Young House Love

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House Crashing: Lovely At Last

We’re working on wrapping up a few projects for you today – pics and details to come! – plus we have a well overdue house crash to share. It feels kinda unnecessary in this case, but we’ll say it out of formality: Meet Nicole (and her smiley son August).

Nicole 1 Portrait With August

If that picture alone didn’t make you say “Wait, that’s Nicole from Making It Lovely!” then allow us to say “that’s Nicole from Making It Lovely.” You guys know we like to crash homes of all types (we’ve shared nearly fifty of them, from modern apartments and traditional homes to eclectic or retro spaces or crazy bright and colorful ones – each from big bloggers, small bloggers, and not-bloggers-at-all). And since we’ve been internet friends of Nicole’s since we started blogging five years ago (and that’s kind of a long relationship to have without ever having met in person) of course we were thrilled when she invited us over to crash her and her husband Brandon’s iconic Oak Park pad during our Chicago book tour stop last month.

I feel like her home requires little explanation because she has documented it so well herself, but we thought you guys would enjoy seeing some different angles of a house that so many of you already know and love. There’s definitely lots of inspiration for the taking. So, um, here’s her living room…

Nicole 2 Living Room

This room greets you on your left as soon as you step foot inside and the walls are Astor Pink by Benjamin Moore in case you’re wondering. I’ll admit that I was quite nervous about taking pictures of Nicole’s house. I’ve always greatly admired her camera skills so it was pretty intimidating to photograph such a well-photographed home in the presence of the photographer herself. But I survived… with only minor sweating. Nicole has collected so many awesome (I’m trying not to insert “lovely” as my default adjective here) items, it actually ended up being really fun. Oh and the white mirror was from Ballard Designs, the Eames rocker is by Modernica, the coffee table is vintage (picked up this summer at the Renegade Craft Fair) and the tables are vintage too – they were just $10 each.

Nicole 3 Living Room Alt

One of the most interesting things about seeing Nicole’s house in person is how little pink there is. Nicole is a self-professed lover of the color and I feel like I’m always seeing it pop up in her projects. So I guess that created this all-pink all-the-time expectation in my head (despite having browsed her house tour plenty of times over the years). But in reality, many of her rooms are moody, earthy, and warm – including her dining room below, which is located right behind the living room. In fact, the next and only other room you’ll see with pink paint on the walls belongs to her 3-year-old daughter Eleanor.

Nicole 4 Dining Room

I love so many things about this dining room. The metal chairs (from Industry West) mixed with the vintage wood table. The sleek light fixture mixed with the wood panel-backed china cabinet. The quirky guy + gal centerpieces (from Floral Art LA). And of course the wallpaper (which is Clacket Lane by Mibo).

Nicole 5 Dining Room Table

We’ve seen Nicole re-imagine her china cabinet a few times over the years, and we were totally digging the fox theme she had going on when we arrived (she scored those guys on amazon). Sherry and Nicole even had discussions about what would be the next “it” animal. Put a fox on it perhaps? I think llamas were tossed out there too.

Nicole 6 Dining Room Built In

Right behind the dining room (through the door you can see in the first dining picture) is their kitchen. Nicole and Brandon said they’re working on some changes in there, so we didn’t go crazy with the camera in that particular room. But I thought I’d share this one surprise (to me at least) – there’s a full bathroom back there. Somehow I must’ve missed any mention of it on Making It Lovely (although it later came up in a post after we returned from the crash). Old school green tub = awesome sauce.

Nicole 7 Kitchen

Off the other end of the dining room is Nicole’s office – although she doesn’t work at that toddler-sized table you see pictured. That’s just so her kiddos can keep her company while she’s blogging, web-designing, or otherwise putting her stamp on the interweb. The rug is Dash & Albert and the banner was from Catbird NYC (it was cheap so Nicole threw it into her cart to qualify for free shipping).

Nicole 11 Office

We loved checking out her monogrammed trophies in person (she’s got a tutorial for them on her blog here). And the yellow lamp is from Crate & Barrel.

Nicole 12 Office Detail

Once upstairs, you arrive at their sitting room / library area that I’ve always said is my favorite room whenever browsing her photos online. It did not disappoint in person. Sherry and I kinda wanted to move in. That wouldn’t be awkward at all, right? The curtains are from Anthropologie, the fig tree is from Sprout Home right there in Chicago, and the deep chocolate paint on the walls is Afternoon Tea by Pittsburgh Paints.

Nicole 8 Upstairs

I was mostly enamored with that space because of the bookcases (from Ikea, by the way). Nicole and Brandon met working at a bookstore – and the former library employee in me always has a soft spot for shelves upon shelves of books.

Nicole 9 Upstairs Books

Sherry was enamored with this room for another reason. And it rhymes with schmold schmanimals. They were an ebay find. Though I gotta say the brown and white cabinets in this room (which you also saw in her office) are calling my name too. They’re the sadly discontinued Effektiv cabinets from Ikea.

Nicole 10 Upstairs Nook

Immediately to the right of those gold deer is Eleanor’s room. She’s about a year older than Clara and we were all sad that Clara couldn’t join us for this leg of the trip. Those two would’ve had a blast.

Nicole 15 Eleanor Bed

The bed and bedding were from Land Of Nod. Nicole has quite the knack for stylish arrangements, so the collection of art and objects above Eleanor’s bed was no exception. My favorite is the little banner that says “Just Be Cool.” I feel like our toddler could use that reminder every so often…

Nicole 16 Eleanor Bed Detail

Brandon and Nicole’s bedroom is cozy and warm, and kinda made me want to lay down and read a book. Luckily for them I resisted and continued taking photos instead.

Nicole 13 Master Bed

The star of this room is the light fixture, which I had been eager to see in person since I first saw it posted on her blog a couple of years ago. It’s the “Edison Light” from Pottery Barn. And the botanical print behind it on the wall is from Fab.com.

Nicole 14 Master Bed Light

At the opposite end of the upstairs from Eleanor’s room is her brother August’s domain. He was actually playing in there, so I tried not to interrupt too much by shoving my lens in his face. After all, he had just met me about an hour before. So instead I captured some of the awesome details that make me want to shop where Nicole shops. How cool are those pixel fire flowers by a local crafter?

Nicole 17 August Room

And this embroidered venn diagram clock by another local crafter rocked my socks (and reminded me that I ought to bone up on my marksmanship skills if I intend to survive the zombie apocalypse).

Nicole 17 August Zombie Clock

Continuing the theme of foxes, Sherry was drawn like a moth to a flame when it came to this animal-based lamp (she’s been known to obsess over them).

Nicole 18 August Fox

In fact, she even made me take a closer photo of it (it’s from Target in case you need one too). Put a fox on it is sounding more and more promising. What do you guys think? Is it official?

Nicole 19 August Fox Detal

As fun as it was to see Nicole’s house in person, the most fun part was seeing Nicole herself. It was just so refreshing to finally all be in a room together to chat, catch up, talk shop, swap parenting stories, and otherwise enjoy a couple hours of being real life friends, not blogosphere colleagues. Oh and you can read her recap of our visit here on her blog too.

Nicole 20 Chatting With Sherry

Plus, I confirmed my suspicions that their dog Murray is pretty much Burger in a larger body. I mean, c’mon – is that not a Burger face right there?

Nicole 21 John With Murray

So a big thank you again to Nicole, Brandon, Eleanor, and August for inviting us over to their house and being kind enough to entertain my wannabe photographer skills. Now if we can just get Nicole to write a book and include Richmond on her tour we’ll be all set for a sequel to this fun…

 Psst- Do you dare to keep this house crashing party going? You can check out dozens more here.

Comments

  1. Erin M says

    OK, the Burger-likeness is uncanny. Also, are we over octopus’ yet? You make a good point for “put a fox on it,” though. And how about that amazing collection of wooden toys behind the scene-stealing fox lamp? I want! :)

    Reply

  2. Jessica says

    Yay! I found your blog through Nicole’s way back when you did the porch makeover contest, so it’s doubly fun for me to see this house crashing post. And I agree, she totally needs to write a book. And stick a fox on the cover :)

    Reply

  3. Katrina says

    Foxes are definitely the new “it” animal. Or, at least that’s what I’m telling myself now that I’ve found they’ve made their way into our son’s bedroom decor…

    Reply

  5. Sarah says

    Love you guys AND love Nicole. I like the new angles you guys showed. I have such a hard time figuring out the floor plan to Nicole’s house though … maybe you can convince her to do a floor plan for us Sherry? (Or maybe I shouldn’t be so darn nosy!)
    Oh and foxes are definitely the new owls. But I’d LOVE for hedgehogs to become the popular thing. They’re so cute. I have a hedgehog cookie cutter form Ikea and I think I need to make some hedgehog cookies (or would it be weird to make Christmas hedgehog cookies?).

    Sarah

    Reply

  6. Tina says

    that house is gorgeous! but what i really wanted to say was, and it’s a bit off topic, how much do you love Hannah McKay’s (aka Dexter’s latest fling’s)mint and coral-y pink shelving units. whenever there’s a scene in her dining room i ignore the dialogue and drool over how sweet and vintage it looks…and then i rewind and watch the whole scene again.

    -T

    Reply

  7. katalina says

    I love that crash– very warm and inviting with nice twists. love that light fixture in their bedroom–so cool. and their library room.

    did she mention the nice green grey she used in her office–I have been searching for a green like that and once someone said her green was actually in the beige family.

    I also love that fox print in her son’s room.

    Reply

  9. lauren | rebuild (health & home) says

    So glad you guys did this. I’ve loved watching Nicole’s house and family grow over the last few years.

    As a fellow bookworm, my favorite has always been their library landing. Also, I’d like to throw alpacas into the ring for “it” animal consideration. They’re kind of the best. Just google ’em.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, I agree! Alpacas for the win! I’ve had a picture of a framed one on our frame wall for years (from an old Banana Republic ad actually). I’m obsessed with alpacas.

      xo
      s

  10. Amelia R. says

    Her whole house fits my style sense, so I’m officially following her blog now. Thanks for the introduction!

    On a side note, awhile back, Spoonflower hosted one of their weekly fabric design contests with the theme, “What’s the New Owl” and I designed first one fox print, and then an entire collection (including a cut-n-sew stuffed fox). Alas, hedgehogs won. But I’m still firmly on Team Fox.

    Reply

  13. Christi says

    Great house crashing! So, the big question is… when is someone going to crash the YHL house? Just thinking…
    :)

    Reply

  14. Wrenaria says

    Funny, I’ve been wondering if elephants are the next thing, as I’ve been seeing them pop up all over. But you’re right, now that I think about it, I’ve been seeing more foxes too!

    Which is fine by me. I love me some foxes. I even created a “logo” with my (real) name incorporated into a fox awhile back. http://bit.ly/VDQUFF <3

    Reply

  18. Kat k says

    I loved reading Making It Lovely, but I had to stop because so many of her gorgeous renovations were facilitated by very generous corporate donations. That meant that they were completely out of my reach! And then the time she was debating whether she should spend $800 on a chair from Anthropologie with TORN upholstery…. Yikes.

    I just really appreciate your policy of no gifts, and how you try to make your projects accessible for the budget-minded. It’s a true talent to have a beautiful home with a low budget and no help.

    Reply

    • Nicole says

      Thanks for the feedback, Kat. I have been lucky to work with some excellent companies, and sponsored posts (whether I’m paid in product or in cash) help support my blog and my family.

      (And I love that chair. A quick patch fixed it right up, and it’s a total showstopper.)

  19. Lisa in Seattle says

    Yay for a rare John-narrated House Crash! I’ve been reading Nicole’s blog for as long as I’ve been reading yours because of your blogroll. I don’t think anybody outside the world of high-end design is working this soft color scheme as well as Nicole is, do you? It helps to have the bones of a beautiful little home to begin with, but it’s been so interesting to read as she narrates her way through her design decisions. (Does anybody remember the great Painted Trim Kerfuffle?) Plus her kids are adorable. They’re growing so fast, which is weird, because *I* am not getting any older.

    Reply

  20. Chelly says

    Foxes are defiantly the current ‘it’ animal, two of my favorite clothing stores (Target and Old Navy) are currently selling knit sweaters with a fox on it.
    Of course, I bought one from each store!

    Reply

  21. cameron says

    I think it’s dachshunds. They’re everywhere. I actually said to my husband the other day, “Dachshunds are totally the new owl.” Then he looked strangely at me and said, “What the hell are you talking about??” I guess he thinks it’s foxes…

    Reply

  22. Lauren@FilingJointly says

    I saw Nicole leaving West Elm while I was standing in line outside in Chicago! I would have said hello but she was kind of far away from me and I thought the woman behind me in line might have thought I was crazy if I asked her to hold my place whilst I darted into the parking lot to chase someone down.

    Later I forgot that I cared if the woman behind me thought I was crazy when my best friend called and we did our normal sign-off on the phone call, which is a game called “Make a noise you think a prehistoric bird may have made.”

    Reply

  23. Steph says

    Can you guys please all move in together and decorate and redo the house an then sell it as is to me? Thank you.

    But seriously– I love both YHL And MIL! A marriage of the 2 would result in cardiac arrest for me.

    Reply

  24. Lauren Nicole says

    I can’t believe you didn’t end this post with “What’s your favorite part?” I’m telling you anyway: It appears that in the library they put one of the bookcases on an angle in the corner so they didn’t waste that space. I love how simply genius that is so much!

    Reply

  25. Debbie says

    So neat to see some new angles of Nicole’s home. I had no idea the library was upstairs, for instance. Neat. The nerd in me is imagining the floorplan.

    Reply

  26. Jenny says

    Beautiful home! The TV console in the LR looks like something I’ve been looking for. Do you know where they got it or if there are better pics?
    Thanks!

    Reply

  27. Kitty says

    This is pretty cool for me to read, as a longtime follower of both of your blogs. :D

    I had a chuckle at the fact the wallpaper is called Clacket Lane, however, as that is the name of the service station we always used to stop at on family trips! Clearly Nicole’s wallpaper has a lot more class and beauty.

    Reply

  28. Katy@TheOpenDoor says

    John – I think you did a fantastic job photographing Nicole’s house from new/different angles! I noticed different details in her rooms that I hadn’t noticed in her pics. Great work!

    Reply

  34. Wilhelmina says

    I love that she has a chair from Modernica, I live across the street from their amazing production factory in downtown LA! That’s a business to crash…it is seriously cool.

    Reply

  35. Christine says

    What’s the art next to the dial telephone with the long cord in the kitchen. The phone brings back memories … but really, I’m asking about the art.

    Reply

    • Nicole says

      That’s a calendar from Rifle Paper Co. I’m a little bummed that the year is almost over because that means it’s time for a different calendar! I have fabric that was designed by them too though, that I’ll be turning into kitchen curtains.

  36. RebeccaNYC says

    The photo of Nicole and Sherry on the couch is so interesting! ..Nicole is so obviously comfortable, open legs and arms…Sherry is all TIGHTLY crossed legs and arms….is Nicole that scary in person? ;-)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, nah I’m just weird. The truth is that inexplicably since I’ve had Clara I have liked to be constricted (seriously I could sleep in spanx and be happy, it makes me feel cozy). I think it stems from the tight wrap I had to wear after my c-section. Anyway so now my default setting is “wrapped up in myself” – it’s all very weird.

      xo
      s

  37. Jennifer Harrup says

    I found Nicole’s blog awhile back when you guys linked her up (can’t remember exactly what for) but I click on a lot of blogs you guys link to and making it lovely is the only one that has hooked me. I love her style and I usually stalk her daily. So exciting that you guys crashed her! It’s sooo purty :)

    Reply

  39. KimberlyH says

    I couldn’t believe this so I had to send you guys a note immediately to let you know- after I read your post this afternoon I was on a flight home from a conference, and I was flipping through the latest People Style Watch magazine and BAM – FOXES EVERWHERE! First a pair of Tory Burch loafers with foxes on them…then a Crate and Barrel ad for teapots that they’ve designed for their 50th anniversary- and in the smack middle of the teapots- BAM one with a FOX painted on it! I couldn’t believe it! (so needless to say, you totally got it right!) Pick up the latest mag. to see for yourselves!

    Reply

  41. Lena says

    Hi, If i ever have a house in the future, i invite you guys to come and visit us in far far away bavaria to take pictures from our hopefully lovely decorated house;). Lots of love
    Lena

    Reply

  42. Mandy says

    Love this house tour! I loved that you got different angles of her house than we see on her blog. Her house is amazing! Any idea on the painting in the first shot? The one behind her and her son?

    Reply

  44. Abi says

    I love the painting in the very first picture behind them. Can you ask where she found it? Or if she made it? I searched her site and couldn’t find it.

    Reply

  45. diane says

    I have loved following the growth of her kids and always admired the glass bookshelves behind the kids photos so it was fun to see how it looks in the whole room.

    Reply

  48. AnnMarie says

    I hope this is not too uncomfortable to answer honestly….here goes….When you go into people’s homes (even non-crashing ones) do you have a ton of ideas running through your head / consider what you would have done differently?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Never! I know you don’t believe me but the only things my brain seems to note is what I love/am inspired by! Probably because I want to take that inspiration home with me! It’s never a critique though! Always just a “oooh that’s cool!” sort of thing.

      xo
      s

  49. Jennifer H says

    I said to my friend at the west elm Book signing in Toronto that foxes are the new owls. But I wish it was raccoons

    Reply

  50. Jamie says

    How awesome! I live in Oak Park, pleasantly suprised to see an Oak Parker feature and find a new blog for my list.

    But totally love this b/c here in Oak Park we have these 100+ year old homes. I found the modern aesthetic mixed with the victorian architecture(??) home really great!

    Reply

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