Input Home Tours: Alexa Keefe gives us a tour of her eclectic, jewel-toned home in Glenwood Park

As more residents hunker down at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, we're seizing the opportunity to explore some of the coolest and most interesting living spaces in Northeast Indiana as a part of our Input Home Tours series.

This week, Alexa Keefe gives us a tour of her eclectic, jewel-toned home in Glenwood Park, filled with rich colors, thrift store finds, bohemian textures, and local art.



IFW: Where do you live?

AK: I live in Glenwood Park on the Northeast side of Fort Wayne. I just call my house, “home.” Nothing quirky or unique about it, but “home” is a very powerful word. It is a place where my friends and family are welcomed at any time, and they are always met with unconditional love and food. Always food!

IFW: Who lives in your home, and how long have you lived there?

AK: I live with my husband, Matt Keefe, and our two girls, Nelia and Sanna, and we've been here since October 2019.

The master bedroom of the Keefe family home.
 

IFW: How long have you lived in Fort Wayne, and where do you work around town?

AK: I’ve lived in Fort Wayne my entire life. Both of my parents moved here from the Philippines, and as I was growing up, I always wondered why they didn’t choose a bigger city, but the older I get, I see why they laid down roots here. 
 
I am a stay-at-home mom, and my creative outlet is definitely my home.

The Keefe family's dining room.
 
IFW: Tell us about your space.
 
AK: My house was built in 1957. It is a ranch with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
 
IFW: What inspired you to move into this home, of all places?

AK: Honestly, it was just a feeling. I walked through the house, and I could see my family living there, spending birthdays and holidays and celebrating big life moments together.  

Family dog Ladybird enjoys the light of the living room.

IFW: Tell us about your neighborhood. What do you love about living there?

AK: Glenwood Park is full of Mid-Century Modern homes, and I just love that each and every home is different.  

IFW: During the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many people are spending more time in their homes than usual, have you found yourself making design updates to your space? If so, what are they?

AK: I have a lot of future plans for my home, but it will happen over a lifetime. What I love to do is rearrange different spaces. Moving furniture around can bring new life to an area.

Decor details in the guest bedroom.
IFW: How would you describe your design style? 

AK: I would say my style is eclectic bohemian.
 
IFW: Where do you find your design inspiration?

AK: I’m just inspired by beautiful things. I love unique handcrafted items, and I pull a lot of my inspiration from exotic places. I love color and, of course, I love my plants. They are the perfect touch to any design concept, in my opinion.

Plants make up a big part of the decor at the home of the Keefe family.
IFW: Have you faced any design challenges in your current space, and if so, how did you overcome them?

AK: I have faced many challenges and have done things that I thought I would love, but then hated. I would say I overcame them just by my willingness to try, and I’m not scared to start completely over. I love a project!

IFW: What is your favorite space in your home? Tell us about it.

AK: My favorite spaces change over time. I don’t think I could just pick one spot, though, if you follow me on Instagram, you know that I’m pretty obsessed with my fireplace. I just love having a fire inside!

The walls of the Keefe family's home are decorated with local art by the artist AfroPlump.
IFW: What is your favorite piece of furniture or décor in your home? Tell us about it.

AK: I’m obsessed with neat mirrors, and I love my vintage pieces of furniture, too. 

IFW: What advice do you have for others looking to update their space in Fort Wayne? Any local shops or resources you would recommend?

AK: Go for it! Don’t be scared to paint a wall, move your furniture around, put up some paneling. Whatever it is you’ve been thinking about, just do it!

I also recommend getting your art from talented, local artists. I have so much local art that I love, and it just brings me so much joy. A few of my favorite local artists in the Fort Wayne area are AfroPlump, Burger Babie, Cara Keefe, Nick Branfield at Cardinal Tattoo, Natalie Drummond, and Molly Stronz.

For vintage finds, Facebook marketplace is probably my most often used resource, but I also frequent ReNEW Upscale Resale and JJ’s Antiques. I recently attended a vintage sale at Wunderkammer Co. that was amazing, and I left with some good finds! 

The home features an open concept design.
 
IFW: Any fun tips or tricks for home updates on a budget?

AK: Making your home beautiful doesn’t have to be expensive. Ninety percent of the things in my home are secondhand or thrifted. I think that brings a lot of character into a home.
 
Vintage finds and unique mirrors accent Alexa Keefe's home.

IFW: Last but not least, tell us what you love about Fort Wayne and why you are choosing to make your home here?

AK: I love that my family is here, and my children get to grow up with their cousins. I love that Fort Wayne has so many neat things to do around town, and I love that Fort Wayne feels like “home.”