We got to talking with Erik Johnson, the photographer for DIY who shot our house last month, and it turns out he lives about two hours north of us just outside DC. Well not only is he a fantastic photographer, he has a pretty amazing eye for design himself- we nearly lost it when he passed us his iPhone full of pictures of his gorgeous home. And since we’re all about show and tell, we decided to share the wealth and pass the eye candy along to you guys too. Let the swoonfest begin:
Nestled in Alexandria, Virginia, Erik’s home is one of many Charles Goodman designed homes in the Hollin Hills neighborhood. Built in the 40s, this fantastic architectural feat is surrounded by native plantings and grasses for some seriously fab curb appeal.
Many of his furnishings are thrift store scores and even Craigslist finds- like this sleek Crate & Barrel couch!
His kitchen is simple and utilitarian, but loaded with swanky upgrades like a top of the line stove and fridge.
Descend the floating wood stairs and you’ll find yourself in a cozy little “library” of sorts filled with more second hand finds.
One of the truly amazing things about the house’s design are all the mondo windows that wash every room with a generous dose of natural light. Gorge.
Aren’t Erik’s pictures (and his home) fantastic? We can hardly wait to see how his shots of our humble abode came out! Stay tuned…
elizabeth says
wow. this is my favorite house EVER. i usually think that modern houses are furnished in a cold, not-so-cozy way, but this one is amazing. it should be featured in dwell.
Rachel says
Gorgeous house, I just can’t believe how large American fridges are!
michelle says
“lost it” not “lots it” :)
Erik’s house is amazing, I would kill to have that much beautiful natural light pouring in my home.
Casamacho says
The natural light coming into every room is amazing. Great house and I love that green C&B couch!
jbhat says
Oh. My. God.
Thank you.
amy says
love the art in the living room!
bungalowbliss says
GORGEOUS house. Oh, to have a wall of windows like that! Good bones and beautiful design as well. Bravo!
Rhoda says
Even though Modern is not my first love, that’s a beautiful spread.
Monica says
Can you ask him about his art? I’m wondering who did those pieces, and what else he has, since he obviously has a good eye.
Sandy says
I completely agree with Rhoda.
Travis says
Weird handrailing on the stairs – neat feature. I like the house a lot, but wonder if I would spend the day at home walking around in sunglasses!
Beth says
I went to the open house for this place when it was for sale a year or so ago. Couldn’t afford it but wanted to see a really swanky Hollin Hills place. It is as great as it looks in the pics or better. I think it’s the nicest place in the whole neighborhood, and it’s a great neighborhood.
Liz Albert says
Where are the stools in the kitchen from? We just finished a kitchen remodel of our 1957 rancher and are looking for some simple bar stools.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Liz,
We don’t know where those stools are from off hand, but we’ll drop them a line in hopes that they’ll pop in with that info. Stay tuned…
xo,
s
Elke says
I got stools just like those or amazingly similar at Fred Meyers. :)
Beth says
The stools look similar to an Aalto design:
http://www.artek.fi/products/chairs/11
Ikea has a more budget friendly option:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/24286205
Neither of these has the lower level rings from the photo, tho. Hmmm….
Emily says
I’d love to know about those beautiful, large paintings!
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping Erik stops in to elaborate!
xo,
s
Erik Johnson (homeowner) says
OK, so my wife Pamela was surfing the other day and found this posting. Wow! nice thanks. As to answer some of the questions posted here I will do my best.
First, yes most American refrigerators are huge. This one is not, it is a compact 30″ counter depth model that is found in most German homes. It is made by Liebherr. The art is by a friend in DC, Julie Wolfe http://www.juliewolfedesign.com She not only paints but designs jewelry that is carried in all of the Barney’s stores nationwide. The stools are from Ikea, they were decent knockoffs of Aalto’s stools. I don’t think Ikea carries them anymore.
The house was built in 1965 designed by architect Charles Goodman and sits on almost a one acre hillside. The overhang on the front is 6′ which keeps the living room shaded in the summer. In the winter the sun is low enough that it shines in and heats the house easily to 70 degrees without using the furnace. The whole neighborhood of 450 houses were designed by Charles Goodman and it is about to be named a national historic place.
My favorite piece in the house is the vintage Erik Höglund candleabra that we dragged back from Sweden a few years ago. It is hanging in the first photo.
The House is still unofficially for sale, since we now live in Seattle. If you know anyone moving to DC let me know.
Nicole Behling says
Do you know what type of flooring is in the dinette area under the white rug?
Thanks,
Nicole
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Nicole,
We actually don’t have that answer for you but maybe the homeowner will drop in with that info for you. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Neil says
Looks like Flagstone to me…
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Niel! You’re right. It does look like flagstone!
xo,
s
Kristie says
I LOVE the pedestal table and metal chairs! I am decorating mid-century modern myself and this house is quite the inspiration! Thanks for posting.
annette says
This is my personal favorite! Love the Eames vibe. Fantastic!
Michael says
If you folks liked the house before, I think you’d love it now. I purchased it about a year and a half ago. I’ve spent the past 16 months completely restoring the home and gardens.
It was funny to see this blog come up in a Google search for something completely different!
YoungHouseLove says
No way! That’s so amazing. We’d love to see what you’ve done with the place!
xo,
s
Randa says
I can’t wait to see it either… here’s hoping Michael lets the Petersiks (and us vicariously) house-crash! :)
The environmentally-sensitive design concept is so appealing to both me and my hubs (he works for Abakus Solar here in Richmond, so of course we like the idea of natural and/or green energy).