Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here to visit my corner of the internet. I’m Colin Archer, and while I could bore you with the intricate details of my life, I’ll keep it short and sweet—because, let’s be honest, you probably have better things to do than read about my childhood accomplishments. So here’s the quick version:

My Life Today

I just hit the big 5-0 in August—yep, you read that right. And I’ve been lucky enough to be married to my wonderful husband, Dan, for over 15 years. We live on a beautiful 46-acre farm that has been passed down through my family for three generations. We don’t have kids of our own, but we’re proud “parents” to several cats. Why? Because we love cats—A LOT. And when a stray wanders onto our property, we simply can’t resist giving them a home.

Dan, who is a talented general contractor (and yes, I may be a little biased), built our dream farmhouse on this farm in 2009. It’s our cozy retreat, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

From IT to Blogging

So, let’s rewind a bit. While most bloggers start their journey with a love for writing, my path to blogging was a bit different. I spent 15 years in the IT industry, earning a Master’s degree in Computer Science and working with various programming technologies. But, the job I loved became increasingly stressful and took a toll on my mental well-being. I left my “traditional” job in 2012, with plans to do short-term consulting while pursuing more personal projects—mainly around our home and garden.

That’s when I stumbled upon WordPress, which was the go-to blogging platform at the time. I decided to learn the ropes, both front-end and back-end, and used my new skills to create a blog. I began sharing DIY projects, home improvements, and crafts. At first, the response was slow, but then—boom! My No Seam Shrug Crochet Pattern post went viral, receiving over 4,000 page views in just one day. I was shocked! That moment made me realize the potential blogging had as both a creative outlet and a business. From there, I decided to take the plunge and see where it would lead.

The Birth of Bianchi’s Barn

You might be wondering, “Why is this blog called The Painted Hinge and not Bianchi’s Barn?” Good question! My blog initially started as Bianchi’s Barn, but I later decided to change the name to reflect the evolving content and my personal growth. If you’re curious about why I made the switch, you can read more about it here.

Blogging has been my full-time gig since 2013. At first, I covered a broad range of topics, but over the years, I’ve honed in on farmhouse-style projects and décor. Let me tell you, narrowing my focus was the best decision I ever made. It allowed me to connect with my audience on a deeper level, and my blog has grown like never before since then.

Struggles with Mental Health

Now, here’s the thing I’ve always grappled with: How much of my personal life should I share? Privacy is important to me, but I also want to be real with my readers. So, I’ll share something personal here that I feel is crucial: I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I was consumed by worries that no child should have to face. It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I decided enough was enough and sought help.

A visit to the doctor led to a psychiatrist, and eventually, anti-depressants—game-changer for me. It gave me the chance to experience life with a sense of normalcy that had eluded me for years. However, it’s not always been smooth sailing. I’ve had to change medications or quit them when they stopped working, and there were times when life just got overwhelming. But through it all, I’ve learned how vital it is to have a safe, cozy space to retreat to when things get rough. As an introvert, my home is my sanctuary, and I believe in the power of creating a space that brings peace and comfort.

Why I Share

I’m not sharing my struggles to seek sympathy, but to raise awareness. Anxiety, depression, and mental illness, in general, carry such a heavy stigma. By sharing my story, I hope to break that stigma and encourage others who suffer in silence to seek help. Blogging has allowed me to build a career that gives me the flexibility to manage my mental health without the fear of being judged or fired from a “regular” job. It’s a job that truly feeds my soul because it allows me to bring beauty and inspiration into others’ lives, especially through farmhouse décor.

I’m passionate about showing people like me that there are alternative career paths. Not everyone is cut out for a traditional 9-to-5, and that’s okay. Blogging has opened doors for me, and I hope it can do the same for others.

What This Blog Is About

So, what can you expect from this blog? A lot of things! While my focus is on farmhouse style, I also dive into DIY projects, home décor, and anything that brings comfort and joy. Life’s tough, but I hope that when you visit The Painted Hinge, it offers a little escape. A space where you can take a break, get inspired, and perhaps even find the motivation to create a space in your own home that reflects who you are.

I update the blog regularly, so check back often for fresh content. If you ever have questions or comments, feel free to reach out via my contact form or shoot me an email.

Thank you so much for stopping by—I’m thrilled to have you here!