LIFE

Journalist Liana Aghajanian shows her Write A House

Liana Aghajanian, 31, of Detroit, is a freelance writer and journalist who won a free house in Detroit through the nonprofit Write A House. Aghajanian, who was born in Tehran but raised in Los Angeles, was one of hundreds of writers who applied for a house and was given it -- for free.
Liana Aghajanian, 31, of Detroit, is a freelance writer and journalist who won a free house in Detroit through the nonprofit Write A House. Aghajanian, who was born in Tehran but raised in Los Angeles, was one of hundreds of writers who applied for a house and was given it -- for free.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
The house is located in Detroit's Banglatown neighborhood, which has a large concentration of Bangladeshi immigrants. Abandoned at one point, the 1,100-square-foot house was bought a Wayne County foreclosure auction and fixed up.
The house is located in Detroit's Banglatown neighborhood, which has a large concentration of Bangladeshi immigrants. Abandoned at one point, the 1,100-square-foot house was bought a Wayne County foreclosure auction and fixed up.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
Aghanian sits on her Macy's sofa in her living room. Above her head is a painting of Mt. Ararat, a mountain in Turkey that is very symbolic to Armenians such as Aghajanian.
Aghanian sits on her Macy's sofa in her living room. Above her head is a painting of Mt. Ararat, a mountain in Turkey that is very symbolic to Armenians such as Aghajanian.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
The house, built in the late 1920s, was abandoned for years before Write A House co-founders Sarah Cox and Toby Barlow bought it at a Wayne County foreclosure auction. Walls were torn down to create one larger bedroom and bathroom.
The house, built in the late 1920s, was abandoned for years before Write A House co-founders Sarah Cox and Toby Barlow bought it at a Wayne County foreclosure auction. Walls were torn down to create one larger bedroom and bathroom.
Write A House
Debris fills a front bay window during renovations of Aghajanian's home. Besides being a writing residency, Write A House also has worked with a program called Detroiters Working For Environmental Justice that teaches locals the construction trades.
Debris fills a front bay window during renovations of Aghajanian's home. Besides being a writing residency, Write A House also has worked with a program called Detroiters Working For Environmental Justice that teaches locals the construction trades.
Write A House
A custom painting of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, also Armenian, hangs on Aghajanian's wall. It was painted by an artist in Armenia.
A custom painting of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, also Armenian, hangs on Aghajanian's wall. It was painted by an artist in Armenia.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
A Soviet era banner that says Ararat in Russian, referring to Mount Ararat in Turkey, which overlooks the country of Armenia, hangs from a knob in Aghajanian's living room.
A Soviet era banner that says Ararat in Russian, referring to Mount Ararat in Turkey, which overlooks the country of Armenia, hangs from a knob in Aghajanian's living room.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
A taxi cab light, which Aghajanian found at a flea market, dates back to when Armenia was under Soviet rule.
A taxi cab light, which Aghajanian found at a flea market, dates back to when Armenia was under Soviet rule.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
Beaded coasters, also from Armenia, cover a small side table.
Beaded coasters, also from Armenia, cover a small side table.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
A framed record of The Kef Time Detroit, a famous local ensemble of Armenian musicians, hangs on the wall. "Kef" is a Turkish word, meaning merriment or party.
A framed record of The Kef Time Detroit, a famous local ensemble of Armenian musicians, hangs on the wall. "Kef" is a Turkish word, meaning merriment or party.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
A paper sun lantern hangs from the kitchen. The unique light bulbs were selected by Detroit interior designer Patrick Thompson.
A paper sun lantern hangs from the kitchen. The unique light bulbs were selected by Detroit interior designer Patrick Thompson.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
Aghajanian hopes to convert a cement slab in the backyard where a garage once stood into a patio. She also hopes to do some gardening this year.
Aghajanian hopes to convert a cement slab in the backyard where a garage once stood into a patio. She also hopes to do some gardening this year.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
Toy figures fit into perfectly into Aghajanian's fun decor, including the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula and Frankenstein.
Toy figures fit into perfectly into Aghajanian's fun decor, including the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula and Frankenstein.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News
A look from Aghajanian's spacious front porch.
A look from Aghajanian's spacious front porch.
Todd McInturf, The Detroit News