Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 286 Comments

House Crashing: A Happy Casual Farm House

You guys know Lesli, right? She’s a friend of ours who lives in out in the country (Greenwood, Virginia) and happens to be an amazing painter (you might remember our giveaway with her). She has an awesome blog and a sweet old house – complete with extra high ceilings that we covet and 100+ year old details that make “old farmhouse” the dream for so many people (us included). So we can’t wait to show you around. Let’s get to snooping…

Lesli DeVito Standing In Foyer Of Happy Farmhouse Near Charlottesville Virginia

Almost every item in Lesli’s home has been loved back to life. Like the old bench that sits in her entryway, which she got secondhand for $50 and painted a fresh new color. All of the mixed and matched art above it has such a fun and casual vibe – almost like it’s a beach house. The best thing about this house out in the country (with gorgeous views of the mountains) is that nothing feels too precious. Clara had a blast (and I didn’t have to have fifteen heart attacks worrying that she’d break something since the house was so kid friendly and fun). Oh and see that suitcase that Clara’s standing on? It can be seen in this Burger birthday video (Lesli’s daughter actually gave it to Clara to take home – how sweet is that?).

Foyer With Frame Collage Wall and Colorful Teal Church Pew Bench

To the left of that entryway are two large rooms with awesome envy-inducing high ceilings. The room in the front is a living area, and the one in the back was once a formal dining room but Lesli realized that her family got more use out of making that another sitting area with a big couch for reading (you know, so Lesli can curl up and read in one space while the kids watch TV in the next room). So she moved the dining room to the other side of the house and made this side into one big casual chill-out area.

Colorful Traditional Farmhouse Living Room With Wingback Chairs And Pink Bookcase

I think some of the most noteworthy choices that Lesli made in the room had to do with color. Look at those bold patterned curtains! That awesome kid-art with bright pink mats! Even the colorful Uglydoll on the couch is inspired! Too many exclamation points? Sorry, this room just gets me excited. And the coolest thing is that Lesli actually designed the fabric for those curtains herself (it’s a horse painting that she did, which she uploaded to Spoonflower and duplicated a bunch of times to create an abstract ikat-ish effect). I got woozy when she told me that. Seriously, it was horse-print-induced hysteria.

Farmhouse Decor With Pink Curtains And Colorful Pillows

Here’s that room behind the one we shared above (which used to be the formal dining room until she moved that to the other side of the house). I love that Lesli made things work for her family instead of being locked into using the same layout that the previous owners did. And see that round coffee table? It was actually a kitchen table from Lesli’s old house, but she cut the stand down to make it coffee-table height. Isn’t that a smart use-whatcha-got trick?

Traditional Farmhouse Vintage Style With Lots Of Artwork And Chandelier

Check out that big mirror over the mantel. It’s original to the 100+ year old house. Gorgeous, right? Lesli was so humble about everything but I was totally standing there drooling. The cool thing about this house is that it’s a great example of how you can fill an awesome old farmhouse with inexpensive items and reinvent old thrift store pieces. And nothing feels like you’re going to break it or ruin it… it’s approachable and comfortable.

Chevron Print Couch IN Front Of Vintage Fireplace With Oversized Mirror

Here’s a secondhand cabinet that she rescued with some fresh paint. I love the pops of yellow and the wooden fish on the wall with the name of her city painted on it. And see that bolt of fabric leaning casually in the corner? I love it there. The whole house is so refreshingly unfussy and easy.

Vintage Kitchen Storage Display With Decorative Objects

Here’s her upstairs bathroom complete with a few more pops of color in the art and the textiles. It’s cool to see how Lesli mixes old (the ornate antique mirror) with new (the geometric bath mat – which is actually a TJ Maxx find) along with a whole lotta fresh white.

Blue and Yellow Bathroom With Vanity

Lesli’s bedroom was having some drywall work done in a few areas, but we were able to sneak this shot of the corner of the room complete with a fun graphic chair, a non-working fireplace that she filled with books, and a window cornice that she actually made out of fabric and foam core (seriously! she took one down and showed me and it looked so legit – I never would have guessed it was foam core under there and not wood). And as for a little more info on that chair, she got it cheaply because it was a floor model and then recovered it with $9.99 Dwell Studio fabric from U-Fab (she found a great upholstery guy out there who only charged $100 to recover the chair!).

Vintage Fireplace Mantle Used For Storing Books Bookcase

Now on to my favorite room in the house! You may have seen her daughter Phoebe’s room since it actually won in a recent Washington Post kids room contest, but even if you have, it’s totally worth a second look. Everything from that awesome colorful chandelier (from Urban Outfitters!) to the bold blue wall with the fun pink border and some more patterned fabric cornices (plus that great geometric rug that she got on clearance from PB Teen for $150!) was completely fun and charming.

Twin Bed Side-By-Side In Blue Room With Pink Border And Colorful Crystal Chandelier

Without a doubt my favorite thing in the room were the beds. Can you believe that Lesli got them at a thrift store for super cheap and then painted and upholstered the back herself? It looked complicated (how do you curve the fabric like that?) but the curved panel actually just pops out so she added some batting and some fabric, pulled it taut and stapled it in the back, and then just screwed the panel back on. Easy peasy. The fabric is Premier Suzani Slub in Corn. Don’t they look like a million bucks?

Blue Pink And Yellow Bright Pillows In Kids Room

The room that her sons share was just as sweet with fun orange accents (the over-sized ceiling shade and the curtains that she made with this fabric were awesome)…

Boys Room With Orange and Blue Accents

… but my favorite things in that room were these crazy.awesome.lamps. They were just cheap glass lamps that she got from Target, but they were fillable – so she decided to fill one of them with a bunch of tiny toys that her son had collected when he was younger but no longer plays with. And the other one got filled with old cars that used to be enjoyed all the time. I thought it was such a cool way to keep something sentimental around that your child might not actively play with anymore. Imagine the possibilities: legos, polly pockets, colored pencils, rubber erasers, the list goes on! Now I can expand my shadowbox obsession to fillable lamps…

Glass Lamps Filled With Toy Cars In Boys Bedroom

So there you have Lesli’s awesome house. Thanks so much to her and the family for so graciously inviting us over to crash! We had the best time, and couldn’t wait to share all of her creativity with you guys. I mean, from those spoonflower curtains that Lesli designed herself to the lamps full of kid paraphernalia, we definitely left feeling super inspired! Now let’s play the what’s-your-favorite-part game. I gotta stick with those genius thrift store beds that she completely redid for Phoebe’s room. Amazing.

Psst- Don’t wanna stop snooping around? You can check out dozens of House Crashing adventures right here.

Comments

  1. ErinY says

    Amazing house!!! I love how she uses all the bright colors and patterns but it still feels grown up and airy/casual. Her whole house looks like it should be in a design magazine!

    Reply

  5. Sydnie says

    This was such a fun and livable house tour! She has such a great talent for mixing patterns and colors. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  9. Rebecca says

    Hi Sherry and John – I was soooooo excited to meet you guys in GT tonight. I signed up for this event the second you put out the notice that you would be there. I had my preordered book all ready for you to sign. Unfortunately i don’t think I can make it. We’re sleep training our 5 month old and it is NOT going well :-(. For the sake of consistency (and my husband’s sanity) I’ve got to be home to get the baby boy to bed. Can i still sign up for the saturday event? love you guys!!

    Reply

  11. Rebecca says

    I am totally in love with the lamps in her boys’ room! SERIOUSLY SWOONING! Also love your blog! I check it out at least a dozen times a day! And a little birdie told me that I’m getting a copy of your book for Christmas! I can hardly wait!!!

    Reply

  12. Laura says

    I saw in the boy’s room the cute lamps don’t match. I am currently redoing the decor of our master bedroom and run into a lamp issue. How do feel about bedside table lamps that aren’t exactly the same? Should they at least be in the same color family or same style? I love my lamp, bought it at TJ Maxx years ago so finding an identical one is difficult. Help!

    Thanks! Love you guys by the way!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I think with the same lamps (or similar lamps) and if they’re around the same height it can be an awesome layered look! Sometimes it’s even better than matching ones!

      xo
      s

  13. Lindsay says

    I love this house! And specifically, where did that rug in the entry way with the multi colored circles come from? I’ve been searching for it everywhere! If you guys or Leslie pops in and tells me I would be eternally grateful :)

    Reply

    • lesli devito says

      There are two rugs..both are Dash and Albert…one by the front door is “Gypsy Rose” if it is the one directly in front of the bench, it is called Cats Paw. They have it online on DashandAlbert.com…but go to my blog and email me and I will tell you where I got it…because last time I was there, she told me the color is discontinued and they are now 20% off. Dash and Albert is NEVER 20% off!

  15. Camille says

    Best one yet. Personalized, DIY, but with the hand of a true talent. Plus you can tell that she spent years on it, letting it evolve with time and budget, which is so realistic and encouraging for most of us. LOVE IT!

    Reply

  16. Whitney says

    I’m sure you know this already, but in case you didn’t…you just got a shout out on Slate.com’s Best books 2012. In fact, you’re the first book listed. Congrats!

    Reply

  19. Amelia says

    Girl-with-a-blue-mohawk or not…I will BE there tonight! Yay D.C.! So, so, so excited! Toted my YHL book in with me to work today and absolutely. cannot. wait!

    Reply

  20. JessieBelle says

    Uh, I agree with everyone else. Her house, that PINK and that blue. I D-I-E-D. I would do my house like this in a heart beat! Looks like Barbie’s Dream House! (My poor husband…lol)

    Reply

  22. hannah says

    and to the earlier commenter, yep, start trolling craigslist for a church pew. i finally got one a few months back for my kitchen, LOVE it!!! i can stow mittens & hats in a tote, and we also have a boot tray full of shoes under it :) keeps our small-ish kitchen semi organized… running a business out of our home with a dog, cat, two small children, it gets crazy :)

    Reply

  24. kerry says

    Those lamps in the boys room – I just saw on reddit similar lamp. However the story was kind of different.

    This woman had a son, and everytime he left something in his pockets when they went in the wash, she took it out and put it in a jar. 25 years later, he got married. She presented him the lamp full of all the things she confiscated from his pockets over the years. it was incredible!

    Reply

  27. Sarah@SBrandesDesigns says

    I am totally in love with the colorful chandelier & wish I had a use for one!

    The fillable lamps are pretty amazing too. They would even be great to fill with seasonal/holiday decor (pinecones, ornaments, candy hearts, etc).

    Reply

  28. Whitney says

    Speaking of weird dreams, I had one the other night where my friend and I went to visit you and John but you two were too busy practicing for a ballroom dancing competition with a routine were you danced in and out of a parked van…it was super weird. :)

    Reply

  29. Stephanie says

    I love this house! But I REALLY can’t wait until you guys post your “Making It Lovely” house crash! Are you guys coming to any book signings in Idaho perchance?

    Much love!

    Reply

  30. Jennie says

    This is a gorgeous home … I love everything. The bench is a particular favorite, but I also love all of the pink touches, and the creative use of kid art. Great job, Lesli!

    Reply

  32. Julia @ This Idiot's Guide says

    I love the old bench (or is an old church pew?!) in the entryway – I’ve thought of doing something similar, but the only benches/pews I’ve found at thrifts store are just TOO old and rickety to be salvaged, darn it! I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled and fingers crossed for a good find someday, of course! Thanks for sharing this super unique house!

    Reply

  35. Whitney Dupuis says

    This house is amazing! Exactly how I picture my perfect house. Beautiful, open, light, kid-friendly, and lived in. Brilliant!

    Reply

  36. Rebeca says

    I am thankful for your blog. I have a major full time job and two young girls and your blog helps me unwind after a crazy day!
    LOVE the target lamps….will fill with barbie shoes :)

    Reply

  37. Nicole S. says

    I love all the bright colors! It looks so light and airy, but not sterile. I think my favorite part is the bolt of fabric just hanging around; as a person with her own dedicated sewing room, that’s my kind of house!

    Reply

  38. Krista says

    Just wondering how much money have you totally spent on your house (not decorations, just house projects)since moving in. I know you keep OCD records! ;)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Is this for Lesli or us! We actually do budget breakdowns for almost all of our projects and post them but don’t keep a cumulative count. Would be fun though! We also sell things on Craigslist and stuff too, so it’s sort of a living breathing thing. Some months we save money and sell stuff and other months we do larger projects we have saved for!

      xo,
      s

  43. Amy says

    That bench is to die for! I am going to start my hunt on Craigslist now (or see if my parents will give me their old pew) :)
    Beautiful home.

    Reply

  44. anna see says

    Beautiful House, Leslie! It is so inviting and cheerful!

    S& J, sorry I’m not going to make it to see you this weekend. You’re coming to my hometown and I’m going to…Richmond!

    Reply

  45. Sabrina says

    I love everything about this house. I am obsessed with that chevron couch and I wish my hubby would allow that much pink lol

    Reply

  46. Kat says

    That is right by my house! If you ever visit again, you should tell John that you guys need to visit Kat from HS (and UVA)!! :)

    Reply

  47. Stefani says

    Love it. My favorite house crash you’ve done. The color schemes in the rooms are amazing. I want to redecorate my whole house now using this as my inspiration . Wow :) thanks for sharing this lovely home with us! And thanks for keeping up with your blog so well when I know you’re crazy busy with the tour! :)

    Reply

  48. HeatherM says

    Okay Sherry, it’s time for you to stop talking about re-upholstery like it is some crazy difficult project. Now that John is getting a staple gun for his birthday, you have the PERFECT opportunity to take on a project like this… and prove to everybody that it really isn’t as hard as you say it is. And it is not annoying like sewing. I triple dog dare you to take on a real upholstery project with your (John’s) new staple gun.

    My MIL re-upholsters her entire living room furniture every 4-5 years by herself. And she has helped us reupholster a lot of things, including a gorgeous hand-me-down claw foot camel back ethan allen couch. The biggest tip I have is to take pictures of every single thing as you take it apart. The pictures help you remember which pieces go where, how the fabric is secured, what piece is secured first and second, etc. Just take lots and lots and LOTS of pictures of the fabric you are taking off the piece, and then put the pictures in reverse order and you’ve got yourself a step-by-step visual guide of how to re-assemble with the new fabric. Good luck!

    Reply

  50. Dee says

    I am drooling over alllll the feminine details! Is there a male in this home? because I wonder how he feels about all this pink? :)
    istaistaista.blogspot.com

    Reply

    • lesli devito says

      My Husband loves our home…it makes me happy…which makes HIM happy so hence, HE loves it…and he is a guy who would not wear a pink shirt until about a year ago…We have two sons and a daughter and truthfully, they are so used to the house evolving that I have overheard them bragging on me “My Mom did that!”..

      .I think pink does not have to be frilly it can be “hot”! and I like using it in surprising, unexpected ways…

    • Damon DeVito says

      Her man is comfortable enough with his masculinity to handle the pink and she does not lie…I love the house ever changing as it is.

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *