Who’s in the mood for some house crashing? This gorgeous old home is in the Forrest Hill area of Richmond, and we couldn’t wait to scope it out for you. Because, get this, Wendy’s house is used for commercials and photoshoots! As in, it’s such an amazing backdrop, the house is practically famous. Cool huh? And she’s a professional retail design and merchandising pro who just happens to design light fixtures when she’s not styling spaces. In other words, she’s got mad skillz (more on her here) so we couldn’t wait to snoop around. Oh look, here’s Wendy out on the porch to welcome us in:
Her porch was super charming with everything from a pretty light blue ceiling to a chippy old door and a happy red vintage mailbox. And you know I love those extra wide porch steps, right?
Once inside there’s a grand staircase that leads upstairs and a fun shimmering silver wall that Wendy painted herself with craft store paint when she was bored. Naturally we hit it off since I’m known to go a little crazy with craft store paint too (as seen here). Wendy said she just pulled it up and down the wall in sort of a “dry brush” method, so it looks like fun metallic wallpaper with a vertical “grain.” We also thought those three exterior lights over the art were really fun and unexpected.
If you look to your right while standing in that subtly metallic hallway, you see the dining room. And yes, John and I were utterly smitten with the cool pink industrial cart on casters. See the white duck on the top shelf? Yeah, basically I said “I’m home” and ran in and geeked out about it. Composure is a beautiful thing to lose. Anyway, check out the fun metal stars above the doorway with the small framed art dancing around up there. So playful and cool. Of course Clara loved the doggie too.
When you walk further into the dining room there’s an awesome old fireplace and a school-sized chalkboard that’s jam-packed with scribbles, notes, and letters to and from visitors. It’s really amazing. Oh and do you notice that the table is also the same metallic color as the entry hallway? Wendy was having a New Year’s party and thought her dining room “needed something” so she painted the table silver with her daughter – just for fun. Coolest mom ever? She’s definitely in the running.
Wendy had some of the most stunning lights we’ve ever seen. Check out this handsome guy:
It was really inspiring to learn that Wendy has hunted down nearly all of the stuff in her house from places like local thrift stores and secondhand shops (she loves Trash To Treasure on Lakeside Ave). She even finds things on the side of the road, yet her place looks so elegant and – well, expensive. Here’s my beloved pink castered cart up close and personal. And my white duck friend. Is he not the best looking wood duck you’ve ever seen? I like how he slyly tucks into the top shelf looking dapper.
When you enter you can also turn to your left to see the living room, complete with a giant teal sofa that Wendy saved up for after “visiting it at the store a bunch of times” (it’s from La Diff here in Richmond). Wendy’s basically me in another (more stylish) body. I visited Karl The Sectional for months before we got him. So I understand the deep sofa love that she described. And look- more fun metal stars over the doorway:
I was immediately drawn to the giant clock over the piano. It was actually a gift from her father so it’s really meaningful along with being just plain cool. And do you notice something about the coffee table? It’s another old cart on casters. So simple yet full of character. This was just one of those houses that you feel so comfortable and casual and “welcomed” as soon as you step inside. It’s a wonder I didn’t flop down on the big teal sofa for a little afternoon nap (well, it’s actually not a wonder because Clara doesn’t let me get away with that sort of thing).
And now for a clock close up:
Here’s the view from the piano looking into the entryway and the dining room beyond:
Oh and this is the view from the teal sofa. Yup, there’s yet another awesome original fireplace. And see that awesome tripod floor lamp in front of the fireplace? That’s one of Wendy’s designs. It was so gorgeous in person- this photo doesn’t do it justice. I could totally picture it in a Candice Olson room or something.
Beyond the stairs that lead upstairs was a nice spacious washroom. Aren’t those old doors cool? Wendy made them. Yeah- she added a chippy paint technique along with some architectural salvage finds (the iron grates, the handles, and even the ornate corner pieces) to create two one of a kind doors that obscure her washer & dryer.
This was one of those awesome old homes with tons of character, so this is a shot of her second staircase. Yup, she has two. The front one and this one, which is right off of the kitchen and the washroom. So cool. And I loved that she hung a basket on the wall like that. It kind of looked like a faux tortoise shell. And you know how I get about animal decor…
Here’s her awesome kitchen with an old cabinet in the center of the room. She got it from a school that was getting rid of it and remagined it as a kitchen island. John and I fawned over all those long skinny drawers. I also really loved how she hung what looked like a plate rack vertically and stuffed it with napkins and linens. Sweet.
Here’s a guest room in the back of the house. Once again Wendy wowed us with her use of charming old items in new ways.
This time it was those chipped multi-colored shutters, where she hung a little tin basket of faux blooms:
Wendy was a really inspiring “curator” (which is probably why she gets paid to style things for a living, haha). John and I especially loved this asymmetric wall of frames, shelves, letters, and even old lighting hoops that Wendy had on hand.
Here’s Wendy’s bedroom with a charming four poster bed that called my name. Don’t worry, I restrained myself and did not try to swan dive into it. But Clara tried. Twice.
And here’s her light and airy en-suite bath. Doesn’t it look like a beach house out of a magazine? I loved the breezy little half-curtains and the weathered old secondhand dresser that Wendy uses for linens and towels.
So there you have it. A local home here in Richmond that we’re still talking about. Thanks so much to Wendy for letting us poke around! And get this, Wendy is selling her gorgeous house. So if anyone’s interested, you can contact her through her site. Now let’s play the favorite part game. I’m dying for the pink cart on casters, the cutie pie white duck decoy, and the soft blue paint on the porch ceiling. Meanwhile John will not shut up about the giant clock. But is anyone really surprised by that?
Psst- Check out our recently created inspiration gallery (where you can search by color or room) with over 330 other stunning spaces!
KiTx says
Drooling. Sigh.
Rebecca says
Love love love the sofa and coffee table. Oh, and the master bath – heaven! Great job, Wendy!
Wendy Umanoff says
Thank you so much Rebecca! – Wendy
Karen F says
I wish I could buy her house, fully furnished, as is. Beautiful!
karen says
very nice!! what a cool style. only charming houses like this in the states! (says a canadian)
i think back in the old days, they used to paint porch ceilings blue so birds would think it’s the sky and that would deter them from making their nests.
Bob says
The chair in the picture with the tripod light… where did it come from? I need two, please!
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping Wendy stops by to share that info!
xo,
s
Wendy Umanoff says
Hi Bob,
Those two mid century chairs came from my parents home. Not sure who the designer was but they were influenced by the danish designer Finn Juhl. http://www.google.com/search?q=finn+juhl+chairs&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari I would check out eBay.
There is also this wonderful mid century antique furniture store in Richmond Virginia that sometimes has chairs designed and or influenced by Finn Juhl. Check them at also. http://metromodern.biz/
– Wendy
Bob says
Thanks Wendy!
danielle says
Not gonna lie, not a fan. At all. It looks like yard sales from the past decade have thrown up everywhere. Oh well, can’t win them all. Still love your blog :)
Lisa P. says
The outside of that house is my dream! I adore it! Inside, cozy and creative. Great crash!
Angie Butcher says
Wow – not one person has said they don’t like this house. I think the items with the giant wheels are distracting and a bit like being in a warehouse. The whole house is very rustic but not in an antique kind of way. Kindof Industrial antique – is that an actual style? I suppose I’ll stick to my clean lines and smooth surfaces. I love all the DIY projects on your site! You seem to pick more subtle rustic accents than her.
Patti says
Ok, beautiful home, I can’t possibly pick just 2 favs, so here’s 3: the blue ceiling on the front porch, the washer/dryer room doors and the kitchen island/science lab table! Genius!
Camilla says
Wow! That is a died-and-gone-to-heaven gorgeous house!
Heather says
I know it’s not exact, but for you ladies above who were asking about the rugs…I found a SIMILAR wool rug to the one in the front entrance in this blog post from IKEA that is $150 (that was awhile ago, so it may be on sale now!).
Heather says
Welp!…would probably help if I would actually post the link! LOL
http://www.theshowandtellblog.com/2011/04/in-love-with-rug.html
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks for sharing that Heather!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
Laundry room doors!!!!
Even though I have works for some really great retailers (even as a merchandiser at one point!!) when I try to do this, it looks like I tried too hard or like a bunch of collected junk put in a house?!
House was definatly swoon worthy!!
Kim says
I loved the old doors hiding her washer and dryer and definitely that 2nd staircase – so love those! Just wondering – have you ever housed crashed and not really liked much – or do you look at pics first to be sure?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we usually look at pics first. Just to make sure it’s something we think a lot of our readers will love. Although sometimes a friend will say “trust me, it’s insanely cool” and that’s good enough for us!
xo,
s
Jocelyn Stott says
WOW! Beautiful! There is so much to look at and I ADORE that pink cart!
flyingbird says
So fun how everyone has their own style…me personally I can’t stand chipping paint as decor and that pink industrial cart would give me the heebie jeebies…but I love the blue porch ceiling and the unexpected use of stars. Even if you don’t like an overall look, there are always details to love somewhere!
Lea says
Beautiful! Did she happen to mention where she found the bedspread in the master bedroom? I love it!
YoungHouseLove says
I think it’s from Pottery Barn. Wendy dropped by with that info so feel free to scroll back! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Danielle says
I’m in love with the rugs! Where did she find them?
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping Wendy drops in with that answer for ya.
xo,
s
Wendy Umanoff says
Hi Danielle,
The rug in the foyer and master bathroom is from a great rug shop in Bedford Hills N.Y. Called the caravan connection http://caravanconnection.com/ The rug in the guest room is from India, a gift from a friend.
-Wendy
twelvedaysold says
Loved this. Definitely wrote down a couple ideas!
Lynn says
Thank you for this house crash guys – and Wendy! Ever since I was a little girl watching Different Strokes I have wanted a house that had a back staircase. Aaaand I still do! That washroom with the 2 refurbished doors has cut me to the heart. I am now in love with inanimate objects.
My best, Lynn
Wendy Umanoff says
Thank You so much Lynn!!!
– Wendy
Laurie says
I love this house more than words can say. But it actually makes me sad because I wish I could see how to make my house as awesome as that one. I know what I like, but I’m at a loss about how to do it. :(
carolinaheartstrings says
Now that is an awesome house with some really amazing things! I don’t know what I like the most. It is all just so wonderful.
Natalie Ramello says
Hey House Crashers-
We are looking for a 4 poster bed similar to the one in your recent crash. Any idea where it was purchases from or where we could get one like it. We dont feel like the Pottery Barn one is constructed very well so we have been on the hunt. Let us know.
Happy Summer
Natalie
YoungHouseLove says
Hopefully Wendy will drop in with an answer for ya!
xo,
s
Wendy Umanoff says
Hi Natalie,
I bought my bed about 22 years ago. Wow, that’s a long time ago! Have you checked out Crate and Barrel? http://www.crateandbarrel.com/furniture/beds/pavillion-black-canopy-bed/f38170 I love the look of their 4 poster bed. Their furniture is very reliable.
-Wendy
Kim says
I think the appeal of the industrial decor is that so many things are mass produced very cheaply, and also things are so technical now. These items have an old world/time/place feel. Love the rust and peeling paint, too.
Wendy Umanoff says
Thanks Kim,
I try to find items that are one of a kind or made in small runs from the United States. It’s my philosophy behind my lighting designs as well. I’m not a fan of mass produced items.
-Wendy
jeana says
I LOVE this home! Every single thing…gorgeous!
jessica says
i’m in awe – complete awe and proud to be a fellow richmonder. I pinned almost all of the images as ideas for my home. In fact, I wanted to pin the whole house. I love how she painted the hallway and the dining table metallic. Never once thought I could bring my love for silvers, golds, rose golds into home decor. Thanks so much for crashing this house!
Alicia says
Talk to me about those wood floors. They look just like mine, perfectly imperfect. Mine are too thin to sand and refinish, and I like the charming “patina.” Problem is, though, they never get clean despite my best efforts. Does Wendy have this issue? Hoping a new coat of poly would take care of that, but my husband wants to replace them. Boo.
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping Wendy can drop in to chat about the floors for ya.
xo,
s
Wendy Umanoff says
Hi Alicia,
I’m smiling, you described the situation with your floors as if they were my floors. My home was built in 1902. I believe that these are the original floors. Yes, I have the same problem with the floors. They are clean, yet don’t look clean and yes it bothers me, but only sometimes. :)
-Wendy
Savannah says
Such beautiful finds. I love found pieces as art. Thanks for crashing this house for us Sherry!
Kirstin - The Olive Seed says
Some aspects of this house are beautiful, but I really think those dining room chairs jump out as a total non-match. Mark me down as not a fan! But overall, it’s a beautiful abode. I especially love the coffee table (cart?)
Tabitha Gollihugh says
This is absolutely STUNNING, the front porch is my favorite hands down. I might just have to make a little trip to Richmond to check out all the great places you talk about (the furniture place “trash?? something somthing” is one I’ve seen on Craigslist when I search out your way, I’ve been dying to go!!)
I found you guys last week and I can’t get away… your blog has swallowed me up, the best part – you’re local!
KatyB says
I am CRAZY in love with this house. I wish there were a few more pics. I actually came back to stare at it twice today, which is rare for me.
Cassidy says
Yes! Ever since living in Savannah, I’ve been in love with “haint blue” porch ceilings. Legend says it keeps the haunts (haints) away. Savannah’s very ghost-y that way. But they also say it’s called that cuz it’s a whole range of shades between blue and green. “it haint blue and it haint green!”
I’m so gonna have a coffee table/cart on industrial casters someday.
Carrie says
GORGEOUS!!!!! I love the simplicity mixed with funkiness and the elegance mixed with homey. VERY inspiring. Thank you for posting!
Joanna says
Not a fan of the whole house, but too each his own:)
Erin says
That coffee table is completely swoonworthy. I love her whole house!
Stella says
Wow… Everything is BEAUTIFUL!!
patricia says
Not sure if you noticed the green duck on the bottom shelf of the pink cart.
Lovely home. Wish I could find some neat treasures like Wendy has found in my area. Thanks for sharing.
Becky says
Those uncomfortable chairs in the dining room don’t make me want to sit down and take in the view, but the basics of this house are gorgeous. The porch is fantastic.
Ginger says
Seriously, what’s not to love? Those doors are genius. The whole place is so perfect. Love it. Thanks for sharing this one. I love when you guys house crash!
Lauren says
GORGEOUS home inside and out! I’m in love with the master bedroom’s beautiful bedspread…and I love that clock too Sherry! ;)
Nancy says
I love the pink cart, but the only thing I thought about was how dangerous it looked if little kids were in the house!
But, overall, that house was gorgeous and Wendy’s skill in styling it is amazing!
Lindsey says
This has to be my favorite house crash ever. Please share where she got the duvet in the master bedroom? It was love at first sight!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Pottery Barn. So pretty!
xo,
s
Katrina Schlomann says
So glad you featured Wendy’s house! I know and have worked with Wendy and she is a fabulous designer, very talented!! I’ve been to her house before and love all her creative uses for items. Great house crash!!!
Maggie says
wow! This is probably my favorite of your house crashings. The bones of this home is so gorgeous and Wendy’s style is warm, beautiful, and special. Thanks for sharing–an inspiration!
Stephanie Handy says
One of my dear friends lives in a beautiful old house from the 1800s that has two staircases, but the second one is actually servants’ stairs. It always makes me think about when I was younger and obsessed with the idea of secret passages in houses (or at least a good old fashioned secret room!).
Erin says
There are so many fantastic homes here in Richmond and this home is obviously no exception. Love it!
Jen F says
Love the master bath. And I think that Clara had it right when focusing on the deep dive into bed. Looks like a very relaxing place indeed.
Amanda says
Ok, so I adore her house. I’m always up for a good thrift store, so I take your trash to treasures and type it into google (with lakeside ave). I figure I’ll hit it up on my way through Richmond this weekend. Yeah, so (after yhl) this yellow page thing comes up saying, “unique finds for unique people, fine consignments…” etc. Must be it, right? The name (on Lakeside Ave in Richmond) is Trashique. I click on the website, expecting to find pictures resembling the things in this house. Um, no. :) It’s a Drag Queen help site? Where they answer questions like, “Where do I get a faux-gina?” Yikes. :) Hilarious. Anyways, it gave me a good laugh :)
YoungHouseLove says
Holy cow, that’s crazy and hilarious!
xo,
s
Wendy Umanoff says
Hi Amanda,
check out Class and Trash, http://www.classandtrash.com/ in Ashland. Also Squash A Penny, http://www.flickr.com/photos/onesweetpeach/2296632131/
-Wendy
Carla says
Lovely, fun house with great colors. So comfy looking!
But I do have a question: were all of those old furniture pieces repainted and antiqued, or is that the original paint and rust? Lead paint is a huge concern in old furniture, and exposed rust is another health issue.
I’m loving this home. It’s my favorite to date in a big way. But I’m wondering how many people actually test the paint in their vintage furnishings.
Aimee Lane says
i wondered what color of paint she used on her kitchen table…i love it…every room…every detail….so inspiring!!!
Thanks, Aimee
YoungHouseLove says
I believe it was just silver metallic craft store paint (brands like Folk Art seem to carry it). Maybe Wendy can share the exact color and brand if she remembers!
xo,
s