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.
Ashley says
This is one of my favorite house crashes that you’ve done – I love it! Great job Michelle and Nate!
Ash says
I love the powder room (inspiration for my yet-to-be-installed future basement half-bath)!!! How DO you guys manage to take so many mirror shots without actually BEING in the mirror (John’s on-the-john shot in your guest bathroom notwithstanding ;P).
Hope things went well at the signing!!! IS IT TACOMA YET?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, John is sneaky. He took two photos (one with him in it and one of the reflection in a better angle without him) and merged the two in phonotoshop.
xo,
s
Em says
Gorgeous home! When I read Michelle and Nate I thought it might be ‘decor and the dog’ [they’re Michelle and Nate too – you posted a reader redesign of their powder room a while ago and that’s how I found them :)] Anyway I looove the stairway with the orb light and the wood details!
Captain Micah says
This has been my favorite house crash yet. I love the calming neutrals with pops of beautiful color. This is exactly the look we’re going for in our home!
Cara says
Got your book in the mail from amazon today!!!! I love that it is hardback by the way. Can’t wait to look through it!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much! Hope you love it.
xo,
s
Katie says
So jealous of all the peeps posting that they got your book today! Mine hasn’t even shipped yet… can’t wait to get it though! Hopefully early next week!
YoungHouseLove says
Hope it comes soon!
xo,
s
Becca Bermingham says
That is so crazy, I live in Herndon too! You should have stopped by! Although my house is nowhere near that gorgeous!!
Emily says
Exciting to see a Herndon post! I’m from Reston (town next door) but have been living abroad for several years and seeing the front exterior shot made me homesick. Anyway, I love, love, love this house! That wine rack wall is ingenious. And what fabulous tile choices – the kitchen back splash and both bathroom walls are just perfect!
Sheri Miller says
This is a crash I can get behind. I loved a LOT of it, especially the garage. We are planning a kitchen redesign and that seems a perfect use for our old cabinets.
I have thing for maps too – LOVING the Nolli maps. Yes, I went to ebay to get and there is nothing. Would love another resource :)
Michele Ament says
We had found several sources but ebay was the best deal. I would just google search for Nolli map and see what comes up. Good Luck!!
Kayla says
(1) Great house tour (2) I JUST GOT MY BOOK IN THE MAIL TODAY! I CAN’T WAIT TO LOOK THROUGH IT!!!!!! (also, I’ll be @ your Chicago event with the husband and can’t wait to meet you two) :)
YoungHouseLove says
Woooot!
xo,
s
Melanie says
Psst… I think it’s “Michele” and not “Michelle.” Just went over to their blog… wow!
YoungHouseLove says
Eeks thanks! All fixed. Thanks for the tip. Off to email Michele and beg her to forgive me :)
xo,
s
Michele Ament says
No worries Sherry! It happens so often I don’t even think about it!!
YoungHouseLove says
You’re so sweet!
xo,
s
Leslie says
Ummm, so I got a text from amazon yesterday that your book shipped! I was so excited. Guess what, I got it today. After flipping through for a few minutes, I looked at my husband and said they are gonna be rich.
Seriously… You guys are really good at this. Writing a book, conceptualizing everything, and of course decorating. and a bunch of other great stuff.
Great job! Can’t wait to do some of these DIY projects the first one is going to be #168. I’ve got some gross ones that will be perfect, haha.
And #233 will be next. and, and…I’m going to be busy for a while-thanks, love it!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re so sweet Leslie. We’re so glad you love it!
xo,
s
Amanda @ The Scacchi House says
I LOVE the stairway walls. It’s amazing how such a simple detail can make an entire space.
Christine says
Just wanted to say thanks for sharing this crash. This has been one of my faves in a long time. I feel so inspired after taking a peek- like that rustic mirror… me want!!
Melissa says
WOW! Im in love with so many things…thanks for crashin!
I’ve been following the blog for a while and want to give you guys some serious props. I can’t imagine how hard you guys work and I admire the pride you take in your home. It’s very inspiring! I’m a teacher in CT and had my heart set on attending today’s Wilton book signing since schools have been closed for almost a week, but a last minute decision opened up the schools and I had to pass :( Still psyched that your book is on my birthday list and I know my mom (veteran DIYer) is totally going to pick it up!
Best of luck with the tour and everything else!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Melissa, you’re so sweet!
xo,
s
lesli devito says
Hands Down The Coffee table…in fact…I am fairly certain I could open a coffee table store cut from the trees down in my yard! Where IS my chainsaw!
Love this House Crash!
Leslie Stewart says
What an amazing home! They have some great ideas! Very talented and creative!
Thanks for sharing!
Leslie
Uncle Steve says
WOW! You guys did a awesome job on that house!!! My favorite is the outback. I only have two concerns. Where is the keggerator & that beautiful squirrel?
Alex says
I love this house! It shows that you can add character to any house.
Stephanie N says
Love the house crash. Love all the DYI the owners did. I few I may have to copycat! :)
I just received my book in the mail. I love it. A cute shape and I like the way the cover is matte not glossy. Cleaning house right now but can’t wait to crack into it!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Stephanie! So glad you like it!
xo,
s
Tracy K says
I’m in love with the DIY wine storage & I’m not even a wine drinker! Hmmm…DIY beer storage??? Now I’m on a mission! :)
Thanks for sharing!
Tara says
VERY nice home. Love it!
Also…..the doorbell just rang, and my delivery from Amazon is here! It’s my YOUNG HOUSE LOVE books I ordered – one for me and one for my sister for Christmas. So I will by cozying up with it for the afternoon. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoooo!!!
xo,
s
Andrea says
Thank you for sharing this beautiful home!
On another note, my pre-ordered book arrived from Amazon today, and I am having a blast reading through it. Out of curiosity, when will you be revealing which book projects you chose to hang on to? I think you’ve mentioned before that there is a book secret on the back of your bedroom door.
Also, are there any book projects that you had to remove that you might revisit someday? For example, the patterned wallpaper on your living room ceiling?
I’m so curious about which projects are your favorites!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes we’d love to reveal that stuff! There’s so much behind the scenes stuff that we can’t wait to share!
xo,
s
Danette Dillon says
Absolutely beautiful homes! I especially love the chevron walls in the first one.
elizabeth b says
Got my copy of the book today (yay!) — not even a third of the way through and I stopped to order one for a friend. Great work, you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Elizabeth! You have no idea how happy it makes us to hear that!
xo
s
SJ says
This house is amazing and so inspiring! In other news…I GOT YOUR BOOK TODAY!!! Just put the kids to bed, poured myself a nice glass of wine and plan to devour it for the next couple of hours!
YoungHouseLove says
Yay! That’s awesome. We can’t believe our little book baby is out there in the world. Hope you love it.
xo
s
Lindsay Butler says
Any chance they know the name of the lights in the dining room? I LOVE them!! And I cannot be positive, but I am pretty sure i NEED them!
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping she drops in with that info!
xo
s
Michele Ament says
Here is the link! It looks like they are still available. We did have a problem with one (one small crack in the wood veneer shade) but they replaced it with no questions asked! And we got to reuse the broken shade in the front living room! (Crack towards the wall of course).
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Chrome-Plate-Natural-16-inch-Chandelier/4070933/product.html
Jen Beck says
LOVE this house! So impressed that they did all the work themselves- amazing:-)
Guess what I got in the mail today? Your book! The kids are in bed and I’m getting ready to go snuggle up with YHL:-)
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhhhhhhh! Hope you love it.
xo
s
Amanda Mae says
Love this house!
Sarah says
What a beautiful and inspired home!
Brenda says
I LOVE this house, and Herndon is so close to me! How exciting! Definitely went Pinterest crazy on this post, my husband and I are getting ready to move to a new home in a few weeks.
Natascha says
LOVE this house!!! No way to pick a favorite part!!! Very inspiring. We are cleaning up from hurricane Sandy and it’s great to see what some elbow grease can do. I have a two year old. We purchased our home right before I had her ( two weeks in). I love hearing how you guys juggle too. Thanks for the inspiration and fun !
HelloDoorSeven says
I could literally steal the entrance console. <3 They have a really lovely house! :)
Tracey says
Received my preordered book last night and have read it from cover to cover already. Great ideas! Can’t wait to get started on some of them. Job well done guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so glad!
xo
s
Krista S. says
I got my copy of your book from Amazon yesterday! Spent three hours poring over it last night, and today I bought my first glue gun. :) Thanks for all the wonderful ideas!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Krista! So glad you’re enjoying it!
xo
s
Tabbitha says
I have been referencing Young House Love for over a year now, and just love it! Thank you Sherry and John for sharing your inspiration and talent with all of us. Michele and Nate, your home it outstanding and I love the backsplash in the kitchen!!!
Cassie says
Unrelated to this post but…saw this glassware at westelm.com and the combo of gold and the honeycomb/bee theme made me think of you guys :) Have you seen it?
http://www.westelm.com/products/honeycomb-glassware-d264/?pkey=cglassware-bar
YoungHouseLove says
Gorgeous! I love it!
xo
s
Nicole says
I’m so madly in love with that moody powder room!
Annelies says
Hi there, just received an e-mail from Amazon.fr saying that there will be a whopping 5 week delay, meaning your book (that I ordered back in June) won’t be in France until December 14th !!! Boo !!!
On the positive side, that must mean that you’ve sold a crazy amount of books, so I’m very happy for y’all ! :)
Bisous from France !
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! So sorry Annelies! Hope it shows up sooner than that to surprise you!
xo
s
Annelies says
Ooooo, you were right, the book arrived this morning !! Amazon, are you playing tricks on me ? :)
Now leaving the computer to read it all, it looks beautiful, amazing job !
YoungHouseLove says
Yay I’m so glad!!
xo,
s
Emily says
Wow so many awesome details I could comment on!! I’ll go with – OMG wine nook!
andrea says
I am totally loving the starched linen walls in the dining room! I need to start working to convince my hubby that we should try this at our house…
John @ Our Home from Scratch says
Wow! Spectacular!
Meredith says
All I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW! Can they come redo our place?? I love so many things about it, too hard to pick a favorite.
kate says
I love everything about this house. Thank you so much for sharing. My favorite part are the stairs going out the backdoor. We have a huge deck in a very swampy backyard, which leads to palmetto bug infestations. We have such a problem with them thanks to that deck. I just sent that picture to my husband and he is also convinced we now need to rip down the deck and copy they stairs. Love it!!
Sara says
I’m in love. Seriously. Bags are packed, and I’m ready to move in today.
Amanda C says
LOVE the coffee table! We lost a large tree to Sandy, and already put a big chunk in our garage to dry out, as we were planning to turn it into a table, and now this morning I see this! Hope they post more detailed instructions on their blog!
Stephanie says
Love!! Do you happen to know what the stain color is on the wood floors? I’m doing my wood floors soon and that’s the exact shade that I was looking for.
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping they drop in with that info for ya!
xo
s
Michele Ament says
Stephanie,
We actually didn’t stain them. They are walnut engineered floors with a water based poly finish. I hope this helps!
meerasedai says
Umm this is crazy… but I grew up in Herndon and I’m about 70% sure that this house is in my mom’s neighborhood. Small world (especially when everyone is from Virginia!)
Its awesome to see the same layout styled differently. The kitchen is amazing, I wish there was a ‘before’ photo because if it was anything like the old kitchen in our house, it would be really dramatic!
Aimee says
Wow! This has got to be the best house crash ever. Love love love it!!!
Nicki says
I would love to know the paint color on the wall of their living area, which can be see in the background of the picture of the light fixtures over the dining room table.
YoungHouseLove says
Hope she drops in with that info!
xo
s