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Young House Love » Our Second House » A Keeping-It-Real House Tour Video

| By Sherry Petersik | April 7, 2011 | 472 Comments

A Keeping-It-Real House Tour Video

I thought it might be fun to walk around the house with the Flip cam and show you guys how each room can look on an average day. You know, before we pick the clothes up off the floor, put away Clara’s toys, and fold the big blankets that we snuggle under on the sofa. So here’s an impromptu house tour (while John and Clara ducked out to the post office and grocery store) in all of its average everyday glory:

Things to note:

  • Ugh, I have a cold. Sorry about my annoying voice. Who am I kidding, my voice annoys me even when I’m not crazy congested.
  • I’m terrible at walking around, talking, and holding a camera (too much multitasking, pardon the Blair Witch Project-esque jolts).
  • For those who requested updated office photos in this post, you can see it in 3-D (well, almost) in the vid.
  • Burger is so cute. I love how he comes running in and steals the show (and is later seen relaxing in the window).
  • I have no idea why I take the time to explain Clara’s music class kit. It’s so weird what you think is noteworthy.
  • You can sneak a peek at John’s behind the sofa console project’s progress. Oh and when I say it’s not level and it slopes away from the wall, it’s because our floors are slanted, not because John’s work is shoddy (more pics and details on the big console build this afternoon).
  • Yes, my ceramic pooch is still sitting on on the back patio. I just can’t bring myself to let go of him yet. But I’m working up to it. One day at a time.
  • You can sneak a peek at the two 30 x 40″ canvases that we got super cheap at Michael’s (more details on our plans for them soon).
  • I have no idea why at the end I’m talking about other rooms while walking back through the house and aiming the camera at the dining room and the kitchen (it’s just odd to show the kitchen and say “the messy playroom”). It’s official: I’m no Spielberg.
  • My dramatic ending on my purse is beyond weird. What is wrong with me?

Here’s some bonus “ordinary day” behavior. We always tell people how Burger sleeps like a human (with his head on the pillow and his body tucked under the covers) but people rarely believe just how hilarious this is. So here’s some visual evidence that I snapped this morning. I promise this isn’t staged. John got up first today, so I reached over and took some pics after Burger crawled up from the bottom of the bed to “steal” John’s place and sleep in at least four more hours. What a life.

Burger Human Sleeping Far

Burger Human Sleeping Close

What about you guys. What would people see if you randomly shot photos (or a shaky nausea-inducing video) of your house before cleaning up? Anything embarrassing out there like a teddy bear in the bed or a man-thong on the floor? Thank goodness I put John’s leopard one away before filming that video. Haha. Kidding. Sorry honey. I know just reading that is gonna make you all flustered.

More posts from Young House Love

Filed Under: Our Second House, Videos

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Comments

  1. Ana Silva says

    April 7, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    I did enjoy the tour! How nice it was to see how “normal” you guys are. You are so sweet Sherry to appease us all. I just love the picture of your dog sleeping like a little person. I had to show my co-worker because I just couldn’t stop laughing and awe-ing. Get well soon!

    Reply
  2. Tara says

    April 7, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    Our dog Kacee (a britney spaniel) sleeps the same way as Burger! She has even stolen pillows off our bed on more than one occasion to make her own bed on the floor!

    Reply
  3. Ann @ The Domestic Domicile says

    April 7, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    Loved the tour! Now I don’t feel so guilty about the state of my couch when the pillows are frumpy and our blankets are everywhere!

    Reply
  4. Mary @ stylefyles says

    April 7, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    hahha ahhh! Burger look so creepy when sleeping. In an insanely cute way. He seriously looks like a teeny little man, sleeping like that! I hope you get over you cold!

    Reply
  5. Jill says

    April 7, 2011 at 8:05 pm

    This is so refreshing to know your house isn’t always perfect (like it is in the pictures). I feel better about my own house and not as stressed because it isn’t just so!

    Reply
  6. Kristen says

    April 7, 2011 at 8:08 pm

    Best post ever!!! Love this and now I am def going to buy that basket I saw at Target :)

    Reply
  7. nanci says

    April 7, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    My daughter’s miniature dachshund sleeps the same way as Burger. It may be painful but why don’t you smash ceramic doggie (gently) and make something mosaic tile covered-ish. Maybe a small table top for the sunroom or porch.

    Reply
  8. Kath says

    April 7, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    very cute!!!

    Let me know if you need a little Home Neat Home action ; )

    Reply
  9. Kristin F. says

    April 7, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    Jeez! Just when I thought it wasn’t possible to love you and you guys website more, you have to show your house looking like mine does ALL THE TIME! Maybe I should start a blog just to be inspired enough to pick up for pictures? Naw! Who am I kidding…I’ll leave that to you!

    Reply
  10. Lindsey says

    April 7, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    Oh this gives me hope for my apartment. My husband’s clothes never seem to ever quite make it to the hamper. On another note, Burger’s pictures are very cute. I find his burrowing amusing, the cats at my parents would do much the same.

    Reply
  11. Pamela says

    April 7, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    Omg this was my favourite post of all time. I’m so anal about my house being perfect before bed, and beat myself up about some of the little clutter piles around the house and odd jobs I never seem to get around too. Thank you for keeping it real, it’s nice to know how despite the perfect pictures, basically everyone has a mess somewhere hahaha.

    Reply
  12. Laurie says

    April 7, 2011 at 9:01 pm

    Okay, this makes me feel better! When my kids were small, my house was a wreck…working full-time (out of the house), it just seemed more important to play with the kids than clean the house…

    Reply
  13. Brienn says

    April 7, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    I have to say – I was at Marshalls today and found a wooden dog that looks JUST LIKE your poor broken ceramic one, it was just a bit smaller….The only problem – I’m from indianapolis…so I don’t know what the chances are of it being by you at a Marshalss/TJ Maxx/Home Goods…but you should keep your eye out in case your willing to adopt a new one:)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 7, 2011 at 10:03 pm

      Ooh I love the idea of a wooden one. Sounds more Clara proof! We’ll definitely keep an eye out!

      xo,
      s

  14. Jenn C. says

    April 7, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    I did a similar video tour for some friends in Scotland. I was in my PJ’s and included myself. Good to know I’m not the only dork who does these. :-)

    Reply
  15. deena says

    April 7, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    I LOVE Burger’s window spot!! He’s almost like a cat sitting there watching the goings on.
    How about a yard tour and show us what’s all blooming!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 7, 2011 at 10:03 pm

      That’s definitely on our list! Can’t wait now that it’s all green outside!

      xo,
      s

  16. Marie says

    April 7, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    It’s nice to have a reality check–and to see that you guys are “normal” people too (with those random little piles that like to collect!). I was home-schooled for several years growing up (we also had 2 adorable chihuahuas;). It helped me realize that when more people are home for longer periods of time “living” in the house–it can make it more difficult to keep things straightened.

    I thought I was the only one to spot Sue in your purse—perhaps she was drawing you in since she is the inspiration of the color palette for the house. This is getting long but I have a funny napkin story.

    In college my sister helped me glamorize my dorm room. The best thing we did was make a napkin valance for my windows (I had a lot as I had a corner room). I bought 12 cloth napkins from World Market and used thumb-tacks to stick them in a little wooden ledge that went around the room above the windows. Four years after graduating, I use them as napkins (we rarely use paper). They’re still super cute and I think happy thoughts of my old dorm room at every meal;).

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 8, 2011 at 9:40 am

      Haha I love that! They’ve literally had nine lives (well at least two, as a window treatment and actual dining napkins).

      xo,
      s

  17. Faith says

    April 7, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    Just a design idea!
    I read this post and the one about the console right after it in one sitting. In one post it referred to getting table lamps for the console. Have you considered doing hanging lamps instead? They are so much more elegant, and would probably work better in the space you have. You can also find great vintage ones if you’re into that, and they cast more light on the area you need. Hope I could help!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 8, 2011 at 9:39 am

      Thanks for the idea! We’ve considered that but actually think that gorgeous large scale table lamps will add some nice balance to the giant console table by grounding it on each end. Plus it’s easier to click them on and off while sitting on the sofa (instead of trying to reach higher mounted hanging lamps or a switch on the wall). It’s really a personal preference thing tough. We love hanging lamps or swing arm sconces behind a bed!

      xo,
      s

  18. reny says

    April 7, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    ers555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555./
    0

    Reply
  19. reny says

    April 7, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    aakkk.. so sorry about the previous comments. my baby is trying type on the keyboard, push the on/off button, and get on top of the laptop all while holding a big piece of rice cake. *insert picture of me seething at him, with fangs* please ignore..

    Reply
  20. Lisa S says

    April 7, 2011 at 11:18 pm

    I <3 you both! I love how you are "normal" like the rest of us. I never read blogs before I stumbled onto yours. Now, I have my Pulse App full of your blog and those you link to (I feel like a creeper!). Hope you feel better soon.

    Reply
  21. Emily says

    April 7, 2011 at 11:54 pm

    Have you considered making the ceramic dog into a planter for outside? Could either build out a little form to tuck in for whatever to grow on, or could just go with something flowy. Would be a cool way to recycle him without feeling like a hoarder.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 8, 2011 at 9:33 am

      Yeah I guess I’m not sure what to do with the guy. But I’m considering just about everything…

      xo,
      s

  22. Michelle says

    April 8, 2011 at 12:51 am

    Oh I am only allowed to sleep on half of my pillow so Sammy (the dog) can come up and putting his back to mine, share the other half. Seriously. And yes, he has to have blanket too! You’re lucky Burger lets you use your pillows until you’re ready to get up. Then again, I guess I’m lucky I’m allowed to use half! Bonus that he’s a good back warmer.

    Reply
  23. Annie says

    April 8, 2011 at 2:31 am

    Just started reading your blog recently, and having purchased our first home in January, a bit after you purchased your current home, it’s been kind of fun going back and seeing where you were at when we did things…and now it’s fun to keep up. Looking at your pictures, though, I always wonder how you do it without piles accumulating, random things in random places and the like, because as hard as I try, I just can’t keep this place totally clean while we are working on the house. Your video made me feel 10000x better about our progress (and cleanliness) and I totally appreciate it. However, I’m not going to show Tony, because I’ve convinced him to place the pillows and blankets in their proper place every time he leaves the living room, and your video might give him ammunition for otherwise. Thanks! :)

    Reply
  24. Emma says

    April 8, 2011 at 3:29 am

    I love that guys (well you Sherry) did this, SO often in la-la-blogland you feel this ‘pressure’ to be so perfect. You guys are keeping it real. Was a total pleasant surprise to wake up and click on in to YHL like a do every morning (morning here in Australia) to see this video, I got all inspired and thought maybe I should do something similar and then thought are you CRAZY?! Kudos to you guys though.
    P.S. Spent an obscene amount of time on floorplanner.com last night trying to size up my house to put on my blog, thanks for the link ;) Maybe a video could help?

    Reply
  25. Nycole says

    April 8, 2011 at 9:18 am

    Our Shih Tzu Maxx sleeps the same way, it really is adorable.

    Reply
  26. Hollie says

    April 8, 2011 at 10:49 am

    Been following you guys for a few months now, and I just started my own blog last week after I resigned from my job. Sweet freedom! Thanks for all the DIY inspiration.

    Isn’t it funny how most of us “pretend” that our homes are all perfect when we take photos or have people over, but for real, we are all messy as we actually LIVE in our homes. I appreciate that you guys keep it real.

    Oh, and I noticed before and was reminded again in the video that I have the same aqua-tinted large glass vases as you. I just bought them recently and then noticed them in one of your photos. Love!

    Reply
  27. kate says

    April 8, 2011 at 11:25 am

    One of our dogs sleeps like a human too and its like cutest thing ever.

    Reply
  28. Rochelle says

    April 8, 2011 at 11:32 am

    I’m sooo glad you posted this video. Before I watched I was thinking, “Yeah, I’m sure that their messy means that the pillows are just not in perfect order on the beds”…But I’m happy to know a little clutter collects in your house too, and that I’m not the only one with random articles of clothing laying around. I’m sorry, though, that you have to reveal your imperfections make me feel better about my own. :)

    Thank you for sharing yours, none the less.

    Feel better, Sherry!

    Reply
  29. Sara @ House Bella says

    April 8, 2011 at 11:37 am

    Our dogs sleep like that too! They love it so much that we bought real bed pillows for each of their dog beds. Uh, and blankets. So they sleep just like little furry humans on the floor (or the dog trundle) in their dog beds.

    Reply
  30. Sara @ House Bella says

    April 8, 2011 at 11:52 am

    After watching the video, I have a quick question! I remember a few weeks back you used some glass paint to paint the interior of that not-centered-to-anything light fixture in the living room. I didn’t see it painted in the tour, though. Did you remove it? Did it not work out?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 8, 2011 at 12:02 pm

      Oh yeah about a month ago I wiped it down with a wet cloth because it was casting an odd blue haze on that corner of the room in photos. Thank goodness it was so easy to remove!

      xo,
      s

  31. Alex says

    April 8, 2011 at 11:54 am

    Ahhhhh, relief! Thank you SO much for sharing your every-day with us. I feel about 1000% better that your fabulous house isn’t perfection on a day-to-day basis – and surprisingly, it really looks just like most of ours :). You guys are darling!

    Reply
  32. ArtsyKatie says

    April 8, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    The pictures of Burger are the best ever. Out little chihuahua, Linus, acts the same way. Rough life they have!

    Reply
  33. Andrea B says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    I know I’m late to the game in commenting, but this video has made my day. Maybe my week. Heck … possibly month.

    Always nice to see it’s normal that I put my coat on the chair, don’t always pick up my clothes, and have stray pots and pans in the kitchen sink.

    I feel affirmed! :)

    Reply
  34. Amy says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    “Toilet paper in the window.” That part made me giggle.

    I once had someone tell me they thought my voice sounded like a cartoon character. I’d rather it sounded like Natalie Portman or Mila Kunis!

    Reply
  35. Ali says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    Boo for being sick! But I love the house tour. Makes me feel better about our place. lol

    Reply
  36. Kristin says

    April 8, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    My dog (which is part Chihuahua) does the exact same thing! I agree that it’s too funny when you walk into the bedroom and see this!

    Reply
  37. Jennifer says

    April 8, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Great post! What color are you planning to paint your kitchen (if any)? We have very similar cabinets and counters and I’m wavering between cool colors (maybe a sea glass green) and warm colors (like terra cotta or red).

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 8, 2011 at 3:45 pm

      We’re not sure yet. Maybe something in the green family though. Something cheerful.

      xo,
      s

  38. Stefanie D says

    April 8, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    Sherry – see link for ceramic dog i came across…similar..maybe you could spray paint it

    http://www.fantasticdecor.com/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemID=16360&CategoryID=54

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 8, 2011 at 4:42 pm

      Cute!!

      xo,
      s

  39. Sarah says

    April 8, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for showing me that my home on a daily basis is not that bad! And that my husband is not the only one who leaves random articles of clothing around, and makes a pile with them in the bedroom. :-)

    Reply
  40. sandra says

    April 8, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    Ha ha…this is fabulous! I think you gave the tour just like “we” were there, even showing us all the little Clara things (“her nose thingy”, her whale so she won’t bump her head thingy, etc). And jeez, you do sound just like Mila Kunis, you lucky girl! I have a question, and I’ve been reading old posts to catch up, but I don’t remember if you ever said why (sorry if you did) you painted Clara’s 2nd nursery a light lavender (which is fine) color, instead of the pear/blue (which I flipped over!) combo in the first nursery. Just curious! I love what you guys are doing with the place!! :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 8, 2011 at 6:17 pm

      I think we knew that we’d be bringing in all the same furniture, curtains, lighting and art as the last house so we thought it would be fun to change the wall color just for kicks. Some days we miss the green walls (and we always miss the fun blue ceiling) but other days we love the pink and have lots of fun plans for the closet and the ceiling eventually.

      xo,
      s

  41. Emma says

    April 8, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    Link to a resin dog which I thought you might like?
    http://www.modernchichome.com/p1159/Greyhound-Dog-Statue-NEW/product_info.html

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 8, 2011 at 7:19 pm

      Cute!!!

      xo,
      s

  42. stacey says

    April 8, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    that brown blanket on your couch?? i’m curled up under the same blanket right now! it’s such a cozy blanket, wonderful for blog reading or tv watching. :)

    Reply
  43. Elizabeth says

    April 9, 2011 at 2:13 am

    Hello Guys!
    I have wanted to write this earlier but I got hung up by school! Sorry. Anyway, I work for a conservation company and wanted to tell Sherry that there is hope for your beloved dog. I hope that there’s still time! :0 There is a product that we use called B72 that works very well for bonding ceramic. But if you can’t find that try using E6000. It’s an epoxy and has a super bond that I’ve used many times before on this type of project. Please e-mail me if you have any questions! Good luck!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 9, 2011 at 8:33 am

      Thanks for the tip!

      xo,
      s

  44. Kimberly Larson says

    April 9, 2011 at 10:54 pm

    Oh my goodness you are right you are the cast of the Black Swan! In this video you totally sound just like Mila Kunis and then I saw someone said that same thing and I saw your response and other video in which when you are not sick you sound just like Natalie Portman. Very trippy. :) Either way I don’t know how you could think it’s a bad thing to sound like either of them. Anyway I LOVE your blog, I’m usually lurking around but had to comment on your multi-talented voice.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 9, 2011 at 10:59 pm

      Haha, isn’t that weird. Maybe I should do voice over work for them or something. Of course I don’t hear it at all and probably would do a terrible impression if I actually “tried.” Haha.

      xo,
      s

  45. Elizabeth says

    April 10, 2011 at 8:49 am

    I loved this post. It makes me feel not as bad about our normal day to day clutter, especially since we’ve also got a little one in the house. Thanks for keeping it real for us. Oh, and by the way, love, love, LOVE your sunroom!

    Reply
  46. elizabeth says

    April 10, 2011 at 10:36 am

    i gotta be honest. this makes me feel way better about our mess. thank you for posting! And Burger looks insanely cute in those last few shots :)

    Reply
  47. Samantha Sutherland says

    April 11, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    Hi,

    Thanks so much for the any given day tour. I’m from Australia and love your house and the way you guys are working on it together. I have five kids and my house is pretty much always chaotic no matter how much I try to organise it. So while I love looking at your place and others I often feel frustrated that my place never looks quite right. It was a breath of fresh air to see that hey you do have clothes on the floor, foot cream in the lounge room and laundry! Thanks
    Sam

    Reply
  48. Vivian says

    April 12, 2011 at 1:17 pm

    Wow, This post made me totally love you guys! Everything always seems so perfect or just “beyond me”. But, you are human! Even though your messes are still cute I’m just happy everything doesn’t have to be perfect all the time. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  49. Carrie @ Hazardous Design says

    April 13, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    I’m SO glad you guys posted that picture of your pb sofa. I’ve been on the hunt for a new one (preferably slipcovered) and I was almost ready to pull the trigger and place the order when I saw yours and how smooshed the back cushions can get. That is seriously my biggest pet peave! I’ll be limiting my next round of options to only tight back sofas. Thank you!

    Reply
  50. marissa says

    April 14, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    This was awesome. It was super nice of you to share and make the rest of us feel better! (Although everything still looks nice – just real : )

    Reply
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