About the Designer: My name is Genne and I am passionate about beautiful spaces, functional design, and making houses feel like homes – homes that are ready for that special someone to come through the door! I want you to fall in love with your house.

As a little girl, I was always re-arranging my bedroom-- if not the furniture, the books and toys on shelves. I spent hours creating elaborate rooms for my Barbie doll using small boxes, scraps of fabric and accessories borrowed from the family living room!

Even as a child, I loved visiting pretty homes and noticed how they “felt”.  My space, where I lived or worked, was always very important to me. I have moved sixteen times, and never tire of figuring out how I can re-use my old furnishings and beloved treasures in a new, updated way.

For thirteen years, I served as general contractor and often, do-it-yourselfer, bringing a 1903 country-Victorian home back to life. Remodeling projects included two full bathrooms, large eat-in

kitchen, a two-story addition, and several gardens. I designed four spec homes in mid-coast Maine which were built by my father-in-laws’ company, Johnston Brothers.  In addition to 

 

About the Company: Make It Home is a woman/veteran-owned small business serving the Richmond Metro area, including Henrico, Hanover, Goochland and Chesterfield Counties. Our mission is to create beautiful rooms that you love, that work for you and that fit your budget. Our goal is to provide the best interior redesign services for home, garden and resale in the region.

Owner and principal designer, Genne McDaniel Johnston lives in Glen Allen, VA. Born in Norfolk and raised in New England, she returned to her Southern roots several years ago. Genne graduated from the University of Massachusetts, twice. “I am very fortunate to have trained with a celebrated redesigner to prepare for this business.” Genne is a certified Interior Redesigner and One Day Staging and Decorating Professional.  She is proud to be a Henrico Master Gardener Volunteer.

selecting cabinets, flooring and countertops, my husband and I cleaned up after the builder and did interior painting. I took a real estate course in order to understand how homes were appraised and amenities valued. I also conducted market research with local real estate agents to learn what buyers wanted. I read floor plans and visit model homes for fun. (I like to remind my husband that I can be a very inexpensive date, let’s just visit a few model homes!)

With our move to greater Richmond, I had the opportunity to re-evaluate my career in education and rediscover what I most wanted to do. My passion revolves around homes and gardens. Make It Home is the career I was preparing for most of my life and my dream come true. I am honored to be invited into your home to help you achieve your dreams.