We wrapped up a few projects today and stopped by a long-awaited house visit that was worth the wait. Meet Nicole and her cheerful son, August.
If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Nicole is the creative mind behind Making It Lovely. We’ve enjoyed following her work for years, and when she invited us to see her iconic Oak Park home during our Chicago book tour stop, we jumped at the chance. We’ve shared many house visits of all kinds over the years—modern apartments, traditional homes, eclectic spaces, and bright colorful rooms—and this one felt especially rewarding since we’d been online friends with Nicole for so long without ever meeting in person.
Nicole documents her home thoroughly on her own site, so the layout and many of the details are already familiar. Still, seeing the spaces from different angles and in person reveals new inspiration. The living room, which greets you upon entering, is painted Astor Pink by Benjamin Moore. It’s worth noting that while Nicole loves pink, the house is not an all-pink affair. Many rooms feel moody, warm, and earthy—more nuanced than a single-color theme.
Being in the presence of someone with such strong photography skills was a little intimidating, but it turned out to be fun. Nicole has collected many standout pieces: a white mirror from Ballard Designs, an Eames rocker by Modernica, a vintage coffee table snagged at a summer craft fair, and a pair of vintage side tables bought for ten dollars each. The room strikes the balance between curated and lived-in, which makes it especially inviting.
Right behind the living room sits the dining area—an elegant mix of metal Industry West chairs and a vintage wooden table. A sleek light fixture hangs above, and a wood-paneled china cabinet provides warmth. The wallpaper introduces a subtle pattern that complements the room’s textures. Nicole often refreshes the cabinet displays, and during our visit she had a charming fox motif in place, a playful touch that demonstrates how small swaps can change a room’s personality.
The kitchen sits just beyond the dining room and stars a surprising detail: a small full bathroom tucked away behind it, complete with a vintage green tub. Nicole and Brandon are planning a few updates for the kitchen, so we kept our shutter time limited there. The bathroom, though, felt like a delightful unexpected find.
On the other side of the dining room is Nicole’s office. She doesn’t actually work at the tiny toddler-sized table in the corner—that’s a spot for her kids to keep her company as she designs and blogs. The office includes a Dash & Albert rug and a casual banner that was added to fill a cart for free shipping, a reminder that some design choices are simply practical decisions that end up looking great.
The upstairs sitting room and library felt like a favorite come to life. Deep, chocolatey walls and tall bookcases create a cozy, contemplative atmosphere—we almost wanted to move right in. The bookcases, sourced from Ikea, are packed with volumes that reflect Nicole and Brandon’s shared history working in a bookstore, and the room carries an authentic love of books and quiet corners.
Eleanor’s room carries more of the pink tones you might expect, with bedding and bed sourced from Land of Nod and a carefully arranged gallery of art and objects above the bed. Small handmade pieces add personality, like a tiny banner that reads “Just Be Cool”—a perfect little reminder for any toddler.
Brandon and Nicole’s bedroom is warm and relaxed, anchored by a striking Edison-style light fixture that steals the show. Botanical art and layered textiles make it a restful retreat rather than a showpiece, which is part of its charm.
August’s room shows the playful side of Nicole’s aesthetic, filled with handmade and locally crafted pieces that feel personal. Pixelated floral art, an embroidered venn diagram clock, and a few animal-themed accessories give the room character without feeling like a themed set. A fox lamp in one corner even sparked a conversation about whether a fox motif might be the next recurring element in their home decor.
The best part of the visit, though, was simply spending time with Nicole. Sitting together in real life—chatting about family, design, and the small triumphs of daily life—reminded us why these friendships matter beyond the photos and posts. We also confirmed a fun family detail: their dog, Murray, could easily be mistaken for an oversized version of another familiar pup, thanks to his expressive face.
Huge thanks to Nicole, Brandon, Eleanor, and August for welcoming us into their home and letting us take photos. The house feels like a true reflection of its family—creative, comfortable, and endlessly inspiring. We left with plenty of ideas and plenty of appreciation for the way thoughtful collections and small, meaningful details can shape a home.
Psst—if you enjoyed this house visit, there are many more house-crash features to explore in our archives.