Couple ‘unflipping’ renovated home into original 1960s paradise – and it’s added over £200,000 in value

A couple who are “unflipping” their renovated home into its original 1960s design say it’s added over £200,000 in value.

Dana Jenkins and Colin Davis were left “disheartened” after seeing how their new home had been “stripped” of its past.

While the pair, both aged 30, were relieved that any issues had been taken care of, they couldn’t face living with the modern and minimalist interior.

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So, they decided to “unflip” their home and restore it back to its 1960s roots.

“We’ve always believed that a house should never be made into something it’s not,” Colin, a security operations centre lead, told What’s The Jam.

Couple unflip renovated home back to 1960s design adding £200,000 in value. Dana and Colin restore mid-century features after modern flip stripped house of character. — Dana and Colin. (Jam Press/@un.flipping)

“Using fixtures, colours or materials that don’t align with a property’s architecture can make it feel out of place.

“We’ve long loved mid-century modern design and it was a key requirement when house hunting.

“At the time, the market had virtually no untouched homes that still retained the design elements we were looking for.

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“When we toured this house, we immediately recognised the aspects that made it special.

“And saw the potential to restore and honour its original character.”

Dana, a pharmacist, and Colin, from Georgia, US, snapped up the four-bed detached home for $450,000 (USD) (£335,080.72).

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Despite having no prior renovation experience, the couple took on the task, learning through trial and error.

In the downstairs living room, they kept things simple and added a few vintage finds.

These include a Panasonic TR-005 “The Orbitel” television, GE C443 Stereo Console and a retro orange couch that they found secondhand online, as well as a Malabar lounge chair spotted at an auction.

In the upstairs living room, where most of their “prized” finds are, they’ve added a MALM style fireplace, an original Craft Associates 2404–S sofa, Selig Z-chairs and a Royal System Cado wall unit they had spent years searching for.

Moving onto the kitchen, they removed the “poorly installed” white shaker cabinets, nickel hardware and grey herringbone backsplash.

As custom units were out of their budget, they bought wooden style cabinets that honoured the walnut ones which were once in the home.

The flooring and backsplash were refreshed using inspiration from trends within the 1960s, including green tiling and French pattern.

The bright white doors were swiftly taken off and replaced with Lauan wood.

While the bedroom and bathroom is still a work in progress, they’ve made plans to include pink fixtures, a Hollywood-style sunken tub and Nelson Cigar sconces.

But their favourite room in the house? The basement.

Dana said: “It feels like this has had the biggest change.

“After adding paneling back into the room, it felt like going through a time machine.

“Immediately, it sent me to 1996 with a warm hug.

“I want to host parties here every weekend.

“Over the years, we’ve found vintage pieces that tie everything together.

“What was once a grey box with excessive bright white lighting is now the perfect mix of cosy and groovy – a perfect reflection of us.”

Although they’ve had professional help along the way, they’ve quickly built up their skills and hope to have everything completed by the end of February 2026.

In total, so far, it’s set them back $82,306 (£61,287.01) [see full cost breakdown below].

And the couple believe it’s added over $300,000 (£223,387.14) to the value.

Dana added: “The response has been the most shocking bit to us.

“Not because we didn’t think people would like it, but because of how deeply others resonate with what we’re doing.