PERIOD, WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT
Imbued with joie de vivre, interior designer Glenda Yascone’s ever-evolving Old Louisville home is a bold labor of love. Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Andrew Kung
On the drive to church each weekend with her family as a young girl, Glenda Yascone remembers being particularly drawn to a handsome three-story brick home in Old Louisville, which at that time was serving as an out-in-the-open brothel. “The ladies would be out on the second-floor balcony advertising their services,” she recalled with a chuckle. As a child with a keen interest in architecture, interior design, and property management, Glenda was undoubtedly born into the right family. She remarked that her grandmother owned no less than 23 properties. With her stepfather’s encouragement, Glenda would share her thoughts about design and renovation decisions related to the family’s real estate portfolio. “My stepfather taught me the importance of editing, in terms of both your personal style and in interiors,” said Glenda. She added that his advice persists in the form of a plethora of mirrors in her current home so that with every glance, you can adjust an ensemble accordingly. In addition to working as an interior designer under the umbrella of Yascone 66 slmag.net
Enterprises, Glenda and her three daughters—Faith, Joy, and Love— own and manage 11 Airbnb properties. Glenda acquired the home she shares with her husband Richard two decades ago; at the time, her father told her she was making a big mistake. Although the interior had been stripped of most of its original woodwork and fireplace mantels and subdivided into five apartments, Glenda wasn't deterred and purchased the 3,400-square-foot home. She beams with pride, recalling the "attagirl" from her father to recognize her tenacity and tireless work ethic related to the project. Cozy seating areas take advantage of landscaped areas on all four sides of the home. On the right side is what Glenda refers to as “the frog sanctuary.” With seating for two and a smattering of polliwog statuary, rumor has it that a dating couple who spends time here will get married in short order. “I can’t tell you how many times at parties they’ll be a line of couples waiting their turn to have a seat there,” Glenda explained.
