You may remember when we took you on a virtual tour of one of our favorite homes ever- this charming bungalow in Charlotte.
It belongs to our friends Matt & Kristin (and their adorable pooches Simon & Sage):
And we just can’t get enough of it. Hence the second post. You might remember some of the gorgeous spaces like this…
And this:
And this (see the whole original House Crashing tour right here):
It’s a seriously unforgettable home, right? Which must be why when we found ourselves back at their casa for another visit about a year later we re-saw so many things and kept thinking “that’s such a genius idea.” So much so that we actually decided it was worth pointing out five genius decorating ideas a la Matt & Kristin that you can easily implement in your own home. It’s sort of a part two of the tour mixed with some tips about what Matt & Kristin do to really make their house stand out- so you can shamelessly steal their crafty tricks for your very own abode. So without further idea we bring you five genius why-didn’t-I-think-of-that-ways-to-pimp-your-place:
Idea #1: Group bold art for a cheerful and graphic gallery effect. Every time we visit Matt & Kristin we’re inspired to save up for some real art. They don’t break the bank on the original pieces that they collect, but they aren’t afraid to spend a little money for one of a kind canvases (in fact they love gifting each other great art for birthdays and anniversaries). And they really know how to make it even more impactful and eye pleasing- by hanging similarly strong and colorful pieces together in a semi-balanced-but-still-unusual arrangement (the two smaller frames under the bigger one in the middle is just “off” enough to look oh so right). The best part about this idea is that if you don’t have any cashola saved up for other people’s original art you can always make your own by purchasing a few different sized canvases and using bold hues to color block simple shapes and designs for a similar effect.
Idea #2: Who says interior doors have to be white? Not Matt & Kristin. In fact every single interior door in their house is stained a gorgeous ebony color- and it totally makes every space in their modestly sized bungalow pop with drama and definition. It doesn’t hurt that they have lovely interior french doors that lead to their office…
… but even bifold closet doors look extra elegant with that moody black tone- and basic bedroom and bathroom doors look special as well…
So go ahead and stain your natural wood doors the same ebony hue (or paint your white ones a rich dramatic black tone- like Benjamin Moore’s Black Satin or Deep Caviar). It might be just the splash of sophistication that your home is begging for.
Idea #3: Window sashes can be black too. You may have even noticed Matt & Kristin’s awesome black window sashes from the exterior picture of their bungalow that we shared above. But even if your house doesn’t have true black sashed windows, there’s nothing that says you can’t paint yours – especially the interior frames (assuming they’re metal or wood, which will both take a few coats of latex paint beautifully). So go ahead and slap on some rich black paint (and scrape off any drips that get on the window panes with a straight razor). It’s kind of like eyeliner for the windows- so stunning and crisp. It’s definitely an amazing way to add definition to your space. And if you have vinyl window frames you can still add a dose of deep sophistication with white curtains or roman shades that are lined with crisp black ribbon (we love when the ribbon runs around the perimeter of either one- and you can even DIY that detail with iron-on hem tape and a thick roll of ribbon from the craft store). Or you can even opt for black curtain rods to bring that elegant linear effect to your home in a snap.
Idea #4: Personalize your pendant. Kristin picked up this pendant at a local shop in Charlotte that actually offers a ton of different fabric options when it comes to their drum shades. And we love that she went with something a bit more daring than the average white or cream shade. So go ahead and spring for a special patterned pendant for the room that you’re looking to amp up (we love Stacy Garcia’s stunning designs) or even recover a pendant light that you already have (or pick up a cheap drum shade and give it some serious style with less than a yard of fabric). Here’s an old post all about recovering a lamp shade – see, it really is something you can do yourself. Bam, you’re one step closer to having this amazing breakfast nook…
Idea #5: Create A Gorgeous And Functional Drop Zone For Cards & Letters. Kristin adored this deep wooden bowl (the orange tone was what really won her over) so she snatched it up without really knowing what she’d use it for. Then she noticed a pile of cards and letters from friends & family and tossed them into the bowl (and placed it in a nice convenient location in her front hall). The result was a sweet collection of correspondence from loved ones that Kristin just didn’t have the heart to toss right away (“it feels so mean to open a card, read it and then just throw it away”).
Now she has a bona fide landing spot for all those cards and about once a year she goes through them and keeps only the few that really should be saved for good (and tosses the rest without feeling nearly as bad since they were enjoyed in the bowl for a while instead of being promptly discarded as soon as she opened them). Plus it’s really fun for her to go back through all those letters and cards at the end of the year one more time. Isn’t that a smart (and sweet) idea? It’s one part organization, one part sentimental and one part easy on the eyes.
So there you have it. Five very doable ideas that you can pick and choose from to supe up your house Matt & Kristin style. What do you guys think? Do you have any favorites that you’re itching to implement? Are you shamelessly dreaming of moving in (don’t worry, we threaten to do that every time we visit). Or have you spotted any other easy ideas in their home that anyone can do (or come up with alternate ideas that you’d love to toss into the mix)? Spill it.
Psst- Can’t get enough of virtually making your way through other people’s homes? We can’t either. Which is why we compiled an entire page full of every House Crashing adventure that we’ve taken on to date. Happy house snooping…
Jessica @ How Sweet says
Gorgeous! I want to move in!
Erika says
Lovely home! That exterior shot is just perfect; so warm and welcoming.
Cindy @ The Flipping Couple says
Wow, beautiful!! We’re in the process of staining our (previously) white a deep brown with some reddish undertones, and we’re hoping to restore our original french doors as well. It’s great to see our dream in real life!
Also LOVE the bowl idea!! Thanks for passing the brilliant ideas along.
cassie says
Beautiful home! I am dying to paint a few interior doors black…do you think you can choose one or two, as opposed to every door in the house?
Tana says
Please tell me where that got that awesome sectional. It’s one of the coolest sectionals I’ve seen.
Laura Stiller says
I searched through all of the comments on the original “house crash” and found out where that AWESOME sectional is from, but I’m still dying to know where that craft table/12-drawer chest is from. I might just HAVE to have it?! It if ya’ll answered that on the original post/comments – let me know and I’ll go searching again!
LOVE this blog!
YoungHouseLove says
Laura- Here’s hoping Kristin or Matt will drop in with that info! Stay tuned…
Tana- It’s from Mitchell Gold Bob Williams (actually the exact outlet that we visited in this recent post). Hope it helps!
Cassie- You can definitely just choose a few doors to paint black for a pop of elegance and definition. Good luck!
xo,
s
Liz says
Beautiful! Tons of great ideas. Thank you. I love the black doors.
Heidi H. says
Hey Sherry,
I’m just about to be off on my first paint run & I’m picking up the bathroom paint today. It’s the BM Dune Grass, but I had a question about where you got it… Home Depot or Lowes?
Also, I’m having lots of luck & fun selling all my old furniture on craigslist, but the best part is that I’m telling everyone who will listen about your website! Just this morning as I kissed an old bookcase goodbye, I was raving about Young House Love. The sweet person buying my bookcase promised to check y’all out, & another woman who bought my old dining chairs actually emailed me to ask for your URL! My bff told me this morning that I’ve gotten her addicted to your site as well. It’s like crack. Young House Love crack. :-)
Thanks for your help & MUCH love from Texas,
Heidi
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Heidi,
Thanks so much for spreading the word about YHL. I’m grinning from ear to ear over here. And as for your paint question, you actually can’t get Ben Moore paint at Lowe’s or Home Depot- you have to go to a Benjamin Moore dealer (just google around for one in your area). The good news is that you can just grab the swatch there and bring it to Home Depot or Lowe’s to have it color matched to more affordable paint like Behr or Glidden or Olympic or Valspar so that’s an option for you if the BM paint prices scare you off (although it really is great quality stuff). Hope it helps! And happy painting…
xo,
s
patti says
i love it! i especially love the black doors. we have that in our kitchen.
Brittany Gegan says
I absolutely love their house! especially the dark ebony doors. So jealous.
and if you are ever in need of a nice colorful painting that won’t break the bank I would love to make something for you! you can always look at some of my stuff here..
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/album.php?aid=2209193&id=25501592
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the link Brittany! We’ll definitely keep your sweet offer in mind!
xo,
s
Carey says
absolutely HEAVENLY. I am so excited to have found your blog, John & Sherry. We are about to move and we are getting excited about making this new space our own. You have so many wonderful (and practical) ideas that we plan on using. Your site is FANTASTIC in every way!!! Carey
Lauren says
I love the black doors. I never would have thought to do that, but it looks fantastic. Now I want to paint all the doors in my place.
Sarah K says
Laura – I recognized that 12 drawer chest in the craft room from this collection at Ikea (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/series/08015/), but it doesn’t look like they sell it anymore. :(
KK says
Thanks for the sweet notes everyone.
Laura, the 12-drawer piece in our arts & crafts room is from IKEA. I was just there last week and they have it. Can’t seem to find it on their website. It’s supposed to be used for a kitchen, but it’s awesome for organization and projecting.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for dropping in with that info Kristin (aka KK). So glad everyone’s digging part two of your house tour!
xo,
s
Karen J says
Love their house! Very unique and different, fun funky not frightening funky. Where did they get the gorgeous bird/tree sculpture on the entry table? Love it!
Catherine says
I love this house! I’m especially impressed by their art collection. I don’t think anything makes a home feel as interesting or special as an owner’s art choices.
I’m also gaga over the sectional… I think my husband and I might need to plan a road trip to this Mitchel Gold Bob Williams outlet in the near future!
Loving the blog, as always!
Caitlin @ That House On The Corner says
I love their house! So eclectic! Thanks for posting!
–Caitlin
Mrs. Davis says
This looks like somewhere around the outskirts of Uptown. Absolutely beautiful and stunning! I have never seen doors stained dark like that and it certainly makes for added character!!!
CasaCullen says
matt and kristin’s home is AMAZING! i love, love it!
all the bright colors and supremely organized…this charlotte couple has MUCH to be proud of! also…we totally have the same anthropologie-esque green/cream throw pillows…shhhh, they’re pottery barn :) i just removed the covered and have replaced them with white and yellow throw pillows because i actually use them as my fall/winter season option! :) bravo to these two cuties…GREAT HOME and pups! :) cheers
http://www.casacullen.com/
Lesley H says
This house is amazing. I LOVE how they’ve got the dining room table on an angle. What a great idea which I never would have thought of. It totally suits them. Thanks for sharing!
Danielle@Newlyweds Paradise says
What an adorable home! So cozy and inviting!
Amy says
That bowl idea is great. I always feel so bad about throwing out cards so quickly, but without a great place to keep them, they just end up in a pile of junk. I think I’m going to have to use this idea!
Michelle says
Can you find out the color of paint used in the house? Most of it seems to be the same neutral color. I’m trying to find the perfect shade to go with dark wood floors. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Michelle and Karen J,
Here’s hoping Kristin drops back in to answer those questions for ya. Stay tuned…
xo,
s
Laura Stiller says
Yea! I’ve been refreshing the comments all afternoon – thanks Kristin for the response. And IKEA! I’m squealing with delight that I can find that workstation/drawers at IKEA!
Dana @ House*Tweaking says
Every time I see a “house crashing” post title I have to pace myself… my first instinct is to scroll down and peek at all the pics…but then I’d miss all the details. I have to reign myself in when I read your House Crashings – love them!
I LOOOOOOOOVE the black doors. In fact, I just posted about painting my pantry door (chalkboard) black. The results are dramatic but subtle if that makes any sense. Here’s the link…
http://www.housetweaking.com/2010/03/11/chalkboard-paint-diy/
With a little more confidence in black doors, I’m moving on to our front door: the front (exterior) is black but the back (interior) is white. Going to paint it black!
YoungHouseLove says
Love the chalkboard door Dana! It’s a fun twist on a regular old black painted door- and I love that kids (and grown ups alike) get to have fun with it!
xo,
s
KK says
Hi, Michelle.
When we bought our home, the doors and walls were already painted. Unfortunately, they didn’t leave us with any sample colors, which would really help when we need to do touch-ups. I know this may not help, but it’s about 2-3 shades creamier than a white white.
KK says
Sorry, Karen J. I missed your question last time.
The bird sculpture we got when we went to market in Hickory, NC. There’s no name or logo anywhere on it.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Kristin (aka KK) for dropping in again with more info for everyone! Miss you mucho!
xo,
s
April O says
Wow! I absolutely love the subtle asian flavor throughout the house! My grandparents lived in Japan for a few years when my mom was young and we have inherited several things with that same asian flare. I’m always looking for ways to use those items in other rooms instead of having one room where all the asian pieces go.
Grace says
1. Gorgeous house! I love all the unique touches.
2. Where did you get that couch? It’s a must have!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Grace,
Scroll up for that info!
xo,
s
Kate says
I LOVE everything about this house! I am moving to Charlotte in November and am investigating neighborhoods with these types of houses. As creepy as this may sound, do you guys live right outside of the city? Or do you have any suggestions as to what other neighborhoods to begin house hunting in? I love the bungalow feel!
brooke says
LOVE this home!! everything about it…love the sectional too!! it is perfect! and now i want to paint every door!
Michelle @ Design Palate says
I love the home! Beautifully done. I love the subtlety of the Asian flavor as well. Speaking of… where can I find the Asian-inspired chairs in the dining room?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kate and Michelle,
Here’s hoping Kristin will stop in with that info for you soon. Stay tuned…
xo,
s
Patti says
Love this house, inside and outside! My fav idea is the dark doors … I would have never thought of that! It definitely gives the rooms the wow factor!
KK says
Kate: We moved to Charlotte 3 years ago. I’ll say this – we live less than 4 miles from downtown. If you want to look at neighborhoods with great bungalows, check out Plaza-Midwood, Chantilly and NoDa. They are all great neighborhoods.
Michelle: The wingback chairs you are referring to are just recovered wingback chairs my Mom gave us. The fabric is from Mary Jo’s in Gastonia, NC. (The fabric store Sherry has been gushing about.)
And just a note: I have absolutely no idea how we ended up with so much Asian-inspired items in our home. Other than one piece that’s not featured in any of the photos that is an Asian screen from my grandfather, we chose the other things ourselves. I guess we didn’t know we liked it so much until it all came together. :)
kathryn says
It is a fun, gorgeous home! I’m wondering what paint color is on their walls? Could you find out?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kathryn,
Scroll up for that info!
xo,
s
Jenn says
Sorry to ask yet another question of the homeowners, but I am dying to know where their bed is from. My husband and I have the tiniest bedroom and every bed we’ve seen that would fit is way too masculine and boxy for my taste. help! Absolutely love the house – and I totally want to trek to that fabric store!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Ann and Julia,
Here’s hoping Kristin swings by with those answers for you soon!
xo,
s
KK says
Hi, Jenn.
No worries. But I don’t think I can be much help. (John & Sherry are much better about keeping track of where their home furnishings are from.)
The black bed in our master bedroom is from Greenfront in Farmville, VA. If you are close and haven’t been, it’s incredible. Big warehouses of stuff. They carry a ton of different brands. I even crawled under the bed to look for a logo or name for you and didn’t see one.
pendy says
I recently painted the inside and outside of my exterior doors black. Love it, but hadn’t thought of painting interior doors…hmmm…
Laura@JourneyChic says
I absolutely love the idea of the card bowl, and am going to look for something like it during my next trip to HomeGoods!
Ann A. says
Read you everyday. I don’t think I’ve seen this comment yet…I am looking for a floor lamp like the one they have in their living/family room…where did they find there’s?
NC says
For the lady moving to Charlotte— the Wilmore and Sedgefield areas are also GREAT places to find little bungalows… and Cotswold… Dilworth is a little pricey…but… if you have the cha-ching…
Christine Schwalm says
I have seen similar pendants online at http://www.lampsplus.com. Bonus, for those of us without a ceiling hookup, they plug in.
Julia says
I live in the Charlotte area (Lake Wylie, SC) and I was wondering where Kristin got her pendant lamp. Is the store still around? I love the idea of choosing your fabric!
Katrina C. says
Wow, this is so strange, I’m do the same thing to my exterior…wow..same colors and everything!
KK says
Ann A,
The floor lamp in our living room is from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.
KK says
Julian in Lake Wylie,
The pendant lamp is from City Supply on Thomas Avenue in Plaza-Midwood. They have a TON of fabrics to choose from and it’s a great store.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks again for stopping in with all that info Kristin (aka KK). Everyone is really loving your house… so much that they want to know where you got every single thing it seems!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
In the 1st picture of Idea #2, there is a black cabinent in the background. I have been looking for a cabinent very similar to what’s pictured. Can you tell me where you purchased it?
Melissa W. says
A friend of mine introduced me to your blog about a month and a half ago (and I am totally addicted to it!!!)- I’m closing on my first home in two weeks and I’ve got oodles of DIY projects lined up. I really love the baseboards in Kristin’s home…I’m planning on installing some in mine and was wondering where she found them/what style they are? Thanks much, you guys are awesome!
Melissa
Zoya Bograd says
This home is just beautiful. I am inspired to paint my doors black. Love that hallway. And the table at the end under that window…perfect.
Cayla says
Kristin, your house is beautiful I love the eclectic feel you have.. I have to admit my absolute favorite part of your house is the black doors!! Love them!