We’re back with an amazingly gorgeous home to share, and this one is actually located in downtown DC. We had a blast meeting and greeting Adam and Amber, and of course when they showed us around their Capitol Hill rowhouse we couldn’t contain our excitement. Here’s the happy couple now…
But back to the whole “couldn’t contain our excitement” thing. Do you see why? This is the view as you step inside. Their home is a modest 1000 square feet but they definitely squeezed all the beauty and function that they could out of it. Everything from the small scale sofa to the mini dining room that they created (the round table can actually accommodate six people in a pinch) makes their home usable yet oh so beautiful. And touches like oversized art and a giant lamp add interest and play with proportions in just the right way (if everything was mini it wouldn’t look half as chic).
We also love how the single step up into the dining room delineates that area from the living space without closing anything off. And even the airy iron banister keeps things feeling open so your eyes can sweep through every corner of the space without interruption when you enter. Of course the mirrored buffet, the leggy metallic dining chairs, the glass based lamp, and the delicate chandelier keep the airy and spacious vibe going strong.
And have you noticed how sweet that table setting is? Amber is actually an awesome event planner, which didn’t surprise us a bit. Every nook and cranny of her house was inviting and insanely charming.
But this home isn’t just easy on the eyes, it’s full of genius small space ideas. See that eggplant colored chest to the right of the flatscreen TV? It’s actually where Adam and Amber keep all of their TV components so they can quickly be hidden behind closed doors when they entertain. It’s a great solution for anyone looking to mount their TV above a fireplace without leaving their DVR box out in the open nearby. And the icing on the cake is that the deep plum colored component cabinet was actually an affordable Craigslist find. Jealous yet? Yeah, we were too.
Oh and the view as you climb the stairs is pretty amazing too. Looking down on their living and dining spaces really emphasizes how well they’ve used every inch of their home without creating that cramped and cluttered feeling that could definitely sneak up on anyone with this modest floor plan.
But onward and upward. Literally. Here’s their second floor hallway that connects the guest bedroom/office to their bedroom (on the other side of the house). We were super smitten with those two-tone doors (which Amber just taped off and painted with the same gray color – Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore- that she used on the walls to accent the six panel detailing). Isn’t it architectural and lovely? And it’s such a cheap (free, actually) project for anyone to take on with their extra wall paint and some blue painter’s tape.
And did you notice that pop of orange on the hallway chest in the photo above? Let’s take a closer look shall we? Amber actually loves making brooch bouquets with vintage pins that she finds on ebay or at the flea market. All she does is use green floral wire to attach them to wood skewers and then she uses green floral tape to wrap the entire skewer for a stem-like effect. Mix in a few real blooms and you’ve got the most charming little bouquet around.
But on to the guest bedroom slash office. Don’t you love that bold peacock blue? We adore how fearlessly it pairs with the punchy pomegranate colored CB2 daybed. And a collection of mixed and matched art along with a patterned curtain and a printed pillow really finish off the room in style.
We can’t forget the bathroom, full of cheerful pops of green and a printed shower curtain to keep things interesting. An abundance of white tempers these splashes of color and pattern for a fresh and vibrant effect, and we love that the bathroom is pretty much as it was when they moved in (no major bucks were spent renovating) so it really shows that sometimes just a few accessories can amp up a space and make it feel crisp and current in a snap.
And behind yet another fun tone on tone door, we bring you their bedroom…
The super tall ceilings are accented by dramatic high-hung drapes, and Amber plans to DIY a giant upholstered headboard (using this tutorial) for the wall behind the bed to balance out the height on the window wall (fingers crossed that she sends us photos of her masterpiece when it’s completed!).
And we noticed a second door related DIY project that we loved, this one involving those metal radiator sheets that you can buy at any home improvement center on the cheap. Adam simply cut out the horizontally slatted tops of their closet doors (they didn’t like their shutter-like appearance since the rest of the doors in their home were of the flat six-panel variety) and inserted the patterned metal pieces in their place.
And they’re lucky to have two closets in their bedroom, so it feels nice and balanced to have one set of metallic doors on each side of the room. Especially since Amber stores her two extra dining chairs in the bedroom (which have the same hammered gold tone as the metal door inserts).
As for the kitchen, it’s still a work in progress. But Amber has promised to send us some follow up photos down the line when they finally tackle it. And speaking of fearlessly tackling DIY projects, Adam had actually just completed this brick patio in their backyard just a day before our arrival. How’s that for made-it-myself mojo? Of course they still have to get some furnishings (and Adam’s even talking about building in a grill area) so we’ll be sure to share those photos whenever they get ‘er done.
And because we know you guys appreciate a source list, here’s some info on the paint colors and furnishings that grace Amber and Adam’s lovely home:
All paint except for office (including door trim): Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray, office paint: Benjamin Moore’s California Blue, liv. room couch: Crate & Barrel, pillows: West Elm, coffee table: secondhand store, side table: Target, lamps: Crate & Barrel, leather chair: TJ Maxx, purple TV component piece: Craigslist, tall floor lamp: Ikea, cowhide rug: Craigslist, dining table: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, chandelier: Craigslist, mirrored buffet: Horchow, dining room rug: Dash & Albert, dining room art: Crate & Barrel, dining chairs: purchased at a deep discount from an event rental company, office daybed: CB2, hallway dresser: Crate & Barrel, hallway lamp: Ikea, hallway floor mirror: Ikea, shower curtain: Marimekko, bath accessories: Target & vintage finds, bedroom curtains: Anthropologie, bedding: Martha Stewart for Macy’s, throw pillows: West Elm and Land’s End.
So there you have the latest house that we paraded through with our camera in tow. We love how inspiring other people’s spaces can be (from providing two totally unique and chic door makeover ideas to brooch bouquets and even TV component hiding ideas). Plus the fact that they saved money by DIYing things like the back patio and weren’t afraid to look on Craigslist for items that wouldn’t break the bank is the icing on the cake. Thanks so much to Adam and Amber for generously inviting two house-loving strangers into their home to poke around! There’s nothing we’d rather be doing. Now lets play the what’s-your-favorite-part game. Everything about their home is just so stunning it’s hard to pick just one fave…
Psst- We’re always on the hunt for a mouthwatering house (or ten) to crash, so if you or anyone you know has a casa that’s feature-ready just shoot us an email along with some photos of the space and if we’re ever in the neighborhood we’ll be sure to drop in.
WOW! What an amazing house! They have such great taste!
Oh wow! I love all of the colors and that beautiful brick wall in their living room. That is such a gorgeous and inspirational home! Nice way to start off a Monday morning. :) If I keep stopping by, I might just learn how to decorate…
I love the master bedroom. I loved the curtains and hanging them so high really made an impact. I hope they send pictures of the headboard when they get it done!
I love the exposed brick in the main living area, as well as the curtain side panels in the bedroom. And even though I’m not usually a fan of really dark paint colors, the peacock room is great! They pulled that off really well, its really inviting. Thanks for the tour! DC has some great architecture ;)
The 2 tone doors are fab!
I love all the colors! One question I have is how do they hide the cords to their TV? I’ve seen people route them behind a wall, but theirs is hanging on brick. Do tell!
Hey Amanda,
Here’s hoping Amber and Adam stop in with that info for you. Our guess was that they unplugged the wire that goes from the media center to the TV when they were entertaining for a cleaner look (and plugged it back in when they want to watch some tube). Stay tuned for their explanation though!
xo,
s
Wow! Beautiful! Can’t wait to see their kitchen! I think I am going to try to do that detail on my front door on in inside. Maybe add it to my do list for this week!
Thanks for sharing your lovely home!
Kelly
Lovely! I loved the sitting/dining area. However, I think my favorite part was the hallway. The door, huge mirror, crisp paint, warm brown floors… gorgeous!
Their house has a very similar layout as my husband’s single-days rowhouse in DC. It took me aback for a minute because this one has so much more style and grace than that bachelor pad ever dreamed of having! Such great use of space and color!
Their house is beautiful!
I love that shower curtain! My bathroom’s all white tiles the same as theirs, it brings nice colour to the space.
Also, I never would have thought to hang curtains up to the top of the ceiling like that. I’m always conservatively placing them a few inches above the window frame, but it really emphasizes how high the walls are. Nice!
That is a beautiful home. Oh to have a brick wall! Great job.
Wow- its almost my house (except I have 2 kids in mine!) and probably in my neighborhood. I’m in love with the idea they had in replacing the louvered door panels and may have to try that one out. Regarding the tv wiring- a lot of these fireplaces don’t work or have a gas insert, so I think they sometimes hide the wiring in the chimney. I’m jealous of the pretty hairpin fence along the back of the yard- just pulled the last rusty vestiges of ours out. Lots of great ideas- good luck with what always seems like an eternal project!
WOW! Such a gorgeous home. I love the exposed brick walls! Our place is also 1,000 square feet… decorating a small space is super fun!
Wow, I really love that house. Especially those dining chairs, and I don’t usually go for metallic!
http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/04/11/the-transformation-of-my-breakfast-room/
YHL,
Do you know what section of a home improvement store I could find those metal radiator sheets? I’ve been searching for them for months now for a project I’m working on but all of the workers look at me blankly when I ask if they have any…
Thanks!
We would check out the heating and duct aisles (you know with all the metal duct stuff and large plastic tubing?). Just a guess though. I would probably just keep asking around for metal radiator covers or “metal sheeting with holes for radiator heat dispersal” and hopefully someone will know what you’re talking about. Or just troll those aisles ’til you see it. It’s so odd that people have looked at you blankly over them!
xo,
s
I love cozy places and this is darling.
What a delight to see this home, love the chairs at the dining room…LOVE!! Janell
Hi everyone — thanks for the lovely comments about our Capitol Hill rowhouse! Amanda — I wish I had an answer for hiding the one cord that connects the tv to the cabinet hiding everythng else. Unfortunately, we haven’t had that professionally done yet. In the meantime we switched to a white cord to blend into the painted fireplace and simply unplug it when company is coming over and we are not using.
Lovely space, inspiring. Definitely can see how larger items do not crowd a small space and in fact create a dynamic elegance. Inviting home.
Do Amber and Adam have a blog? I bet it is super cute if the do! If, not they should definatly start one! :)
Kelly
Hey Kelly,
Amber and Adam don’t have a blog (we always include that info if the people that we feature do), but Amber is an event planner so you can head over to her website for lots of decor ideas and eye candy!
xo,
s
What a gorgeous home! I love that it is small but looks so elegant and functional. The main floor is to die for. Can’t wait to see the remodeled kitchen and more backyard photos. Awesome work Amber and Adam.
This is by far my favorite of the house-crashing! I want to move right on in. I love the paint color, the exposed brick, the stair rail, and the total lack of matchy-matchiness. I have to go wipe the drool off my keyboard now.
I’ll check out Amber’s bussiness blog. I figured if they had one, you’d post. Just double checking. Maybe in the future… Start with your kitchen renovation, Amber! :0)
Have a great week Sherry and John! I hope you are both getting get a few lazy carefree days, a nice date night, and lots of good sleep before your little one arrives!
One thing I wish we did was take a babymoon or a fun road trip before Madison arrived. My husband is in the air force, so we can’t just drop her off at the grandparents for a few days or over night. I think you have family near you guys, but just remember to do lots of stuff together while there is just the 2 of you. You will love being a family if 4 (burger included) but, there is just something crazy/weird/ exciting about when you leave your home just you two and return with a family:)
Sorry to get off topic! Back to décor!:0)
Kelly
They’ve really done an amazing job! I can’t wait to see those updates!!
My fav part is the Stonington Grey!! I love when paint is neutral enough to let the rest of the furnishings do the talking. That brick wall is pretty sweet too. Those seem to be pretty popular in the DC area. I wish that trend traveled to other cities!!
When she painted the doors’ accents with the wall color, did she use a different paint like a hi-gloss? I like glossier woodwork, but flat walls. Obviously, grabbing a small quart of glossy paint isn’t a big deal, but I am wondering what the homeowners went with here.
Good question Jennifer! Here’s hoping Amber drops in with that info soon!
xo,
s
Hi Jennifer,
For the door trim, we had a can of Stonington Grey left over from the walls (flat) so we just used that. Our doors are painted white semi-gloss and I don’t notice the sheen difference on the small trim detail.
Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Amber
I’ve been lusting after that Marimekko shower curtain for months but wondered how it would look in a very small bathrooom like mine. The answer, apparently, is “great”! I also like the bathroom floor tiles and plan to do something similar.
The bouquet with the jewelry sticks is my favorite part (other than the shower curtain).
Did Katie Bower have her baby? Her site has not been updated in a few days!
Stunning! I love everything! My favorite touch is definitely the brooch bouquet. Orange roses are my favorite. I love the little pops of color throughout the house, and those bedroom doors are just genius! Thanks for sharing your home!
For the person looking for the radiator cover sheet metal – at my Home Depot, they’re in the hardware section, near the cabinet knobs and pulls, hooks and shelves for garage organizing, and nuts, bolts, and screws.
Wow, I know that store way too well! :)
Thanks for the tip Jen!
xo,
s
Gorgeous home! The exposed brick wall makes me swoon!
love it!! completely off the subject….has katie bower had her baby?!? i keep checking her blog and no update :(
Hey Marianne and Ele,
As for updates about sweet Katie and lil’ Will, that’s not our news to share, but we’re sure Katie will tell you all about everything as soon as she has a chance to come up for air and update her blog. Stay tuned…
xo,
s
A white cord- genius!
I love this place – so cute!
Beautiful! I would love to hear a tutorial from Adam & Amber on their back patio. It’s darling, and it’s nice to know that young couples can take on a project of these proportions on their own! Like your bathroom remodel! Amazing!
Beautiful!! I’m trying to figure out what to do with a tv in my living room – what are everyones experience with above the fireplace? Is it comfortable to watch at that height?
Gorgeous home! The only thing I’m not crazy about is how high the curtains are. They just feel so disconnected from the window when they are placed that high in my humble opinion. Those metallic chairs, though – stunning!
LOVE the doors and the exposed brick!
My house is not CRASH worthy, but we are trying, and adding, bit by bit. (I am SURE you will NOT be in Minnesota any time soon.. so if you ever DO get our way, we may then be ready for you to see how we made our split level PERFECT for us!). I will alert you the little leather club chair in the living room looks EXACTLY like my own leather club chairs, purchased on line from COSTCO in a two pack, with Fed Ex delivery included. They were very affordable, small in scale, and we LOVE them. You should check out Costco. They also carry a lot of organics, eco friendly cleaning products, etc. Carter’s PJ’s and playware for wee ones, etc.
Take Care All! Andrea in MN
Hi Lacey — thanks for your interest in a patio tutorial We’ll be sure to send over some in-progress pictures to Sherry and John when we finish decorating back there– we snapped lots of pics during the process! The hardest part was unloading all the brick!
That shower curtin is great!!
I like the architecture in the guest room, nothing else “tickles my fancy” , which is alright, we all have different taste :)
Thanks Amber- can’t wait to see the pictures!
Gorg! Love this house tour. I’m all gaga over the exposed brick wall. And the Stonington Gray couldn’t be more perfect. Thanks for sharing!
I love this–so pretty! Can’t wait to see the headboard project. I so hope you will have pics to post.
Love this home! So stylish and tasteful. Thanks for sharing.
This is a great home! I love the detail on the doors – it really adds a lot of character.
I smiled when I saw the names because I know a couple named Adam and Amber with a great house too. :)
Love the house. Very inspiring. I am dying to know how they hid the wires to their TV?!?! We have hung our TV above our fireplace and are stumped as to what to do with all our cords. I don’t think we can drill any holes to run it down. I can’t imagine they drilled holes in their brick – but maybe they did. Any help?!?!
Hey Jessica K,
Scroll up for that info! Amber actually already stopped in to answer that question. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
What a beautiful home with authenticity, style and charm. The Bob Dylan album makes the guest room/office!