Quick note Book holla! -We’re publishing this post early since we’ll be at our stop in Wilton, CT this morning and then we’ll be at Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ at 5:30 pm (and staying as late as it takes to hang/sign/geek out with everyone). More details here. We’d love to see ya!
A little while ago we took a road trip up to Northern Virginia to crash an awesome house that we thought you guys would love. It’s in a charming town called Herndon, and Michele and Nate poured some serious love (in the form of some serious work, time, and sweat) into their home. So let’s get our with the tour on, shall we?
Here’s the sweet couple now. They were so friendly and humble – we were so happy they invited us over with our camera (and Clara) to snoop around. Thanks again guys!
If you peeked past them in that picture above you’ve probably already noticed that awesome painted wall that Michele did with some painter’s tape and a whole lotta time and dedication. I also love that console table, which she revealed was from HomeGoods for some crazy cheap price but it was a bright orange-y wood tone, so she stained the whole thing down with some darker walnut stain. Always a good reminder that if the lines/materials of something are good but the color is baaad, you can save it (and probably save some money on the item thanks to that less-than-appealing color). And if you peer past it into the living room you might recognize the rug. It’s actually the same Pottery Barn clearance guy from our guest room. It’s a nice splash of color that draws you into the room from the entryway.
Beyond the living area is a charming dining room with two light fixtures from Overstock above the table (I thought two of them was a fun choice!). And do you see that sweet wainscoting that they added along with some awesomely textured walls thanks to… fabric?
Yup, they starched some textured linen fabric (on sale from Joann) and stuck it up on the wall! How awesome is that. Here’s her tutorial on that for anyone interested (I love that it’s removable, so it’s even a cool idea for a rental).
As for their kitchen, let’s just say they put in some major time here. Not only did they do things like tile the backsplash and redo the counters, they actually built the cabinets themselves. Yes, they built them from scratch! So inspiring, right? I can tell you that in person they looked amazing. I seriously never would have guessed. Oh and those stools are lucky Crate & Barrel outlet finds.
They also created this awesome little wine nook in an odd recessed area by adding a bench and lots of wine-a-licious built-ins.
Here’s the money shot for ya. Does this gorgeous marble mosaic tile say “how you doin?” or what? In lurve. I petted it. No shame. And that awesome apron sink is from Overstock in case you’re in the market for one.
The family room was super cozy and welcoming. Everything from the large scale art they made to the stone wall and the dark wall color was totally doing it for us. We both were like “this room – yeah we want it.” Oh, before I forget, the wall color is Benjamin Moore Gunmetal Gray. This was just one of those rooms that sucks you in and you want to snuggle down on the sectional. So casual and inviting.
Here’s a better shot of the art, which they actually made with an ebay map and some reclaimed wood that they already had (more on that project here). And how cool is that awesomely nature-esque tree trunk coffee table? Here’s the story on that from Michele: “We made it! A pretty bad storm rolled through VA and we contacted a tree guy that we know in the area. He was taking care of some larger trees that had fallen and we asked that he cut us a chunk. It is a red oak. We counted about 110 rings and it was about 350 lbs! We let it dry out for a few weeks and Nate begin using a chainsaw to carve out the inside to lighten it up. (This was NOT an easy task!!). We spend weeks sanding it, chiseling off the bark, etc. After we had a smooth, hollowed out stump, we tung oiled it. Thanks for reminding me about a post that I need to write!”
We loved that every nook was an opportunity for Michele and Nate. They even added some great wood detailing along the stairway walls, and the awesome orb-like light is super cool too. They actually made that with a light kit and a big metal cage that they found at a secondhand store.
Here’s the guest room, which had a pretty cool story when it came to those dressers along the wall. They’re actually Nate’s from when he was a kid, and instead of retiring them, Michele refreshed them with some paint and new hardware (Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray, with pulls from Home Depot). You know we love that use whatcha got spirit!
This bathroom was another showstopper when it comes to details that they added (like the penny tile border along the wall, the awesome dark floor tile, and the vanity that they got from Lowe’s). It felt really classic and crisp in there.
Boom. I just hit you with a detail shot. How you like me now?
Seriously, that bathroom was awesome.
And speaking of bathrooms, this one was a powder room downstairs, and it was really cool because they added an entire accent wall of tile (from Home Depot). It looked so great with the sconces and the pedestal sink and that awesomely rustic wood mirror (which they made with some old wood). This picture doesn’t do it justice at all.
And the garage. Oh the garage. Let’s just say that John wanted to move in. It was awesome. Again they were so smart about using what they had, so these are actually their original kitchen cabinets. Yup, instead of demo-ing them out when they built the new ones, they moved them right into the garage and primed/painted them. It was such an organized and inspiring room. Made me wanna build something.
There were some really cool personal touches too, like some old airplanes that Nate framed (he’d made them as a child and his Grandpa saved them and gave them back to him as an adult). How sweet is that? And of course John was drooling over the supreme organization going on when it came to all of those labeled screws and nails (it might have inspired this recent basement project). The funny thing is that when John asked Nate if he cleaned things up because we were coming to take pictures he said “nah, I’m just a type-A guy.” So funny!
And we saved the best for last. How awesome is this backyard? Did you faint? I almost did when I rounded the corner and saw this. I was all “wait, am I in Hawaii? How did I get here?”
Not only was there an outdoor kitchen that they paintstakingly pieced together over time, but they also have some great outdoor furniture and even had a hot tub tucked in the back. Yeah, buddy. I was in heaven. Jersey girls like me love their hot tubs. Just saying.
And look at those pretty stone steps. The hardscaping in the front yard and the backyard were so great. It was like extra credit. It went the extra mile above regular garden borders and stairs and felt so special and upgraded, you know? Nate and Michele are actually both landscape architects, so that might explain why they have some seriously swanky outdoor areas. And the planters all around the yard have been collected over time (some are leftover from the previous owner and they spray painted them oil-rubbed bronze to freshen them up).
So there you have it, Michele and Nate’s awesome house in Northern Virginia. You can read more about their amazing DIY journey here on their blog, but first let’s play the what’s-your-favorite-part game. I’m all over that giant map against the dark walls of the family room. And John’s very much in love with that garage. As in, he smiles like a fool when I mention it. I’ve been calling him Young Garage Love for weeks.
Psst- Don’t wanna stop snooping around? You can check out dozens of House Crashing adventures right here.
Cassie Morren says
You wouldn’t happen to know what color paint is in the bathroom? I’m looking for a gray and that is just the look I’m going for!
YoungHouseLove says
Hope she drops in with that info!
xo,
s
Michele Ament says
The powder room (with the rock tile wall) is Behr Trail Print and the upstairs bathroom is a custom color that we mixed with leftover paints (sorry!)
Kim says
Love this one. Off to their blog to try to find more pics.
Also my goal is to have my house picked for a house crashing when you come on your book tour for your SECOND book haha. I am a renter right now and while I do my best it’s just not quite YHL house crashing material, and the bar has been seriously raised with this house!
Also, last night I poured over Amazon’s preview of the inside of your book – they show a ton of pages! I love what I saw!
Reenie says
WOW… Love it. Beautiful home Michelle & Nate. Love the built-in wine rack…kitchen…outdoor area… all very beautiful, cozy and welcoming. Shoot…I wanna move into your garage too! HA!
KiTx says
Best. House crash. Ever. HUGE kudos to Michelle and Nate, what a fantastic result! There isn’t a single thing in that house I don’t love!
Tracey says
OMG! That house is so beautiful! Can I move in? Leave all the furnishings and all. I never knew what my style was until I saw these pics. Love the chevron stripes. Love the tile. Love the the wainscoting. Love the gray tones. I love love love it. Thanks for sharing.
I think this has been the best overall house crashing by far. All others had beautiful sights to see, but this one hit it out of the park. Great job Michell and Nate. Now, can you come and do that to my house?? I’ll definitely be checking out their blog in the future.
Tracey says
I totally agree!!!!!!!!!!!
She Ran.She Worked.She Conquered. says
I was going to comment with my favorite part of the house, but I couldn’t narrow it down to even just three things. It’s amazing!
-Molly
Amy says
Amazing. I love every single thing about this house. Can I please move in?
Michele Ament says
Sure! As long as you can work as a nanny for no charge :) We are due with our first in April!
Benj says
I saw my bar stool there…farthest stool to the right.
Michele Ament says
And it is open for you anytime John!
Sarah says
Wow! They should be uber-proud!!! Crazy amount of inspiration in a single post!!!
Emily | Sparkle Meets Pop says
I love this house so much! Thanks for sharing. Resisting urge to move right in. Agree with pretty much everyone – best house crash ever.
Jill says
This is amazing! Clean lines, cozy, beautiful colors. They’re so creative with functionally using all the nooks. Best house crash yet! Thanks YHL
Jennifer W says
wow. I think this is my favorite House Crashing house. Gorgeous. So many little touches that add up to a beautiful living space and I am totally jealous of their yard! :)
Kathy says
holy crap i love it! i also live in Herndon and am now wondering if they would be willing to give me some advice on my horrible master bedroom. i wish i had the time and talent to do something like this.
Michele Ament says
Anytime! :)
Lauren says
This was the best ever. EVER. I want to move in. Are they looking to adopt a 27 year old?
Michele Ament says
As long as you cook, clean, and do laundry! And if you could work as a full time nanny to our new baby due in April that would be a bonus :)
Megan says
This might be my favorite house crashing yet. I love their kitchen and patio area!
Pamela says
WOW. WOW!!!! Best house crash (best HOUSE) ever!
Cali says
Umm favorite crash ever. I want everything in that house..NOW
kristy says
My favorite house crash yet. Everything is awesome!
Jill says
I am so smitten with this house. Can’t stop oogling. Thanks John and Sherry!
Jill
Linda says
Wow! I have house envy. I live in a classic colonial in a modest neighborhood in Richmond. It resembles Michelle and Nate’s in some ways. And we’ve definitely done a lot of upgrading and improving to it over the past few years to try to make it more contemporary and less stuffy as traditional homes can be. But holy cow! Every detail of this home is awesome! The floor plan is a bit more open looking than mine but I aspire to achieve the same “feel.” Oh and if I were only that good at DIY! I can’t wait to get some new ideas from your book!
Michele Ament says
Linda, Our floor plan was also a bit “closed in” feeling when we first moved in. We were able to expand some doorways, and remove lift some of the openings into each of the rooms (some of the headers were so low and weren’t structural so out they went!). I hope that this may help with your home.
Whitney says
I think this is probably my favorite house crash- or right up there with them! Love that outside area and all the details… beautiful house!
Elaine says
Beautiful home. This is my favorite house crashing so far. Love that stump coffee table and the kitchen has been pinned for the future!
Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says
Wowzas and ha-cha-chaaa…..Okay my favorite thing (since you’re forcing us to choose ;) would have to be the stone wall in the living room. I’m a true sucker for bringing the outdoors in and this element has me teary eyed. The hubs has put the hammer down on bringing stone in, so I am living vicariously through you guys. Haha! Beautiful home. Keep on keeping on y’all!
My best, Lynn
jamie says
I would like to thank you for this post. My husband and I are in the process of closing on a house that will be most everything updated- from gutting the kitchen to enclosing a sunroom. The house house not been touched since it was bulit in 1955…ekkk! We are excited though and a little bit nervous. You blog has helped me answer soooo many questions that I have had about our reno. I know that you hear it alot, but just to remind you that you guys are such an inspiration and wealth of knowledge!! Ps. Sweet clara is getting sooo tall!! She is just the cutest!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jamie! Good luck with everything!
xo,
s
Lacey Vander Plaats says
Wow! This one is my favorite by far. I’m so inspired. Do you know what paint color they used in the Powder Room?
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping they stop in with that info soon!
xo,
s
Michele ament says
The powder room is Behr Trail Print. Thank you for the kind words!!
Michele Ament says
Behr Trail Print. Thank you for your kind words :)
Zandi @ Radical Possibility says
ahh i have the exact same entry way! it was a labor of love and painters tape as well! i did a tutorial of it if anyone wanted to recreate it! http://www.radicalpossibility.com/2012/04/i-really-really-really-wanna-zig-zag.html
Katie O. says
Love this home! Everything about it, but especially their tile accent wall in the powder room. It reminded me of the tile that I’m obsessed with (http://www.glasstilestore.com/loft-curve-super-white-2-1-2×3-4-w-3-4x-3-4-stainless-steel-dot-brick.html) and want to use in our bath as well. Problem is — no one I know seems to understand how you’d grout tile like that. So I’m curious how these homeowners did it with their uneven mosaic. Or John and Sherry, if you have any ideas, I’m all ears!
YoungHouseLove says
Anyone have tips for Katie?
xo,
s
Katie O. says
I just found a few places online that said you don’t need to grout tile like that?!? Is this crazy talk? Would tinted (or white) thinset keep moisture out? Assuming you’d still need to seal? Sure would be nice not to have to grout! =)
Michele Ament says
No grout required! Just used thinset on the walls to set the tile and they were laid butt to butt.
Karen Thompson says
Wow. I love their landscaping! That was amazing. I find that so hard to do because I just don’t know WHAT to do. Thanks for sharing such a cool yard. And that garage aint bad either. If they lived in MN, they’d be having a party in that space all the time! (For some reason, Minnesotans always have parties in their garages. It’s a thing).
Jenn says
Gorgeous home…it has officially moved into my dream home inspiration folder.
Jennifer Walker says
Love it all – the stone work in the back made my back hurt just looking at it. Wow.
I would love to see how they put the shelves on either side of their living room fireplace. I’ve been staring at our fireplace for so long thinking it needed something and this treatment would be perfect.
I also want to copy their chevron wall somewhere. The smaller scale is great.
Sarah says
Wow! The backyard is amazing! I would love to hear more about the outdoor kitchen!
katrina says
I work in an architecture office and we have the same map!
It’s the 1748 Map of Rome, by Giambattista Nolli, widely regarded by scholars as one of the most important historical documents of the city ever created.
Here’s a cool interactive website where you can learn more and get a closer look: http://nolli.uoregon.edu/
Erin says
Totally crashing the party here…but speaking of book signing, do you guys have a date scheduled for Portland yet??!! I don’t think I’ve come across the final date yet (if it’s been determined) Inquiring (and planning!) minds would like to know! Can’t wait to see you guys in person!
YoungHouseLove says
Not yet but we hope to have details soon!
xo,
s
Gina says
Wow! What a house! I don’t think I can choose one favorite thing- it’s all gorgeous!
Lauren says
Love that wine nook! Such a cool house!
Sam says
Loved every single room! This house is amazing!
My jaw literally hit the table when I saw the garage and I adore the outside kitchen with stool. Sucha a great idea!
Thanks for sharing!
xx
Gabby says
Ooh, this is my favorite ever house crash!!! I love absolutely EVERYTHING about it and like many other commenters, I want to move in!! (That garage is gonna get crowded pretty soon!) Hmm, if I had to pick a favorite thing it would be the faucet in the bathroom with the penny tile. It kinda looks like it’s got arms outstretched in a show-off pose, know what I mean? (Um, probably not – yeah, I know, I’m weird like that) Okay, slinking off to check out their blog…..And PS: Good luck today! I hope everyone has a lot of fun :)
Lauren says
Sorry, off topic, but just got my book!! So excited to read it and to meet you guys in Boston :)
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo!
xo,
s
bonniek says
This house is fabulous, and just down the road! I’m really impressed with their choices, and how they managed to combine both of their tastes….a constant challenge in my house! I think my favorite is the powder room and the updated kitchen.
In other news, just got your book delivered! I am cracking open that cover right now and am so excited (for me and you!)
Nancy says
I never normally comment on your house crashes.. but this house is awesome!!! I love how it is very common looking house but what they have done to it is just great! Really motivating. I am having serious garage envy!!!! My favorite crash to date!!
Lisa says
I love it! Makes me want to get to work on my house! Great job, Michelle and Nate.
Amanda says
This is by far the best house crashing so far! I love everything about this house…I feel like I have the same taste as them! I love chevron and sometimes am overwhelmed when people make chevron walls, but theirs is PERFECT. I seriously want to redo my entire house to look like this lol. Thank you for sharing :-)
Sayward says
Tonight I’m going to slow-mo run right into your open arms ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo!!!
xo,
s
Sayward says
I was so sad to miss you guys! I suddenly got power back and restoring my warm, electrified, toilet flushing house won out over the 2.5 hour road trip. I hope the whole trip was great :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw no worries! Next time!
xo,
s
Maggie says
Got my book today in the mail at work! Happy Friday to me! I was so bummed I couldn’t come see you all when you were in Cincinnati! Hopefully you all make your way out to the Midwest again soon. Love your site!
Rose Lane says
Oh my! This is a great example of how you don’t need a mansion to have a very high-end luxurious looking home! What an inspiration.
Jess @ homevolution says
So many things I love about this home! We live in NoVa too, so I’m tempted to pop by. If anything goes missing… shhh, it wasn’t me… ;)
Michele Ament says
Don’t even think about it :)
Angela says
Best.house.crash.ever. Totally love it all – especially the outdoor space. Do they hire out? I’m in Hampton, VA so not too far away!!!
Bridgett Thomas says
Of all the things…I think the garage may have gotten me the most excited…mostly just thinking of the possibilities of organizing all our tools. Would LOVE pics of the inside of those cabinets, just to see how he organized everything. and pointers for organizing a garage.
Brianna says
I am beyond in love!! Best house crash yet! BOy do I need to get to work.