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!
Amyshka @ Kiwi Chic says
My favourite is the bedspread on the four-poster bed with the wooden floors – reminds me of Brazil, nice!
Molly F. says
Gorgeous house! I love the blue ceiling on the porch. Also, I live in Richmond but I have never heard of Trash to Treasure. It’s on Lakeside you said?
YoungHouseLove says
Yep, but we think it may have changed it’s name to Trashique now. You can’t really find an official website for either name, but this might help: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Trashique/133662983351722
-John
Andrea says
Sherry, I’m not sure if it would still be too much pattern or too matchy-matchy, but the pottery barn/dwell bedding Wendy bought might also work really well with your new bedroom art. Since I’m sure you’ve considered this already, what do you think?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah that could also be really pretty. So many possibilities!
xo
s
Fani says
ooww thats amazing!! she’s so talented…anyway i notice there is a stair near the piano, what is that for?
YoungHouseLove says
Maybe Wendy will drop by with that info for ya.
xo,
s
Wendy Umanoff says
Hi Fani,
I think the stair that you are referring to is part of the main stairs that take you up to the bedrooms and my studio.
-Wendy
Tia says
Um I think love this house. Yea, definitely love it. That dining room seriously rocks. The kitchen is amazing. I can go on and on! I am going to bookmark this home as inspiration ;)
Emma says
I love the teal sofa, the shutters in the spare room and the sanded back dresser in the bathroom. What a beautiful house!
N Shirley says
Another explanation of the blue ceilings is that it is a German custom to have blue ceilings on the porch and green floors so you still have the calming feeling of being outside. But I love the Southern idea of the spirits!
N Shirley says
By the way- you explained that their children are grown and it is time to move on. When my children left the beach cottage we had raised them in we moved a mile down the road into a BIGGER house! The kids said why are you buying a bigger house now- we explained we couldn’t AFFORD a bigger house while raising the kids!
Erin says
I clicked on the link to learn more about Wendy and noticed her opening web picture is of her dining room. However, instead of the cart that was there the day you house crashed, there was a larger cabinet of sorts that is g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!!! Where did that go Wendy? I love the small square drawers at the bottom!
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t it fun to see different tweaks of her house over there? Here’s hoping she drops in with that info for ya.
xo,
s
Wendy Umanoff says
Hi Erin,
About a year ago I moved the apothecary hutch upstairs to my studio. I love that piece as well. The drawers offered a great way to organize all of my parts and pieces that I use to create my lighting designs. I’m often moving my furniture and accessories to create different vignettes within my home and when I found that pink cart I was ready to do something daring.
– Wendy
Hooked on Hickory says
what a charming house! i’m obsessed with that island! it looks like an old chem station! awesomeness!
ashley
Brandan WH says
I just want to live in that hallway display of pictures and stuff! I love that!
Ally says
OK Wow. I love reading about and looking at pics of all your House Crashing adventures, but I really think this is my fave. I love the homeowner’s style. Thanks so much for sharing. It’s really inspiring!
Monique says
Thanks for showing us another beautiful home. I loved that it did not look like a showroom but was beautifully decorated in “her” style. Enjoyed the pops of color and the way she grouped items/pictures.
Having seen the home, I’m wondering why she’s selling. Her home is so perfect.
YoungHouseLove says
Her children are all grown up and out of the nest, so I think she just thinks it’s a home meant for a family with little ones still at home (there’s an awesome giant backyard and Wendy might not use all that space like she did when the kids were growing up).
xo,
s
Michelle says
awesome ideas! where is the trash to treasure place you are speaking of? i tried googling it but had no luck. thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
I think it’s called Trashique now. They’re on Lakeside Avenue. I think they’re on Facebook too. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Heather says
Beautiful! And I just saw her bedroom on pinterest last night!!
amy says
Beautiful home!
Jessica F. says
I’m actually not a big fan of this one, but I love that you guys feature all kinds of homes in your house-crashing to demonstrate a wonderful variety of things that we can do in our own homes. Keep up the great work!
drew says
Have you seen a site called One Kings’ Lane. High end stuff discounted, still too expensive but tons of ideas.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah that site is lots of fun – especially for inspiration!
xo,
s
Daniella says
Lovely house crash! My favorite is the kitchen island. I’m in the process of designing a kitchen island/bar for our kitchen remodel and this is totally inspiring. I even looked up some buffet/dresser type pieces on my local Anchorage craigslist already! :) My problem is that I’m planning to incorporate a stovetop/oven in the island…and I’m not sure how to make it work…maybe put that on one side of the stove and build a cabinet on the other. Not sure yet. Thank you again!
Sue says
I am hopelessly in love with the blue sofa. I actually gasped out loud when I saw it! May I ask where you purchased it?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from La Diff here in Richmond. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jessica says
The blue porch ceiling does in fact keep wasps from building nests. We had blue ceilings on the porches at our old house, and never saw one in 7 years. New house + white porch ceiling = 3 wasps nests so far this year!
Cherri says
Ahhh! I saw this house in a magazine I bought last year! Loved the silver painted table and I saved the mag to use as inspiration for my table. I never painted mine, BUT seeing it again has reminded me that I NEED to attempt this project! Love so many of her cool ideas!!!
carrie wohlt says
What a “sweet” home, I loved it! Gave me a lot of ideas for my own 100 year old home. I love all the thrift store finds, I am a thrift myself, but who isn’t?
Chloe says
It’s not really my style but it’s a beautifully well put together house. I love the vintage pieces and the pops of colour.
Angela says
I was completely inspired when I saw the picture of the white duck in this post and I thought I finally had a great idea of making my husbands choice of decor (two duck decoys that reside in our living room) look a little better. Needless to say, I picked up the duck last night, said “honey, I have a great idea that might make these ducks fit in better around here” and he must have been reading your blog as well (well doubtful because he’s not a blog reader but I can hope he’ll get a DIY hair up his butt) because he immediately responded with, “We aren’t painting the ducks.” Damn. He totally foiled my plan.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah. I love it. Totally a convo that John and I would have. I want to paint everything.
xo,
s
Molly says
This house is fantastic! So many awesome ideas and new ways to think about household objects. The napkin holder is my favorite!
Jennifer says
OhMYGoodness! This is my favorite house crash yet. I am so in love with her dining room and chalkboard. I adore how the living room and dining room are off of the entry. What a lovely place to entertain! And that kitchen with the Wolf gas range and amazing school desk turned island! I want her life! Thank you so much for posting this, and her amazing house. The only thing I can possibly imagine she’d sell for is-a big house=big upkeep. I’m in love. I’m glad you got to visit and share it with us.
Braelin says
This is my absolute favorite house crashing yet— I can’t nail the reason why… I think that it is just the combinations that are really interesting to me. I love that it isn’t all one “theme” or anything, yet it all has a funky cohesiveness that really works. I’ll be coming back to this one for a long time for inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
Cheryl says
Wow!
I absolutely love that house!
Those old doors in the kitchen! Stunning!
I pretty much love every single solitary thing in that home (she has such a great way of putting everything together) including the sleeping dog! My dogs follow me around when I take pictures of my home too.
Megan says
I love the juxtaposition of old and new in this house. So refreshing and charming. Where exactly on Lakeside Ave. is Trash to Treasure? I am in LOVE with those storage carts. Awesome job, Wendy!
YoungHouseLove says
We think it’s called Trashique now, and they seem to have a Facebook page that might help with their address. It’s on Lakeside Ave I think, on the left side when you’re driving towards Lewis Ginter from 95. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Karen F. says
Ok, where do I start? The RUGS! Her light fixtures! That four-poster bed, her kitchen textile storage/cd/plate holder (now I’ll be on the lookout for one to store the fabric napkins I’m making). But, I digress … the kitchen island/cabinet on wheels (please don’t ever paing it! … love it), silver dining table on wheels … better yet, everything on wheels! Love how she has castors on many things … I can just see her rearranging furniture in even more beautiful layouts! Oh & that stove (adore the red knobs), both her pitcher/basin sets … sighhhhh
Celia says
I just found this and I am in lust with the “chip paint” effect. Do you have any tips on that??
YoungHouseLove says
I would google for a tutorial. They sell “crackle paint” kits at craft stores and hardware stores too. Good luck!
xo,
s
Brooke says
Any idea where she purchased ANY of her rugs? In love…and currently nursing a “rug obsession”!! On the hunt……
YoungHouseLove says
I would guess they’re all secondhand finds from thrift stores or antique shops! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
ashlee says
that mock headboard made of the windows? i feel like it’s probably meant to be in my house. haha. i went to a thrift shop, and there they were, staring me in the face. but i walked away, thinking they were too expensive (2.99 a piece, what is wrong with me). then i went to another thrift store (frame shopping, might i add) and found more. walked away. then yesterday, i drove past a yard sale and there were two more, staring at me. gah! i feel like i should go back to one of the thrift places and get them after all.
jessica gregg says
LOVE this house. Thanks for sharing with us. So much inspiration. I’m putting together a post about antique doors and would love to include pantry photo. I will of course attribute to your site and direct people to you for more pretty house eye-candy. Do I have your permission. I hope so, but please let me know. Thanks so much!
YoungHouseLove says
Of course! Any images can be borrowed from our site with a link back!
xo,
s
trish says
How were the doors that hid the washer and dryer put together, what size wood was used really any info on how to make something similar myself :) thanks
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping she drops in with that info for ya!
xo
s
MMD says
Hi! I’m new to your site – LOVE IT! Do you publish the brands in the pictures? I’m curious who makes the beautiful quilt/comforter in the master bedroom.
YoungHouseLove says
Usually if you scroll back through the comments you’ll read the homeowners’ comments about where they got certain things. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Leslie says
What a beautiful house! Unlike my own Cap Cod style home, she has lovely high ceilings and a huge porch. Sigh. Someday………
Leslie says
“Cap” = Cape :)
Buffie says
Do you know where the yellow chairs in her dining room came form? I love them and want to buy some but have never seen them before. Thank you!!! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping she drops in with that info (or perhaps scroll back to see if she’s shared in the comments).
xo,
s
Deidre says
I’m absolutely in love with this house!
ika says
lovely home….. pengen
Shelly says
Do you know what’s the name of the paint color in the dining room? It is a beautiful and happy white.
Thank you!
YoungHouseLove says
If you read back through the comments she may have stopped by with that info. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Carlyle says
Is there any way to find out the yellow paint on the home exterior? I’ve been looking for the “right” shade and think this is it.
YoungHouseLove says
Hope she drops in with that info!
xo
s
Meghan says
Hi! Love this house! Where are the industrial scones from over the paintings in the foyer hallway?! LOVE!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hope she drops in with that info for ya Meghan!
xo
s
mindi says
Hi can you tell me what paint you used for your metalic wall.
YoungHouseLove says
Hope she drops in with that info!
xo
s