We’re thrilled to share an exclusive house crash today, offering an intimate glimpse into the iconic home of a beloved figure in the design world. For those familiar with the vibrant landscape of online decor, the name Nicole from Making It Lovely will undoubtedly ring a bell. And for those just discovering her, prepare to be inspired!
Our journey into the homes of fellow creatives has taken us through nearly fifty unique spaces – from minimalist modern apartments and classic traditional residences to boldly eclectic and joyfully colorful abodes. We’ve explored the styles of big-name bloggers, emerging talents, and even those who simply possess an impeccable flair for design without a blog to their name. This time, our long-standing online friendship with Nicole, spanning half a decade, culminated in a much-anticipated in-person visit. We were absolutely delighted when she and her husband Brandon extended an invitation to tour their celebrated Oak Park pad during our Chicago book tour stop last month. It was a true testament to the power of digital connections evolving into real-world camaraderie.
Stepping Inside: The Thoughtfully Curated Living Room
Nicole’s home, meticulously documented on her own platform, truly requires little introduction to her dedicated followers. However, we believed our readers would relish the opportunity to see fresh perspectives and unique angles of a space many already know and adore. Her home is a treasure trove of inspiration, offering countless ideas for anyone looking to infuse personality and charm into their own surroundings. So, without further ado, let’s begin our tour in her captivating living room.
This inviting room greets you immediately to your left upon entering the home. Its walls, painted in the sophisticated Astor Pink by Benjamin Moore, set a welcoming and unexpectedly soft tone. As a fellow admirer of Nicole’s exceptional photography skills, I admit to a slight tremor of nervousness when attempting to capture images of her already well-photographed home, especially with the artist herself observing! However, I survived the challenge, with only minimal perspiration, and ultimately found the experience incredibly rewarding. Nicole has an extraordinary talent for collecting and curating truly awesome pieces, each contributing to a rich narrative. The striking white mirror, sourced from Ballard Designs, beautifully complements the iconic Eames rocker by Modernica. The vintage coffee table, a summer find at the Renegade Craft Fair, along with two other vintage side tables acquired for a mere $10 each, exemplify her knack for blending high-end design with accessible, character-filled treasures. This room perfectly encapsulates her refined yet approachable aesthetic.
A Palette of Surprises: The Dining Room’s Earthy Elegance
One of the most intriguing discoveries upon seeing Nicole’s house in person was the subtle presence of pink. Despite her self-professed love for the color, which frequently features in her online projects and posts, my mental image had built an expectation of an ‘all-pink, all-the-time’ wonderland. This expectation persisted even after countless virtual tours of her home over the years. However, the reality unveiled a beautifully nuanced palette. Many of her rooms exude a moody, earthy, and warm ambiance, a delightful contrast to my preconceived notions. Her dining room, located directly behind the living room, is a prime example of this sophisticated earthiness. In fact, the only other room in the entire house featuring pink painted walls belongs to her three-year-old daughter, Eleanor, adding a sweet, age-appropriate touch.
The dining room itself is a masterclass in eclectic sophistication. I was captivated by numerous elements, starting with the thoughtful juxtaposition of textures: sleek metal chairs from Industry West harmonizing beautifully with a robust vintage wood table. The modern, minimalist light fixture provides a striking counterpoint to the traditional wood panel-backed china cabinet, creating a dialogue between old and new. The quirky ‘guy + gal’ centerpieces from Floral Art LA add a touch of whimsy and personality, reflecting Nicole’s playful side. And of course, the show-stopping wallpaper, Clacket Lane by Mibo, ties the entire space together with its intricate pattern and rich hues, contributing significantly to the room’s warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s a space that feels both collected and cohesive, demonstrating a keen eye for balanced design.
Over the years, we’ve watched Nicole creatively reimagine her china cabinet’s display on several occasions. During our visit, we were absolutely charmed by the delightful fox theme she had embraced, with those adorable figurines cleverly sourced from Amazon. Sherry and Nicole even engaged in a lively discussion about what the next “it” animal in home decor might be. “Put a fox on it” seemed like a strong contender, though llamas were also humorously tossed into the conversation. These small, evolving details highlight Nicole’s dynamic approach to home styling, constantly refreshing and personalizing her space with playful touches that reflect current interests or seasonal whims.
A Glimpse Beyond: Kitchen and an Unexpected Bath
Directly behind the dining room, through the doorway visible in the first dining room picture, lies their kitchen. Nicole and Brandon shared that this area is currently undergoing some exciting changes, so we respected their creative process by not extensively photographing the space. However, I couldn’t resist sharing one delightful surprise: a full bathroom tucked away discreetly. Somehow, I must have missed any mention of this charming feature on Making It Lovely, though it did appear in a post after our visit. The presence of an old-school green tub was, to me, absolutely awesome – a truly unexpected and characterful detail that adds a unique charm to their home, reinforcing the blend of vintage elements throughout.
Nicole’s Creative Hub: The Inspiring Home Office
At the opposite end of the dining room, Nicole’s home office offers a dedicated space for her creative endeavors. While the adorable toddler-sized table you see pictured is not her primary workspace, it serves a wonderful purpose: allowing her children to comfortably keep her company as she delves into blogging, web design, and other projects that leave her unique mark on the interwebs. This thoughtful inclusion speaks volumes about her ability to integrate work and family life seamlessly. The rug, a stylish choice from Dash & Albert, grounds the space with its inviting pattern, while the eye-catching banner from Catbird NYC adds a touch of playful sophistication (Nicole candidly admitted she added it to her cart to qualify for free shipping – a genius move!). It’s a space that feels both productive and nurturing, perfectly reflecting her multifaceted personality.
We absolutely loved admiring her collection of monogrammed trophies in person – a truly personalized touch. For those inspired to replicate this unique decor idea, Nicole shares a fantastic tutorial on her blog, which you can find here. These DIY elements add a layer of personal history and creative expression to the office. The vibrant yellow lamp, a stylish accent from Crate & Barrel, injects a pop of color and modern flair into the otherwise warm and inviting workspace. It’s clear that every item in Nicole’s office is carefully chosen, contributing to a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Upstairs Oasis: The Dreamy Sitting Room and Library
Ascending to the upstairs, you arrive at what I’ve always considered my favorite room when browsing Nicole’s photos online: their inviting sitting room and library area. I’m delighted to report that it did not disappoint in person; in fact, it exceeded expectations. Sherry and I found ourselves half-jokingly, half-seriously contemplating moving in – it felt that comfortable and inspiring! The rich, deep chocolate paint on the walls, specifically Afternoon Tea by Pittsburgh Paints, creates an incredibly warm and enveloping atmosphere. The exquisite curtains from Anthropologie add a touch of sophisticated texture and pattern, while the vibrant fig tree, thoughtfully selected from Sprout Home right there in Chicago, introduces a refreshing organic element. This space truly feels like a sanctuary, perfect for relaxation, reading, and thoughtful contemplation.
My particular enamor for this space stems largely from the impressive bookcases, skillfully integrated Ikea units. As a former library employee myself, I’ve always held a deep affection for shelves brimming with books. Given that Nicole and Brandon actually met while working at a bookstore, it’s no surprise that their home features such a lovingly curated collection of literature, adding layers of personal history and intellectual charm to this beautiful room. The arrangement of books and decorative objects transforms these simple Ikea units into a focal point, reflecting their shared passion and creating a truly inviting scholarly retreat within their home.
Sherry, on the other hand, was utterly captivated by this room for an entirely different reason – specifically, the charming “schmold schmanimals,” as she affectionately dubbed them. These unique gold deer figurines, a fantastic eBay find, sparked an immediate fascination. While Sherry was smitten with the deer, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the stylish brown and white cabinets in this room, which also made an appearance in Nicole’s office. These sadly discontinued Effektiv cabinets from Ikea are a testament to great design that stands the test of time, adding both storage and visual interest with their clean lines and sophisticated color palette. Their presence reinforces the idea of thoughtful, enduring pieces that contribute to the home’s overall aesthetic.
Eleanor’s Enchanting Realm: A Stylish Kids’ Room
Immediately to the right of those captivating gold deer is Eleanor’s room. Eleanor, being about a year older than our Clara, made us keenly aware of Clara’s absence on this leg of our trip; we imagined the two toddlers would have had an absolute blast together in this whimsical space. Eleanor’s room is a delightful testament to stylish yet age-appropriate design. The bed and bedding, both sourced from Land Of Nod, provide a comfortable and chic foundation for her personal sanctuary. Nicole possesses an undeniable knack for creating sophisticated arrangements, and the collection of art and objects thoughtfully curated above Eleanor’s bed is certainly no exception. Among these charming pieces, my personal favorite is the sweet little banner that proclaims “Just Be Cool.” It’s a gentle, humorous reminder that I often feel our own toddler could benefit from occasionally, embodying the perfect blend of playful wisdom and endearing decor.
Serene Slumber: Brandon and Nicole’s Master Bedroom
Brandon and Nicole’s bedroom is a haven of tranquility, exuding a truly cozy and warm ambiance. The inviting atmosphere instantly made me want to curl up with a good book and relax. Thankfully, I resisted the urge and continued my photographic mission instead, eager to capture every detail of this serene space. This room beautifully demonstrates how thoughtful design can create a personal retreat, a quiet escape from the day’s demands. The deliberate choice of textiles, lighting, and color palette combine to form a perfectly balanced and intimate environment, ideal for rest and rejuvenation.
The undisputed star of this bedroom is undoubtedly the striking light fixture. I had eagerly anticipated seeing it in person ever since I first laid eyes on it, posted on Nicole’s blog several years ago. It’s the captivating “Edison Light” from Pottery Barn, and its industrial-chic design beautifully anchors the room, casting a warm and inviting glow. Behind it, on the wall, a sophisticated botanical print from Fab.com adds another layer of visual interest, introducing a natural element that complements the overall serene aesthetic. These carefully chosen pieces demonstrate Nicole’s ability to select statement items that are both functional and artistic, contributing to a master bedroom that is both stylish and deeply comforting.
August’s Dynamic Domain: A Boy’s Room Full of Character
At the opposite end of the upstairs, removed from Eleanor’s room, lies her brother August’s lively domain. He was actually engaged in play during our visit, so I made a conscious effort not to disrupt his activities too much by thrusting my camera lens directly into his space – after all, we had only just met an hour prior! Instead, I focused on capturing some of the truly awesome details that make me constantly want to emulate Nicole’s shopping savvy. How incredibly cool are those unique pixel fire flowers, crafted by a talented local artisan? They add a distinctive, modern, and playful touch, perfectly suited for a boy’s room. The room reflects a careful balance of imaginative elements and practical design, making it a wonderful space for growth and play.
And then there’s this extraordinary embroidered Venn diagram clock, another creation by a local crafter, which absolutely rocked my socks! It not only served as a fascinating piece of art but also humorously reminded me that I probably ought to brush up on my marksmanship skills if I intend to survive a hypothetical zombie apocalypse. This piece exemplifies the quirky, intelligent, and deeply personal touches that Nicole integrates into her children’s rooms, transforming them from mere sleeping quarters into spaces rich with character, narrative, and delightful surprises. These elements encourage imagination and curiosity, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to children’s decor.
Continuing our recurring “fox theme,” Sherry was drawn like a moth to a flame to this adorable animal-based lamp. Her long-standing obsession with animal decor meant this piece was an instant hit. The lamp, a charming and playful addition, further solidifies the theme of whimsical creatures sprinkled throughout the home, particularly in the children’s spaces. It’s details like these that make Nicole’s home feel so personal and lived-in, reflecting the interests and personalities of its inhabitants. Sherry’s immediate attraction to it underscored its charm and the widespread appeal of such unique decor items, proving that functional pieces can also be delightful conversation starters.
In fact, the fox lamp captivated Sherry so much that she insisted I capture an even closer photo of it for our readers (it’s from Target, for those who might be keen on finding one too). The idea of “put a fox on it” is sounding increasingly promising as a design mantra, isn’t it? What are your thoughts, dear readers? Does this house tour make “put a fox on it” feel like an official, must-try trend? This charming lamp perfectly encapsulates the blend of accessible retail finds with personalized styling that makes Nicole’s home so relatable and inspiring.
Beyond the Decor: Connecting in Real Life
As enjoyable as it was to explore Nicole’s meticulously designed home in person, the absolute highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the opportunity to spend time with Nicole herself. It was incredibly refreshing to finally gather in one room, moving beyond blogosphere interactions to genuine, real-life conversation. We chatted, caught up on life, talked shop about our respective creative endeavors, swapped stories about the adventures of parenting, and simply relished a couple of hours of true friendship, rather than just professional camaraderie. This experience beautifully underscored the depth of connection that can form online and blossom into something even more meaningful in person. For those interested in hearing her perspective, you can also read her delightful recap of our visit on her blog here.
Furthermore, my suspicions about their charming dog, Murray, were definitively confirmed: he is essentially our own beloved Burger, just in a larger, more imposing form! I mean, seriously, can you deny that familiar, endearing “Burger face” captured right there? Murray’s warm presence added another layer of homey comfort to our visit, reminding us that a house truly feels like a home when it’s filled with love, laughter, and furry friends.
A heartfelt thank you once again to Nicole, Brandon, Eleanor, and August for their incredible hospitality, for inviting us into their beautiful home, and for their patience in entertaining my enthusiastic, albeit amateur, photographer skills. We are so grateful for the opportunity to share their inspiring space with our community. Now, if we can only persuade Nicole to write a book and include Richmond on her next tour, we’ll be perfectly poised for a sequel to this truly delightful house crash adventure!
Psst – Eager to keep this house crashing party going and discover more incredible interiors? You can explore dozens of additional inspiring home tours right here. Dive into a world of unique styles, creative solutions, and endless design ideas!