You guys know Lesli, right? She’s a friend of ours who lives in out in the country (Greenwood, Virginia) and happens to be an amazing painter (you might remember our giveaway with her). She has an awesome blog and a sweet old house – complete with extra high ceilings that we covet and 100+ year old details that make “old farmhouse” the dream for so many people (us included). So we can’t wait to show you around. Let’s get to snooping…
Almost every item in Lesli’s home has been loved back to life. Like the old bench that sits in her entryway, which she got secondhand for $50 and painted a fresh new color. All of the mixed and matched art above it has such a fun and casual vibe – almost like it’s a beach house. The best thing about this house out in the country (with gorgeous views of the mountains) is that nothing feels too precious. Clara had a blast (and I didn’t have to have fifteen heart attacks worrying that she’d break something since the house was so kid friendly and fun). Oh and see that suitcase that Clara’s standing on? It can be seen in this Burger birthday video (Lesli’s daughter actually gave it to Clara to take home – how sweet is that?).
To the left of that entryway are two large rooms with awesome envy-inducing high ceilings. The room in the front is a living area, and the one in the back was once a formal dining room but Lesli realized that her family got more use out of making that another sitting area with a big couch for reading (you know, so Lesli can curl up and read in one space while the kids watch TV in the next room). So she moved the dining room to the other side of the house and made this side into one big casual chill-out area.
I think some of the most noteworthy choices that Lesli made in the room had to do with color. Look at those bold patterned curtains! That awesome kid-art with bright pink mats! Even the colorful Uglydoll on the couch is inspired! Too many exclamation points? Sorry, this room just gets me excited. And the coolest thing is that Lesli actually designed the fabric for those curtains herself (it’s a horse painting that she did, which she uploaded to Spoonflower and duplicated a bunch of times to create an abstract ikat-ish effect). I got woozy when she told me that. Seriously, it was horse-print-induced hysteria.
Here’s that room behind the one we shared above (which used to be the formal dining room until she moved that to the other side of the house). I love that Lesli made things work for her family instead of being locked into using the same layout that the previous owners did. And see that round coffee table? It was actually a kitchen table from Lesli’s old house, but she cut the stand down to make it coffee-table height. Isn’t that a smart use-whatcha-got trick?
Check out that big mirror over the mantel. It’s original to the 100+ year old house. Gorgeous, right? Lesli was so humble about everything but I was totally standing there drooling. The cool thing about this house is that it’s a great example of how you can fill an awesome old farmhouse with inexpensive items and reinvent old thrift store pieces. And nothing feels like you’re going to break it or ruin it… it’s approachable and comfortable.
Here’s a secondhand cabinet that she rescued with some fresh paint. I love the pops of yellow and the wooden fish on the wall with the name of her city painted on it. And see that bolt of fabric leaning casually in the corner? I love it there. The whole house is so refreshingly unfussy and easy.
Here’s her upstairs bathroom complete with a few more pops of color in the art and the textiles. It’s cool to see how Lesli mixes old (the ornate antique mirror) with new (the geometric bath mat – which is actually a TJ Maxx find) along with a whole lotta fresh white.
Lesli’s bedroom was having some drywall work done in a few areas, but we were able to sneak this shot of the corner of the room complete with a fun graphic chair, a non-working fireplace that she filled with books, and a window cornice that she actually made out of fabric and foam core (seriously! she took one down and showed me and it looked so legit – I never would have guessed it was foam core under there and not wood). And as for a little more info on that chair, she got it cheaply because it was a floor model and then recovered it with $9.99 Dwell Studio fabric from U-Fab (she found a great upholstery guy out there who only charged $100 to recover the chair!).
Now on to my favorite room in the house! You may have seen her daughter Phoebe’s room since it actually won in a recent Washington Post kids room contest, but even if you have, it’s totally worth a second look. Everything from that awesome colorful chandelier (from Urban Outfitters!) to the bold blue wall with the fun pink border and some more patterned fabric cornices (plus that great geometric rug that she got on clearance from PB Teen for $150!) was completely fun and charming.
Without a doubt my favorite thing in the room were the beds. Can you believe that Lesli got them at a thrift store for super cheap and then painted and upholstered the back herself? It looked complicated (how do you curve the fabric like that?) but the curved panel actually just pops out so she added some batting and some fabric, pulled it taut and stapled it in the back, and then just screwed the panel back on. Easy peasy. The fabric is Premier Suzani Slub in Corn. Don’t they look like a million bucks?
The room that her sons share was just as sweet with fun orange accents (the over-sized ceiling shade and the curtains that she made with this fabric were awesome)…
… but my favorite things in that room were these crazy.awesome.lamps. They were just cheap glass lamps that she got from Target, but they were fillable – so she decided to fill one of them with a bunch of tiny toys that her son had collected when he was younger but no longer plays with. And the other one got filled with old cars that used to be enjoyed all the time. I thought it was such a cool way to keep something sentimental around that your child might not actively play with anymore. Imagine the possibilities: legos, polly pockets, colored pencils, rubber erasers, the list goes on! Now I can expand my shadowbox obsession to fillable lamps…
So there you have Lesli’s awesome house. Thanks so much to her and the family for so graciously inviting us over to crash! We had the best time, and couldn’t wait to share all of her creativity with you guys. I mean, from those spoonflower curtains that Lesli designed herself to the lamps full of kid paraphernalia, we definitely left feeling super inspired! Now let’s play the what’s-your-favorite-part game. I gotta stick with those genius thrift store beds that she completely redid for Phoebe’s room. Amazing.
Psst- Don’t wanna stop snooping around? You can check out dozens of House Crashing adventures right here.
It looks just like a little dollhouse in there! Right out of a magazine! I think oddly enough the thing I liked the most was the race car lamp because my friend collects them and that would be a great way for him to display them!
I love how bright Lesli’s house is, so cheerful. You just know her home is full of love.
Katy
I’m in love with the whole house, but the chevron sofa has stolen my heart, and I kind of want to make that car lamp for my dad.
This home is bursting with energy and life. I LOVE it.
Wow! I love the vibe of this house- great house crash!
Gorgeous and soo pretty!! I’m in love with the light colored furniture and pops of color in the accessories!
This house is stunning! I love all of the unexpected pops of color! Looking at these photos really makes me feel like I am not brave enough in my own home. This post makes me want to take chances! Thanks so much for posting this. I hope you are all having a great week :) xx Liz Marie
Go for it Liz! It’s YOUR house!!!have fun!
AHH..I think I can make it tonight’s event and I RSVP’ed awhile ago. I get out of work at 6pm but until what time are you at FLOR? I want to make sure I don’t miss you guys!
I think the line will be open from 6:30 – 9 (we usually end up staying until 11, but they close the line at 9 since it would never end if there wasn’t an “end” time for new folks to jump into line). Hope to see you there!
xo
s
Ahhh. This has to be my favorite house crash ever. So perfect in every single way. That chevron sofa is amazing. And I love her art.
I follow Lesli, too. she’s Great!
I think this is one of my most favorite house crashes ever. I love it! :)
It would be hard not to wake up happy in a house this cheery. :)
Favorite house-crash ever. I love everything. And I didn’t realize that pink-painted armoire was hers! I’ve seen pictures of that piece on Pinterest so many times! Amazing.
I’ll see you at FLOR tonight! So excited :)
Wahoo! Can’t wait!
xo
s
Agree. The best one ever.
Looking forward to meeting you tonight in G-town.
Wooot! Don’t listen to any blue-haired mulleted ladies! We’re coming!
xo
s
Very cute…. love all the pops of color ~ especially the pink!!
Ahh – so excited to meet you guys tonight! While you’re in Georgetown you should stop by Baked and Wired for some coffee and cupcakes. Don’t let TLC fool you – B&W is waaaay better than Georgetown cupcakes.
Question: Is this FLOR rug giveaway the same design as the one for NYC?
Question: Which bear is best?
FALSE. Black bear.
Haha, so good to know about the cupcakes. And “FALSE. Black bear.” is something we say all the time around the house. Hahah! As in “what do you want for dinner?” “False! Black bear.”
As for the rug, yes it’s the same one (there are two, one to auction in NY and one for DC!).
xo
s
is there a date set for NYC FLOR??? and I love Lesli’s home and have been inspired by her for a while now! Thanks!
Wish they would finalize that! Will share the date as soon as we know!
xo
s
I second Baked and Wired’s cupcakes! Soo yummy. Safe travels to DC!
Oomigosh I just love that mirror!! And all of her patterned seating. :) So good!
What a great house – I love all the bright colors and patterns! And filling those lamps with toys was a genius idea!!
What a creative lady! I love the girls bedroom and the car lamp is super cute…great idea!
What a sweet home! I love the fun use of color and the personality that shows through in each room. The books in the fireplace is my favorite little element and the chair fabric is great. What a wonderful place to call home. Thank you for sharing!
Old houses are so amazing. And I love this one. It’s so put-together without being too designy. Is that a word? I think it’s totally a word.
We’re so excited! The big night is TONIGHT! Can’t wait for 6:30. This is like Christmas + birthday all in one!
Wahooo! The big night!
xo
s
We live in a house built in 1910. We have that exact fireplace but we’ve kept all of our trim stained.
I have actually contemplated taking at least a few of ours, back to rustic bare wood, but then there is the lead paint issue…the kids…etc..one day maybe!! I bet yours are gorgeous!
those beds in her daughters room are so cute, but i’m definitely in love with that blue bench in the entryway. and i like how the boys room is fun and colorful without feeling busy or cluttered. thanks for the tour!
I LOVE THIS HOUSE!!! Wow great crash you guys. I love all the colors!
those lamps….love those, and totally going to steal that idea! So many little things hanging around that can be contained.
And if she’s up for sharing her upholstery guy with a local C’ville person, please ask her to share! She can email me at lauragdesigns @ comcast.net. Thanks! That is an amazing price, and I have a chair I need recovered.
+1!! I’m curious about the upholstery guy too, for a local Richmond gal who needs major help!
Last I checked at Target they have them…at least in Virginia and they ahd some in the Albany area one I went to over Thanksgiving…and online..type in “glass lamp”
I am kind of obsessed with that chevron couch. I am mostly just obsessed with Chevron. I might have a problem.
What a gorgeous house. It looks so beautiful and well-decorated but still comfortable and homey.
You have crashed some amazing homes, but this one is without a doubt, my absolute fave!!!!! SOOOO comfortable, chic, creative, and just beautiful casual elegance.
Sigh…………
I’m in sweet, sweet LOVE with the filled lamps (and the rest of this fun house, of course). When I update my baby’s nursery to a “big boy room” I totally want to fill a lamp with some thrift store cars!
love love love the fresh tutti frutti look. the white/tutti-frutti decor does add freshness and juice to an old house, whose patina/pentimento/ghosts can sometimes be a little overwhelming. i think lesli’s living rooms are the only ones i’ve seen recently that are arranged and lit for conversation and reading. old school is is good school.
the juxta of those pink curtains and the nubbly linen lampshade tells me she’s a master.
thank you for this, it’s really inspiring.
#obsessed with this house. When I get home I will be pinning every picture. Beautiful!!!
I am in LOVE with that house!!!!
I love those lamps! Does Target still have them?
I think they have something really similar if not identical. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Oh. my. gosh. I love everything. That homey casual modern collected over time(make sense?!) look is exactly how I want our home to feel. Love this! Too bad it’s only .01% accomplished in our house, lol.
I’m restraining my drool as best I can, however I have quite the pool on my desk.. I dream of a house like that.. it’s incredible…just wow… I mean WOW. Thank you for sharing!
Did you guys hear that Jonathan Adler was in Georgetown last night for the opening of his new store? Good thing it was yesterday – I don’t think DC could handle so many celebs in one night! See you guys later today :-)
Ahhhhhhhhh yes! I was sad it wasn’t tonight so we couldn’t at least have a tiny chance of bumping into him and acting weird. Haha.
xo
s
LOVE! I love her use of color! I could never get away with all that pink (being the only girl in a family of manly boys) but I’m totally inspired! Those lamps are totally happening in my boys’ rooms. I seriously just asked my husband what on earth we were going to do with the 136 cars that end up ALL OVER THE HOUSE as they are looking for ONE CAR! Legos would be cute too!
Totally awesome! I love Lesli’s home!!!!!!!!!! I’ve visited that house for years – former owners were family friends – so I can vouch for the incredible transformation. Everything she does is fresh and unexpected! Kudos!!!!!!!
Hard to pick – it’s all amazing – but I think the beds and the lamps are my favorite!
I <3 the barn painting in the third picture! Have any other pictures of it straight on?
I think that’s Lesli’s painting! She might have more of them on her site!
xo
s
Hi there Julie, if you go here:
http://myoldcountryhouse.blogspot.com/p/shop-my-paintings.html
you will find more photos and information on this and other paintings I have for sale. Thanks!
Very cute space.
Now, I know this isn’t the right place to mention this, but I want to thank John and Sherry for bringing to my attention that Verizon is planning on dropping AMC. Over my WALKING DEAD BODY!!! The instagram screen shot on the right side banner caught my attention, and I instantly let my voice be heard!
Hahahahah, over my walking dead body = hilarious. Love it! Save the zombies!
xo
s
Looove the bookshelves-in-the-fireplace idea!
Me too!
Wow. This house is incredible. Totally my style. And seriously with those toy filled lamps? Perfection. Pinning my little life away over here!
Lesli has one of my favorite blogs – her home and art and writing style is amazing!!!
Pink. Everywhere. But not all bubble gum either. She rocks that wedding dress on the wall too. E
Awesome job! Wish we could see pics of the front of the farmhouse!
there are some exterior house shots when you click on “the house” in the menu..on My Old Country House…
I LOVE LOVE LOVE HOW CASUAL THE HOUSE FEELS….like you walk in and you’re immediately comfy.
And of course that little girls room is all kinds of adorable.
Wow.
I think this may be my favourite House Crashing post yet. Even though its not completely my style, I LOVE it. So warm and homely. Really inspiring! Mad props to Leslie!!
Holy smokes. I want to move in.
Oh.my.gosh. YHL day is finally here! See you tonight in Georgetown!!!! I’ll be the girl with four books because I’m giving them to everyone I can think of for Christmas presents haha
Her home is amazing!
Quick question: would it be weird to bring my kids to the book signing tonight? I want to come so badly, but the baby sitter fell through.
:)
I definitely think there may be other kiddos there so it wouldn’t be weird although we do fully admit that Clara would never make it through the line without a total meltdown. I think an older child with a gameboy might survive along with a very small child (perhaps being worn in a carrier while sleeping) but fidgety kids between those ages might be a bit less than ecstatic to be there (thereby making it stressful for ya). Hope it helps!
xo
s