Hello! I’m Jenni Yolo, and welcome to I SPY DIY—a platform where I share the journey of transforming historic Milwaukee homes through step-by-step DIY projects. Guided by the motto “Process over Perfection,” my husband, affectionately known as Mr. Yolo, and I specialize in breathing new life into neglected 19th-century houses.
Our renovation adventures began with each of us revamping our own homes, which now serve as rentals. After marrying in November 2018, we embarked on the renovation of our 1875-built residence, aptly named The Barnhouse. You can follow our latest projects on Instagram at @ISPYDIY.
In addition to hands-on renovation work, I’ve expanded my design endeavors by collaborating with amazing brands like Chasing Paper to create a wallpaper collection. Our renovation projects have also been featured on our show “Makeover by Monday,” with Seasons 1 and 2 available for streaming on Max and Magnolia Network.
A Little About Jenni: My love for DIY began early, fueled by a love for fashion magazines. Growing up in the Midwest, I often crafted my own versions of high-fashion trends through sewing, thrifting, and embellishing. This creative drive led me to New York City, where I worked at InStyle magazine, recreating stylish looks on a budget and sharing the DIY steps online, which eventually gave birth to ispydiy.com.
My projects garnered attention, leading to a monthly DIY fashion column in InStyle and the publication of my book, “I Spy DIY Style,” in 2012. Following the book’s release, I transitioned to focusing on the site full-time, hosting DIY events, and making on-air appearances on shows like Good Morning America and Rachael Ray.
After eight years in NYC, I returned to Wisconsin, where I delved into DIY home decor. This journey led to purchasing a rundown 1890-built home for $24K, which we fully renovated in four months—a process documented for an HGTV pilot and solidified my joy for revitalizing old homes in Milwaukee.
Currently, my husband and I manage our properties in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point and Bay View neighborhoods, continue projects in The Barnhouse, thrift for decor, and share our experiences on Instagram at @ISPYDIY and here on ISPYDIY.com.
A little about Mr. Yolo: I have been managing commercial construction projects my entire career (12 years). After graduating from Milwaukee School Of Engineering, I moved to Las Vegas to experience life in another part of the country. I spent eight years managing construction projects there, then had the epiphany that being close to family mattered, and I could work in Milwaukee just as easy as out West. I moved home in August of 2015 (met my future wife within 30 minutes of pulling in the driveway — see below) and, after a short retirement, jumped back into project management while simultaneously gutting my first house in Bayview.
The renovation process on my house proved to be the gateway into my current life. It not only made me realize how much I love working with my hands, but it also got me to convince others (cough, cough, Jenni, cough) to take on home renovation projects. I watched Jenni do the The Sage Home. I bought a rental property. Jenni took on the Barnhouse.
Once Jenni and I wed in November of 2018, the idea of working side-by-side with my wife on house renovations was too appealing. I left my job a few months later. For the last few years, we’ve been doing just that. Room makeovers in the Barnhouse to a full gut renovation in the DIY Duplex, they’ve been incredibly fulfilling. I love what I do on a given day, and the best part, I keep getting better working with my hands, which makes me want to take on more projects. Jenni’s design eye rivals the best architects I’ve worked with, and her skills keep getting better too. We are always looking forward to the next project.
Our Story: Ah yes, I (Mr. Yolo) remember the day like it was yesterday. I pulled my Chevy Silverado, which contained my dog Big Papi Yolo and my most prized possessions, into my parents’ driveway after a 7-day road trip from Las Vegas. I said hi to my family and then took Big Papi down to the lake. Within seconds Papi had taken off through the neighbors’ yards in pursuit of a new dog friend. We ended up three houses down where I reintroduced myself to the neighbor and her younger sister, who I felt was very attentive to my arrival. We talked for 15 minutes or so, and I excused myself to get back to my family. As I walked away, I thought, “I bet I’ll see her again.” Little did I know how right I was.
Jenni: I remember sitting in the backyard at my older sister’s house when this majestic dog came galloping into the yard, all attention was on him, until I saw the most handsome man running (I swear in slow motion) behind him. He introduced himself as “the eldest Yolo son.” I was smitten. We chatted. He and his dog returned to his home a few of doors down. Then came the part where my sister came up with a plan for me to see him again while I sat blushing, just listening at first, then finally agreeing.
Mr. Yolo: About five hours later, the front doorbell rang. I was in my old bedroom in the basement, and I hear my mother yell, “Son, the door’s for you!” Did I just time warp back to middle school? I checked my face to make sure the beard was still there. I walked up the stairs, and there, at my front door was my neighbor and her younger sister Jenni. They invited me out to a local lake bar where their friends were playing music that evening. I went and Jenni and I hit it off, and the rest… is… history.
