topic TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE in Home

TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

Oznell — Sun, 04 May 2025 19:08:36 GMT

Some years ago, Melanie Wagner and husband weren't sure where they wanted to settle permanently, pre-retirement. They wanted to "try out" Tucson, and lucked into a sweet rental with some soulful details.

She calls her style, "Arizona Colonial"-- because it leans to the British colonial look she favors, but with the Southwest accents she has woven in.

NOTE: "Homeworthy" is pulling its usual tricks-- video too dark! So, I've patched their images together with some brighter images of the house from elsewhere... still recommend the video in order to get a much better feeling of flow in the house.

As she's walking in to the living room, this looks darker than it is-- oh well.

There's a beautiful desk, flanked by classic zebra print chairs when you first walk in.

She loves Slim Aarons' classic midcentury art photographs just like I do. She confessed that the little silver trays that she uses to layer under planters, etc., are a Dollar Tree find. She gives lots of handy "high-low" tips like that!

The couch faces simple bookcases, with treasures collected over 30 years...

....like her Mexican pottery that she combines with the artichokes she dries herself, in a wooden bowl.

Her collected mirrors and art really personalize the rental throughout--

The characteristics of British colonial-- white slipcovered furniture, rich woods, carved details, old rugs, rattans and wovens, intricate metal work, and plants, are ever present. They blend and overlap with her Southwest details of wrought iron, Indian blankets, baskets, and Talavera pottery and motifs.

The landlord wanted to rent the house to them "as is", with 10- 15 year old wall-to-wall carpeting-- but they hated that, and somehow they convinced him to let them rip it all up, and paint the concrete in a harmonious color.

See the fringed blanket on the couch below? Melanie chose the sand- colored stripe in the blanket, and they found a paint color that matched, to paint the floor--

Here's the floor right after they ripped all the glue and carpet nails out, etc., and before painting. See how great their raw outdoor space is:

BEFORE. The original compact kitchen had fake wood grain cupboards. The couple were allowed to paint them out, and they made other changes out of their own pocket.

AFTER, below. Of course, Melanie gets questions about art so close to the grease, etc. of a stove. She said she 'needs' the art, and when she's really into her heavy duty "Italian-girl" cooking, she just whisks the leaning painting away from the stove:

They put in a deeper sink, and handsome faucets. The blue ribbon art was made by her daughter to showcase the award her Mom got from the Pima County fair for doing an exceptional table scape display in an interior design competition. What a sweet daughter!

Their dining room is a tiny space between kitchen and living room, but exudes personality. A flower nut who gets tired of constantly refreshing bouquets, she got some realistic faux gladiolas and put them in real water in a vase--

The Picasso print that was over the fireplace in the first photo, is now in the dining room. Love her romantic metal lamps.

A sweet, snug but airy bedroom--

Their patio is a spectacular space! Patio furniture is old Home Depot which she painted black. Geraniums are her favorite flower.

They have a wonderful old wood table they've used both indoors and out--

She has a view of this brick wall from her bedroom, so wanted more of her favorite geramiums and topiary here.

Specially loved this since Tucson has been one of my favorites since childhood visits with family there. Very simpatico city!

Question-- as a renter, would you put in a sink and faucet more to your liking, at your own expense? Or provide the labor to rip up undesirable carpet? Clearly, it was worth it to them, and they've stayed and gotten enjoyment out of their improvements.

To me, a charming and well-lived-in home.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

Alsace Gal — Sun, 04 May 2025 19:31:19 GMT

@Oznell

@Oznell wrote:

Some years ago, Melanie Wagner and husband weren't sure where they wanted to settle permanently, pre-retirement. They wanted to "try out" Tucson, and lucked into a sweet rental with some soulful details.

She calls her style, "Arizona Colonial"-- because it leans to the British colonial look she favors, but with the Southwest accents she has woven in.

NOTE: "Homeworthy" is pulling its usual tricks-- video too dark! So, I've patched their images together with some brighter images of the house from elsewhere... still recommend the video in order to get a much better feeling of flow in the house.

As she's walking in to the living room, this looks darker than it is-- oh well.

There's a beautiful desk, flanked by classic zebra print chairs when you first walk in.

She loves Slim Aarons' classic midcentury art photographs just like I do. She confessed that the little silver trays that she uses to layer under planters, etc., are a Dollar Tree find. She gives lots of handy "high-low" tips like that!

The couch faces simple bookcases, with treasures collected over 30 years...

....like her Mexican pottery that she combines with the artichokes she dries herself, in a wooden bowl.

Her collected mirrors and art really personalize the rental throughout--

The characteristics of British colonial-- white slipcovered furniture, rich woods, carved details, old rugs, rattans and wovens, intricate metal work, and plants, are ever present. They blend and overlap with her Southwest details of wrought iron, Indian blankets, baskets, and Talavera pottery and motifs.

The landlord wanted to rent the house to them "as is", with 10- 15 year old wall-to-wall carpeting-- but they hated that, and somehow they convinced him to let them rip it all up, and paint the concrete in a harmonious color.

See the fringed blanket on the couch below? Melanie chose the sand- colored stripe in the blanket, and they found a paint color that matched, to paint the floor--

Here's the floor right after they ripped all the glue and carpet nails out, etc., and before painting. See how great their raw outdoor space is:

BEFORE. The original compact kitchen had fake wood grain cupboards. The couple were allowed to paint them out, and they made other changes out of their own pocket.

AFTER, below. Of course, Melanie gets questions about art so close to the grease, etc. of a stove. She said she 'needs' the art, and when she's really into her heavy duty "Italian-girl" cooking, she just whisks the leaning painting away from the stove:

They put in a deeper sink, and handsome faucets. The blue ribbon art was made by her daughter to showcase the award her Mom got from the Pima County fair for doing an exceptional table scape display in an interior design competition. What a sweet daughter!

Their dining room is a tiny space between kitchen and living room, but exudes personality. A flower nut who gets tired of constantly refreshing bouquets, she got some realistic faux gladiolas and put them in real water in a vase--

The Picasso print that was over the fireplace in the first photo, is now in the dining room. Love her romantic metal lamps.

A sweet, snug but airy bedroom--

Their patio is a spectacular space! Patio furniture is old Home Depot which she painted black. Geraniums are her favorite flower.

They have a wonderful old wood table they've used both indoors and out--

She has a view of this brick wall from her bedroom, so wanted more of her favorite geramiums and topiary here.

Specially loved this since Tucson has been one of my favorites since childhood visits with family there. Very simpatico city!

Question-- as a renter, would you put in a sink and faucet more to your liking, at your own expense? Or provide the labor to rip up undesirable carpet? Clearly, it was worth it to them, and they've stayed and gotten enjoyment out of their improvements.

To me, a charming and well-lived-in home.

@Oznell

Yes, I would. First I would ask for a long term rental agreement with the stipulation I could upgrade within reason.

If one put in $20k and lived in the rental for 10 years it would average out to 2k per year.

I was a landlord for 30 years with 10 rentals. I would consider this win-win for both tenants and a landlord.

As a landlord I found credit checks mean very little as to how a tenant will take care of a home or pay the rent.

If a would be tenant approached me with this request, /I would jump on it.

I really like the rental makeover you posted.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

Sooner — Sun, 04 May 2025 19:32:43 GMT

I can't really say I like it because all that stuff seems sort of smothering to me. Interesting to look at but maybe too much for me to be happy living there. . .

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

kaydee50 — Sun, 04 May 2025 19:42:34 GMT

From the quick look at the pix, doesn't look very Southwestern to me. Could be anywhere and yes, much too much "stuff."

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

SactoSue — Sun, 04 May 2025 19:51:12 GMT

As someone who lived in Tucson for 2 years, I'm happy to see a non-southwest heavy decor. and no attempt to make the home into a ranch or an adoe or pueblo festival. .

There are plenty of charming older Tuscon houses that have very interesting design features and Colonial Southwest seems to fit well for them.

I would have a lot of misgivings about a self-remodel in a rental. As others have mentioned, it would take a serious long-term lease that I had full faith in.

I would be extremely concerned that at some point the owners would pass, or other such effect happend and their estate would demand a sale of the home.

It has some interesting feautures, but I do agree I feel like I would need more breathing room. Maybe reduce the size of that interior dining table.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

I am still oxox — Sun, 04 May 2025 19:55:03 GMT

I am sorry but who is she?

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

giova — Sun, 04 May 2025 19:59:14 GMT

I love it. It looks very Tucsony to me. I especially love the painted concrete, it fits so well with the look.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

DREAMON — Sun, 04 May 2025 20:05:31 GMT

I love it. It is very inviting to me.

I would of course change a few things.... Too many pillows and furniture coverings for me, I really dislike the art (her personal taste but sure not mine), and that is about all I would change.

I have a thing for mirrors so they appeal to me.

Warm, cozy, bright, and appealing rental.

BUT...I would have to own it before I did any work in there.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

hopi — Sun, 04 May 2025 20:08:50 GMT

@Oznell

You are fascinating in the way you share us your interests with us and so many are unique. I mean that in a good way. That being said this looks like a hot mess. Love the southwest. The backyard looks lovely but it's outside. Property owners can turn on you or sell in a heartbeat... don't know how much I would invest in a rental but having money would probably go for fixing what needed to be done.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

CoffeeNut — Sun, 04 May 2025 20:15:35 GMT

The living room would look a lot better with a white or ivory rug with green accents. The current one is too dark.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

DSD2 — Sun, 04 May 2025 20:44:24 GMT

@Oznellanother wonderful post to savor this Sunday!

I love the white couch, pillows and chairs, so comfortable and inviting. (I would change out the rug as @CoffeeNut suggested).

The patio is spectacular! A fantastic space.

I also like the bedroom and of course, the sweet dog.

If I were a renter looking for something long term and had the means, I would definitely make changes to have the space just the way I'd like it.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

We rescue cats — Sun, 04 May 2025 20:45:59 GMT

Interestng home, I'm sure they are enjoying it, they have some lovely things. I would be tearing into the house to renovate it if possible since it's a rental. The only thinkg I love 'as is' is the patio.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

Love my grandkids — Sun, 04 May 2025 21:02:29 GMT

@Oznell An easy "no" from me. Can't stand white furniture or any kind of animal prints and there's just too much stuff. JMO

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

Desert Lily — Sun, 04 May 2025 22:46:10 GMT

It doesn't feel or look Southwestern to me.

I wonder if she's using that picture above the stove to hide a problem with the wall or the former tile behind it.

I hope she never has a guest or family member that turns on the stove without her being there. The picture there doesn't feel smart to me.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

DottieBlue — Mon, 05 May 2025 02:15:04 GMT

I like most of the decor as individual pieces, but don't think the two "styles" flow together that well. Too much stuff, there's enough to furnish two houses.

I would never put that much effort and/or money into a rental unless I was reimbursed in some way, like lower rent.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

shoptilyadropagain — Mon, 05 May 2025 12:58:26 GMT

She has a few beautiful pieces that I really like but, in many places, they get lost, with an overabundance of other items. Overall, it just does not appeal to me. Also, the few southwestern items that I did see didn't work well with her main design choices.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

stevieb — Mon, 05 May 2025 16:38:18 GMT

Looks like she has some pretty pieces and the house looks to be somewhat comfortable, but I can't say much about either the home or the decor resonates with me. Somehow, it doesn't look particularly well pulled together. Of course, some of that might be the nature of screen shots.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

Oznell — Mon, 05 May 2025 16:12:33 GMT

@Alsace Gal , and others who helped address the concept of tenants doing upgrades and the pros and cons, a big thanks! It's good to know those.

I'm not sure what I'd do if I lived in a rental that had things that bugged me. If I loved the setting, the neighborhood, didn't plan to move for years, I'd be tempted to try at least some improvements. Having an iron-clad written document with the landlord, vis a vis responsibilities of both parties, so there'd be no surprises, as @Alsace Gal suggested, seems such a good idea.

@I am still oxox , her name is Melanie Wagner. This is her firm:

@Sacto Sue, and @giova , great comments. I get the sense that you also know exactly the kind of non-cliched, warm, "Old Tucson" look I remember from visits to my great uncle and aunt there. I love Melanie's results, in a smallish space, that feeling of unforced charm, flickering candles, dark woods, curly iron and cheerful pottery, on and on...

In fact, her house made me remember a restaurant my great Aunt Alice took us to, somewhere deep in the desert outside of Tucson. I vaguely think it was old Spanish revival, and created such a mood, with brick and tile courtyards, arches, romantic atmosphere to burn.... I was wowed.

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

I am still oxox — Mon, 05 May 2025 16:15:21 GMT

@Oznell wrote:
@Alsace Gal , and others who helped address the concept of tenants doing upgrades and the pros and cons, a big thanks! It's good to know those.

I'm not sure what I'd do if I lived in a rental that had things that bugged me. If I loved the setting, the neighborhood, didn't plan to move for years, I'd be tempted to try at least some improvements. Having an iron-clad written document with the landlord, vis a vis responsibilities of both parties, so there'd be no surprises, as @Alsace Gal suggested, seems such a good idea.

@I am still oxox , her name is Melanie Wagner. This is her firm:

@Sacto Sue, and @giova , great comments. I get the sense that you also know exactly the kind of non-cliched, warm, "Old Tucson" look I remember from visits to my great uncle and aunt there. I love Melanie's results, in a smallish space, that feeling of unforced charm, flickering candles, dark woods, curly iron and cheerful pottery, on and on...

In fact, her house made me remember a restaurant my great Aunt Alice took us to, somewhere deep in the desert outside of Tucson. I vaguely think it was old Spanish revival, and created such a mood, with brick and tile courtyards, arches, romantic atmosphere to burn.... I was wowed.

@Oznell I still have no clue who she is other than some random

Re: TUCSON RENTAL HOUSE

CANDLEQUEEN — Mon, 05 May 2025 17:57:06 GMT

Its beautiful, there is a bit too much stuff for me, but other than that it is really pretty. I am not big on furniture coverings, but maybe they do that because of their pet.

They have really made this their home,even though they don't own it. Not too many tenants like thatout there. that is wonderful.. I am sure it has made them so happy to be able to do that and make it special for themselves.