First of all, I have to thank all of you who begged me to do a post about Nora Walker’s house in the TV drama “Brothers & Sisters.” I rented Season One and was immediately captivated by not only Nora’s home (shown here), but daughter Sarah’s, too. The sets are all amazing on this show. I could do an entire week’s worth of posts based on it, but I’ll restrain myself.
“Brothers & Sisters” premiered on ABC in 2006 about the Walkers, a family in California that owns Ojai Foods. They’ve had a lot to deal with since their father (Tom Skerritt) died, as they began to discover all sorts of secrets he had been keeping from them.
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- The Walker family, headed by matriarch Nora (Sally Field).
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- They had me at the front door.
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- The front hall with a curving staircase that features lots of family photos. In one episode, Nora hangs a family photo that doesn’t include daughter Kitty, and it causes all sorts of friction.
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- A closer view of the photos in the stairwell.
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- Kitty and Nora in the TV room.
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- William Walker in his study.
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- The dining room is a frequent gathering place for the Walker family. In this scene, attorney brother Kevin was reading their father’s will.
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- In the first season, Kitty’s love interest was Jonathan, played by Matthew Settle who left the show soon thereafter to star in “Gossip Girl” as Rufus. Just a little trivia for you! :-)
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- Nora’s kitchen is one of my favorite rooms of the house. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of it (as you’ll see).
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- I was excited when Nora’s smoke detector went off in one episode because the camera looked up to reveal these amazing ceilings!
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- There’s a kind of sitting room/study off the kitchen.
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- A party in the backyard.
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- Nora’s daughter Sarah and her family live in this house.
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- This was the only shot of the front door I could get. Dear producers, please provide better views of the house in future. Thank you.
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- A Walker dinner party in Sarah’s dining room.
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- Sarah’s family room.
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- Sarah’s bedroom.
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- The kitchen table.
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- I also like the way they designed Justin’s bachelor apartment with the exposed brick walls.
(Note: I took most of these photos myself while watching the first season on DVD. Sets may have changed a bit in future seasons.)
Updated to add: For those of you who asked me to add a photo of Rob Lowe, who plays Senator McAllister on the show, here you go, even though it has nothing to do with the sets. I think we can agree that he contributes to the scenery. This is from the second season when he marries Kitty (Calista Flockhart):
The sets are so amazing that it’s hard to believe these rooms are on a soundstage and not in real homes. You can read an interview with the set designers Denny Dugally and Bryan Venegas here. Bryan says:
When decorating a set, I always keep in mind who the character is and what quirks I need to exploit to sell their personality. With the Walker Kitchen, I wanted to stay true to the architecture and to who Nora (played by Sally Fields) is. The house is a beautiful Spanish home in Pasadena so I wanted to sell the fact that the Walkers were financially well off without making them stuffy or material. I also made sure the house had a sense of history and functionality. Nora is very organized, obsessive, and a mother so I made sure her surroundings told her story.
Here’s a photo of the set from the Subzero website:
The show reminds me a little of “The Family Stone“–it’s that kind of big, tightly knit family that sticks together despite their differences. And the Stone and Walker families both have sprawling old houses that they gather in. If there are any other houses from TV shows or films that you’d like me to feature in weeks to come, let me know!
Here is a video tour of the sets given by cast members that was shot for a segment on “The View.” You’re able to see much more of the rooms than you can from the show or these photos alone. You can see what Holly’s house looks like, and they explain how one set is rearranged to represent different rooms in Kevin’s apartment:
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If You’re Hooked on Houses from TV and Film:
- The Long Island Estate in “Sabrina”
- “The American President:” The West Wing on the Big Screen
- Thornfield Hall from “Jane Eyre”
- The House from the Julia Roberts-Susan Sarandon Tearjerker “Stepmom”
- See entire list of all movie posts I’ve featured
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I don’t know how you did it, but THANK YOU! Feel free to spend a whole week on the Walker houses. How about Tommy’s? How about the big house loaned to Kevin in one episode? Oh, and you could throw in a picture of Rob Lowe–just for good measure LOL!
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Hi Julia. I haven’t had a chance to tune into “Brothers & Sisters” on a regular basis, but my sister loves this show and keeps raving about it. Like you, I really should view past seasons. And, just as you couldn’t stop taking pictures of Nora’s kitchen, I couldn’t stop looking at them. Thanks so much for featuring both homes here! ~Arleen
Arleen’s last blog post..Inspiration ~ Decorating with Yellow
I’m curious… are the interiors of the houses sets, or are they actually staging and filming in the houses themselves? I’d LOVE to think that these beautiful homes look exactly like the sets do!!
Victoria from EdinDesigns @ DesignTies
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I was just watching this tonight, and coveting Nora’s kitchen! I love every detail!!!!!
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Julia, I happen to be a fan of “Brothers & Sisters.” What fun to scroll through these photos! As with most families, the Walker’s often gather in the kitchen. These photos gave me a great view of the kitchen from different angles. Thanks!
Susan Lang @ Designing Your Dream Home’s last blog post..Which Banquette Is Your Favorite?
Oh ya, remember that I suggested the homes in “Failure to Launch”. L-O-V-E those!!
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That is a huge and beautiful house.
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I love this show. I look forward to watching it every Sunday. I have watche dit from the start , but i have to say somehow until tonight i guess i invisoned the outside of the house to be totally different. Not Spanish. I don’t know why either. I do wonder if that is really the inside of that house. Or the inside is really a set. Oh well, great tour , and excellant show. O love Sally Fields. mishelle
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Finally!!! I’m SOOO thankful! LOVE her home, it’s absolutely stunning! And the decor does develop throughout the seasons, Norah will redo the office (which ends up looking great). You’ll also get great views of the bedrooms, bathrooms and the pantry. There’s just so much eye candy in this show!
Thank you thank you thank you!
xoxo,
Dagny
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I love the curved doorways, doors, ceiling…I could go on and on! Beautiful post Julia!
~Kim
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I have never seen the show before, but I’m hooked on Nora’s home! That kitchen is gorgeous.
Can anyone tell what they have in the huge apothecary jars by the kitchen sink? I love the way they reflect the light from the window. It looks like one of them is filled with pasta. I’m always looking for good items – past the fruit – to display in my jars.
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I have never seen this show before!! I may be renting it now! What an amazing house!! WOW! It had me at the front door, too!
~angela
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Ooh, so nice! Nora’s kitchen is scrumptious, each and every detail.
Love your note to the producers about Sarah’s front door!
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Both houses are just lovely. I would fill it up with light colored linen pieces to lighten it up a bit. But other than that~perfection!
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Julia, thank you for covering this lovely home. Whether it’s a set or a real house, the design is not only beautiful, but grounds the plotline as the environment for this family’s joys and sorrows. I second Amber’s mention of the homes in Failure To Launch. The Sarah Jessica Parker/Zooey Deschanel house and the home of Terry Bradshaw/Kathy Bates are also two great film houses. But what about coverage of, in my opinion, one of the great pastoral “hobbit-ations” from film…Bag End? Maybe Bilbo’s house was featured earlier; I’m a HoH newbie. Who wouldn’t love Bag End? Rich wood work, craftsmanship and character plus by being an eco-friendly subterranean you get natural climate control!
Love your work, Julia! It’s a joy to visit.
OMG! Love the Walker house. Sometimes watch the show just for the house. Let’s be honest. The storyline has struggled a bit… but the house-never.
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Pasadena has some of the best homes.
The city was built at the right time.
I think Nora’s home is beautiful. The stairway, the arched doorways and that great yard!
Great post, as always.
xo
Brooke
velvet and linen’s last blog post..a garden revisited
WOW, that took alot of time and effort for those pictures. I am a super fan of B&S, not only for the story line, but the Walker family home. Simply love it!!!
Except for the first season Sarah’s house is never shown as much in detail, mostly just the kitchen, making it appear smaller than what you see from the outside.
Thanks for Sharing,
Suzy
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I just “found” this show! I loved it right from the start because of those beautiful, beautiful homes! Thanks for giving us an inside look!
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I guess we all have the same dream home! It is beautiful isn’t it! Lovely post
xoxo,
Cathleen
Cathleen’s last blog post..6 Things About Me
I guess we all have the same dream home! It is beautiful isn’t it! Lovely post
xoxo,
Cathleen
Cathleen’s last blog post..6 Things About Me
You know I’ve never seen that show, but now I want to just to see the sets!
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Great homes. I was also feeling that the Walkers reminded me of the Stones.
I have never taken the time to watch this program – but now that I know about their homes I will have to tune in one of these days! Thanks so much for the report, it was beautiful!
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This is such an interesting post!! I don’t watch Brothers & Sisters, but I enjoyed looking at the pictures of the houses they use on the show. The kitchen IS nice — I really like the island and the cabinets
And WOW, that’s a HUGE dining room table!!!
I really like House’s house on House
And I absolutely ADORE the coffee table in Cuddy’s office — it totally calls out to my love of circles!! Maybe I’ll try to take a few pics off the TV tonight if there’s a good shot of either one 
Kelly @ DesignTies
That kitchen has always been one of my favorites! And the front door! Oh My! Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures. I enjoy being able to study them in more detail!
What a special treat, thank you! This is my favorite show!! I’ve been wanting a closer view of those giant apothecary jars in Nora’s kitchen. When I lived in the desert my house was a smaller version of this one. Of all the houses I’ve lived in, it’s my favorite.
I never get a chance to watch Brothers & Sisters its on opposite something else I watch. But I think that I will have to rent the episodes. It seems like a show I would enjoy. Another great house is in the new show Worst Week. Have you ever watched that show? You wonder how they come up with’em….Robyn
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Although Holly needs some quality time out behind the wood shed, “her” house in Silver Lake is perfect; it reminds me of the houses my great uncles used to build after the war,3 bd, 1/¾ ba, eat in kit, a den (if the lot was big enough) and a 2 car garage, For $250 you could add a 15×20 flagstone patio with a brick BBQ/fireplace.
The first home has a Tuscan feel to it. I wonder how many people use decor from shows as inspiration for thier personal abodes? For me, dedicated websites are more influential in developing new ideas.
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This is one of my favorite shows, and I love Nora’s house in particular. There are so many beautiful sconces around the house! My favorite room is the kitchen. I love that big open window above the sink.
Things That Inspire’s last blog post..New on the Market in Atlanta: Southern Accents Top 10 Kitchen
If only we were all so lucky to live in such fabulous houses! I do absolutely love the kitchen in Noras home.
I love this show! Thanks for featuring the house. I too love the kitchen.
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I love that show…..I have been following Sally since she was The Flying Nun lol…thanks for the tour it is such a family/cozy home I think !!!
All the best,
Kathy
Was that a butler’s pantry?
I love this house. {sigh}
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Thanks for stopping by our blog earlier today and commenting on my old condo’s kitchen remodel – like you, I LOVE before and afters!! I hope you’ll drop in again, particularly in about a month when I hope to post my current kitchen’s before & after pics.
All the best,
Victoria from EdinDesigns @ DesignTies
Your timing is so perfect…we were watching last night and commented about how great Nora’s house is. That, and we couldn’t figure out what William left Holly in his will. Did she get cash and buy Walker Landing, or did William leave her the company? We missed the first season.
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Okay, you guys can correct me if I’m wrong, but to answer Michael’s question, I believe that William left a portion of land to Holly along with his children–the land that they then sold to pay back the money William had embezzled from the company. So they had to work with her to sell it. Tried to get her to sell her share, but she said she’d give it to them for stock in the company. That’s why they work together. Right? Am I close? -Julia
Wait, you mean people actually watch for the story line? And I was only watching for shots of Nora’s kitchen!
Just kidding
Thank you!! What a beautiful house, I’ll have to rent the DVD now!
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Wow! That’s my new dream kitchen. I honestly can’t think of one thing that I don’t like
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I have been waiting everyday for you to show these! Thank you so much! I am IN LOVE with her kitchen and I would spend all day in there also! I had no idea she had such great detail to the ceilings…Thank you again — now I can tell all my friends to visit your blog for their fix!
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Oh I absolutely loved this post. I’ve never seen this show…and now I’m tempted to rent the whole first season and start catching up on it. What a gorgeous kitchen! And daughter Sarah’s house was beautiful too!
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I can’t remember – have you featured the houses from the Steve Martin movie Father of the Bride? If so, nevermind!
Jen H–I showed the exterior of the house that was used but haven’t done one of the interiors yet. It’s on my list, though! Looooove that house. Here’s the post I did about it last year:
http://hookedonhouses.net/2008/06/05/the-father-of-the-bride-house/
I think this must be the perfect house! I love the exterior, the kitchen and that staircase is gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing!
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I absolutely love the style of these houses. I got hooked on B&S because of how gorgeous Nora’s house is so thanks for doing such an awesome post on it! Tracey xx
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Julia, that kitchen is wonderful! But my favorite is the backyard – what a dream! I’d love to have big outside dinners like that all summer. :0)
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I have loved that show from the very first episode; not just because of the house or the incredible characters, but because I have a goal of being Sally Field when I “grow up”. I just love how “real” she is.
Janet
janet’s last blog post..REAL LIFE
More movie house suggestions:
Sleeping With the Enemy: there’s Julia Roberts’ stark modern beach house and then the cosy little small-town cottage she rents to escape her abusive husband. Obviously the contrast between the two homes are a big part of the before/after story of her escape.
Sweet Home Alabama: Reese Witherspoon’s ex-husband has a lovely little log (I think) home that she makes all girly and pretty. And then there’s the southern-style mansion she pretends is her own, and the trash-tastic house (or was it a trailer?) that really was her childhood home. Can’t remember if any of these homes are worth a post, but can’t hurt to check it out!
Oh how wonderful! i ogled and I ogled and I drooled and I drooled!: )
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I too love the kitchen. Now THAT is a heart of the home!!
Love,
Sue
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Does anyone know what the island countertop is? Any guesses? I cannot tell but I love it.
Great ´post Julia!!!! Thank you, I am waiting Mondays!!!!
Thanks to your post I have not spent 8 hours watching part of season 1 on DVD. Love it! Thanks!
I love your blog. I can’t get away from it. I can think of tons of movies/tv shows with wonderful homes I’d love to see you cover, but I’m sure your list is growing just fine without my input. =)
I just have to point something out. I know the interiors are sets, but I can’t believe no one commented on the fact that the front entrance exterior of Nora’s house does not match with the architecture of the inside of the entryway. It’s obviously a three sided “bay window” type entry, while the exterior shot is a flat front house.
As well, Sarah’s front entry is flat fronted, but the close up of the exterior of the front door clearly shows a window jutting out perpendiciular to the house on the left.
Interesting Hollywood.
I watch Brothers & Sisters every week and noticed little things about Nora’s kitchen that I liked but with the pictures you took I was able to see a lot more. Thank you for posting the pictures, I would love to have Nora’s kitchen!
I love Nora’s kitchen. Can anyone tell me where i can buy those green subway tiles behind the stove?
Great pics! I have one request, I am trying to find a pic of the house with the porch swing scene from Brothers and Sisters(that is my DREAM house)! Can you please put pics of that house up too?
Hi, Ann! Sorry, but I think the scene you’re referring to is from this season, right? I took these photos from the Season 1 DVD, which I rented and have since returned. Wish I could help! -Julia
Isn’t the exterior of Sara’s house the same as the one Susan Sarandon lived in the movie “Stepmom?”
Lauren–
They are kind of similar, but they’re different houses. You can see the Stepmom house here:
http://hookedonhouses.net/2008/12/22/the-house-from-the-movie-stepmom/
-Julia
Hey i love your posts. I was looking for Nora Walker’s house and the google search led me to your website. Its really amazing how painstakingly you search for these treasures. There s so much about this house that i love. I love the curved doorways, doors, ceiling, the wooden flooring in the kitchen…
I stay in Bangalore, India which has these lovely British Bungalows. Your site has inspired me to document them as most of them are disappearing, making way to ugly apartment blocks.
Thanks!
Kevin
Holy cow, I’m supposed to be getting ready for the gym and somehow I’d missed a couple of your posts…now I’m just sitting here with my little heart all a-flutter! I so appreciate you doing this Julia! Deeeelight. Sheer delight!
Robin
All Things Heart and Home
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Hi,
I am also wondering what the counter top is on the island and also where to get the subway tiles that were used on wall. Awesome house, kitchen is my favorite.
although, I love the dining room chairs, simple. ( the new dining room chairs) they have more wood on them than the original ones that were used on the set. Anyone know where we can find those?
Jess
I inherited a dining room table like the one in the Nora Walker’s home. And like Jess in the post above, I am interested in the chairs paired with the table-perfect modern touch. WHERE did those come from?
Michelle
WOW, LOVE THE SITE. Keep up the great job.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! Your website is terrific! It’s soo good to know I’m not alone in my craziness of house-crushes on films and tv shows
I do have a question that I have always wondered about and perhaps someone out there knows: WHAT DO THE MOVIE PRODUCTION COMPANIES DO WITH ALL THE FURNITURE AFTER THE MOVIE IS COMPLETED???!!!! Is there an auction, an outlet, a website??? I’m pretty sure many people out there would LOVE to buy the living room set from one of your featured movies. Right?
Does anyone know where to find the wallpaper that is in Sarah’s family room?? I just love it.
Thanks for posting these kitchen pics. We just bought a new house and are rennovating the kitchen and bathroom and putting arched doorways in and out of the kitchen and these are just beautiful. Now I have the perfect picture to give my contractor! Thank u!
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Does anyone know where to vind the apothecary jars that are shown in Nora’s kitchen by the window?
Anne–
Not sure where to find the exact ones, but I’ve seen apothecary jars everywhere from Pier One to Home Goods. -Julia
please help where can i find the new dining room chairs and table in this seasons brothers & sisters?
Have you noticed on this season of Brothers & Sisters how they changed the outside of Sara’s house? It is now a fabulous bungalow. Funny…they didn’t have her move in the show and the inside of her home still looks the same. You get a really good look at the exterior in the 3/14/2010 episode.
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Does anyone know where that fabulous bed that Justin & Rebecca have in their bedroom?
Any idea the name of the designers of the wallpapers in Nora’s home?
Sorry, I don’t know anything about the wallpaper. -Julia
Nate, I am also looking for Nora’s wallpapers – I love the tan and the blue gray versions. Please let us know if you find the brand name and colors.
Thanks!
Does anyone know the outside paint color of Nora Walker’s House on Brothers and Sisters? Is that Black Trim?
Everyone all over the web wants to know where to find the curved subway tiles in Nora’s kitchen! Why is this information so ellusive? Please, I want some….
I have a great opportunity to have your house or a favorite famous home created into
a birdhouse. Please check out our custom birdhouse section. You and your readers
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Sincerely,
Michael Bowen
bowenbirdhouses.com
Anne: Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel. Her’s is a mix of both store’s apothecary jars.
Thanks for this amazing work. I’m a big fan of this show, even if in France they stop showing it just after the first season but I keep watching online. I discover your blog searching photos of Nora’s House and now its on my favorite.
Guillaume from France
Can you please tell me where I might find the wallpaper in Sarah’s kitchen. I’ve wanted to know since I first saw it but didn’t know how to find out – and then I found this site. Hoping you can help.
Susan–
Sorry, but I have no idea. -Julia
I love this kitchen! I also love the home in the movie “It’s complicated” the kitchen, the shop, the garden… it’s all just so stunning.
Can anyone tell me if the walls in Nora Walker’s kitchen are wood or a type of textured wallpaper????
I watch the show and I’m always trying to figure out what this one painting is that is off of the kitchen. It looks like a picture of a red river in a blue sky. I’m in love with it. Any help would be great. Thank you.
I was also wondering about the large art on the walls in the dining room and study. If you know the names of the art please let us know. Thank you.
If I knew about the art or tile or paint colors or anything else, I would tell you, I promise! I’m including everything I know in these posts. If anyone else knows more, please fill us in. Thanks! -Julia
Can someone please tell me where I can find the vertical poster in kevin and scotty’s apartment? It has Manhattan locations listed all over in different colors. I’v been searching everywhere!!!! Please help!! I’d like to buy it for my birthday.
Sorry, Lauren, but I have no idea. -Julia
hi! i love your site…and i am in love with nora’s kitchen. do you have any info on her subway tile backsplash? i am re-doing my kitchen and would LOVE to get it!!
Thanks for your help!
Once again, all I can say is that I include everything I know in these posts. I don’t have any other information. Sorry! -Julia
To everyone who has been inquiring about the wallpaper – I believe it is a type of grass wallpaper. The texture looks similar if you google it.
I think you’re right, Kevin. Should be fairly easy to find a similar grasscloth wallpaper to achieve this same look. -Julia
I would like to find out what style of the house this is called. Thanks