Yay! We finally sorted through more than 1,000 photos from our ATL adventure and stitched together the first of several House Crashing posts. This visit was to see Jae’s home in Atlanta, and it immediately struck us as a wonderful example of bold color mixed with airy, light-filled rooms. Her home balances playful, vibrant spaces with calm, serene ones—an uplifting mix that makes the house feel welcoming from the moment you arrive.
Jae greeted us like an old friend. She was warm and funny in person, and we spent the visit laughing and chatting. Her bright yellow door set the cheerful tone before we even stepped inside.
Just beyond the entry, the dining room on the left is painted in a confident, bold color and dressed with bright patterned curtains and cheerful art. The space feels instantly happy and energetic. A black-and-white striped rug and matching black frames play nicely against the crisp white trim and beadboard, creating a thoughtful contrast that highlights Jae’s knack for mixing styles and finishes.
Her dining set was a Craigslist find—she painted and reupholstered the chairs herself, which added a personal, crafted touch to the space. A chalkboard in the room had “House Crashed!” written on it, a playful tribute to our visit and a sign of Jae’s great sense of humor.
Throughout the house, oversized glass vases show up in unexpected places, some filled with fresh branches gathered from outside. In the eating nook of the kitchen, these vases add a casual, collected feel. The kitchen itself is soothing and serene, a place where you could easily sit with a cup of tea and linger.
On the other side of the kitchen, glass-fronted cabinets and flecked granite counters create an elegant, light-filled aesthetic. A mosaic marble tile backsplash adds texture and visual interest—the kind of detail you notice and want to admire up close. One of my favorite choices in the kitchen was the black-painted window sash. The contrast of that dramatic detail against the otherwise soft, airy palette created an unexpectedly bold focal point that felt sophisticated and fresh.
The peninsula area features industrial-style stools, a stainless steel range hood, and charming corner shelves filled with Jae’s curated pieces. Off the kitchen is a combined laundry and pantry, where floating shelves provide convenient storage for dishes and drinks. A clothespin chandelier—a clever, handmade nod to a similar fixture we featured—adds whimsy and personality to the small space. The mix of natural wood elements and painted trim shows how wood tones can harmonize with painted details when balanced thoughtfully.
Jae’s living room embraces its original dark brick and wood trim, offering a warm, cozy atmosphere that still reads as crisp and inviting. The wood fireplace surround and unpainted trim give the room character and depth. Jae mentioned possibly poly-staining the wood to enrich the tone without losing the natural look, a choice that would emphasize the original architectural features while keeping the space cohesive. A pretty mirror above the fireplace and a selection of carefully chosen accessories complete the room’s layered look.
One charming detail in the living room was a cork-filled glass lamp paired with pops of blue from a purse and a pouf. Small, sourced items like a console desk from a big-box store blend seamlessly with thrifted and handmade pieces, showing how different budgets and finds can come together to form a polished, personal space.
Upstairs, the bedroom felt like a breath of fresh air—calm, inviting, and thoughtfully grounded by wainscoting behind the bed. The sleigh bed was the result of a smart furniture swap with a friend, and a thrifted table beside the bed has been transformed with a simple skirted slipcover, proving that inexpensive pieces can read as elegant with a little creativity.
Playful touches show up in unexpected ways: ornaments used as monograms mark each side of the bed, a small, whimsical detail that reflects Jae’s personality. In the bathroom, a work-in-progress reveals a creative reuse of furniture: a dresser has been converted into a double-sink vanity by adding sinks, faucets, and a granite top. It’s a clever DIY solution that hints at how the completed space will be both unique and functional.
Thanks to Jae for welcoming us into her home and letting us share these photos and ideas. Her house is full of approachable creativity—vibrant moments balanced by serene spaces and thoughtful DIYs. What’s your favorite part? For us, the dramatic black window sash in the kitchen and the charming laundry/pantry stood out, while the double-sink dresser in the bathroom was a standout DIY that made a strong impression.
Psst—if you love snooping through homes as much as we do, stay tuned for more house-crashing visits and inspiration from other creative spaces.