You may remember when we took you on a virtual tour of one of our favorite homes ever — a charming bungalow in Charlotte.
It belongs to our friends Matt & Kristin (and their affectionate pups Simon & Sage):
We can’t get enough of this house, which is why we’re sharing a second look. You may recognize rooms like this…
And this:
And this — you can revisit the full original House Crashing tour if you like — it’s packed with inspiring moments:
This home is unforgettable, and on a follow-up visit we noticed many clever details that felt instantly stealable. Below are five practical decorating ideas from Matt & Kristin that you can adapt to your own home — part inspiration, part how-to, all simple to implement.
Idea #1: Group bold art for a cheerful, graphic gallery effect. Matt & Kristin collect original pieces without breaking the bank, and they often give each other art as gifts. The trick is how they hang those pieces: several bold, colorful canvases arranged in a semi-balanced, slightly offbeat layout that reads as a single graphic statement. The small frames placed below a larger center piece are just “off” enough to look perfect. If purchasing original art isn’t in your budget, try making your own: buy canvases in varied sizes and use bright hues to color-block simple shapes. The result is an energetic, curated gallery that feels intentional and joyful.
Idea #2: Who says interior doors have to be white? In their bungalow every interior door is stained an elegant ebony, which adds drama and definition to otherwise modest rooms. Even closet bifolds and bathroom doors feel elevated when finished in a rich black tone. If you don’t have natural wood doors, painting white doors in a deep black shade (think Benjamin Moore Black Satin or Deep Caviar) can provide the same sophisticated punch and create cohesion throughout your home.
Idea #3: Paint window sashes black for crisp definition. Black window sashes act like eyeliner for the room — they add contrast and make architectural lines pop. If your window frames are wood or metal, a few coats of latex paint will transform them. Remove drips from the glass with a razor blade for a professional look. If you have vinyl frames and can’t paint them, mimic the effect with white curtains or roman shades edged in black ribbon, or install black curtain rods to create that sharp, linear feel.
Idea #4: Personalize your pendant. Kristin chose a drum pendant from a local shop that offered bold fabric options, and the patterned shade instantly elevated the breakfast nook. You don’t need to buy a high-end fixture to get this look — recover an existing drum shade, buy an inexpensive shade and wrap it in fabric, or use iron-on hem tape to attach a ribbon trim. A patterned or textured shade is a small investment that makes a big visual impact.
Idea #5: Create a gorgeous and functional drop zone for cards and letters. Kristin found a deep wooden bowl in a warm orange tone and began using it to hold cards and letters. Instead of immediately discarding correspondence, she places it in the bowl and reviews it once a year, keeping a few meaningful pieces and letting go of the rest without guilt. It’s a sentimental, organized solution that also adds visual interest to the entry hall. A simple decorative bowl or tray can become a practical keeper of memories while keeping clutter contained.
There you have five doable ideas to borrow from Matt & Kristin’s home. Which ones are you most likely to try? Do you have similar tricks or variations you’d add? Their house is full of small details that combine to feel effortless — pick one or two and see how quickly they change the mood of your space.
Psst — if you love browsing other people’s homes, we’ve explored many more tours that are full of decorating inspiration and approachable ideas to try at home.