a platform/stage that comes out from the wall and is painted to match the wall for thispainted screen to stand on. This elevated the screen so that it would be more in scale with the size of the room. It looks amazing!” says Toth.
Toth also created a niche in the wall upstairs landingthat is framed by an Italian picture-frame molding that holds a stained glass peacock – one of the couple’s favorite art pieces – that is lit from behind.
“We love the warmth of our master suite, theme development in our children's bedrooms and how well the ‘bonus room’ serves as a comfortable and functional family gathering place,” she says.
“Sheri provided us with a warm and welcoming sitting area off the kitchen and hearth room where we love to enjoy a glass of wine and read in the evenings. Even our powder room incorporates a favorite silk rug that had never been displayed at the farm,” says Michele.
Their kids love the details of their new bedrooms and bonus room/playroom.
“Owen wanted his bedroom to incorporate everything golf and his favorite color – red,” she explains. Even though he is only six-years-old, “he helped select his own furniture and artwork for the walls, and loves the golf accessories, including a putting green, red leather club chair and a place to collect golf balls and tees,” Michael tells.
“We have no idea what attracted Owen to golf, but it has been a passion of his since the age of four. He really enjoyed attending the memorial tournament this year, so moving from a farm to Dublin was a bit hit with our young golfer,” Michele adds.
Little Thomas enjoys his fun bedroom furniture and the playroom which has a cuddle chair that can accommodate the whole family.
“With our busy schedules, there was only so much time to pull our new home together. Our neighbors find it hard to believe how much we have accomplished in such a short time. This was easy with a great painting crew, dedicated designer and lots of inspiration,” says Michael.
“Dublin quickly welcomed us and we look forward to becoming more active in our new community,” he adds.
Pattie Stechschulte is editor of Dublin Life.