In this, the second installment of "Crash!" I invaded the beautiful home of a former coworker from days of yore.
Susan, her husband Andy and their adorable daughters Jenny and Laura have called this home for just about 4 years.
Built in the 30s, each previous homeowner has added on to it a bit, leaving their personal stamp and making this house truly unique. Cape style homes around here built 40s and after are pretty cookie cutter, so the distinct non-cookie-cutterness of this older cape is quite refreshing.
Susan, being an architect by profession, definitely has the architect's eye with a designer's touch. Every piece feels like it's telling a story.
Does the china cabinet look familiar? If you've ben reading here for a while it should- it's the very same china cabinet that I bought and painted for my dining room before realizing that it just didn't work. I'm so glad that it found a perfect home in Susan's dining room! And the yellow is far superior to it's interim gray- so cheery!
One of Susan's stamps on the home so far (aside from her awesome decor) has been to open up the kitchen to the sunken sunroom below. The sunroom has much grander plans for the future so I won't be sharing that today, but it totally helps the kitchen feel ridiculously open and bright.
This home is a great example of how kids and their accompanying clutter don't have to dictate your style. The IKEA expedit bookcase (now Kallax) really is ideal for this no matter your budget. Susan uses the lower bins to hide all the Disney princesses within little hands' reach and draws the eye up to adult level with more sculptural elements on top.
It's the little details that most wouldn't notice that always catch my eye. Isn't the striped carpet runner mitered at the landing a striking touch?
Even the girls' rooms have an adorably vintage flare. And as we all know, I'm a sucker for built-ins.
Throughout the home, you'll also find beautiful collages made from vintage prints that Susan's artist mom creates. This one from the master bedroom was my personal favorite.
I know I swoon over antiques regularly, and this home was no different. A few of my favorite pieces of furniture were the bench and chair found in the master that had been passed down through her family. Cool antiques just become even cooler when they have meaning behind them.
Thank you, Susan, so much for letting me into your gorgeous home!!!
Are you in the Boston area and want me to come Crash! your home? Shoot me an e-mail here with a few photos and a little about your home.