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.
Mary Ann says
Absolutely beautiful! Any idea where the vintage pendant in the kitchen was uncovered?I have a historic home9that took mucho annos to rehab) and would love one like that.Thanks.
Danielle says
Mary Ann, the pendant actually isn’t vintage in years … just in style. It’s the Emery pendant by Quoizel.
Laura says
Okay…my favorite is a little random, but I can explain :o) I love the stair rail! Ha ha! I am currently updating my 1980s house (which really has to be one of the worse decades to update!). I’m painting all of the dark wood baseboards, doors, etc. and have been struggling to figure out what to do with this darn stair rail! I really love the contrast of the white on dark and think that’s what I will be doing at my house! Thanks for the crash!
Mel says
Hi there.. love the house. Question on the ikea bookshelves upstairs, the white ones. Do you know the specific ikea name of them? I looked at their website, but of course there are a b’jillion bookshelves.. Thanks!
Danielle says
The ones in the playroom? They are Expedit. Or do you mean the blue one in the boys room?
kbr345 says
These pictures are gorgeous. Mind sharing what type of camera was used? Thanks so much.
YoungHouseLove says
We saved up our pennies for a Nikon D3000. Still leaning how to use it though. Haha.
xo,
s
Lisa14895 says
I lurve the natural colors in the guest room…apple green curtains, browny-taupe walls, denim ottoman…and the shell “print”. Dreamy.
Gina @ Temporary Nest says
oh this i think might be the best house crash yet. Its a house you can live in that is also beautiful! I love it. No words. Just love.
andrea p says
I would love to know what that little turquoise thing is on the foyer table? Looks like a mail holder?
Danielle says
Your are correct! It’s an old letter sorter I bought on Ebay a few years back. I’m a vintage collector to a fault!
Natalie says
Oooh that is how you do colors and patterns the right way! That green cabinet is GORGEOUS! Thanks for sharing this lovely home with us! :)
Betsy says
wow- love so many details! Read up first…my question was answered about the countertops. about to reno a house & they would be an amazing alternative to marble! 2 other faves were the entryway light fixture & that green cabinet. just looked up class & trash too, can’t wait to go! thanks
kristin jo says
Schwing!!! What a great house crash.
I love that she broke the “rules” and put her couch in front of the fireplace in the LR. So many older homes have tiny LRs and everyone seems to make the fireplace a focal point at the expense of comfortable seating and flow. Good on ya Danielle.
I also love the boy’s room curtain rods (j/k, I have the same ones in my LR). I must have brought home 10 or 12 rods before I found the right ones, ya’ll know how it is… ;-)
Alina says
Wow! Love this house! I would totally sign on the dotted line if it were in a better school district. We’re not in our dream house now, but we are in the zone for Fox Elementary. Danielle – thanks for the tips for the locals. Wish y’all the best!
jocuri de noroc says
very beautifull house, i love it
Charlotte says
I love the use of fresh and vibrant colors throughout without it feeling like a funhouse. This is so inspiring to me as I work to bring more color into my own home! Thanks for sharing with us, Danielle!
Irene says
Oh My God! Those wood floors are amazing!
Meagan says
Awesome house. I browsed through the comments and didn’t see this asked yet. Where is the orange rug in the son’s room from?! LOVE.
andrea p says
West Elm!
Danielle says
Hi Meagan! It’s from West Elm and called Taksim rug. They pop up on Ebay sometimes.
Emily says
I heart the mirror in the entryway and the green piece of furniture!!
Any plans to house crash your old place? It would be interesting the see how the new owners have decorated it?
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to and they definitely know we’re interested! They just have to say the word and we’ll be there in 2.5 seconds. Haha.
xo,
s
JoAnne Griffing says
I love this house! I can certainly see all the hard work that has gone into lovingly bringing this gem into the 21st century. And with such artistic flare! I too love the kitchen counters and backsplash, the airplane pictures, and the foyer table. My absolute favorite, though, has got to be that owl in the lamp branches. Genius! You should have no problem selling your home!
Catherine says
what is the green paint color? I want to paint my side table in my bedroom that exact color! this is a fantastic tour. props
Brenda says
This house is beautifully decorated. I love the mix of patterns and color. My favorite however, is the little corner in the guest room. By any chance, did Danielle tell you what the color on the wall is? I am painting my mb this weekend and i definately would like to try something like that.
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping she drops in with that info for you soon.
xo,
s
Danielle says
Hi Brenda. The guest room is painted Flax by Restoration Hardware. Hope that helps!
Megan says
Danielle, Your home is beautiful. Where did you find the mail sorter on the entryway table? I’ve been looking for something similar to keep our mail area clutter-free.
Best of luck selling your home and all the best in your new home!
Danielle says
Thanks Megan! We appreciate that. I got the mail sorter on Ebay a while ago. I’d look there and maybe try the vintage section of Etsy for something similar.
andrea p says
Love that mail sorter!
What color did you paint it? Or did you buy it in that lovely turquoise color?
Wendy says
Love when you guys do this!
I’m really loving the rug in the playroom. Any idea where I can find it? Thanks!
julie says
ikea
Danielle says
Wendy – it’s the Alvine Ruta rug from Ikea. Here’s a link: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50168285
Jennifer says
That’s it. I’m doing wall-to-wall sea grass in my play room too now. Thanks for the inspiration!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
What a beautiful house. I wish we had shops like that over here in Australia.
My favourite parts were all the little arrangements. The guest bedroom nook took first prize then the entrance way then the black and white picture arrangement.
Thanks for sharing.
JessP says
Dear YHL and Danielle: You asked for a favorite and here’s mine – the way the beautiful b+w photo collage accomplishes two purposes. I think I finally have a solution to an odd wall where the builder (for no reason I can guess) randomly placed both a thermostat and a triple light switch. Thank you for the peek into your lovely home!
Mary Ann says
Danielle,Thanks so much for the info on “Emery” by Quoizel.Plan on having over my sink a.s.a.p. Mary Ann
Patey says
Love the seagrass carpet in the playroom! What a great idea, maybe for a stairway and upstairs hall too! thanks for the inspiration and all of the sources you include…you really are ‘young’ house love and, thankfully, tireless!
Felicity @ Our Little Beehive says
What a beautiful house! My favorite part has to be the dog napping in the hallway, what kind of dog is s/he?
Danielle says
That’s our Cleopatra! She’s a newfoundland/australian shepherd mix. She was our first child. :)
Nora says
I am in LOVE with that green cabinet in the entryway! And the mirror above just sets it off. Danielle, what a terrific find and an amazing paint job. I had just been thinking that emerald green has been an overlooked color that might be making a comeback. Glad your husband came on board with this one; it is truly a wonderful piece. Did I mention I love?
Lindsay says
I LOVED this home!! My husband and I are a military family, so I feel like we lust after your site all the time in hopes to one day have a home of our own! (until hubs is out of the military we move to often to not plant quickly removeable roots!) This house had so many great ideas in it, and I loved the pops of color! That orange rug is to die for, as well as the entry way set-up! Loved it!
Laura M. says
Their house is so inspiring. Do you know where they got the rug in the airplane room? I’m looking for something like it, but don’t know how to classify/describe it properly (“woven cotton rug” doesn’t do much to narrow the search). If you have any suggestions for where to find rugs like it, I’d so appreciate them.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Ikea. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Lily says
My favorite was the soothing bedroom. Would love to make mine look like that!
michelle says
late to the party, but hoping danielle won’t mind answering a question or two about the playroom sea grass carpet. how hard is it to maintain/clean? who did you use to install it? thanks!
Danielle says
Hi Michelle! The seagrass is incredibly durable and stain resistant. With two little boys, a dog and two cats, it’s held up nicely. We haven’t had a cleaning issue; we just vacuum. It’s tough on feet. I wouldn’t use it in a bedroom, but it’s been great in our playroom and closet (not pictured) where wheeled luggage and truck toys go round and round. The rug layered on top is soft enough for our sons to play comfortably.
Installing seagrass wall-to-wall requires special considerations. It was difficult finding someone who had experience with it. I found someone on Craigslist who was qualified. If you’re local, let me know and I can pass on the contact info. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have other questions.
Randi Froug says
After looking and looking, I just went to ballard Designs and bought that great chocolate rug! It’s cheap ($59 for a 3×5) and is indoor/outdoor. Thanks for showing it!
Randi Froug says
Oh, and it’s made with recycled plastic, too, which makes it green!
Meg says
There are some similarly designed rugs at bargain prices up for auction right now at McLemore Auction Co. in Nashville, TN. All auctions are online, so anyone can buy and have their purchases shipped.
http://bid.mclemoreauction.com/cgi-bin/mndetails.cgi?mclemore89
Ginger says
I keep coming back to this post days later. That house is so gorgeous. Maybe you should convince Danielle to start a blog of her own, or at least come back for a Q&A and put it all in one post! Thanks for sharing this!
YoungHouseLove says
She actually had a blog at one point- so here’s hoping she starts it up again! We’ll definitely link to it for everyone to see if and when that happens.
xo,
s
Danielle says
We’re so humbled by these nice comments! Nick and I keep saying: our house, really?!
I do have a blog where I fawn over my kids (i.e. boring to anyone except family). It’s difficult to keep up as a full time working mom, but definitely rewarding. Maybe I can ramp it up once we move … it would be fun chronicling the next house.
I love design blogs and read them daily. I’ve learned so much and have been inspired by so many. They’ve been invaluable to me; connecting with others of common interest. I got great tips from Brynn(of Bryn Alexandra blog) by using her e-decorating service. So talented! And now I’ve met John and Sherry in person. So fun!
bettijo @ PagingSupermom.com says
Love the yellow pops in the living room, the metal stools and artwork brag board in the kitchen, the orange rug in the boys room, aww heck… I’d take the whole place! Too bad I’m not moving to Church Hill anytime soon.
michelle says
hi danielle,
regarding the seagrass carpet, i am local & would love to know who you used.
thanks so much! :)
Danielle says
Michelle – no problem. Email me anytime at griff_koug at hotmail dot com.
Mary says
Hi Danielle,
Your entry way is amazing! I’m going to pick up that same mirror at Pier 1 today and I am told it also has a mirror piece missing. Can you tell me where you purchased a new mirror piece to glue on? Thanks!
Danielle says
Hi Mary, I bought a bag of mirror circles at Michael’s. There were several sizes in the bag and I just used the closest size. Not a perfect fit. Maybe one of these days I’ll fill in the leftover space with shiny silver paint. But it’s really not noticeable that one mirror piece is smaller. ;)
oro says
i just saw this post. your home is beautiful. kind of a late question but where is the lovely rug in the playroom from?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Ikea. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Lisa says
Cool to see that their house is now off the market — congrats to them! I wonder if one of your YHL readers might be one of the lucky buyers!!!
YoungHouseLove says
I know! We heard from Danielle this morning that there’s a sale pending. So excited for her!
xoxo,
s
Michelle says
love love love love love!!
My favorite hands down.. the entryway!! I was dyin!! Definately a lot of what I want my house to look like.
and those yellow curtains!! she’s brilliant!
Bromeliad says
Beautiful place. Thanks for sharing.
eallia says
hi i am from pakistan i have neutral color curtains which color i should paint my bedroom wall please answer
YoungHouseLove says
Since your curtains are neutral you can go with any color on the wall that you’d like. A soft celery green or gray blue would be lovely. Or you can go with a yellow tone or even a deep chocolate or charcoal color for drama. Good luck!
xo,
s
Amanda says
I am in love with all of these color pallettes! You probably get tired of answering questions about all of these little details, but in the boys’ room, can you tell me where you got the two orange throw pillows that are on top of the black trunk? Thanks for sharing all of these great ideas!
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping she stops by with that info!
xo,
s
Danielle says
Thanks Amanda! Just now seeing your post. Those orange pillows are from West Elm. They’re velvet on one side, linen on the other.
Kerry Rossow says
Holy Smokes! I love this place! I especially love the upstairs hallway! Wowza, to the schoolhouse pendant lights!
kerry at housetalkn.blogspot.com
Michelle says
I am so depressed that I live in Australia and not the US because a house like that in Australia if you could find something similar would be easily 3 or 4 times the price as this one is listed for. I absolutely love it and would be on the plane to buy it tomorrow if I could.
Mary says
Would love to know where Danielle got the 2 lamps she has in the foyer? I need lamps that height for our foyer console table. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping she drops in with that info for ya.
xo,
s