True to our blogiversary promise, we took our house-crashing tour on the road and drove four hours south to Charlotte, North Carolina to visit Matt and Kristin. They welcomed us into their charming bungalow in NoDa, one of Charlotte’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods. Their dogs Sage and Simon were on hand for the visit, and the whole home exudes warmth, personality, and thoughtful style.
The living room is utterly inviting: a colorful mix of pillows and artwork anchored by one of the sweetest, most comfortable sectionals we’ve seen. It strikes a perfect balance between cozy and stylish, making it a space where guests can relax without sacrificing design.
The formal dining room showcases the couple’s knack for eclectic mixing. Traditional elements—like a classic buffet, a chandelier, and a substantial dining table—sit comfortably alongside Asian-influenced pieces and modern Parsons chairs. The result feels deliberate and layered, a room that looks collected rather than staged.
The kitchen is designed for entertaining. Three pendant lights illuminate a practical peninsula perfect for breakfasts, casual meals, or buffet-style dinners. The room opens to the living area and features double ovens, a double-drawer dishwasher, and generous counter space that makes preparing and serving meals a pleasure.
Off the main kitchen is an adorable eat-in nook under a fabric pendant light—an intimate spot for morning coffee. A decorative stained-glass interior window adds an unexpected flourish, a custom detail the builder worked into the plan. Matt and Kristin are avid art collectors, picking up pieces on their travels; the bird artwork displayed here was bought in Richmond when they lived there.
Their master bedroom is a standout. A bold black frame above the bed from Ikea anchors the space, while Kristin surprised Matt by painting the coffered ceiling a soft, pale blue—an elegant touch that emphasizes the room’s tall ceilings and creates a serene, dreamy atmosphere.
Small, personalized details appear throughout the home. In the guest bathroom, a fabric cornice board frames the shower and coordinates with a turquoise sink. The guest room also features state-themed pillows that represent the places the couple has lived—North Carolina, Texas, North Dakota, and Virginia—adding a meaningful, travel-inspired touch.
One of the advantages of a four-bedroom home is the flexibility to create specialized spaces. Their craft room is a dream: a dedicated wrapping station with drawers full of ribbons and supplies, affordable Ikea bookcases flanking the window, and playful vintage accents like an old Dr. Pepper machine and an antique Coca-Cola clock. It’s functional, colorful, and full of personality.
The home also has a refined side. The office feels serious and stylish with black French doors that provide privacy and visual impact. Of course, Simon the dog adds a touch of charm to the workspace—practically the perfect office companion.
Overall, Matt and Kristin’s bungalow is a lively, well-edited mix of antiques, traditional pieces, and modern touches. The bold use of color, layered textures, and thoughtful architectural details—like black window sashes and solid black doors—create a home that feels both crafted and welcoming. Their approach shows how mixing eras and styles can result in an effortlessly collected and personal home.
We loved touring Matt and Kristin’s bungalow and appreciate their hospitality. Thanks to them for making our long-distance house-crashing adventure so enjoyable. Who knows where we’ll pop up next—stay tuned for more home tours and design inspiration.