As of 5:30pm yesterday, our second big Homearama Showhouse deadline was hit. Phew. The builder was throwing a preview party at the house so everything had to be done, cleaned, and ready to be shown off to a whole slew of people (realtors, prospective buyers, generous local companies who donated furnishings/accessories to this cause, etc). Heck, the weather even cooperated in the final seconds and gave us this nice photo op.
It was kinda weird yet exciting to have the place alive with people, music, and food. They brought in caterers to show off the kitchen/appliances, and Sherry and I pretty much gorged since we had been running around in hyper-drive all day. There were literally picture frames and window treatments being hung in the last few minutes, so it was one of those down-to-the-wire moments.
We were also able to begin snapping some “after” photos in a couple of the rooms (we figured they’d never look cleaner). And since we’re hopelessly impatient, here we sit at 11pm, sizing and uploading pictures so that we can share them with you right away. I blame all the cookies I downed at the party.
So here’s what we had time to photograph before the crowd rolled in: the study, the butler’s pantry, and the main bedroom. Get ready for lots of photos and lots of source links.
You’ve seen the office in various forms already, including this mood board, but here she is in her final state:
Here’s a shot with the double-doors pushed fully out of view. The rug and chair were donated by West Elm, the table is from a local furniture purveryor called Green Front Furniture (I think the manufacturer is called Barkman, but I don’t have a link), the light is from our Shades of Light collection, and the curtains were made by U-Fab, in this fabric (the curtain rods are from Lowe’s). The walls are Simply White and the ceiling is Skydive (both by Benjamin Moore).
As we mentioned a while back, we wanted to stage a more feminine office than what we’re used to seeing in other showhouses (they usually feel sort of study-ish and masculine). So Sherry had a blast planning a little spot she’d love to call her own.
The metal tray and vases are from Target, and the big fiddle leaf fig is from a local nursery.
Tucked along the inside wall is a bit of open storage to help keep this fictional work-at-home mom organized. It’s this whitewashed wood & metal shelf from West Elm.
A theme with all of the shelves in this house is that they’re a little bit more bare than we’d probably keep them in our own home (read: we have more clutter), but for budget, time, and practicality reasons we went a bit lighter for the showhouse (two weeks to outfit nearly 25 spaces = mad dashes like whoa). So even if it’s not completely realistic, we tried to add a few office-y details (binders, boxes for file storage, a few frames, containers full of paperclips and rubber bands, etc) while keeping things from getting too busy.
The shelves are mostly stocked with items from HomeGoods or Target, plus some magazines and books that we brought from home.
At a local craft fair this weekend we picked up some more of these motivational “wisdom cards” that we have scattered around our own house. This one says “know when to show up.”
Speaking of motivational art, once the curtains were hung and that metal shelf came into the room we had less wall space to hang the two larger prints from Help Ink that we originally planned to put in here (we ordered large 24″ x 36″ prints) but they kindly sent along some smaller extras for us, which we were able to frame at the last second (literally minutes before we snapped these photos yesterday).
So yeah, the fictional gal who works in this study has pretty much zero excuse not to be motivated.
We were going to have the electrician add a floor outlet (for plugging in desk items, like the computer charger) based on our final furniture placement. But instead he’ll probably just do it for the eventual owner so it can be customized to their furniture layout, and not ours. Especially since a real laptop won’t be hanging out on that table for the show (we have a stack of notebooks that’ll be in its place most of the time).
Now let’s slip through the butler’s pantry (i.e. the small hallway between the kitchen and dining room) which is nearly impossible to shoot since it’s so small, but is such a fun accent in person (it garnered a lot of attention during last night’s event, which was really fun to witness firsthand). We pictured it serving as a fun spot for a family to write out meals for the week, jot notes to each other, or even scribble up a drink menu for a party if they want to use the small space as a makeshift bar – but we wanted to set it up as a fun little coffee/wine station with a bolder look for the show.
So we called up a local restaurant called Urban Farmhouse who is known for their chalkboard menus and signs (heck, we even Instagrammed one last summer). A few days later Li was there creating this masterpiece for us, all of which she hand lettered (any locals who want to hire her for signs and chalkboard art can email her at [email protected]).
As Sherry mentioned yesterday, it’s all done in chalk marker (so it’s not dusty and can’t be smudged) but it can be erased with a magic eraser (or just painted over if the eventual owners don’t want it). But for the purposes of the show, it’s a fun surprise to cap off our little coffee/wine set-up in there. And it was awesome to see how many people were taking their photos in front of it for the party.
Let’s switch gears and check out the main bedroom.
The funny thing about sharing the office and the bedroom in one post is that they both have a similar palette. The office’s jumping off point was the rug Sherry found along with that awesome Help Ink art, and in here we were inspired by that awesome painting that was donated for the duration of the show by Lesli Devito (all of her art is for sale by the way, and she’ll ship it anywhere in the US).
The king bed is a woven banana leaf frame from Green Front Furniture, which is also where the wood nightstands hail from, along with the dresser made by Universal. The curtains are the same fabric as the office ones, just in aqua (also made by U-Fab) and the walls are Stonington Gray by Benjmain Moore.
We haven’t found the perfect thing for over the bed, so that’s why it’s bare (we figure bare is better than hanging something we don’t like up there) but the camera was set on a low tripod, so when you walk through at eye height the light fixture hangs down into that spot and fills things in a little more, which is nice. Still wouldn’t mind finding something for that wall before the show though…
As you know, we’ve also experimented with mixing in some gold and brass accents throughout this house (we have two gold fixtures in the kitchen over the island, one in front of the fireplace in the living room, one in the hallway above the stairs, another one in here, and a few more peppered throughout). We didn’t want to use gold/brass exclusively (we fell for a few other silver and oil-rubbed-bronze lights – and even a few colorful/painted ones), so we just mixed in enough of each type to feel intentional, so no light fixture is the odd man out.
In cases like this one over the bed, it’s awesome that it’s paired with chrome, so the fixtures in the nearby bathroom (which are all chrome) feel related. This wood ring chandelier was donated by Shades of Light.
The rug is this Fair Isle 9×12′ donated by Dash & Albert and the bedside lamps are HomeGoods scores.
We kept the night tables simple, kinda like the cleaner version of what ours usually look like. Sherry picked up some inexpensive jewelry from World Market along with a simple mug and a plate (also from there) to casually hold the things that our imaginary lady takes off before bed.
As we mentioned yesterday, the bedding’s from Pine Cone Hill and we love how it relates to Lesli’s art.
Our first instinct was to put more lamps on the dresser, but that made the room feel kinda lamp heavy (with two on the side tables already), so we went for plants and baskets.
Two woven benches (clearanced down to $33 from Target) sit at the foot of the bed to round out the texture-heavy space (we love how they tie into the woven headboard). And you can see where one of our original Help Ink prints that we got for the office ended up since the color worked nicely in here. Oh the benefits of carrying a color scheme through more than one room…
If we had the foresight, we probably would’ve ordered a version mounted on wood to tie into the wood furniture, but for now the simple white frame from JoAnn Fabrics does the job. There are definitely a ton of things we learned/would have done differently throughout this process, so we’re thinking about writing a post like that for you guys when this whole show is said and done. There’s a giant learning curve, so trial and error has really been our method along the way.
Across from the bed is where the feminine elements of the room get balanced out a bit, thanks to some gray nailhead chairs with blue pillows (all HomeGoods finds) and some gritty framed photography. The side table is from Target and the gold planter is from HomeGoods. In the background you can see a bit of the “atrium” as we’re calling it (with a Shades of Light driftwood fixture and West Elm brass-framed mirror).
A local shop called Modern Artifacts was kind enough to lend us some artwork for the show, so at the last minute (i.e. yesterday afternoon) we picked up some of these yellow-hued urban photographs by Bill Dickinson. They relate to some of the yellow in Lesli’s artwork and hey, you get a little peek into the bathroom there.
The party started before I could finish photographing the main bedroom’s en-suite bathroom, but we can’t wait to share that room with you guys (it’s one of our favorites). But this post is long enough anyway, so we hope to be back at least one more time this week with more after photos and sources.
Psst – Wanna see more showhouse info & photos? Click here for Our Full Showhouse Tour, which includes final pictures of every room, the floor plan, budget info, a video walk-through, and shoppable showhouse furniture & accessories.
Kim R says
GO SLEEP NOW!
Quick, while your little girl is at preschool (guessing… that’s where my little boy is) and the house is quiet, before Barnacle comes… take a nap!
I’m tired for you! :)
One question, and I hope it’s not too rude. So, you’re making a donation to Habitat by waiving your fee for all this hard work. It’s fun to decorate a whole house with $500 “free” for each room. But the past few weeks have been crazy busy and lots of hard work. What is the biggest thing you’re “getting” from this project? Working with the builders? Lots of contacts? Possible future projects that may help you financially? What do you think has been the biggest benefit to you from this project?
YoungHouseLove says
We did this for the experience (to learn, to try approaching a new house since we’re used to old ones, etc) and for the fun as you mentioned (it’s a lot of work but so exciting/rewarding to see it come together) and to benefit a charity that we are passionate about – so it really has been a giant learning experience and a resume builder that has allowed us to donate a big check to Habitat. We didn’t even think about the contacts we would make but those have been awesome as well as the friends we’ve made. This team is like family now. We text each other ten times a day :)
xo
s
Diana says
I LOVE this color palette! I would move in tomorrow, and work from home in that beautiful office ;) Seriously, I wouldn’t change a thing. So fresh and fun. Can’t wait to see how the master bathroom turned out!
Sorry if anyone has asked or if you have mentioned it….will you be doing a video tour of the house for those of us who can’t attend the show?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes we’d love to!
xo
s
Kristina Willoughby says
WOW!!! You two did such an amazing job. I wish that I lived in Richmond and could afford this home! You both have a true talent!
Emma says
And to think I first stumbled upon your blog after googling ideas for my DIY wedding back in 08! Congratulations with all the successes on the blog, and everything else you’ve achieved professionally (and personally) I love/appreciate that you share so much with us and I am in awe! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Emma!
xo
s
Kristina says
Hi guys, looks beautiful. I have an annoying question that has probably been asked and answered by you a million times – is your “Large Wire Globe Lantern” from your SOL collection adjustable in terms of the hanging height? Would love it for the only place in our house where we have a hanging light (our bedroom), but it would definitely need to hang closer to the ceiing than 36 inches.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes it’s on a chain so you can adjust it (we hung it over the dining table in our last house and just cut the cord and chain to fit).
xo
s
Lori M says
Great job you tw0–love keeping track of all you do from Oregon. Now go have a baby.
Jess says
LOVE it! The chalk art is phenomenal! I can’t imagine painting over it. I want you to ship her to me so I can have my own mural.
Li says
Haha – I’m not sure I would fit in a UPS package – but my chalkboards do :) If you ever want anything let me know.
Ro says
I’m not saying I dream about hardwood floors or anything… but if I was going to… the floors in the showhouse are the ones I would dream about. in LOVE with them!
Blaze says
Love everything so far!
What about a white ceramic animal head over the master bed? I know you have two in the girl’s room, but that space over the headboard looks like it needs something white. Second choice would be a mirror like the one in the foyer with the white sticks for a frame.
YoungHouseLove says
Those could be fun too!
xo
s
Sayward says
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh, and also
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ll be the freak petting each surface and lovingly caressing it with my cheek on the 10th while my mortified boyfriend quietly disowns me in the background.
Stephanie Bergman says
Holy cow, Petersiks. THIS IS AWESOME. Fantastic taste and design – so fun and liveable. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
Katie says
I could not help but comment to say, Wow! I am crazy in love with the choices you all have made, but I am even more impressed with how hard you all have worked to pull this together, and so seemingly cheerily, too! Way to go!!
Lisa says
So gorgeous! I am trying so hard to take a road trip from CT to come see this in person! Will you guys be there most weekends?
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll have a newborn and I’ll be recovering from a c-section, but we might slide through the last weekend :)
xo
s
Danielle says
I am absolutely IN LOVE with both the office and master bedroom – gorgeous color scheme in both!
I just have one question…what curtain rods did you use in the master bedroom for the corner window? Did you hang two curtain panels in the corner or just one?
Danielle at Framed Frosting
YoungHouseLove says
Those are just regular rods from Lowe’s (we took off the finials where they met in that corner to make an L shape).
xo
s
Amanda says
What kind of lens did you use for these photos? I need a lens with a wider angle and yours looks perfect.
YoungHouseLove says
Ours us just the stock lens for our Nikon d3200. We love it though!
xo
s
Kathy says
Everything looks great! I’m wondering about the curtains in the office and the master bedroom. I’ve seen curtains “puddle”, but not the pleated kind. The ones in the master bedroom look like the same type but are hung so they barely graze the floor. Have I missed a trend? (Not hard for me to do!)
YoungHouseLove says
We had a seamstress help us hang them and she recommended that length. So glad we did it because we all really like it. It’s nice because they almost kiss the floor without getting caught up on it and bending. The ones in the office are a bit lower and “break” at the floor, which we also love. Professional curtains seem to be gorgeous no matter if they touch or almost touch (can you tell we’re obsessed with how luxe they look in person?)
xo
s
Jodi says
WOW! you guys! it looks sooooo amazing!!!
Jessica says
Excellent job! The master bedroom and office “go” perfectly.
Question about paint. I’ve noticed that y’all pretty much use only Benjamin Moore paint these days. Do you have a deal to use their products exclusively, or do you really just like them the best? Have you ever tried mixing BM colors at Lowes or Home Depot? No doubt the BM colors are amazing; do you find a difference in the quality of BM vs. Sherwin Williams/Valspar/Beher, etc? I’m undoubtedly a “champagne taste on a water-in-a-paper-cup budget” kind of girl, so it’s good to know when to spend more versus save a dollar or twenty :)
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, we don’t have any deal with them (didn’t even have time to do a paint collection with them this year) but at the urging of a lot of readers we tried them out a few years ago, before ever working with them, and really do love the coverage. We sometimes color match them to cheaper paint like we did to stencil the floor of our sink nook (wasn’t a perfect match but it was somewhat close).
xo
s
hilary says
ugh, i hate myself for being one of those “where is that from” people, and i know you said you’d do an itemized list, but i think i’d forget. on the office shelf there appear to be some awesome bookends. are those homegoods, too? they almost look like these petrified wood ones i wanted from anthropologie, but waited on and are no longer available. sigh. great job!! it’s all so gorgeous!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, HomeGoods!
xo
s
Peg says
hi guys, love the pictures so far! I want to take some before and after pictures of my own house, any tips on how you get the windows to shine so bright? i don’t want to be able to see my neighbors house through it in the pics.
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
That just happens naturally for us when we shoot without the flash on. Even on somewhat cloudy days the windows seem to blow out most times. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Debby says
I’m no Petersik, but what about a white floating shelf (or 2) above the bed with a few simple accents on it to bring a little of those beautiful colors up on that wall?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a pretty idea too!
xo
s
Lisa E says
Already posted on how fabulous this is. However, I can’t find my 2nd msg so I’m posting again. Do you know why they went with registers in the ceiling? Those never made sense to me since heat rises, as you know. Just curious.
YoungHouseLove says
Good question, I’ll have to ask the builder!
xo
s
Rosie S says
Butting my nose in here :), I am guessing those are the cold air returns, and I wish we had them in the ceiling, it is sometimes hard to place art because of those pesky buggers! :)
Andrea says
This may have been said before…I haven’t read all the comments on your posts with all of the finished rooms, and wouldn’t be surprised if it has been mentioned or you have already thought of it, but you should totally house crash after the house has been purchased and the owners have settled in. Hopefully, they would let you!
YoungHouseLove says
I would LOVE that! Fingers crossed they’re down :)
xo
s
jenn says
Did you guys already mention the color of the exterior? Maybe I missed it from a previous post?!?! Thanks. And these rooms look great! I love the color palette of both rooms.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes there’s a post about picking the color. It’s Newburg Green by Ben Moore.
xo
s
Amy says
I just… wow… That chalkboard. I made an entire wall in my kitchen a chalkboard and was wondering (with my box of sidewalk chalk) how restaurants and such made their chalkboards look so awesome.
tina says
could you plz show us the fine walk in closet again….after showcases the place!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re hoping to shoot that today or tomorrow for you!
xo
s
Lily says
Love the way you balance masculine and feminine — but are not afraid of pink! :)
x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/
Oriah says
Ha! My husband and i were in Modern Artifacts on Sunday and almost bought the photo on the bottom right. Last year be bought a photo of a train by the same artist and really love it. Unfortunately, i own entirely TOO MUCH art and couldn’t think of where i would put it so i left it behind.
Oriah says
Opps….i mean bottom left (the staircase). It’s the nurse in me assuming the position of the patient…and in this case the wall.
YoungHouseLove says
So funny!
xo
s
Annie Dee says
Delightful! Especially love that desk in the office.
Emily @ Life on Food says
I am creating a list of all the furniture I love. I am pretty sure I will go broke before I get it all.
Laura says
Love love love!
judi says
do you know when the house will be officially on the market (or maybe it already is) and what the listing price will be? will you share those details for any potential buyers reading the site?
YoungHouseLove says
I believe the house is either for sale right now or on the cusp of being listed. The price seems to be evolving (it was initially in the 500s and now it’s in the 600s based on the prices of the rest of the houses in the show, the upgrades, and the appraisals).
xo
s
Katie says
You guys have come so far and done an amazing job on the show house. I can only imagine how much time and energy has come into this project. You guys rock!
Carla says
Everything is so beautiful and tasteful. I love what you’ve done with this home.
Sara Mosman says
I noticed the quarter round (or the whatever the trim piece just above the hardwoods is called :) ) is stained to match the floor. I have also seen it painted to match the color of the trim. Curious if there was a decision you guys made to go with the stain color, or if that is standard with your builder/flooring installer/finisher. Absolutely beautiful place! And so excited for your little babe to arrive!
YoungHouseLove says
Seems to be a standard builder finish in our area (it was like that at our first two houses as well). It does tend to hide dust and scuffs more than painted, so I think it’s functional, but know some people hate it and just paint it.
xo
s
sarah says
can i move in? i seriously would consider buying that house. you guys did awesome. but, i don’t think my hubby could make a move to va work with his job. i will definitely be tucking all this away for our future new house someday. and those target benches? i’ve been eyeing them for months. but i’ve got no place to put them. :(
Lindsey says
Amazing!! Love it. Love it all :) Great job and I cannot wait to see the rest of the house. You two should be very, very proud of all your hard work. It shows!!
.:Van:. says
congratz on your work… it is really hard making a house look like a home, and you did it brilliantly..
ps.: love the art in the master bedroom…
Julie says
Love the choices you’ve made! I unfortunately clicked on the pine cone hill link because of the adorable bedding….and now I am obsessed. Gorgeous stuff!
Kortney says
So this house is absolutely amazing! My husband and I are in love with the floor plan. Is it available to purchase the plans? You guys did a great job-again!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes he is selling it (with a portion of the sale going to Habitat) on his site: Biringerbuilders.com.
xo
s
Erica says
I’m blown away! The house is amazing and I can’t wait to see the rest. Thank you very much for all of the details and source lists. I love the curtains in the master. I’m totally contacting UFab and ordering a set of these in the same color for my new master! I recently bought the pottery barn – bethany quilt for my room and these would look amazing with it! Quick question for you – Do you have anything else on the windows in the master or only curtains? It appears you may have some type of sheer or blind over the window but I wasn’t sure.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes such pretty white woven shades. Wish those had photographed better. Maybe they’ll be easier to see in the video tour.
xo
s
Li says
It was so wonderful to work with you guys. You both are incredibly motivated, creative and kind. Congratulations on everything – and I’m excited to know what you name the baby. :)
Kati says
Really gorgeous work, Li! You added so many lovely personal details, too–it all looks like a celebration! I hope this collaboration leads to further good things for you!
Britt of house Phillips first of my name says
Are you guys going to leave a time capsule hidden in this house somewhere? Also, is there still a chance of some blueprint art?
PS I’m hoping Sunday’s late night was due in part to watching GOT premier
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh we haven’t seen GOT yet. Can’t wait! And I love the time capsule idea.
xo
s
Sarah @ Sarah's Daybook says
Ahhhhhh!! I can’t wait to see it in person in May! You guys did an amazing job. Everything is impeccable! I have one of those Home Goods lamps in my bedroom (which I actually got in September, glad to know they’re still making their way around!) I’m sure that the rest of the house is just as gorgeous as what you have shown. Can you tell us how you guys style everything? I always think that I have it, but then I get home and it looks way too forced.
P.S. It is so crazy that you are getting all of this done and having a baby in a little over a week (little under a week?, exactly a week? idk)!! Cudos to you!
Sarah
http://www.sarahsdaybook.wordpress.com
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Sarah! My approach to styling things is literally just trial and error. I put stuff down, step back, switch things, leave the room and do something else, come back, tweak things more, etc. I just “futz” – haha!
xo
s
Jenny Carson says
Phenomenal job! I wish I lived closer so I could come check it out. I am Drew’s wife, with HelpInk and LOVE how that print turned out in the bedroom. I am glad you were able to find a space for some of the extras too. You guys do an amazing job!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Jenny! You’re amazing and we love the prints so much.
xo
s
Madiha says
WOW. The showhouse looks phenomenal – congratulations! These spaces are some of my favorite ones you’ve ever done! Can’t wait to see more pictures and a video.
Nicole says
Congratulations you two… It looks amazing! Can’t wait to see the rest of the house!
Koca says
Is there a skylight in the master “atrium?” Is it a light tube skylight? If so, I’d love to see the finished product. My husband is set on getting one for our utility/mudroom.
YoungHouseLove says
We wish! We tried to add one but the plan wouldn’t allow it (something about the ceiling joists or how the attic was laid out). More on that tomorrow!
xo
s
Rosie S says
SO fresh, and pretty….congrats…. and take a rest, put your feet up…even if for just 15 minutes! :)