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Signed in as:
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Dag Aabye
Homes are more than structures—they're emotional ecosystems, vessels for stories, and reflections of identity. I created Character Home to transform how we view domestic spaces, where history, design, and emotional well-being converge. By bridging the timeless with the contemporary, I honor the unique character that makes a house not just a home but a sanctuary.
My passion lies in preserving and reimagining homes with integrity, blending sustainability, social equity, and the layered narratives that define our shared heritage. Through writing, photography, and deep research into architectural history, cultural landscapes, and historic preservation, I uncover untold stories and bring them to life—not as relics but as tools for shaping healthier, more connected futures.
Every home, whether vernacular or bespoke, deserves thoughtful care and attention. With an eye for detail and a love for design, I explore what makes a home extraordinary—from the patina of a vintage doorknob to the grand vision behind a historic estate. I believe that design is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating emotional harmony, reducing family anxiety, and fostering deeper connections within the spaces we inhabit.
My work integrates diverse disciplines—spanning fine and vernacular traditions, casual and formal aesthetics, and rustic to high-style designs—centered on the heart of the built environment. I uncover the profound connection between homes and the lives they shape by weaving together architecture, gardens, real estate, planning, geography, wellness, decorative arts, and photography. This multidisciplinary approach offers a fresh perspective on domestic spaces, highlighting their ability to heal, inspire, and sustain us.
At the heart of Character Home is a commitment to collaboration and curiosity. Whether mentoring, teaching, or exchanging ideas, I believe in the transformative power of shared effort. Together, we can redefine what's possible for homes and those living there. I aim to make history accessible, design relatable, and every story—including yours—worthy of celebration.
I echo the late Fred Hiatt of the Washington Post:
"What I do believe...is..., serious, readable, reliable [content] and good, serious, readable, thoughtful, unpurchased, non-yelling opinion" (Washington Post).
My writing and photography for characterhome.com are primarily captured on the traditional lands of the Monacan and Piscataway Nations. These territories carry the scars of colonial expansion, land grabbing, and urban renewal—processes deeply intertwined with the histories of the transatlantic slave trade and the displacement of Indigenou
My writing and photography for characterhome.com are primarily captured on the traditional lands of the Monacan and Piscataway Nations. These territories carry the scars of colonial expansion, land grabbing, and urban renewal—processes deeply intertwined with the histories of the transatlantic slave trade and the displacement of Indigenous peoples. As a beneficiary of white male privilege, I acknowledge that my perspectives are shaped by experiences and advantages not universally shared. I am committed to continuously learning from and reflecting on this complex and often painful past. Despite my best efforts, I recognize that there are limitations in my understanding, and I warmly welcome your comments and insights to help expand our collective perspective.
Image source: https://www.monacannation.com/
In presenting my narratives, I strive for comprehensiveness and respect while actively engaging 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, allies, and villains. I understand that inclusivity means inviting diverse voices, listening to them, and allowing them to shape my work. My work is an aperture of inclusivity, diversity, otherness, and ongoing engagemen
In presenting my narratives, I strive for comprehensiveness and respect while actively engaging 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, allies, and villains. I understand that inclusivity means inviting diverse voices, listening to them, and allowing them to shape my work. My work is an aperture of inclusivity, diversity, otherness, and ongoing engagement with these histories and communities. This journey is a continuing process of improving, learning, unlearning, and relearning, and I am dedicated to it personally and professionally.
Image source: labs.openai.com
In line with Dag Aabye's belief that 'age is something other people put on you,' I consciously avoid ageist biases and stereotypes, recognizing that age, much like other social constructs, should not define or limit our understanding and engagement with individuals across the spectrum of life.
Image source: https://runningmagazine.ca/trail-running/watch-canadas-most-remarkable-trail-runner/
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