enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

It's going to be awhile before I get things organized and the right furniture to properly fill the space. The plus side of being almost six months pregnant and having four years to live in one place is I get to slow down a notch. Not exactly my normal style, but very important this time around.

I plan to have things mostly set up (functional & decently decorated) by the end of May. Baby girl is expected June 16th.

Before we start the tour…I want to just say thanks for sharing in my excitement. This house is our dream home. The absolute best place I could have imagined. I will have much more to share about how we nabbed it when I get the home buying story written, but for now I'll say it's a dream. And such a delightful blank slate.

It's one story and was built in 1961. It was recently flipped so the bathrooms, kitchen, appliances, windows & carpet are new. Walls were taken down which really helped bring in more light The flippers nailed it. Like seriously. Nailed it. I saw some before photos (in similar home that just sold on our new street) and I cannot believe the magic that was worked on this place before it became ours. There are little things that over the years we will change and a big part of the backyard is in need of a complete overhaul, but it's a move-in-ready gem, for sure.

Hometour1

So without further ado…

Hometour2

Welcome! On the left is the garage entrance. On the right is an entry closet and the hall to the bedrooms.

Hometour3

When you come a bit further in, you're in a big space. Obviously the fireplace is out in front and kitchen is to the left.

Hometour4

You can enter left into the kitchen.

Hometour5

The cabinets and the subway tile are no joke things I dream about.

Hometour6

The kitchen opens up into that big room again. We love that there is a built in wine fridge and so much counter top space. On the right is a peek pantry with sliding doors.

Hometour7

This photo is from the back corner of the big room, right where those big windows are. You can see the pantry better in this shot. I asked and the seller was kind enough to leave the stools for us. I love them. We will be replacing that light fixture as soon as my dad can get down to hang the West Elm pendant lamp I am obsessed with (we went with the huge 24 inch round one).

Hometour8

Here is a peek out the back windows. You can see the "finished" part of the yard and then the unfinished part. Everything behind that chain link fence is ours. It goes on and on and it's filled with dead plants & junk but TONS of succulents too. The backyard and our plans for it will need it's own post(s).

Housetour8

This is looking at another side of the fireplace from the "dining area" wall. Windows are to the left. We'll most likely put the TV against that inside wall (on the right) and make a little sitting area to the left side.

Housetour9

And then this is from in front of the fireplace looking back at the dining area. At first I thought there was enough space there to have a kitchen table and extra space for a small couch/sitting area. I was super wrong. Because of the remodel, the bar and stools now stick out a little too far into the room. See how smooshed against them the table would have to be to sit under that lamp? So we are going to hang the lamp from the center of that middle ceiling portion and get a large dining table (that seats 6 comfortably) to properly fill the space. I am so excited to table shop! I know exactly what I want, but no idea where to buy it. We will eat at the big table at all times. When it's just the three of us, we'll take up just one side.

Housetour10

So this is from the other fireplace wall looking toward the front door. I have another little area to the right there that I have to figure out what to do with. For orientation – kitchen is to the right, hall is to the left.

Housetour11

This side of the house is the bathrooms and bedrooms. That room right in front is the baby's room and our bedroom is down the hall to the left.

Housetour12

Here's baby girl's room. It's a rectangle, and decent size. The ceilings are the same in every room.

Housetour13

Here's the main bathroom. Right next to the baby's room. Sometime down the line, I would love to re-tile the shower with a color. We'll see…

Housetour14

I'll be using the front bedroom for my office. It's about the same size as the baby's room. Eventually we'll switch the carpet out for wood floor. Outside the window you can see a half wall that was added to the front for decor and privacy. Sounds odd, but when I eventually share a photo of the front of the house, it will make sense.

Housetourhall

And then – sorry it's dark – this is the hall to the master bedroom. There is a linen closet on the right side.

Housetour15

And here's the master bedroom! It's almost a perfect square.

Housetour16

This is from the window wall looking at the closets.

Housetour17

And this is a peek at the teeny tiny master bathroom!

Housetour18

And here is a peek at inside. It's small but mighty. We'll eventually change out the tile in the shower here too just to bring in something brighter. I could also see us going back to one sink – two is fun but SO cramped.

Hometour19

It's crazy to end on a photo of the bathroom, so here's another of the kitchen. Remember – that lamp will be the first thing to go. Oh, and that metal box on the wall is part of the old intercom system in the house from the 60s. So oddly futuristic. It doesn't work well, but maybe someday we'll fix it.

Hope you enjoyed the tour! Can't wait to share snippets as it all comes together.

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113 responses to “ready for an empty house home tour?”

  1. Heather Ferguson Avatar

    So excited for you and P and baby! Gorgeous light in that place, which you’ll need for all the photos you will want to take of your girl. 🙂 Congratulations! I can’t wait to follow your posts as you get settled in.

    Like

  2. Jen Posford Avatar

    Such a beautiful space! And what an awesome project to have to fill your time while Paul is away and you wait for your little lady. I can’t wait to hear more about how you found such a great fit..
    What you’re living right now is a dream of mine someday 🙂 It’s really great to see that it’s possible. Thanks for sharing!

    Like

  3. Suzanne Avatar
    Suzanne

    so happy for you! I cannot wait to buy my own home; my sanctuary; the place to surround myself with happiness and a little garden! Thank goodness for VA home loans!
    Maybe you’ll have a house warming party; for which I would be excited to see what kinds of DIY decorations you would create for it! 🙂

    Like

  4. Donna Avatar

    What a wonderful mid-century modern house! You and your family will create many great memories in this house. Thanks for the tour and congratulations!

    Like

  5. libbywilko Avatar
    libbywilko

    What an exciting space to move into ! Sure you’ll have lots of fun organising and arranging and rearranging the furniture when it arrives.

    Like

  6. Kristen Avatar

    Gorgeous!! When I read the title of your post I said ‘oh yes!’ out loud. Love mid-century modern design and looove how they updated the house while still keeping the 60s feel. Congratulations on finding such an amazing home in which to start your family of three!

    Like

  7. Kaisa Avatar

    SO much space to decorate, exciting!! You lucky gal! (yeah, I do realize it also can be exhausting and overwhelming at times, probably; but so exciting nevertheless)
    xx Kaisa
    http://reindeertrails.blogspot.com.es

    Like

  8. Jess Avatar

    Ahh your house is beautiful! Congratulations on your new home!! 🙂 x

    Like

  9. Janna Avatar
    Janna

    Gorgeous! And you will make it look even more so!!!
    Quick question, totally off the subject of that pretty house. Husb and I are planning a trip to San Diego hopefully in April. Could you or anyone reading suggest some hotels or certain areas we should look for one in? Most importantly where we should STAY AWAY FROM! I’m so nervous to book an affordable vaca and end up in a seedy hotel or neighborhood:( Thanks so much for your help!!! Have never been to San Diego and am so looking forward to it from rainy WA state. How’s the weather there in April? Would March be better if we can swing it?

    Like

  10. Kathy Avatar

    A great blank canvas, enjoy settling in

    Like

  11. Myriam Avatar
    Myriam

    Congrats! Your house looks awesome. Good luck getting settled in. Wow. Brave is a good word for you…, lots happening to you guys. Can’t imagine what your hubby is feeling being so far away and unable to dive in! I truly enjoy reading your blog. You’re a breath of fresh air!

    Like

  12. Jo Avatar

    wow the new place looks beautiful BTW ur bump is growing really fast! Must be the wonderful air, light and food out there.
    jo xxx

    Like

  13. Quinna Avatar
    Quinna

    This is so you! Lovely!

    Like

  14. Mel Avatar

    You’re right, those cabinets are a dream! We’re hoping a house is in our next couple years’ future, so thank you for letting me live vicariously through you and Paul (and baby!) 🙂 Haha I even got excited at your early morning Home Depot instagram. I can’t wait for a blank slate to call my own!! And I can’t wait to see what you do with yours.

    Like

  15. Diana Avatar

    Awesome! Congrats!

    Like

  16. Samantha Lee Avatar

    Wow! Gorgeous new home! I’m so excited to see what you have in store for decor! (didn’t mean to rhyme – haha) Can’t wait to see what’s next in your great adventure!

    Like

  17. elise blaha Avatar

    I recommend Porto Vista in Little Italy on Grape Street. I stay there all the time. Super walkable neighborhood, clean and not too expensive. 🙂

    Like

  18. Amanda S Avatar
    Amanda S

    What a fantastic first house – you were so lucky. I will be living vicariously through you the next few months as I live in a share house with all my belongings (that fit) in my bedroom and everything else in my parents storage shed. One day I will have space!

    Like

  19. Janna Avatar
    Janna

    O wow that does look like a really nice hotel with a good price;) Thanks for recommendation. Only bummer is we’d love a hot tub and pool. Unless we’d be wanting to spend all out time in the sun at the beach?? I’ve never been down there;)

    Like

  20. Marsaille Avatar
    Marsaille

    Elise this is fantastic! What a gorgeous gorgeous home! That empty corner across from the hall would make a great bookcase/kid spot. I can already see a rad throw rug you would have there. Oh, and my MIL has one of those intercoms. Didn’t take much to fix in her case, and now they have a whole house baby monitor when they watch the kids. Congrats- I can see why this is your dream home.

    Like

  21. Robyn :) Avatar
    Robyn :)

    Wow!! You are really good at taking spatial pictures!!!
    The house looks awesome!! And I love the hill in your backyard.

    Like

  22. Amanda Avatar

    There’s only 2 of us and we bought a huge kitchen table, too. hah We’ll start filling it up someday 😉

    Like

  23. Marissa Avatar

    Gorgeous!
    And you can cover the intercom with a canvas/art work on hinges (Pinterest inspired).

    Like

  24. Meghann Avatar
    Meghann

    Argh this house is so awesome! I love houses that are older, but where people have taken the time to renovate it (flip it? Sorry, not an Aussie term) to bring it up to date. I also love when people post home tours because we’re not looking to buy for a few years, and this way I can vicariously live through other people.
    I also love that old intercom! I hope you can get it working, its so kitsch but cool.

    Like

  25. Faith @ Ordinary Mommy Design Avatar

    So exciting! I love all the open space & adore the ceilings!

    Like

  26. *Dream Weaver* Avatar

    It is indeed a dream and a blessing to have such a beautiful house 🙂
    I am also waiting to see if my dream home materialises… 4 days till I find out and then I will have my own story to tell.
    Can’t wait to see how you decorate your space.
    Happy March from my part of the world, Malaysia.

    Like

  27. kristina Avatar
    kristina

    That is the most amazing Flip I have ever seen. Everything is perfect and is in keeping with the original architecture. Congrats! I think a dining table that would look great in that space is the ‘Big Sur” dining table from Crate and Barrel. Looking forward to seeing how you decorate!

    Like

  28. elise blaha Avatar

    Love the big sur so much. Also considering the blox table from cb2.

    Like

  29. Camille Avatar
    Camille

    WOW – congratulations Elise!! Your enthusiasm andexcitement is just infectious, I am so happy for you and Paul (and your baby girl!) The house looks absolutely amazing and I cannot wait for more posts about your decor and projects. Much love and luck!!

    Like

  30. Barbara Avatar
    Barbara

    Elise, thank you for your blog.
    It’s such a wonderful little constant in my life. ❤

    Like

  31. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Congrats, Elise!!

    Like

  32. Becca Groves Avatar

    I love how somehow I feel like I sort of scored a dream home in California through you… Here in Minnesota, with lots of winter still ahead of us, these pictures look glorious and I can’t wait to watch how you make it your own. Thanks for inviting us into your home!

    Like

  33. Brooke Avatar

    It really is awesome. So excited for you. I didn’t comment yesterday but your living in a house for 4.5 years vs 1 year experiences changed my view on how we live! I would keep things boxed up if I was in a place for 1 year – not living at all!!
    Our first home had a similar set up with the kitchen living and dining area. And we had big glass doors at the back. I still miss the light from that place.

    Like

  34. julie Avatar

    loooove it! the house has wonderful shapes + spaces and that back yard is sorta miraculous! (esp looking at it from a high rise in the middle of shanghai) 😉

    Like

  35. Amber Lee Avatar

    It’s so awesome. I love it… And can’t wait to see the yard! I think you’re right to take it slow, the way you use the house will change so much with a baby/kid. We don’t even have a TV now (never thought I’d say that!) and once you get rid of that you can put furniture anywhere!

    Like

  36. Yolanda D Avatar

    What a wonderful home! I’ll be watching for the flamingo to appear. …And then the stork.

    Like

  37. Falwyn Avatar
    Falwyn

    So glad you are so happy with it! The layout reminds me VERY much of my grandmother’s old house in southern CA…. Very cool.

    Like

  38. creole wisdom Avatar

    The built in wine rack? This house was made for you two! You are such a wonderful, brave person and I’m so glad your house dreams are coming true. It’s def. a great, blank slate and I’m excited to see what you do with it! Congratulations 😀

    Like

  39. Fiona Avatar

    What an amazing home! Such lovely spaces and so much light! I look forward to seeing how you decorate it. You are such an inspiration!

    Like

  40. Kathy Martin Avatar

    It’s BEAUTIFUL! Oh the possibilities! 🙂

    Like

  41. Lynn L. Avatar
    Lynn L.

    Looks gorgeous! Great place to start the next chapter of your life! Enjoy!!!

    Like

  42. Johanna Avatar

    Oh, I LOVE it! Totally embracing my Californian heritage through your blog and especially this one house post. And the back yard photo. I’ve never been to Cali, but feel such a strong bond to that part of our planet … is that crazy? I always say it’s in my blood 😉 Have an AWESOME time settling in. Oh and thanks in advance for taking us along on your adventure! Best wishes from Germany to you and your house 🙂

    Like

  43. Kathi Avatar

    Having just moved myself into my forever home I am excited you get to be here for baby girls growing older time until she starts school! How nice for you! Be brave and hang on tight … you will push yourself harder than you should 🙂 Kathi

    Like

  44. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Just saying Elise, I think your new front door is begging for this: http://www.wallums.com/hello-door-decal.html Especially in that first photo. 🙂 Congrats on the move!

    Like

  45. Milady Griffin Avatar
    Milady Griffin

    We are in the process of finding a gem just like this one in Florida – but I am anticipating a diamond in the rough, not one that’s already awesome. One question about your ceilings…My hubby and I want to expose beams similar to the ceilings there, and I am wondering, since all the houses I am finding have 8′ ceilings (dry wall), how tall are your ceilings on the short side, where the ceiling is the lowest?

    Like

  46. elise blaha Avatar

    Lowest point is 78. Good luck on the hunt!

    Like

  47. Kiki Avatar

    These are such pretty photos and what a beautiful home! I love house tours–so thanks for sharing your home with us! Can’t wait to see how you make this house your home. 🙂

    Like

  48. Vicki Avatar

    Practically perfect in every way! Congratulations on finding such a gem of a house! I just know you will fill it with an abundance of love & awesome Elise projects! Enjoy this special time.

    Like

  49. Kelly Jean Avatar

    It’s gorgeous Elise! I love it so much. I really love the natural light. It’s perfect!

    Like

  50. Kelly Jean Avatar

    I love it Elise! The natural light is amazing. I can’t wait to see what it looks like decorated!

    Like

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