Two weekends ago we stopped in Atlanta on our way to Savannah (sounds like the lyrics to a country song) to house crash Jeremy and Katie Bower’s lovely home. And while we were there we whipped up a little decorating movie for all you lemme-see-you-in-3D peeps. Hope you enjoy the tour (and that you check out our table-setting video at the end of this post)!
First we have this adorable mini mud room that Katie whipped up with an ottoman and a few coat hooks. And since we’re no stranger to this method, Burger felt right at home and made himself comfortable from the moment her scampered in the door.
Beyond the entryway is the posh and elegant dining room full of soft blue accents, white china, and beachy accessories. Katie is a blackbelt sale shopper so everything I swooned over ended up being “oh this old thing, it was $1 at Goodwill” or “TJ Maxx, three bucks.” Talk about having some serious decor envy.
I also fell hard for this chic little hutch next to the door that leads to the kitchen, but I couldn’t linger on it too long before the kitchen beyond beckoned me in…
… yeah, this kitch’ has some serious drawing power. The amazing thing is that Jeremy and Katie ripped down walls, learned how to run their own electrical, installed stock cabinetry, and even laid their own floors to turn this formerly closed off kitchen into an open and expansive masterpiece. Everything from the range hood (we actually have the same exact one!) to the backsplash was put in with their own four hands, and we must admit that we found ourselves gaping at their handiwork at every turn.
And no detail is too small for Katie. From the white china that she artfully arranged in her doorless hutch to the white dishtowel that she hand sewed (she added the pom poms!), not a smidge of style was sacrificed even though her accessories never broke the bank.
Thanks to tearing down a wall, the kitchen opens up to an inviting little den with a fireplace that they tiled themselves and a coffee table Katie found on Craigslist and completely reinvented (the power of white paint is a beautiful thing).
Katie also has a soft spot when it comes to clean white accessories, and everything from the Goodwill candlesticks to the DIY art made us feel right at home. And you know I was all over her adorable ceramic bird, right? I’m nothing if not consistent, and my penchant for white ceramic animals knows no bounds. The fact that this little guy was a cheep- er, cheap score (another Goodwill find) made me green with ceramic animal envy.
Katie and Jeremy also widened the passageway between the den and their living room so the entire first floor feels open and airy. And is that a white ceramic horse head that you see on the coffee table? The same one we have on our TV stand in the den? Yesireebob. Gotta love an equine bust from Tarjay.
We also love the fresh pops of green throughout the space (in fact, one of those lovely pillows on Katie’s couch was actually a Pottery Barn placemat that she ripped apart and stuffed with batting). She’s lucky enough to live near a Pottery Barn outlet, so everything from the couch to those awesome white ottomans was snagged on the cheap (yeah, the whole trip was punctuated by envious gasps).
And just in case it’s not painfully clear that Katie and Jeremy could easily flip houses for a living, here’s a bathroom that Katie recently renovated for under 500 beans (yup, she worked a wet saw and installed her own molding with only a wee bit of husbandly assistance).
You might have seen mention of Katie’s dressing room a few days ago when we crashed her closet. It turns out that while most people have a hanging bar and half a dresser of storage space, she has an entire third bedroom with a wall of wardrobes for clothing/jewelry/shoe storage- and the other side of the room serves as the most charming bonus space for settling down with a good book or sleeping an extra guest.
In another stroke of bathroom brilliance, Katie and Jeremy completely transformed their upstairs guest bath with some moody khaki paint and an amazing wood frame that they mounted around the room’s original mirror for an updated and customized effect that’s so ooh la la. They even distressed each piece of wood with nails, chains, and a hammer before staining and installing ’em.
And last but not least is their peaceful bedroom and ensuite bath which actually bears a bit of a resemblance to ours. In fact we featured Katie’s bedroom pics as a Reader Redesign last year after she sent pics our way to say that she modeled her curtained wall after our very own bedroom.
And now we’ll leave you with our little table setting video extravaganza. At first we debated what to tape, but we both loved the idea of doing something in stages right in front of the camera in real time. Sure it took a while to sift through Katie’s extensive servingware and accessory collection to create five different table settings and put ’em together on film (it took us about 20 takes total), but we’re oh so proud of our little film-fest and we hope you enjoy our step by step table sprucing tutorial.
It bears mentioning that some of the settings are a bit more robust than others (we didn’t add the leaf to Katie’s table, so feel free to adapt some of our ideas on a bigger surface or remove a few elements to create more space for platters of food). Oh and there are a few other things that you may notice. Here’s what to look out for:
- We’re both incredibly weird and nervous in the beginning.
- We get progressively loopier, as if we’re downing champagne off camera (we weren’t).
- I confuse apple trees with cherry trees.
- Katie squeezes in some of her signature potty humor.
- Lots of talking with our hands (our moms are Italian).
- I mispronounce faux-bois like foi-gras. Twice.
- Katie saying “pull” the southern way when she’s making ribbon curls.
Thanks so much for devoting eleven minutes of your life to viewing our little flick! Here’s a slightly lower quality one that might be easier to play on your computer if the one above is jumpy. I’d love to know which setting was your favorite. And if I’m louder/nerdier/shorter/scowlier/more awkward than you may have thought. Oh and a big thank you goes out to the Katie (and her main man Jeremy) for letting us take photos of their casa and helping us set the table a bunch of times. Be sure to check out her take on everything over on Bower Power– you know she’ll tell you if we showed up with bad breath…
Itching for more table setting ideas? Here are seven other festive options and a holiday table setting post for your viewing pleasure.
Connie says
This is breath taking. Thanks for the inspiration. I am making my budget friendly decor plans as we speak.
Annie says
What a beautiful home!
(I just discovered your website and this is the first post I have read, but I just know I’m going to love perusing your pages!)
Nicole says
I want to go to there!
Thanks for sharing their lovely home with us!!
Lindsay says
Her home is lovely!! And the video was awesome! I was cracking up at you two popping up from under the table!
KK says
You guys are adorable! Loved it.
(Still trying to figure out a way to say “pull” besides the way Katie said it. . .Maybe because I’m Southern I don’t hear any accent.) ;)
sara says
ahahahahha….Fun video. Totally enjoyed it. Good luck on your next series of videos.
Ashley Harper says
Katie your house is amazing!! You definitely have an eye for style! The video was fresh and fun too (the first setting was my fave :))
Kimberly says
I really enjoyed the video! It was nice to see the table settings built from scratch. Gave me some great ideas. Looking forward to the next video!
Amanda says
Super cute video! Thanks for the ideas!
heather s. says
Love Katie’s home. I’m a reader of her blog and she never ceases to amaze me. It makes me want to go to the Pottery Barn outlet near my home in MI this weekend!
katie says
I smiled all the way through that video! very fun and cheerfull! I love this blog and read it eveyday. I particularly like the orange and green setting. I didnt think you where that awkward sherry! Altho when i read the blog i hear it in english if that makes sense, so its strange to hear the american accent!! Anyway i have seen your other videos and deffinately think there should be more of them :)
Notesfromthegrove says
My husband and I are in the process of trying to buy our first home and have had so much fun with your blog! What great inspiration you’ve provided us. We’ll be checking in with you guys every step of the way as we try to transform our new (old) house into a “Young House”!
:::Lyzz::: says
I love Katie’s den. It’s so fun and fresh and the pop of green so so modern. Absolutely adore that space!
Danielle says
I thought I was watching HGTV for a second!
christel says
1st To these Oklahoman ears she said “pull” perfect.
2nd I read your blog and forget you are a regular chicka just like me. And everything you do, I can do too! This video just gave me major inspiration!
Rachel says
Looks nice. Sounds silly but I never read your blog with an American accent (I’m British) so it was so funny to hear how American you both sound.
Mrs. M says
I am so in love with this house!
Sara says
Katie’s house is beautiful. I’ve been checking out her blog since you first added the post about visiting her. I love how everything just flows together and is so timeless and elegant.
Kristal says
LOVE Katie’s home. I read her blog, but I’ve never seen a room by room tour like this. Just gorgeous! I’m storing away lots of ideas. ;)
Megan says
I’m in love! This house is absolutely fabulous and I’m so jealous! I would love to have such light, airy rooms and furniture. I love some of my own pieces of furniture, but love the accents and things that I would be able to add to my house. But… and that’s a big but… I have a gigantic dog that would demolish some of the fun accents (white horse head being one!) with his tail. I’m keeping these all in mind (and your house pics too!) for future uses…. you know, when I don’t have a horse in my house and a baby that’s due any day! :)
Ranee says
I loved the video, very inspiring! Katie’s house is beautiful and between the two of you I have a lot of new ideas for my own house transformation! Thank you!
nikki says
It looks like you both had a blast. I read All Bower Power and love Katie’s home.
The video was great, my favorite part is how you both just “appear” next to the table.
Love the first table setting.
Laura C. says
Love the kitchen! The video was very fun, and I especially love the first 2 table settings. I think it was great to show several different ways to dress up a table. Can’t wait for a possible book case segment! (And where did that gorgeous white china cabinet come from?!)
Lucy says
Sherry –
You and Katie did a fantastic job! I love how you share design elements in a simple way so that us “design-challenged” people can follow your directions! You always come up with ideas that I would never think of – keep up the great work! ~Lucy
Cara Beth Buie says
I am getting some great ideas for our living room and dining room! Mind if I “borrow” some of your ideas? :) Thanks for the inspiration!
Sami Jenkins says
Any chance Katie has a source list for her house? Like the rug in the kitchen? And a list of paint colors?
I’ve been looking for a few good lamps — any chance you would do a post on lighting?
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sami,
So glad you’re loving Katie’s house. Hopefully she’ll drop in with paint color info and answer your rug question (of course you can pop over to her blog and check things out/ask any questions you may have over there too!). As for lamps, our favorite sources are Walmart (really! they have a great collection and they’re cheap cheap cheap), Target, Overstock, Crate & Barrel, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and ZGallerie. Happy hunting…
xoxo,
Sherry
Barb says
Sami- know this is really late but she does have a source list on her blog.
Jan says
Fantastic posting! LOVE their home — and their wonderful DIY style ….. this house should be in a magazine! So many many great ideas! Many thanks for sharing! :)
Jan at Rosemary Cottage (who has been voting for your own project every day!)
Chris says
Hands down, the best house you’ve featured! I loved so many details that I just kept staring at all the pictures. However, I would LOVE it if you could find out where she purchased the trellis runner in her kitchen. I have been looking for that exact one for months, and I’ve had no luck!
Barbara says
Hi there! I live in Atlanta, and I was wondering where in Savannah you were able to bring Burger? We are looking to vacation close to home, but don’t want to leave our dogs. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Barbara,
We stayed at the Comfort Suites which was right by the Four Points Hotel so it was in a great location (and we just paid a $50 pet fee for our entire stay). We booked on Expedia to save a few pennies as well! Hope it helps. Happy travels!
xoxo,
Sherry
EvY says
It might be Katie’s house but it says Petersik all over it.
Sara says
I am swooning! Gorgeous. Thanks for the inspiration.
Catherine says
I love your blog and the video was really fun. One thing… I think you placed the napkins/silverware on the wrong side of the place setting. I was taught it should always be on the right.
Barbara says
Thank you! That really helps. I’m a new reader of your blog, and I’m really enjoying it!
lisa b4 says
i loved it! I see a TV show in your future….
ChristinaMarie says
Your video was too cute! I’ve been following your site for a while and I just wanted to say you inspire me. That said, did Katie use an old dresser as a Sideboard in her Dining Room?
Sheyenne says
WOW… LOVE IT! I want it all in my house!! I would love to know what paint colors she used…. all of them… from the mudroom/entryway to the kitchen to the dining to the dreamy blue bathroom….! Love it! Thanks for sharing her home with us!
Jen Doyle says
You guys are both so cute. I loved your video and especially how you appeared in each scene. :) I love the practical advice and love love love that you show us all how you can find great deals, you just have to look! Katie’s house is gorge (as is yours).
Lisa says
That was soooo cute, and what creative and great ideas for tablesetting. Can’t wait for the next video.
Blessings
Lisa
Lauren says
LOVED the video! So creative and so many great ideas! And seriously…Katie…your house is gorgeous. I want to live there!!! :)
Alicia says
Wow–Katie’s place looks fantastic. Great tour-you’re some talented ladies! It’s nice to see the tour all in one place.
Can’t wait to watch the video when I get home (no sound card on this comp)…it’s cute that you were both weird and nervous, but I’m sure it’s fantastic.
Keep ’em coming!
jessimarie33 says
The table settings were all great! nice job! thanks for the inspiration- I will have to try some for myself now!
Lori says
Loved the video. You weren’t weird or awkward, but you both seemed understandably nervous at first. I loved the Grandma’s scarf setting and the beachy one alot! Loved seeing more of Katie’s house…you all are certainly compatible in your styles. I read your blog and Katie’s every day, and look forward to more collaborative projects!
Sherry says
omg…love katie’s house!! so cute! And you two could be sisters! Great table decor ideas!!!!
Amanda says
You guys did an awesome job!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey everyone,
Katie still has to drop in with some paint color info (of course you can also head over to her blog and get the scoop), but here’s the link to her fabulous kitchen runner: http://shadesoflight.com/happy-trellis-rug-available-in-3-colors.html
So glad you’re diggin’ her fabulous house and our little table setting video!
xo,
Sherry
Barbara in UT says
Such great style! And even better that this style has a great price tag too. My inspiration juices are overflowing right now. I’ll have to go check out Katie’s blog, I am in love with those white cross barstools. Do you know where she got those? I’ll head to her blog right now to see if I can do a little research into where she scored those beauties.
barbara in UT says
Saweeet! She got those at IKEA for el cheapo. Thanks for the inspiration Katie and Sherry(:
Molly says
All wonderful! I think my favorite one was the one set for some sort of soup or chowder!
Sandra says
Her den is my favorite! She has great lighting, natural and electrical, throughout her house. It really makes everything in your photos look fantastic.
I can’t wait for the bookshelf how-to collaboration!
Amy @ Renovation Innovation says
Love your ideas for decorating the dining table. They came as such an opportune time as we have just bought a new dining room table! In fact, we’ve just begun renovating our house (and blogging about it), so we’re far away from the fun of decorating and accessorizing. But I am always on the lookout for deals and steals and your dining settings were inspiring!
I have a quick question for you. How do you decide on how many plates/vases/white ceramic chickens to buy? It is best to buy in multiplies (if so, odd or even?). OR is your choice dictated by availability in the store? Or cost?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amy,
Good question! Cost always comes into play when I’m purchasing servingware (if something’s super cheap I’ll grab 8 or even 12, but if it’s pricey then I’ll snag four for a special occasion with a smaller guest list). I’m also a huge minimalist at heart (we don’t like to store lots of things that we don’t regularly use) so I love having a very basic 12-person set of dishes/mugs/glasses/bowls that we use all the time (which work for nearly every occasion since they’re simple and white or clean-lined clear glass). Thanks to these basic foundation pieces, I can instantly punch things up with a pashmina or some colorful napkins and accessories (that I’m not ashamed to borrow from other rooms). Hope it helps! Happy table setting…
xoxo,
Sherry
Lindsay says
The Guest room is so adorable. And I love the black hutch!