The following images make me wish I could carry a professional photographer around in my pocket at all times. But since I can’t, at least we had the pleasure of having one over for the afternoon. Local-ish photographer Andrea Hubbell (she’s from nearby Charlottesville, VA) is doing a series of “living spaces” photo shoots and asked if we wanted to participate for fun. Since we’re (a) not too camera shy – at least when it comes to our house and (b) always excited to see our home through someone else’s eyes (especially someone a lot better with a camera), we gave an enthusiastic yes.
And boy are we glad we did. Not only was Andrea super nice (and very stealthy too – we almost forgot she was here a couple of times) but her photos are beautiful:
Of course we loved seeing the wider-angled full room shots, but what was most amusing for us was seeing all the little details that Andrea picked up along the way. You know, the things we hardly notice and never think to shoot and share. So we thought you guys might get a kick out of that too. What’s a trip to the Petersiks without a shot of Sherry’s pile o’ paint chips after all?
Be sure to hit up Andrea’s blog to see the rest of her photos of our house (barely half of them are shown here). They were taken about three weeks ago, which is why some rooms (ahem, bedroom and living room) are already looking semi-out-of-date and others (this means you laundry room) aren’t shown (since our little built-in shelves were just getting started when she arrived). Oh and here we are with Andrea. Most surprising thing ever? Sherry’s not wearing a black shirt. Crazy, right? I hardly recognized her.
But wait – there’s more. Andrea wasn’t the only person to capture our house recently. We got a very sweet email the other day from a 16-year-old reader from the Netherlands named Karlijn. She’s an avid fan of the video game The Sims, and thought it would be funny to use her Sims-ing skills to virtually recreate our house. And considering the limitations of the game (she said she would have added a Burger if she could have), we’re pretty darn impressed by how close she got!
First we have our guest room with the teal walls, green headboard, and two slipper chairs that look almost exactly like the ones we have:
We chuckled at the accuracy of the “alley” on the left side of this screen capture of our living room (complete with a big gray sectional, a green rug, the bedroom door, and a giant paned window just like our house):
And how true-to-life it is that our windowless kitchen is pretty dark with the lights off? Maybe you don’t know that so I’ll answer for you: very true.
Our favorite is probably the Sims-ified space that is Clara’s room (although the highway that leads into her window kind of cracked us up, since the view is a little different in real life- but we’re sure Karlijn didn’t have much control over that):
And perhaps Karlijn was dropping us some decorating “hints” along the way too. Like maybe we should add a zebra rug in the bedroom? Ooh la la.
Or some outdoor lighting to the patio? (Totally agree with her on this one, btw – we’re thinking about big bulb string lights).
Maybe some Sims players out there can find Karlijn’s place in that giant Sims universe to virtually drop in on on our house. Is that how it works? I’m so video game dumb it’s not even funny. Last time I played The Sims it was called Sim City and I think I gave up after a tornado and a monster attack simultaneously took out all of my skyscrapers. Anyway, we’re sending out a big thanks to both Andrea and Karlijn for taking the time to capture our home using their respective talents. It’s always fun to see a familiar place through someone else’s eyes. Have you guys ever tried to recreate your house in a video game or with online room-planning software or anything? Or seen photos that someone else took of your house that make you take notice of little things that you’d never really “see” on your own?
Psst- We announced this week’s giveaway winners. Click here to see if you’re one of them.
Paige says
That was so interesting! Some of the details I’ve seen before as a longtime reader, but never the pile o’ paint colors.
Valerie says
I have to admit, my favourite pic is totally the one of the monkey hanging on Clara’s closet rod (on Andrea’s website)! Totally fun and captures the spirit of the family I think! (well – of what I can tell by getting to know you via the interwebs… lol)
maria says
the pics are gorgeous! you should’ve ironed the runner though it ruins her awesome work.
Aly says
I actually just bought that print in the Mini Mini size from Kal Barteski! Did you find your frame at Ikea? It seems like a hard size to find
YoungHouseLove says
It was an old frame we had (hung horizontally with two pics in it above our stove in the first house) but I think it was originally from Target. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Shifra says
It’s so funny how seeing these new pictures make me see things I didn’t notice before- at least consciously. Now I realize why I’ve been searching for a green runner for my dining room table for weeks! So funny! I’ve just about given up and am contemplating trying to make my own with no sew tape (of course, inspired by you, too!) Do you remember where you got yours, as a last ditch effort before I resort to the diy method? Thanks!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
That one was on clearance from Pottery Barn a while back. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Dianna says
may i ask what color that is behind the bookshelves in your dining room it is the PERFECT shade I have been looking for!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s Dragonfly by Benjamin Moore (color matched to Olympic No-VOC paint).
xo,
s
Melissa says
I really want to play the Sims and create my home digitally. I’ll admit it – I’m a geek, but in a good way! :)
Leslie Ann says
LOL @ the picture of Sherry’s ceramic/concrete white dog! I don’t know why, but the picture Andrea took of it makes me giggle. Maybe it’s because she only took a “portrait” shot of the doggy… she made him look pretty lifelike, hehe.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, he’s like a member of the family.
xo,
s
Rebecca R says
Where did you find that little map idea?? We travel ALOT and have a frame wall like yours (only in black frames) and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea but have never seen sucha small version of the whole US like that. Please share!!!
<3
R
YoungHouseLove says
That’s an old 2008 project of ours. I just took the glass out of an Ikea frame and used cork squares from Target for the background. And ordered the map on eBay. Here’s a post about it: https://www.younghouselove.com/2008/02/the-frame-game/
xo,
s
Allison says
Those photos are absolutely lovely. One thing though, I kept looking at the picture of your gorgeous dining room thinking something was missing. I tried to chalk it up to knowing that at some point you will knock down the wall for a big doorway. . .But that wasn’t it. And then I realized: You don’t have a chandelier!!!
I would love to see what kind of chandy you guys would choose for your dining room. Maybe a big drum chandelier with a fun pattern on it?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah we can’t wait to add something nice and big to balance out that big round table. A drum shade is certainly one possibility!
xo,
s
lisa says
Very ncie pictures that Andrea took….and that is too funny, the first thing I thought when I saw Sherry in the picture was “she’s not wearing her black shirt she usually wears in the pictures.” hahahahah
Melanie says
Wow! Amazing Pictures. I LOVE the pencil holder. :)
Brenda says
Really Sherry, have you lost some weight? You look fab! I often hear that women drop a lot of weight after they stop breastfeeding.
YoungHouseLove says
You think? Maybe five pounds or so. Nothing crazy though. Still in the same pants. Haha.
xo,
s
JennyB says
Karlijn’s mock up of the house is very cool! I’d be so flattered. The pics are gorgeous, too. I’m still trying to get a decent picture of our hall that we painted the same Dragonfly color as your bookshelves. I need to borrow a nicer camera, I guess.
Completely off subject..you have to try this for Clara. I don’t even have a girl and I want to make them!
http://pinterest.com/pin/97350674/
YoungHouseLove says
Adorable!
xo,
s
Danielle says
Oh my goodness. I recreated your old house almost perfectly while playing the sims. I wanted to take screen shots and send them to you but I felt wicked creepy haha! Oh, now I wish I had!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man we would have loved to see that!
xo,
s
Missy says
Wow, Andrea’s photos are kinda blowing me away. It shows what a great job that y’all have done truly making the whole house cohesive and flowy (does that even make sense? lol). I really liked seeing the wide-angled full shots, especially the living room. The beams and curtains really stood out, when I’ve never paid too much attention to them before. And today, I can officially say for the first time that I like the grellow walls! Ok, sorry, that was a really long comment.
Erica says
I did recreate my own house in the Sims once. My small, 1,200 square foot house has 4 exterior doors in real life, but since I wanted to make it what I think it should look like when I’m finished with it, it only has 3 in the game. But my Sims don’t actually walk through the house in the game! They go outside and walk around if they want to go to the kitchen. It makes me laugh. Of course, I think my Sims house needs some updating now. :-)
Can’t wait to go see the other pictures of your house! I am sure they are going to be great!
Kara says
Wow- beautiful pictures! Can’t wait to check out the photographer’s blog!
And you fan did a great job on your Sims house too! Don’t respond, but didn’t you get a little freaked out by it?! Super sweet of her though. :)
YoungHouseLove says
She’s a 16 year old girl in the Netherlands! We thought it was super fun of her to do/share!
xo,
s
Kate says
Excellent work on The Simms stuff! I LOVE it – so fun! I have the Simms but haven’t played in ages. Looks like i know now what I’ll be doing this weekend! :)
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
WOH! Is it me or has the Sims become so much more involved and detailed in graphics than it ever was when I used to play?! I have to say though, that building/designing the house was always the part of the game that I enjoyed the most. Haha!
Hilary says
C’ville – my stomping grounds! Andrea’s photos are beautiful! So fun to have them to reflect back on (like your blog site enough…) ;)I love all of the detailed pics she took.
Lisa P. says
By George! I love the pro pics! Gorgeous!
Rachel @ Common to Moms says
I went over to Andrea’s website and – WOW – the pictures of your house are amazing! You really feel like you are there. (haha- just thought about the crazy number of people that have “virtually” been inside your house when I said that). The details she found to capture are awesome.
My absolute favorite is the picture of your guest bedroom. I loved your pics of it to begin with, but she captures all the textures in there SO WELL. I think it might be my favorite room in your whole house :) So much personality. Okay- I might start gushing over that room, so now I have to go.
:) Rachel
Rachel @ Common to Moms says
PS the only thing that could have made it better are some pictures with the all 3 of you guys “living” in those rooms. We rarely get pics of all of you together in the designs you work so hard to create!
georgia says
Love the sims!!!! That sim house is so accurate! Very well done! :)
Teresa says
ok, so since I have started following your blog, I have really loved your style. It has even had me contemplating my own home (total change up of decor??). But after seeing the photos that Andrea did for you… I am seriously in love with your house!! A lot can be said for how you accessorize, I think that is what makes your house have that comfortable, yet exciting feel. I would love to see a post or two on how to accessorize without over-doing things. I am a less is more type, but really need more.. lol
Thanks! and job well done to Andrea!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Teresa! We totally wish Andrea could shoot every pic for our blog from now on! Haha. As for a post on accessorizing, we’ll try to work something in soon!
xo,
s
Andrea says
Teresa, Thank you!
S, with as often as your house changes, maybe we should schedule shoots every 6-12 months! :)
xo
A
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- you’re joking but I’d totally take you up on that! Our House Tour page would look about 100% prettier with your pics in there!
xo,
s
Shelley says
Your house looks beautiful – what a fun post!
Jacklynn says
So beautiful! I love seeing all your rooms and how they are each unique in their own way yet your house flows so well room-to-room.
Lesley says
Beautiful photos! I especially love the close-ups of vignettes around your home.. detail shots are always my fave. I remember when I saw the professional photos our realtor took of my FL home last year– pro’s really know how to highlight a home’s beauty.
You’ll have these wonderful pics to cherish and look back on always!
Kristal says
OMG…never noticed the framed keys of all your first places before! What a cute idea! I don’t have a copy of our old condo key but I’ll have to keep a copy of our apartment key when we move out next year! All the pics were beautiful. She did a great job :)
Katrina says
The dining room and kitchen are both going to look so good after you open that wall up!
Kari S. says
I just bought that same shirt this week! It’s fabulous. Also, what kind of pins did you use for that cute U.S. map, and is that corkboard behind it? I’ve been wanting to do something like that where we can mark where we’ve been together.
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, I tackled that project back in 2008. Just took the glass out of an Ikea frame, used cork squares from Target as the background, pinned a vintage map from ebay to it, and used map pins from Office Max. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Vanessa says
Love the pics! Its so nice that you have so many nice pictures and memories of this home. These pics will be so nice for Clara once she is older to see every detail of the home you share as a family. I think its great.
Pammy says
First of all, Andrea’s photos are fabulous! I really liked seeing some new angles and perspectives that we haven’t seen before.
Secondly, I was seriously laughing out loud so much when I scrolled down and saw the Sims screenshots! Hahaha I have recreated all of the living spaces i’ve lived in! I actually haven’t done it yet for our new house though… I haven’t played The Sims for so long, i’m afraid I will get addicted again and never do anything else productive! She did a really great job recreating it!
Barbara says
I don’t remember seeing a post about the dining room curtains. Did I miss it? They look great btw.
YoungHouseLove says
My babies! Here ya go: https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/06/my-babies/
xo,
s
CT says
I tried to draw my childhood house in AutoCAD once. We lived there up until I was 11 and its a few states away so I’ve never been back around. It came out pretty close but there was a lot of pieces that I couldn’t quite get to line up. So I guess my memory isn’t as sharp as it could be, but I do still love that house and the time my family spent in it.
Briel K. says
Wow, I love the photos Andrea took. She really captured your house beautifully. I love all the different angles and points of view she took the pictures from.
The sims house is so cute too! What a fun idea. :)
linda says
makes me want to play the sims just so i can play in your house!!!! i hope they uploaded it so people can download it and play it!!!!
love the professional photos, too!
Donita says
Fabulous pictures, from both Andrea and karlijn. Your home makes me happy. :-)
Breanne Doucette says
Hey guys,
First let me say LOVE your house… and creativity, and how you share.. makes it so much fun to read and see what new projects you do, you have even inspired me to go back and re-do some areas (i.e. hanging shelves decor, and pics., organizing) of our house that we moved into this past April. Gave me my second win after the big move, with a 3 month old and a 1 1/2 yr. old :) SO THANKS! While looking through this post I found two things that I love, that I somehow didn’t notice before – where did you get the famed map of the us in the hallway? I realize it’s a map you probably put in a frame.. just wondering where you got a map that size.. and did you shadow box it to accomadate the pins? ALSO the glass vase/jug on your dining room table.. I’ve been looking for one like that maybe a little larger, I love the ones that pottery barn has, but don’t really want to spend the $$$, and home goods seems to only carry ones with an aqua blue tint, which wouldn’t match my colors.. so just wondering if you found it at a different store that I might try :) Thanks so much for the feedback :) You guys ROCK!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the kind words! That glass vase/jug was from ZGallerie a while back, but I’ve seen dead ringers at TJ Maxx and Marshalls recently. Hope it helps! As for the map with those pins in it, back in 2008 I got a vintage map from ebay (really cheap) and used an Ikea frame with the pane of glass out to display it. I just removed the glass and added cork squares as the background so my pins would stick. And I used map pins from Office Max. Here’s a post about it for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/2008/02/the-frame-game/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Sandra says
That Sims house is so awesome! I’m glad you gave her the recognition she deserves!
I don’t play, but I’m sure it took a LOT of work!
Amy says
Looks great!
Do you remember where you got your map from? I’ve been looking for a map like that but can’t find one that size!
Thanks!
Amy says
Nevermind! I just saw your response that you found it on ebay! Time to get searching!
YoungHouseLove says
Ebay actually! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
Jen says
I seriously got tingles looking through her photos of your home and her ability to capture your awesomeness. Love.
xoxo,
Jen
Sara says
Have to say this. Sherry was more in black tops before Clara was born. I guess seeing colors for Clara has brought her feminine side…Sherry, you are looking more beautiful in all the colorful tops
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sara! I definitely think Clara brings color to my life! All her little colorful outfits are so cute I can’t resist a little pattern/brightness sometimes!
xo,
s
Karen says
Wow… those pics are just gorgeous. Like Art.
I must say… out of the three homes she’s done in her series so far… I like yours the best. It’s so warm and inviting, full of color and interesting little details and vignettes. I noticed things I hadn’t particularly paid close attention to before.
Beautiful work, Andrea.
Karen J says
Great pic. I do love your top! If any other of your fashion maven readers want a website dedicated solely to clothes you should check out http://www.youlookfab.com. It’s a great blog with loads of advice and a forum anyone can use for fashion questions.
tina says
you look so pretty, sherry!
the house looks good too. but you take the cake on this post, girl.
Karlijn says
Thank you so much for posting my pictures and for all the nice comments! :)
I’ll try to make a download of the house. If that’s possible i’ll share a link!
xxx Karlijn
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks again so much for the fun, Karlijn! We love the fun Sims house you created!
xo,
s
Kelly.R says
Great photog skills she has!
I love that somebody recreated your house on the sims! I have been playing that game since I was about 13 years old! ha. Now I want to try and recreate my house…
Oona says
The pics look amazing! How exciting to have your house professionally photographed! Not that you guys haven’t been there, done that, but still… I think it would be butterfly inducing every time.
I love your shirt, Sherry! Can’t beat Old Navy for cute, inexpensive summer shirts. I get complements every time I wear that one.