We recently had a great chat with Erik Johnson, the photographer who shot our house for DIY last month. It turned out he lives about two hours north of us, just outside Washington, D.C., and his eye for both photography and interior design is remarkable. While we were flipping through the photos on his phone, we were struck by how thoughtfully his own home is put together. We asked to share some of those images, and here they are—an inspiring peek inside a beautiful midcentury modern home in Alexandria, Virginia.
Erik’s house sits in Hollin Hills, a neighborhood known for its collection of homes designed by noted architect Charles Goodman. These midcentury modern residences stand out for their clean lines, integration with the landscape, and emphasis on natural light. Built in the 1940s, this particular home benefits from generous native plantings and ornamental grasses that create immediate curb appeal while respecting the site’s original character.
Inside, the aesthetic blends authentic midcentury elements with practical, contemporary choices. Many of Erik’s furnishings were discovered secondhand—thrift store finds and Craigslist treasures that bring warmth and personality to each room. A sleek Crate & Barrel sofa anchors the living area, demonstrating how modern pieces and vintage finds can coexist harmoniously.
The kitchen is a study in understated functionality. It remains simple in form, letting quality hardware and appliances take the lead. High-end fixtures—the kind that matter for daily cooking—pair with clean surfaces and efficient layout to create a space that’s as practical as it is polished. This balance of utilitarian design and elevated finishes is a hallmark of thoughtful renovation in older homes.
One of the more intimate corners of the house is a cozy lower-level library, reached by a set of floating wooden stairs. This snug nook feels curated and layered, filled with books, art, and more thoughtfully chosen secondhand pieces. It’s the sort of room that invites lingering—perfect for reading, small gatherings, or quiet work.
Arguably the most striking feature throughout the home is the abundance of large windows. These expansive panes of glass flood the interiors with natural light at nearly every hour, connecting inside spaces to the surrounding landscape and highlighting architectural details. The generous daylight contributes to an airy, open feel that complements the midcentury modern roots of the house.
Erik’s photography captures the spirit of the house with clarity and warmth—each image emphasizes texture, light, and composition while staying true to the lived-in quality of the spaces. The photographs feel honest rather than staged, showcasing how timeless architecture and practical design choices come together to create a comfortable home. For anyone interested in Hollin Hills architecture, Charles Goodman’s legacy, or midcentury modern interiors, these photos are a lovely source of inspiration.
We’re excited to see how Erik’s photos of our own house turned out, and we’ll be sharing those soon. In the meantime, enjoy this glimpse into his beautifully curated Alexandria home—full of light, thoughtful design, and smart secondhand finds that make it uniquely inviting.