A Conversation with Amy Matthews

Bob Vila:  What have you done for the nursery?

Amy Matthews:  Oh, the nursery.  Well, it's hilarious because it's a small house.  It only has two bedrooms on the first floor.  I refinished the basement just several years ago. And the office, which is now the baby room, was a disaster. And I thought, "There's an infant that has to live in here!"  I went through all the paperwork, cleaned it out and started fresh, and now it is fabulous. 

We don't know if it's a boy or a girl and I didn't want to have a sex-specific color.  I was never going to paint it pink or blue anyway, but I wanted to do something a little modern, kind of edgy but really comfortable, with great bright colors.  And I tried to find things on different trips around the country or internationally and pull those into the house so that everything has a story.  And now this baby room is just—I don't know.  It's got such personality.  It has a really calming, soothing atmosphere. 

There's a great rug that we found in Jackson Hole on a trip that's got a Santa Fe feel. There's really cool shelving that I just redid for the closet. (You know, in Craftsman bungalows or old houses, you've got to maximize the space. There's just none of it to be had, so every inch counts).  And then we're putting together some really cool photos for the baby room from both my husband and I, our stories of our travels and things. So we love it. We love it. It feels good. 

Bob Vila: Did you use low-VOC paints and natural materials?

Amy Matthews:  For sure. In fact, we registered for baby stuff on Babyearth.com, which is all about eco-friendly products. I'm big on using things that do not reduce the indoor air quality in your home. So everything came from this great place—organic cottons and all this good stuff—because at the end of the day, it's the air you're breathing.  You don't want to bring in a mattress that's off-gassing formaldehyde or something.

So I thought, "All right, let's just use the mentality that I used through the rest of house and bring in a clean atmosphere." Now it looks bright and cheery and all of the building materials that went into were thoughtfully chosen.

Bob Vila:  I've got one last question. Do you have a workshop in your bungalow?

Amy Matthews: I have my utility room downstairs, which is usually a workshop.  And it is filled with so much stuff, including my triathlon bike and every can of paint and tool that I own. So the goal is—as we transition the house to a house with a baby—we're going to trick out the garage into a nice new workspace. That is on the list.

Bob Vila: Good. Listen, thank you for doing this. And I just want to wish you all the best in the next few days. You're entering into the most wonderful part of life. 

Amy Matthews: Well, thank you. And congrats on the first grandchild.

Bob Vila: Thanks. It's the greatest.

For more, see our slide show recapping Amy's "5 Tips to Successful DIY."

Amy Matthews’ "Sweat Equity" airs on DIY Network weekdays at 12:30 p.m. ET and Thursday’s from 2- 5 p.m. ET.  You can also see her on "This New House," Fridays at 11 a.m. ET.  Check local listings for additional show times, or visit DIYNetworks.com.