The Boston-based, openly LGBTQ social media stars Stephen and David St. Russell — aka the “Renovation Husbands” — recently wrapped up a big project in Washington DC.
Reports the Boston Globe:
This year, the Renovation Husbands were tasked with decorating the White House for the holidays. Stephen and David were among 150 volunteers chosen among thousands of applicants for the annual project, which is hosted by the White House every year. Anyone can apply — you don’t have to be a design professional. Frontline workers and family of military members are also encouraged to apply, according to the White House website.
Stephen and David volunteered alongside many designers as well as hospital workers, educators, and military personnel. (There was at least one person from every state represented in the volunteers this year.) They were divided into groups they collaborated with on projects all week, and Stephen and David were assigned to the Blue Room, a central room in the White House that holds the official Christmas tree. They worked with a group of about 15 known as “Team Nature.”
“It’s an 18.5-foot tree, and we were charged with implementing the design,” Stephen said, adding that they spent two full days at an off-site location hand-crafting garland and ornaments and other homemade holiday decor. Volunteering started the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
“We unloaded trucks right on the front steps. From there, we really got free rein of the White House,” David said.
[Stephen and David] have built a brand and an audience over the last five years as they’ve documented different renovation projects inside their home. They’re known on Instagram and TikTok as @renovationhusbands, and they’ve amassed more than 300,000 followers across both platforms. Their posts feature images and videos of their recently renovated kitchen and parlor, tons of before-and-afters from around the house, and most importantly: Stephen and David simply being themselves.
Read the complete Boston Globe story here.
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