When Danielle and her husband Nick sent us a link of their newly listed home in gorgeous and charming Church Hill we couldn’t just ogle the listing and let it go. We knew we had to house crash them in the flesh and share all of the eye candy with you. They bought it in pretty rough shape in 2003 and they worked with one of our favorite local organizations, Better Housing Coalition, to restore it to a livable condition. Records trace it back to existence as early as 1855 (although it’s unclear whether it was burned to the ground in 1865 and rebuilt then). Either way it’s extremely old and it needed lots of work when Nick and Danielle purchased it.
After two years of renovation (!) they finally moved in back in 2005 – and they’ve been loving their first place ever since. Now that her two boys are older they’re moving into our neck of the woods (Bon Air) for the schools, but they’ll always have a special place in their hearts for the home that they so lovingly revived after years of work. So without further ado, here’s Danielle’s amazing house (if you wanna move in, click here to contact her realtor).
This stately foyer is crowned with a classic Restoration Hardware light fixture. And how amazing are those transom windows above the double door?
Danielle snagged this stunning mirror from Pier 1 on clearance thanks to a small missing mirrored disk around the perimeter (which she repaired by gluing on a new one). Paired with that showstopping green cabinet it’s just about my favorite entryway idea ever. She got that awesome piece from a local thrift store called Class & Trash, painted it Palmetto by Martha Stewart, and then added an antique glaze from Lowe’s for depth. Genius right? I’m so in love.
Here’s the living room with cheerful yellow accents. We especially loved the side table (snagged on sale from Serena and Lily) and those dramatic floor to ceiling curtain panels (from Pottery Barn).
The kitchen is dreamy and Paris-like, complete with granite counters that look like marble, ornate wooden brackets under the counter lip, a classic subway tile backsplash, and charming metal stools from Overstock (which are easy to wipe down when her boys get something sticky on them).
Oh and that rug is actually two runners from Ballard Designs that Danielle stuck together with rug tape to create one larger “custom sized” mat for that area of the kitchen.
And check out their fantastically deep double sink and that gorgeous vintage looking faucet (both from Overstock, seen here and here).
Here’s a wider shot of the kitchen which includes the giant bulletin board that Danielle made to showcase all of the sweet art work that her sons whip up. And check out the lovely and industrial pendant light above the sink.
This is the playroom, which is right off of the kitchen. We love the wall to wall seagrass carpet that she had installed – especially paired with the charming patterned area rug from Ikea on top. And the use of those sleek white Ikea bookshelves for toy/magazine/book wrangling (look at all that storage!) was so smart.
See those lovely prints of planes hanging in a nice neat grid? Danielle’s late grandfather was a pilot in the Navy, so her husband surprised her with this gorgeous set of vintage watercolor prints by Nixon Galloway. We’re nothing short of obsessed with the whole arrangement. Especially because it’s so meaningful to their family.
When you travel upstairs there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms (and a charming pooch if you’re lucky).
We loved this little “moment” that Danielle created along that diagonal wall with a cabinet and a collection of frames full of meaningful objects like an ultrasound photo, inked baby footprints from the hospital, wedding photos, childrens portraits, etc. And the bold black color in the table and the lamp shade coupled with the black and white prints was the perfect amount of drama and contrast. We also love how the white frames make the thermostat fit right in instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.
Here’s the hall bathroom complete with gorgeous floor to ceiling subway tile (which masked some unsightly wall issues that they had to deal with during the renovation). We loved how the tile goes behind the mirror, which is hung in front of it. Such a pretty look that you don’t see every day.
And yes, that’s a fireplace mantel in the corner of the shot above. It’s non-working but still a stunning architectural detail. Especially for a bathroom!
Here’s Nick and Danielle’s bedroom, which is warm and welcoming thanks to breezy gray-blue curtains…
… and a gorgeous printed headboard that Danielle snagged on sale from Pottery Barn (the headboard’s patterned slipcover, also from Pottery Barn, was something she found on eBay along with the Crate & Barrel lamps).
Here’s their older son’s bedroom, complete with a charming nailhead & denim headboard (from Target) and a fun orange patterned rug (from West Elm).
We also thought the planet mobile (from Pottery Barn Kids) and those super fun greek key curtains (from Pottery Barn) were great graphic touches.
And the long Ikea dresser provided tons of storage while the driftwood lamp on top of it totally had me drooling. Cutest thing ever? There was a little white owl ornament tucked into the lamp’s branchy base by Danielle’s mom (she did it the last time she came over and they left it there because it made them smile).
This is the corner of the guest bedroom. Everything from the bold green curtains to that pretty scroll art work on the wall (from Pottery Barn) and the West Elm mini parsons desk was totally speaking my language.
So there you have Nick & Danielle’s lovely Church Hill home. We’re sending them a big wet kiss for letting us run through and snap some pics for you guys.
Now let’s play the what’s-your-favorite-part game. I was enamored with those plane prints in the playroom and the two runners that Danielle rug-taped together in the kitchen. John loved the pops of yellow in the living room and the fun planet mobile in the kids room. Now you.
Psst- Check out tons of other House Crashing adventures here.
Cait says
I am currently trying to convince my husband to consider this house for our first home! We will see how it goes…I’m in love!
Danielle says
Come check it out! It’s been a dream first home for us.
Lesley H says
LOVE this house. It’s all the little details that got me…the dressing table and ottoman along with the owl tucked into the lamp are my faves! Thanks for sharing Danielle and you’re the very best ‘crash responder’ EVER! All your added info is appreciated. Oh yeah, and you youngsters also did a great job capturing this one!
Danielle says
Thanks Lesley! They did a wonderful job with the post, I agree. :)
Paula/adhocmom says
That is a great house. Seems like they whipped it into shape quickly too. .
Danielle says
I wish that were the case! We’ve been living here 6 years and there’s still a lot on my wish list. :)
Jane says
Oh my gosh is that house beautiful! What a great price and taxes are very reasonable too (compared to Milw. WI)! I’d love to live in it! The 2 runners in the kitchen area are from Ballard I’m guessing. I’ve been wanting those forever. It is indoor/outdoor and made of recycled bottles.
Danielle says
Yes – they are from Ballard. I’ve seen them other places too though. Google Thom Felicia rugs. Recently saw some deals on these.
Snickrsnack Katie says
I LOVE THEIR HOUSE!!!
Michelle @ Dream Home DIY says
What a gorgeous home! I truely love to see a persons “personal flare” throught a house (Anyone else having an Office Space moment here? Anyone? haha)
Alice says
There is practically nothing I love more than getting a peek inside other people’s homes!
I’m with those who wish we could enlarge the photos. I want to see every little detail!
Kate says
Love love LURVE the green cabinet by the front door! I need to be more daring when it comes to color like that!
Melissa Irvin says
Total show house! Love it!!!!!
Jennifer C says
Would love to know the wall colors in the master bedroom and upstairs hall! Gorgeous home!:)
Danielle says
Hey Jennifer – thanks! The master is 1569 Night Mist and hallway is Camouflage. Both by Benjamin Moore.
angi says
Oh, my! I love everything. The colors are just lovely.
Ashley says
Anjali – the rug is from IKEA. I’m kind of obsessed with it. :)
Kristen says
My 2 favorite things are the 1) Hallway display..wish I had room in my house to do the same thing! and 2) The orange rug in the sons room. I am obsessed with how great that looks, I need to get one now : )
Krysta says
I had not idea yellow could be so lovely. I love that bathroom with the subway tiles. Great house!!
Ashley says
Positively inspiring – every single room gives me ideas for our house! It’s stunning, yet homey and cozy. Good luck in the selling process!
katie says
I love it all! What great use of color! Some of my favorites were the mirror and hutch combo in the entry- what a beautiful color green!!, the guest bedroom with the punchy green curtains and the ottoman for a desk chair was brilliant!! keep the house crashing coming!!! I love seeing what all your fans come up with!!
House on the Hill says
Wow! What a gorgeous home. LOVE that green cabinet!
mya says
Awesome house!
Mya
http://inlieuif.blogspot.com/
Katie says
Seeing an old home get the love it deserves instead of being torn down makes me so happy!
And two years of renovation, my goodness. That takes a lot of dedication. It shows, though. The results are beautiful, Danielle!
Sarah Webster says
that was amazing! all of it! I think my favorite things were that they put the couch in front of the fire place in the living room and the fireplace in the bathroom, put some candles in it would make for a big dose of relaxation!
Lori @ Richmond, BABY! says
Great post, guys. I love when you house crash!
And Danielle, I LOVE your home. I really wish we were in the market! Church Hill is such a neat area and I love all the historic homes. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for your place when we head to the Church Hill Irish Festival in a few weeks. I’m sure by that point it will have a “sold” sign out front!
Danielle says
Stop by and say hello! What a great event that is every year. Thanks for the kind words about Church Hill. I kinda feel like it’s Richmond’s best kept secret.
Becky says
The kitchen is simple and lovely at the same time. I love that. What I didn’t love is that it looked like fireplace was not being used in the living room.
YoungHouseLove says
You can scroll back for Danielle’s response to that. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Allison Stuart says
I really want to know where she got the mirror in the bathroom! I have been looking for one like that for a long time! (Admittedly, my shopping time is limited with five kids. ;) ) Care to share, Danielle? Love your home, BTW!
Danielle says
Sure. It’s from Pier One. I bet it’s on clearance now. I bought it about a year ago. Wow – 5 kids! God bless you. Two boys keep me on my toes. ;)
Shannon says
We just bought our Church Hill home last summer, but this one is totally making me wish we held out! We’re having fun going through the renovation process, but I wish we were at this point. So nice to see a little neighborhood love.
Danielle says
Shannon – best of luck on your reno! Hang in there. It’s a long process. It took me six years to get my house to current state. And I have much more I’d want to do if it doesn’t sell … Stop by if you’re ever walking by!
April says
I would have carried an entry table like that out of the thrift store one handed if I found one! I love it, what an incredible find And I love the bright paint color on it.
BethanyB says
I’m a sucker for old world charm so I have to say my favorite part was the floor to ceiling subway tiles and the fireplace in the bathroom (which makes sense because back then they had no bathrooms and the rooms were significantly smaller then what we would have now… that was most likely a bedroom then!).
Amanda says
What kind of dog is that? He looks like a bear skin rug!lol
Danielle says
Haha – she totally looks like a bear in person. She’s a mix: newfoundland and australian shepherd. She’s the sweetest dog ever. I recently added her portrait to the gallery wall. :)
Sara says
Okay, I kind of wish I wouldn’t have seen this post…because now I am extremely GREEN with envy!! :) This house is amazing. I especially love the fireplace in the bathroom. It reminds me so much of a house my family lived in for 9 years when I was younger. There were fireplaces in almost every room…and even one in of the bathrooms. I miss that house with my whole heart and soul.
Tammy says
Am I the only one that can’t find Danielle’s post? Do you know how far back it is?
Thanks!
Tammy
YoungHouseLove says
Danielle has dropping in a bunch of times to reply to a ton of people, so maybe just scrolling back through comments and reading the ones from “Danielle” will help? Good luck!
xo,
s
Danielle says
What’s the question? I’m going through these one by one …
YoungHouseLove says
You’re the best Danielle. Thanks for being so comment fabulous!
xo,
s
Courtney says
LOVE THIS HOUSE! It’s absolutely beautiful! I’m wondering if you know the name of the paint color that is used in the kitchen and living room? Good luck with the sale!
Danielle says
Thanks Courtney! They are actually the same color. It’s Sharkey Gray by Martha Stewart. Probably my favorite ever.
Melissa says
Danielle, LOVELY home!
I ADORE your green cabinet in the front foyer. I live in Europe and frequent a second-hand furniture shop looking for pieces to redo and have seen pieces like this, but like you husband, hesitate as they seem too dark and ornate, BUT you have insprired me!
Question, the room/hallway where you have the white photographs staged together (wedding,baby,etc) what color paint is on that wall? It is difficult to determine in the photo.
Thanks!
Danielle says
Thanks Melissa! Can I tell you a secret? I first painted the cabinet a terrible blue color. Nick was like, “You totally ruined that.” Haha. But luckily the green worked out.
The paint color is Camouflage by Benjamin Moore.
Maggie @ Cheneyhome says
As someone who was *obsessed* with planets/NASA when I was younger, I am loving that mobile. Thanks so much for sharing, what a fun and unique place. Keep the house crashings coming!
Lori says
Wow! What a perfect house. I love the RH pendant in the entryway, it’s the perfect size. If Danielle is still checking in, I would love to know whether it’s the 7″ 13″ or 16″ version?
Danielle says
Lori – I’ll doublecheck and let you know.
Danielle says
It’s 13″. I remember it being way bigger than I anticipated! It’s a good size for that entryway though.
Lauren says
I love the “moment” on the diagonal wall — the contrast of the black hall table and lamp shade with the white frames all carefully collaged – gorgeous! I love that they incorporated the lamp shade into the composition. I also definitely wouldn’t have noticed the thermostat if you hadn’t said something — very clever. Thanks for sharing!
Rachael says
I love the hallway “moment”. It is so warm and inviting, yet crisp and polished at the same time. (PS, in my last flat, I too had good luck decorating around an ugly thermostat. Only I framed it with a spare picture frame. See the results here: http://penandcygnet.blogspot.com/)
The photography featuring Danielle’s house is gorgeous. I am super inspired!
jenn says
I loved the second to last shot, it’s of the corner of the guest bedroom. So beautiful speaks volumes to me. Love the contrast between the bright green, navy carpet and warm hue on the walls!
Christine says
Hey- I love the black foyer table upstairs. Danielle would you mind the sharing the source. I love your house!!!
Danielle says
Sure. I got it on Smartbargains.com a few years ago.
Holly Austin says
This house is stunningly gorgeous!! I would never want to move :)
freefalling says
Congratulations Danielle and Nick – what a fantastic job you did on your home!
Full of brilliant ideas and great details.
Love those green curtains and the botanical print and the blue pouffe.
Loved this house tour.
And….that blue is the colour we are hoping to paint our little house this autumn. So great to get an idea of what ours will look like.
Meredith says
Danielle, amazing house! The colors are fantastic, and I love the pops of color along with all of the neutrals. The green entry cabinet is so awesome, and I’m pretty sure seeing it on a paint chip wouldn’t appeal to me. But on that piece, with the detail it has, and the mirror – fab! Just what I needed to see on such a cold day in MD!
Curious to know where your sectional is from? We’re in the market and have been searching high and low for something similar. Thanks!
Danielle says
It’s from Arhaus. It was an investment piece for sure, but we love it. It’s like a big bed. The slipcovers have been a lifesaver. Makes a heck of a fort too for the little ones.
Alondra says
What an awesome house! Danielle should be very proud! This is definitely going in my inspiration folder.
Ashley says
I love the orange rug! I want to paint an accent wall that color!
Jill says
It’s all beautiful. I especially love the cabinet in the foyer. The green is perfect with the mirror. My girlfriend and her husband are big Class and Trash fans. I have yet to make the pilgrimage.
Good luck selling.
miranda says
Beautiful home! I am loving the paint color in the older boy’s room with the orange rug. It appears to be a very soft pale blue. I am looking for a pale blue that won’t turn pastel. This fits the bill!
Would you be kind enough to share? Thank you, and wonderful job on your house!
Danielle says
Sure! It’s Marilyn’s Dress by Benjamin Moore.
Danielle says
I love the subway tile in both the kitchen and bath! The grout looks like it is almost a sandy color and it adds so much more dimension to what might otherwise just be a white wall. Did you choose to use a darker grout, or is it just the lighting?
Danielle says
Hey there. It is a darker grout color. The kitchen has a warm gray grout and the bathroom is more of a sand color. I think the sand looks better …
Francesca Roberto says
Hi Danielle,
Just wondering if you could mention what types of shades you use in the kitchen and bedroom windows. They look like bamboo roman shades. Is that right? And, where did you find them?
Thanks for sharing!
Danielle says
Yes, they are bamboo roman shades. I got them from Home Depot and have them all throughout the house. I put a liner on the ones in bedrooms.
Elizabeth says
I don’t know if anyone else has already pointed this out, but your photos of the house are about one million times nicer than the ones taken by the listing agent. The home owners should use your photos on MLS! The house is so beautiful, and your fantastic photos really make the place look inviting. I love it.
katy says
Danielle,
Yassou! Love the idea for the stefana. I also had a Greek Orthodox wedding and our stefana are still in a box, waiting to be displayed somewhere. Great idea : )
and I seriously love your entire house. Beautiful.
Danielle says
Yassou Katy! My mother-in-law tells me they sell really beautiful stefanothiki in Greece (boxes made to hold stefana). One day I hope to get one but for now, this works and I love them on display. Not pictured, but you probably have as well, are some really beautiful icons around our house. Sort of like another gallery wall. One is an heirloom Nick’s papou. Very special.
katy says
We just happen to be going to Greece this summer to visit my husband’s family. I will look for the stefanothiki…thanks! We do have several icons and I’m still trying to find a way to place them; I think I read that they should be placed on an east wall..(I’m still learning all about the church, language, Greek culture, etc…married into a Greek family) : )
Efxaristo,
Katy
diana says
Being an orthodox, but not Greek, I wondered what in the world stefana was. (My first child has a similar name, so I know the real meaning in Greek) I went through the pictures, and understanding it has to do with the wedding I spotted them. I didn’t know in Greece you get to take them home. Here (Romania), they belong to the church, are in massive gold and considered VERY holly, hollier than a lot of other things (sorry for the irreverence).
So interesting to find new things, traditions…
Danielle, you reveal yourself to be such a nice, charming and consistent girl! And you know what makes me smile even more? The way you dressed in the picture; it’s colour and line designed, black and white with the nice brown of the boots and necklace. Great!
Danielle says
Katy & Diana – loved reading your comments and hearing about the different Orthodox traditions! Boy did I have a lot of learning to do to get up to speed on things when I married into a Greek family! One of the most helpful resources has been “A Guide to Greek Traditions” by Marilyn Rouvelas. Katy, I highly recommend it if you don’t have it already. That book, along with asking a lot of questions of my MIL, my priest and other married-a-greek wives, has taught me a lot. And we’re very fortunate to have the best koumbari as an extension of family. They’ve been a godsend and teach my boys as much about the culture as we do. Can’t wait till my sons are old enough for a trip to Greece.
Katy, enjoy your trip and email me if you find a stefanothiki! Would love to see a photo of it. Oh one last thing … I have the most adorable vintage children’s book called “This is Greece” by Miroslav Sasek. Has the most beautiful illustrations. When we move, I’ll be using them as wall art. If you have kids, I bet you’d love the book.
Diana – hello in Romania! What you said was so sweet. Yes, we get to keep the wedding crowns. I also have a ton of things from my sons’ baptisms. Need to figure out some kind of keepsake art for those. Very special to us. Take care you two!
Fiona says
The foyer definitely steals the show for me. That combination is just spectacular!
Amy says
I love the couch in front of the fireplace! I have an odd shaped room with a never used fireplace. It sucks up more than it’s share of space and gives very little in return. Never would have thought to place the couch there – way creative! Now I’m inspired to paint and rearrange.
Danielle says
Amy, glad one person is OK with us blocking the fireplace! With the traffic flow in that room and the placement of TV wiring, it works well for us. We used to have a sofa (with fireplace unblocked) and no one knew where to sit/stand to converse. It made for an awkward room for sure.