This story is best told by the striking before-and-after photos that accompany it.
Key West Realtor Michelle Howerton, who also owns Somewhere South Staging, wanted to show appreciation for a local military family and the sacrifices they make.
“I want to make this an annual appreciation event that I do between Memorial Day and Fourth of July,” Howerton said. “I use a combination of the family’s own belongings, but also add some color, artwork, decorative touches and furniture pieces. This is not something for poor or needy families, but is entirely about appreciation for those who protect us. Next year, I’ll take nominations for a local police officer or firefighter’s family.”
Howerton put out a call on Facebook seeking military families in need of a “refresh.” She found plenty of deserving families, as well as some generous local businesses that donated artwork, furniture, lamps, lighting, shelves, you name it. Other businesses donated gift cards that filled a gift basket.
“I just happened to come across her post the same day that my kids had been complaining about how dark, brown and ‘unaesthetic’ our furniture and decor was,” said Michelle Armstrong. “We hadn’t spent time in the tropical weather, so I definitely needed some color in the house. But I kept telling the kids I wasn’t going to spend a fortune on new furniture when we’re only going to have to move and store it every three years when we move. I figured I’d wait until Rick retired to make the big investment.”
But that wasn’t necessary.
Michelle Armstrong immediately replied to Howerton and sent her photos of their home at Key West’s Trumbo Point, near the Fly Navy building. Howerton selected Rick and Michelle Armstong, and their kids, Thomas, 12, and Teagan, 10, for her first military appreciation makeover.
Rick Armstrong is in his 20th year as active-duty Coast Guard, and the family has lived in Virginia, Alabama, Washington, D.C., Maryland, New York and on an Air Force base in Colorado before being stationed in Key West.
“When we saw what Michelle did with our home, my son’s eyes were silver dollars and my daughter actually teared up,” Michelle Armstrong said. “We still can’t believe it every time we walk in the door. She kept our big sectional and some other pieces, but really added so much color and thought that it looks like a whole new living room and dining room. Key West was already our favorite Coast Guard station, but this just drove it home. I don’t think Michelle realizes how much this gift means to our family. I kept waiting for someone to say I was being punked. This sort of thing doesn’t happen to me.”
