Hooray — we finally sorted through more than 1,000 photos from our ATL adventure and put together the first of several House Crashing posts. This one features Jae from the Atlanta area, who kindly invited us into her colorful, charismatic home. Her house is a great example of using bold color and playful patterns in some rooms, while keeping others light and airy for balance. It’s a joyful mix that makes the whole place feel welcoming and fun.
Jae greeted us with warmth and a great sense of humor — she even wrote “House Crashed!” on the chalkboard to celebrate our visit. She couldn’t have been sweeter, and the three of us (including Katie B from Bower Power) chatted like old friends while John photographed the details.
The front door — a sunny yellow — sets the tone before you even step inside. In the foyer, a boldly painted dining room sits on the left, full of bright patterned curtains and cheerful artwork. The room immediately “happies you up” as you enter. A black-and-white striped rug plays off the black frames and white beadboard and trim, creating a lively contrast that still feels cohesive. Jae clearly enjoys mixing finishes, patterns, and colors to energetic effect.
Her dining set was a Craigslist find that she painted and reupholstered herself — a great example of creative, budget-friendly DIY that delivers big personality.
Throughout the house, Jae has collected oversized glass vases that she uses as sculptural accents, sometimes filled with simple branches from outside. They add an understated elegance that complements her more vivid elements.
The kitchen is serene and inviting. One side features glass-front cabinets and flecked granite counters, while the backsplash is a delicate mosaic marble tile that immediately caught our eye. It was so pretty we couldn’t help but admire it up close. One of the smartest design choices in the space is the black window sash — a dramatic touch that anchors the airy palette and adds modern contrast.
The peninsula offers industrial stools, a stainless range hood, and open corner shelving that displays Jae’s favorite pieces. Off the kitchen is a multifunctional laundry room and pantry: floating shelves for extra kitchen storage and a playful clothespin chandelier inspired by ours. It’s a compact, efficient space that also shows how wood trim and natural textures can work together beautifully.
The living room keeps the home’s warm, collected vibe with dark brick, original wood trim, and a wood fireplace surround. Even with darker finishes, the room feels crisp and welcoming rather than heavy. Jae mentioned a possible poly-stain to deepen the wood tone, which would keep the grain while enriching the color. Small styling touches — a cork-filled glass lamp, a pop of blue in a purse and pouf, and a simple console desk from Target — make the seating area feel lived-in and personal.
Upstairs, the master bedroom feels like a breath of fresh air. Jae and her husband added wainscoting to the wall behind the bed to anchor the space. Clever thrift and trade moves have shaped the room: the sleigh bed actually came from a swap with a friend, and a thrift-store table was given new life with a slipcover crafted by Jae and her mom. Little details like ornaments used as bedside monograms highlight her playful approach to decor.
We also got a peek at a bathroom that’s mid-renovation. A standout feature is the double sink vanity: a dresser converted into a double-sink unit with two faucets and a granite top — a smart, character-filled DIY that hints at the finished room’s potential.
Huge thanks to Jae for opening her home to us and letting us share these photos. Her house is a lively mix of color, texture, and thoughtful DIY solutions — proof that bold choices and light, airy moments can coexist beautifully. What’s your favorite detail? For me, it’s the black kitchen window sash and the charming laundry nook; John can’t stop talking about that custom double-sink dresser.
Psst — Addicted to snooping? You can check out over 30 other house crashing adventures here.