You may remember when we took you on a virtual tour of one of our favorite homes ever—a charming bungalow in Charlotte.
The house belongs to our friends Matt & Kristin and their adorable dogs, Simon & Sage.
We love this home so much that we came back for a second look. On our visit, we noticed details we’d missed before—smart, accessible decorating choices that give the bungalow its unmistakable personality. Below are five easy, high-impact ideas inspired by Matt & Kristin that you can adopt in your own home.
If you missed our original House Crashing tour, you can find it here to see the full walk-through and additional photos.
It’s a memorable home, and revisiting it made us appreciate the small, clever choices that elevate the whole space. Below are five ideas—simple to implement, stylish in effect—that struck us as both practical and inspiring.
Idea #1: Group bold art for a cheerful, graphic gallery wall. Matt & Kristin collect art thoughtfully: they pick a few standout pieces and hang them together for maximum impact. The trick is to arrange colorful works in a semi-balanced composition that feels intentional but not overly rigid—placing two smaller frames beneath a larger one, for example, creates a pleasing off-kilter balance. You don’t need to spend a fortune on originals; buy several canvases in varying sizes and paint bold blocks of color or simple shapes yourself to achieve a similar graphic effect.
Idea #2: Don’t be afraid to darken interior doors. Rather than default white, every interior door in their bungalow is stained or painted a deep ebony. Dark doors add drama and definition, making even modest rooms feel more polished. If staining isn’t an option, a high-quality black paint—such as deep satin finishes—creates the same sophisticated contrast. This simple change elevates closets, bedrooms, and bathroom doors alike.
Idea #3: Paint window sashes black for crisp definition. Black window frames read like eyeliner for your house: they sharpen sightlines and accentuate architectural details. On wood or metal sashes, a few coats of latex paint will transform the look; remove drips from the glass with a straight edge for a professional finish. If your windows are vinyl, imitate the effect with white curtains edged in black ribbon or by installing black curtain rods. Small framing details like these introduce a clean, modern edge without a full remodel.
Idea #4: Personalize your pendant light. A patterned drum shade can instantly change a room’s mood. Kristin found a pendant with a bold fabric, and it became a defining element in her breakfast nook. You can buy a custom shade, recover an existing one, or cover an inexpensive drum shade with fabric—most projects need less than a yard of material and can be completed in an afternoon. A unique shade makes the lighting feel bespoke and ties colors and patterns across the room.
Idea #5: Create a beautiful, functional drop zone for cards and letters. Kristin bought a deep wooden bowl for its warm color and later used it as a landing spot for cards and mail. Placed near the entry, it became a simple ritual: cards are enjoyed for a while and then sorted once a year, keeping the sentimental items and releasing the rest without guilt. This approach blends organization with sentimentality and looks attractive on a console table or shelf.
Those are five practical, stylish ideas you can borrow from Matt & Kristin’s bungalow: bold grouped art, dark interior doors, black window framing, a custom pendant, and a charming drop zone for correspondence. Which idea are you most excited to try? Do you have a favorite small change that made a big difference in your own home? Share your thoughts—these easy updates are perfect for anyone looking to refresh a space with personality and purpose.
Psst—if you enjoy touring other people’s homes, you’ll love exploring additional House Crashing features collected on the original site for more inspiration.