We wrapped up a few projects this week and, while photos and details are coming soon, we couldn’t resist sharing a long-overdue house crash. Meet Nicole and her cheerful little boy August.
If that photo didn’t give it away, this is Nicole from Making It Lovely. We’ve enjoyed crashing homes of all styles over the years—modern apartments, traditional houses, colorful spaces—and we were thrilled when Nicole invited us into her iconic Oak Park home during our Chicago book tour stop last month. We’ve been online friends with Nicole for years, so getting to finally meet and photograph her home felt special.
Nicole documents her house beautifully on her blog, so these photos are just another look at a space many of you already know. There’s plenty of inspiration here, so let’s start with her living room.
The living room greets you just inside the front door. The walls are painted Astor Pink by Benjamin Moore. I’ll admit I felt a bit nervous photographing a home so expertly documented by its own talented photographer, but it ended up being fun. Nicole’s collected pieces make the space feel personal and lived-in: a white mirror from Ballard Designs, a Modernica Eames rocker, a vintage coffee table picked up recently, and inexpensive vintage side tables that were only $10 each.
One surprising thing in person was how sparingly Nicole uses pink. Though she’s known for loving that color, many rooms feel moody, earthy, and warm. The dining room, right behind the living room, is a great example. The only other room with pink walls is her daughter Eleanor’s bedroom.
I adore this dining room: metal Industry West chairs paired with a vintage wood table, a sleek light fixture beside a wood-paneled china cabinet, quirky floral centerpieces, and Clacket Lane wallpaper by Mibo.
Nicole frequently refreshes her china cabinet vignettes; when we visited she had a fox theme going on, a playful touch that sparked conversations about the next “it” animal. Foxes certainly make a charming motif.
Beyond the dining room is the kitchen. Nicole and Brandon mentioned they’re planning changes there, so we kept it brief, but we were delighted to discover a small bathroom tucked off the kitchen with a vintage green tub—an unexpected and delightful detail.
At the other end of the dining room is Nicole’s office. The toddler table is there so the kids can keep her company while she works—sweet and practical. The rug is Dash & Albert and a simple banner adds charm to the space.
We enjoyed seeing her DIY monogrammed trophies in person and admired a yellow lamp from Crate & Barrel. Small touches like these feel so intentional and personal.
Upstairs, the sitting room and library area is one of my favorite spaces. It’s cozy and inviting in person: Anthropologie curtains, a fig tree from a local shop, and deep chocolate walls painted Afternoon Tea by Pittsburgh Paints. The built-in bookcases—simple Ikea units—feel warm and perfectly suited to the room.
Sherry was particularly taken with a set of whimsical figures found on eBay. The brown-and-white Effektiv cabinets from Ikea—sadly discontinued—are a standout detail that shows how vintage and contemporary elements can work together.
Eleanor’s room is bright and playful. The bed and textiles came from Land of Nod, and the art and objects arranged above the bed reflect Nicole’s knack for stylish, layered displays. A small banner reading “Just Be Cool” felt especially fitting for a toddler’s room.
Nicole and Brandon’s bedroom feels cozy and serene—perfect for curling up with a book. The Edison-style fixture from Pottery Barn is the room’s focal point and a botanical print adds a calm, organic touch.
At the far end of the upstairs is August’s room. He was busy playing when we visited, so we tried not to interrupt. The room features playful handmade touches from local crafters—pixel-style decorations and an embroidered clock—that add personality and charm.
Fox motifs returned in several unexpected spots, including a whimsical animal lamp that caught Sherry’s eye. It’s the sort of playful detail that keeps a home feeling lively and approachable.
Beyond the house itself, the best part of the visit was spending time with Nicole—catching up in person, chatting about design, parenting, and life. It was wonderful to be in the same room as a long-time online friend and to swap stories face-to-face.
And yes, their dog Murray is adorable—he reminded us of our own pup with that expressive face.
Many thanks to Nicole, Brandon, Eleanor, and August for welcoming us and humoring our amateur photography. We left inspired, full of ideas, and eager for a sequel—maybe next time with a book from Nicole that includes a Richmond stop.
Psst—if you want to keep the house-crashing party going, there are dozens more to explore in our house-crashing archives.