VERANDA Editor Rebuilds Home After Flood Damage

Rebuilding with a focus on timeless design and cherished family heirlooms.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:37am

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After returning home from Paris to find her Birmingham bungalow damaged by a burst water heater, VERANDA editor Catherine Smith is embarking on a full home renovation. Despite the chaos, she's using this as an opportunity to thoughtfully redesign her "forever home" with a focus on classic finishes, cozy textures, and treasured family pieces.

Why it matters

Smith's renovation journey highlights how even the most unfortunate circumstances can lead to positive transformations for a home. By thoughtfully rebuilding with an eye for timeless design and sentimental touches, she's creating a space that will only improve with time and use.

The details

With floors buckled and the home left empty, Smith is tackling everything from new flooring and paint colors to wallpaper and hardware. She plans to keep the trim a consistent warm white for a clean, cohesive feel, while experimenting with blue-gray kitchen cabinets and a soft blush bedroom. Smith is also layering in pattern and texture through textiles like a patterned breakfast nook, marigold banquette fabric, and ruffled throw pillows. To add warmth, she'll incorporate bamboo shades, area rugs, and soft throws. For a timeless foundation, Smith is opting for classic finishes like aged bronze hardware and honed white marble countertops, paired with dark-stained hardwood floors.

  • In January, Smith returned home from Paris to find a burst water heater and buckled floors.
  • Smith is currently in the midst of the full home renovation process, juggling movers, insurance claims, and building permits.

The players

Catherine Smith

A VERANDA magazine editor who is overseeing the renovation of her Birmingham bungalow after flood damage.

Smith's Grandmother

Affectionately refers to Smith's home as "The Dollhouse".

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What they’re saying

“Nothing like household havoc to fast-track your renovation plans!”

— Catherine Smith, VERANDA Editor

“Consider this the beginning of my renovation wish list as I dream up what my forever home will look like once the dust settles (literally). Maybe it will inspire your own home refresh—or total makeover.”

— Catherine Smith, VERANDA Editor

What’s next

As Smith continues the renovation process, she will finalize paint colors, select wallpaper, and source the perfect hardware and furniture pieces to transform her Birmingham bungalow into her "forever home."

The takeaway

Even the most challenging home disasters can lead to positive transformations when approached with thoughtfulness and an eye for timeless design. By blending classic finishes with sentimental family pieces, Smith is creating a space that will only improve with time and use.