Couple invests $100K in basement for their au pair

Fallon Noble, a 31-year-old mother from Glen Head, N.Y., combines caring for her daughter with building a career as a content creator. Her husband commutes four days a week to New York City for work, leaving her often at home with their child.

Besides raising her daughter, Fallon spends much of her time filming videos, editing content, and working on brand collaborations. She experiences that balancing motherhood and work requires a lot of energy, but she also sees it as an opportunity to pursue her creative passion.

The idea of seeking support came from the wish to keep family life running smoothly while creating space for her career. By welcoming an au pair, Fallon gained flexibility and calm in her daily rhythm. This choice allowed her to focus better on both her family and her projects.

Extra help needed

To better manage their busy schedule, Fallon and her husband decided to host an au pair. They found their match through the Culture Care Au Pair program. Their choice was Nela Prochazkova, a 23-year-old from the Czech Republic with experience caring for young children.

The program offered a practical and accessible way to support families. For Fallon and her husband, it was important that their daughter was guided by someone with warmth and positivity. The idea of cultural exchange also appealed strongly to them, as it enriches their family life with new traditions and stories.

The chance for their daughter to have an international influence at home felt like a unique opportunity. Adding a young and energetic presence in the house also brought fresh inspiration. Nela’s enthusiasm and gentle approach matched perfectly with what the family was looking for.

First impression

Their first introduction to Nela made an immediate impact. During her video presentation, she came across as friendly, patient, and cheerful. Fallon quickly felt that she was the right person to join their family.

It helped that Nela has nieces and nephews the same age as their daughter, giving her lots of experience with young children. This connection gave Fallon extra confidence in their choice.

During their conversations, Nela showed flexibility and genuine involvement. Her calm communication style left a good impression on the whole family. These first moments laid the foundation for a positive collaboration.

A special place

Because Nela would be living with them for at least a year, Fallon and her husband wanted her to have her own private space. They didn’t just want to give her a room but a place where she could feel completely at ease.

The room had to be practical and provide enough privacy to relax. Fallon understood that starting a new life in another country can be a big step. That’s why she felt it was important to make the room warm and welcoming.

She saw it as her responsibility to make sure Nela immediately felt at home. This meant giving plenty of attention to the room’s details. In the end, it became a place of calm and comfort.

Major renovation

When the family first bought the house, the basement was still unfinished. Fallon and her husband decided to turn it into a full living space, investing about $100,000 in the renovation.

They installed new floors, built-in furniture, and added a private bathroom. A bar and a cozy seating area were also created. The result was a modern, inviting space that could be used in many ways.

The renovation took time but delivered a valuable outcome. The family gained a practical and stylish addition to their home. This investment improved both the comfort and value of their property.

New purpose

The basement was originally designed for movie nights and as a playroom for their daughter. But they noticed the space wasn’t being used much. When Nela came into the picture, it turned out to be the perfect spot for her to stay.

The family thought it was important to give her more than just a bedroom. By using the basement, Nela could have her own living area. This provided her with privacy and the ability to feel truly at home.

The space was large enough to both sleep and relax. For the family, it was the perfect solution. The room gained new meaning and was finally being used to its full potential.

Personal touches

To make the room feel warm and inviting, Fallon invested another $800 in finishing touches. She laid down a soft rug, painted a dresser, and added golden handles.

She hung a New York print on the wall and placed a book about Prague on the table, connecting both worlds. These details made the room feel stylish and thoughtful.

Fallon wanted to create a balance between design and comfort. She noticed that small changes made a big difference. The mix of new items and reused furniture gave the space character.

Comfort and style

Alongside furniture, Fallon added extra details that completed the space. She included a large mirror, a clothing rack, and a modern laundry basket. A minibar with snacks was also set up.

The bathroom was stocked with skincare products and a hair dryer. These additions made the stay not just comfortable but also enjoyable. Nela could benefit from both practical necessities and thoughtful luxuries.

These details gave the room a sense of care and attention. Fallon wanted Nela to feel special from the very first day. The combination of comfort and style achieved exactly that.

Conscious choices

Many of Fallon’s purchases came from Amazon and HomeSense. She chose a mix of affordable and stylish pieces. This gave the room a modern and personal look.

By combining carefully selected items, she managed to make the space both practical and beautiful. Fallon emphasized that small details often make the biggest impact. Her careful choices showed how much she valued Nela’s comfort.

The result was a room that was not only attractive but also functional. This balance made the investment especially meaningful.

First reaction

Nela had already seen short video clips and photos of the room before moving in. But when she arrived, she was impressed by its size and style. She said the space was larger and more beautiful than she expected.

The personal touches stood out the most. The Prague book and skincare products made her feel instantly welcome. She appreciated how much thought had gone into making the room hers.

For Fallon, this was the reaction she had hoped for. It confirmed that her efforts made a real difference. The room went beyond expectations and set a positive tone for their time together.

Growing connection

Although Nela has only been with the family for a short time, the experience has been very positive. Fallon notices their relationship is developing into a genuine friendship. They are working well together and learning each other’s habits.

For Fallon, it means more freedom to focus on her projects. At the same time, their daughter enjoys the extra care and attention. This combination makes family life smoother and more joyful.

Nela feels more at home with each passing week. The first days were already filled with warmth and enthusiasm. Together, they are building a supportive and close relationship.


Key-points

  • Fallon Noble and her husband invested $100,000 in renovating their basement.
  • The space was transformed into a private living area for au pair Nela Prochazkova from the Czech Republic.
  • Fallon added personal details and comfort to make it feel like home.
  • Small investments made the room warm, practical, and stylish.
  • Their time together has started positively, and the bond is growing into a friendship.

References

  • Hochschild, A. R. The Second Shift: Working Families and the Revolution at Home. Penguin Books, 2012. Link
  • Lanza, H. Cultural Exchange and Family Life: The Impact of Au Pairs. Routledge, 2019. Link
  • Putnam, R. D. Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis. Simon & Schuster, 2015. Link
Scroll to Top