Yay! We finally sorted through more than 1,000 photos from our ATL adventure and pulled together the first of several House Crashing posts. This visit features Jae from Design OCD, who graciously invited us into her Atlanta home so we could photograph and share her creative, colorful spaces. Her house is a great example of mixing bold color and pattern with light, airy rooms—cheerful, thoughtful, and full of personality. So let’s get right to the house tour.
Here’s Jae greeting us at the door. She was incredibly warm and friendly—exactly the kind of host who makes you feel at home. We had a blast chatting with her (and with Katie B from Bower Power who joined us). That bright yellow door sets the tone for the whole house: bold, playful, and welcoming.
Walking in, you immediately notice the dining room to the left—painted in a lively color and dressed with patterned curtains and cheerful art. The space is a joyful contrast against crisp white trim and beadboard, and the black-and-white striped rug plus black frames add a striking graphic element. It’s a confident mix of style that instantly lifts your mood.
Another angle of the dining room shows the charming dining set Jae found on Craigslist—she refinished and reupholstered the chairs herself. It’s a great example of budget-friendly DIY decorating that looks curated and intentional.
Jae’s sense of humor came through on a chalkboard that welcomed us with a “House Crashed!” proclamation—fun, local blogger camaraderie at its best.
Throughout the home she has collected oversized glass vases and dispersed them with effortless style—some filled with branches gathered from the yard. We moved into a soothing, serene eating nook off the kitchen that felt perfectly calm and inviting. I was tempted to sit and enjoy a cup of tea, but instead I chatted with Jae while John continued snapping photos.
The other side of the kitchen features glass-front cabinets and flecked granite counters that keep the palette light and elegant.
The backsplash is a gorgeous mosaic marble tile—so tactile and refined I couldn’t help but admire it. One of the kitchen’s standout details is the black window sash, which adds drama and contrast to the airy room. It’s a simple choice that makes a big visual impact.
The peninsula area pairs industrial-style stools with a stainless range hood and attractive corner shelving that displays some of Jae’s favorite pieces. It’s a functional, stylish kitchen setup—great for both everyday life and entertaining.
Off the kitchen is a handy laundry room and pantry with floating shelves that make storage and organization effortless. We loved the clothespin chandelier, a playful nod to a project of ours—a flattering and inventive touch that works beautifully in the space. The mix of wood trim and wooden accents shows how natural tones can work together without feeling dated.
In the living room, dark brick and original wood trim lend warmth and character. Even with traditional features, the room feels fresh and welcoming. Jae is considering poly-staining the wood to enrich the tone without painting it, a smart solution when homeowners prefer to keep original woodwork. The mirror above the fireplace is an unexpected find from Ross, and the room’s overall vibe balances cozy and polished.
One of my favorite details is a vignette that includes a cork-filled glass lamp, a pop of blue in accessories, and a practical console desk from Target. Small layers like these bring charm and personality to the space.
Upstairs, the bedroom is a peaceful retreat—airy and inviting. Jae and her husband added wainscoting behind the bed to ground the space, and the bed itself was a savvy furniture swap: she traded her old bed for a sleigh bed that a friend preferred, a clever and cost-free update. A thrifted side table was given new life with a simple slipcover, proving that inexpensive pieces can look elegant with the right finishing touches.
Playful details continue with ornament monograms used to mark each partner’s side of the bed—a small, creative personalization that feels both festive and intimate.
We also got a peek at a bathroom renovation in progress. A standout DIY moment is the double sink vanity: a converted dresser topped with granite and fitted with two sinks and faucets. It’s an inventive repurpose that promises a beautiful final result once the full renovation is done.
Many thanks to Jae for letting us explore and photograph her inspiring home. If you love bold color, smart DIY touches, and thoughtful mixing of patterns and textures, her house is full of ideas to borrow. What’s your favorite part? I’m torn between that dramatic black window sash in the kitchen and the charming laundry-pantry nook. John’s top pick is the kitchen and the creative double-sink dresser vanity—both great choices.
Psst—addicted to snooping? You can check out over 30 other house-crashing tours on our site.