Explore a vibrant New England home that honors the original features

This article highlights the design of a Colonial Revival-style home in Greenwich, Connecticut, a collaborative effort between interior designer Victoria Hagan and architect Oscar Shamamian for a family with three teenage children. The project aimed to create a home that felt established, as if it had always been there, while also meeting the needs of a modern family. Shamamian's firm, Ferguson & Shamamian, is renowned for blending traditional design with contemporary living requirements. A key aspect of their approach was starting with a basic furniture plan, a practice Shamamian carried over from his time at Parish-Hadley, ensuring every room's design was grounded in its functional layout. The European clients desired a home that balanced formality with the relaxed atmosphere they were accustomed to in their previous, smaller residence. This meant creating spaces suitable for both intimate family life and larger gatherings, particularly for holidays and extended family visits from overseas. The design emphasizes symmetry and scale, contributing to a cohesive and spacious feel, particularly evident in the living room. Hagan's role was crucial in integrating the interiors with the surrounding lush views, maximizing natural light, which she considers the "best accessory." She expertly incorporated a palette of soft blues and neutrals, applying them in both bold and ethereal ways to suit the clients' preferences. The home features traditional architectural details that imbue it with a sense of history, effectively achieving the goal of making the new construction appear well-established. The dining room, for instance, exhibits "all-out glamour" with glimmering flourishes, including a Maison Jansen table, an Italian 1930s chandelier, and custom hand-painted wallpaper. The kitchen was designed to be both gleaming and accommodating, suitable for both small family meals and large groups, with high-end appliances and custom cabinetry. The design also thoughtfully included practical elements such as a dedicated space for washing the family's Labrador retrievers, underscoring the functional aspect of the home. Hagan skillfully blended the couple's European heritage into the decor by incorporating antique heirlooms alongside newly acquired early 20th-century pieces, creating a narrative of French furniture design. A notable example is the Jean-Charles Moreux console in the dining room, embraced by the wife despite initial concerns from Hagan about its reception. Prior to the family moving in, Hagan personally ensured the comfort and functionality of every furniture piece and their arrangements. The outdoor spaces are equally considered, with clipped boxwoods adding sculptural elements to the garden and a pool area designed for relaxation. Ultimately, the project delivered a residence that is both stately and relaxed, classic and contemporary, reflecting the sophisticated taste and practical needs of its inhabitants. The collaboration between the architect and designer resulted in a home that feels both grand and intimately livable, a testament to thoughtful design and a deep understanding of the clients' lifestyle. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColonialRevival #VictoriaHagan #OscarShamamian #GreenwichConnecticut #LuxuryHome #TraditionalDesign #ModernLiving

Christina Roughan of Roughan Interiors embarked on an exciting redesign of a historic New York country house, built in 1900 by Charles Wetmore, a prominent NYC architect. This grand English-style manor, set on 20 acres with original horse stables converted into a barn, presented a rewarding project. The clients, knowledgeable in design, art, and furniture, sought a warm, inviting, and child-friendly home that honored its elegance and history, reflecting their family's lifestyle. The entry was designed to make a strong first impression. Christina incorporated the clients’ favorite color, blue, through a focal point artwork, a patterned rug, and antique blue and white jars. Warmth was introduced with a walnut table and camel leather stools, exemplifying happiness within a blue environment. The living room, described as a ballroom, features a custom Venetian plaster ceiling that adds emotional significance and grandeur. With a semi-domed 22-foot-high ceiling and four sets of French doors overlooking the gardens, it evokes a relaxed yet opulent atmosphere. Design details include a custom bookcase with spine colors incorporating the blue, soft gray, and ivory palette, and a year-in-the-making carpet echoing these tones with hints of silver. A flexible seating arrangement around the fireplace, comprising a sofa, armchairs, and a chaise, ensures elegance and comfort. The kitchen's design prioritized timelessness, featuring a classic country style with Carrera marble countertops and a large stainless steel range cooker for a modern twist. A dining area was integrated into the kitchen, serving as a central space for family gatherings, with mid-century Laverne T Chairs in whisky leather and walnut Michael Smith head chairs adding texture against the marble and pale walls. For the dining room, the goal was to create a light-filled space. The room underwent a full renovation, including new millwork, a fireplace surround, and gloss paint. Modern traditional furnishings introduced color with lavender and moss green accents complementing off-white and soft gray schemes. The family room, originally the dining room, was strategically relocated near the kitchen for convenience with young children. It combines oak bookcases with pops of color, fun art, and modern lighting, maintaining an elevated feel suitable for entertaining. The main bedroom balances masculine and feminine elements with a palette of camel, sage, and brown tones, wool sateen drapery, and rattan chairs for added texture. Guest bedrooms were designed to be distinct and inviting; one twin bed guestroom features rose rattan walnut burl headboards, which maximize space while adding texture and depth. The white bathroom offers a light and fresh scheme with a practical, elegant period-style double basin vanity. The extensive project, which included a guest house and pool house, took approximately two years. The pool house renovation was designed to complement the main house and guest house, ensuring a seamless flow throughout the property. The overall interior design, executed by Roughan Interiors and photographed by Jane Beiles, successfully transformed the historic New York country house into a refined yet comfortable family home. #HistoricHome #CountryHouse #InteriorDesign #NewYorkRealEstate #RoughanInteriors #TimelessDesign #LuxuryHomes #HomeRenovation #FamilyLiving

Designer Philip Gorrivan and his wife, Lisa Rossi, purchased an 1840 farmhouse in Washington, Connecticut, six years prior to the article's publication. The 3,800-square-foot home was intended as a weekend retreat from Manhattan life for their family and two children. The house possesses a unique history, having been moved to its current seven-acre plot in the 1950s after avoiding a flood. This relocation provided the home with desirable country living attributes: historic charm, a substantial land parcel, and a full basement. Gorrivan meticulously oversaw the interior design and landscaping of the property. The home features vibrant wallcoverings, some from his own designs for Holland & Sherry, alongside carefully selected furnishings. The expansive gardens are cultivated with hydrangeas and rare boxwood varieties. Gorrivan's personal design philosophy, influenced by his upbringing in Maine with a Yankee father and French-Moroccan mother, incorporates a blend of vivid, saturated colors and strong patterns with neutral tones like taupe and dove grays. He humorously refers to certain patterns, such as pink camouflage in a guest bedroom, as his "favorite neutral." This combination results in an aesthetic that is both timeless and modern. Quirky elements are integrated throughout the home, possibly as a nod to his mother's whimsical taste. Examples include an acid yellow-glass vessel in the dining room, a den wall adorned with small antlers, and zebra-print fabrics in his daughter's bedroom. The influence of his New England heritage is evident in antique side tables, a Wallace Nutting stool, and a 19th-century Vermont rocking chair, which is a family heirloom. Gorrivan employs a design technique he calls "massing," involving the display of groups of similar small objects to highlight their shape or color. This is demonstrated by the arrangement of 18th-century creamware in the kitchen, amethyst glass lining a dining room window, and vintage crystal glassware in an antique armoire used as a bar. Additionally, ancient bottles, some discovered by his children in the backyard, are showcased on a den étagère, reflecting his appreciation for beauty over strict provenance. In 2012, the family's weekend routine was disrupted when Rossi was transferred to London, necessitating a move for the family from New York to South Kensington. While Gorrivan was able to manage his work remotely and felt little attachment to their New York apartment, he found it impossible to part with the Connecticut home. Despite the logistical challenges of maintaining the property from overseas, including its distance from an airport and harsh climate, Gorrivan cherishes the home deeply. He makes efforts to return, spending weeks in the summer with his family or occasional winter weekends alone, finding solace and a sense of belonging in the environment he created. He acknowledges the impracticality but views his attachment as an emotional necessity. #ColonialHome #ConnecticutDesign #InteriorDesign #PhilipGorrivan #CountryLiving #HomeDecor #HistoricHomes #DesignInspiration

This blog post explores the transformation of a historic colonial revival home dating back to 1895 in Newton Center, Massachusetts. The owners sought to update their property with a glamorous, sexy, and elegant aesthetic, while simultaneously restoring and enhancing its original architectural features. The project aimed to integrate sympathetic interior décor with a contemporary flair from the 2020s. Before addressing the design details, the primary challenge involved removing uncomplimentary architectural additions from the 1940s, 80s, and 90s, particularly a deteriorating 1980s kitchen. Designer Cecilia Casagrande was commissioned to address these challenges, focusing on enhancing the home's original architecture while adapting it for modern living. Her approach successfully blended original period details with quirky and glamorous contemporary touches. The kitchen redesign, for instance, drew inspiration from the client’s Turkish Iznik pottery collection and antique rugs, transforming a drab 1980s space into a bright, open area. The design incorporated a mix of midcentury, antique, and modern elements, evident in pairings like a midcentury side table with a modern bed frame, or a curved sofa with modern lamps. The breakfast nook features an antique pedestal table and vintage dining chairs, harmonizing with the updated kitchen. The cabinet colors, specifically Farrow & Ball’s Paean Black and Benjamin Moore’s Yorktowne Green, were inspired by the blue hues of the Turkish plate collection. The kitchen also boasts vintage rugs from Afghanistan, brass taps by Barber Wilson, and handmade tiles from Winchester Tile in England, along with green stone accents, contributing to a worldly and earthy feel. The living room, characterized by intricate wood detailing and an impressive bay window, features walls, trim, and ceiling painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue. This bold color choice maintains the modernity of the ornate trim while creating a cozy Victorian parlor ambiance. Natural walnut elements on doors and trim are highlighted with a clear poly finish. The room includes a midcentury vintage sofa upholstered in mohair blue velvet, complemented by a rounded Jonathan Adler Danner sofa and Kelly Wearstler lamps to create a “sexy vibe.” Midcentury furnishings, such as a reupholstered Thayer Coggin swivel chair and a new Thayer Coggin Roxy chair, along with a round midcentury pi-coffee table and Moroccan inlaid side tables, contribute to a global aesthetic through eclectic accessories sourced internationally. A vibrant artwork by Hunt Slonem in a gilt frame and a vintage carved sideboard add glamour to a corner of the living room. The dining room reflects the clients' vision with quirky contemporary elements like Cole & Son Leopard Walk wallpaper and a stag chandelier sourced from Germany. Iconic midcentury Saarinen chairs and a stunning Suzani tablecloth complete the eclectic and joyful space, which is described as Victorian modern. The upstairs landing serves as an inviting seating area, utilizing natural light from an original gothic-detailed 1895 window and featuring French-style armchairs and a chess set. The primary bedroom showcases pastel pinks, blending antique, vintage, and modern furnishings. Brass elements, such as Sarreid chests, an antique mirror, and an Alexa Hampton ceiling light, add character. Walls are painted in Farrow & Ball's Middleton Pink with trim in Dove Tail, while House of Hackney and Timorous Beasties pillows, a modern champagne velvet bed, and a faux sheepskin swivel chair balance the vintage pieces. The bathroom features a Penhaglion cast iron tub in unlacquered brass, a striking choice for the historic home, complemented by classic marble tiles, Timorous Beasties curtains, and brass accents, offering a modern twist on traditional design. The homeowners expressed satisfaction with the transformation, noting that each room was thoughtfully designed and inspired by their existing collections, making the renovation a collaborative effort from architectural restoration to fabric selection. The project successfully honored the home's original features while introducing contemporary humor and subtle updates. #HistoricHomeRenovation #ColonialRevival #InteriorDesign #BoldColorSchemes #VictorianModern #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDecor #BedroomIdeas #BathroomDesign

This article highlights eight design tips derived from a classic New England home, a family's second residence on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, designed by Ursino Interiors. The design aesthetic is characterized by Shaker minimalism, a serene color palette, and a relaxed, cozy ambiance, aiming to provide a peaceful retreat from the clients' busy Manhattan lives. The collaboration with Ursino Interiors was a second-time endeavor for the clients, fostering a strong design rapport that streamlined the process. The home, traditional in New England style, was conceived as a sanctuary for family and friends, emphasizing well-executed yet simple details to create a calming environment. The first tip emphasizes the incorporation of built-in alcove storage, particularly in the living room, to maintain an uncluttered and well-proportioned scheme. Open shelves are utilized for curated displays, while cupboards offer concealed storage. The living area also features an oversized white linen swivel chair, a local find, offering a relaxed spot by the fireplace. The outdoor area, visible from the main living spaces, was carefully considered to ensure its furnishings harmonized with the interior. Secondly, the article advises selecting clean-lined dining room furniture. The dining room, light and airy, is defined by a classic dark wood trestle table and ladderback chairs, sourced from 1stDibs, with the table being custom-made. A Noguchi lantern provides understated elegance, complemented by artwork from Le Bennett. Glazed cabinets, particularly the hutches in the dining nook, are highlighted as simple yet effective design elements, showcasing careful millwork details. The third tip recommends the use of Shaker kitchen cabinets. These cabinets, with their clean lines, tongue and groove detailing, and oval handles, are fundamental to the New England style. The kitchen was designed to be large and suitable for casual entertaining, featuring an island with spindle-backed bar stools for informal dining. Ample storage, generous cooking space, and an overall light feel were key considerations for the clients. Fourthly, the design incorporates a peg rail and shelf in the mudroom for attractive and practical storage. A streamlined bench with under-storage for shoes is also included. The mudroom's walls are painted in a striking teal shade, 'Porch Swing' by Benjamin Moore, creating a dramatic backdrop. The fifth tip suggests adding shiplap to walls. In the powder room, shiplap walls in Benjamin Moore's 'Gray Mist' are paired with a custom white oak vanity and white countertop, creating a fresh and breezy atmosphere. The sixth piece of advice focuses on creating a calm bedroom scheme. The master bedroom features a tranquil design with a soft, muted palette and natural fabrics, including a custom bed upholstered in relaxed linen. The seventh tip encourages the introduction of classic patterns. Plaids and stripes, characteristic of New England style, are incorporated into the guest bedroom through a custom bed upholstered in Mark Alexander pinstripe linen and a cozy plaid throw. Finally, the article suggests injecting historic paint colors. In the bathroom, a Shaker-style vanity is painted in Benjamin Moore's 'Norwich Brown,' an earthy shade from their Historical Collection, which grounds the scheme and adds an authentic touch. These combined elements contribute to a cohesive design that embodies the serene and minimalist beauty of New England style, tailored for a comfortable and peaceful family retreat. #NewEnglandDesign #ShakerMinimalism #HomeInteriors #CoastalLiving #Martha'sVineyard #UrsinoInteriors #TraditionalHome #InteriorDesignTips

This blog post explores the redesign of a traditional Upstate New York farmhouse by the interior design firm White Arrow, led by Keren and Thomas Richter. The project focused on transforming a timeless residence into a sophisticated 'forever home' for empty-nester clients, prioritizing the enhancement of existing architectural details and finishes rooted in old-world millwork and craftsmanship. The designers aimed to create a home that never dates by blending traditional elements with contemporary sophistication, drawing inspiration from the Colonial style of the house and incorporating a modern farmhouse aesthetic. The redesign emphasizes preserving the home's long-standing history while introducing updated features. The entryway, for instance, showcases traditional wood paneling and a blue and white color scheme, complemented by a built-in bench and ample storage to maintain a welcoming and functional space. The design incorporates whimsical floral wallpaper and vintage patterns, such as gingham cushions and botanical prints, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The kitchen, designed as a contemporary yet sophisticated farmhouse kitchen, utilizes a cream and white palette to maximize light, balanced with rustic touches like wood bar stools, ceramics, and pleated pendant lights. Luxurious finishes, including a marble island and subway-tiled backsplash, contribute to a sense of heritage and timeless patina. The designers ensured the white kitchen avoided a clinical feel by integrating cream cabinets that seamlessly blend with original wood paneling and classic elements like a ceramic sink and brass hardware. The breakfast nook continues the cohesive design with built-in millwork and cabinetry, echoing the exterior's wood paneling. Furnishings are sparse, allowing the architectural details to provide character. A dark wood floor, an antique-style round dining table, rattan chairs, and a low purple pendant light complete this charming space. The formal dining room offers a more traditional feel, honoring the Colonial style with high ceilings, tall windows, heritage wallpaper, blue drapes, and an antique dining set. Subtle gold accents add luxury without being overly ornate. Nature-inspired patterns and textiles are a recurring theme, with botanical references woven throughout the home, including a Toile de Jouy wallpaper in the cozy living room. The living room features darker shades for a snug atmosphere, incorporating unexpected red accents in a painted dresser and pleated pendant light to add richness and sophistication. The designers integrated architectural salvage, custom millwork, bespoke upholstery, and a mix of vintage, antique, and contemporary pieces to create a richly layered and comfortable interior. The bedroom serves as a serene escape with muted yellow grasscloth walls and subtle blue accents, creating a colorful yet subdued scheme. A four-poster bed and coastal-inspired bedding blend tradition with understated elegance. The primary bathroom, a favorite of designer Keren Richter, was thoroughly redesigned to be light-filled and spacious, featuring custom millwork, a luxurious marble-clad walk-in shower, a statement soaking tub, and art-filled moments. The dressing room exemplifies the consistent use of built-in architectural details, showcasing custom millwork that connects with the home’s original finishes. The project also included the creation of a new pantry, laundry, and a home office with an en-suite lounge. The guest bathroom features whimsical clover-printed wallpaper, balanced with cream wood paneling and vintage accents, illustrating the designers' ability to infuse intricate patterns without overwhelming the space. The overall design successfully refreshes a period home while preserving its inherent character and historical charm. #FarmhouseDesign #UpstateNewYork #EmptyNesters #TraditionalHome #HeritageDesign #InteriorRedesign #ColonialStyle #ModernFarmhouse #TimelessDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #CustomMillwork

The Shingle style home, a unique American architectural development, emerged in the 1870s as a blend of Colonial American influences and European architectural styles, particularly from Normandy. This architectural style intentionally moved away from the ornate finishes of grand mansions of the 19th century, embracing a more informal aesthetic. Key characteristics include rambling, asymmetric structures with minimal exterior ornamentation, aside from their distinctive wood-shingle cladding. These homes often featured open floorplans centered around a central hall, and interiors could range from intricate wood paneling in public rooms to simpler beadboard and other finishes. The Shingle style became a popular choice for summer houses among the Northeastern elite, valued for its comfortable and less formal personality. Though many iconic examples, such as McKim, Mead & White’s Low House, have been demolished, some remain on the market, offering a glimpse into this historical period. Three examples of Shingle style homes currently for sale in New England illustrate the diversity within this architectural movement. The first, "The Boulders" in Jamestown, Rhode Island, built in 1888, exemplifies the eclectic and rambling nature of the style. Its exterior features a playful arrangement of gables, porches, and turrets, embodying the casual feeling the style aimed for. The interior maintains this informality with thoughtfully designed but roughly carved paneling in the main hall and simple, irregular finishes in the bedrooms, with fireplaces being a notable exception for their intricate ornamentation. This home encapsulates the comfortable, cobbled-together aesthetic popular at the end of the 19th century. A second example, an 1890 home in Edgartown, Massachusetts, demonstrates how the Shingle style was adapted for smaller-scale residences. This house features an open floorplan where the foyer seamlessly flows into the living room, leading to a dining room, all opening onto a back porch with ocean views. The design prioritizes air circulation and connection to the outdoors. Unlike larger Shingle style homes, its woodwork is kept simple, utilizing beadboard, diamond-paned windows, and modest door surrounds. At 3,700 square feet, this residence was conceived as an informal retreat, despite its current high valuation. The third property, located in Dublin, New Hampshire, illustrates that not all Shingle style homes were coastal. This estate showcases a purposeful asymmetry in its exterior, with elements like dormers, gables, and porches, and a main gable subtly shifted to the left. A notable aspect of this home is the visible influence of the Colonial Revival style, which was also popular in the late 19th century. The central hall, typical of Shingle style, is adorned with finely carved woodwork reminiscent of Colonial architecture, particularly around the fireplace, where the carvings are light and graceful, contrasting with the heavier paneling seen in the Jamestown house. These three homes collectively highlight the defining characteristics, regional adaptations, and evolutionary influences within the Shingle style architecture. #ShingleStyle #NewEnglandHomes #HistoricHomes #Architecture #RealEstate #RhodeIsland #Massachusetts #NewHampshire

AD100 designer Hadley Wiggins recently completed a significant project: the interior design of a stately limestone town house located on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The residence, home to a family with two young children, required a design approach that respected its historical architectural features while introducing softness, warmth, and individuality suitable for contemporary family living. When the house was acquired, it retained its original architectural details such as moldings, windows, and fireplace surrounds, but had undergone a previous renovation that resulted in a very stark, optic white aesthetic. The primary objective for Wiggins was to implement more nuanced design choices to create visual contrast and interest, thereby enhancing the inherent beauty of the existing architecture rather than overshadowing it. Wiggins's design philosophy is characterized by an intriguing interplay of subtle tones interspersed with strategically placed moments of saturated color. For example, richly hued spaces, such as the dining room—which Wiggins considers one of her favorite projects—were designed to "compress" the home's expansive layout. This technique allows for the creation of cozy and intimate areas within a large home, contrasting with the more airy, light-filled spaces. A unifying element across the diverse palette of the home is Wiggins’s meticulous curation of furnishings, art, and decorative objects, a process she undertook with the assistance of art advisor Kate Bellin. Each room is a blend of pieces from various eras, styles, and origins, reflecting Wiggins's signature approach of selecting items that resonate with her and then integrating them harmoniously into the space. This method results in a collected aesthetic, giving the impression that the homeowners have accumulated these cherished pieces over a long period. Notable elements in the design include an antique tapestry in the living room, which serves as a foundational piece for the space, complemented by an oil painting and a diverse array of lighting fixtures. Wiggins's proficiency with pattern and texture, honed during her tenure at Ralph Lauren, is evident throughout the home. She emphasizes that incorporating pattern is a complex process, involving numerous fabric choices that must meet criteria for design, durability, and client approval, ultimately leading to a rewarding outcome. This detailed attention extends even to functional areas, such as the powder room, which features a custom wood vanity and matching toilet seat, clad in a moody, cocoon-like wallpaper. Wiggins believes that a powder room's purpose transcends mere function, aiming instead to evoke a sense of the incredible. Despite the exquisite detailing and bespoke elements, Wiggins maintains that the house is fundamentally a family home. She asserts that her role is not to create a museum-like environment, but a living space capable of accommodating the realities of family life. The design is intended to evolve and age gracefully, improving over time. This distinctive blend of elegance and approachability, historical respect and modern sensibility, and deliberate specificity combined with serendipitous finds, defines Wiggins's work. She actively seeks out pieces that possess beauty due to their age and wear, striving to achieve an "imperfect perfection" in every space she designs. #HadleyWiggins #AD100Designer #NewYorkTownHouse #UnderstatedElegance #InteriorDesign #UpperEastSide #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalRenovation #FamilyHome

New England's extensive collection of aged housing stock often presents a complex history within its structures. While some homes clearly showcase their original character through well-preserved elements like floorboards and bannisters, many others have undergone numerous alterations over the decades, leading to a significant divergence from their initial design. This article explores the growing trend of restoring historic homes, emphasizing how owners can revitalize lost character while simultaneously integrating modern functionalities. Walter Beebe-Center, president of Essex Restoration, highlights that nearly every historic home has experienced remodeling, often resulting in the removal of beautiful original features and the addition of elements that are out of context. For new owners of these properties, this means their homes may lack much of their early aesthetic appeal due to generations of updates. The process of restoration offers an opportunity to bring back the home's authentic character, whether aiming for museum-quality accuracy or simply reintroducing nostalgic touches, all while making the space suitable for contemporary living. Sara Berndt, a homeowner in West Medford, exemplifies this approach. Over three years, she meticulously uncovered the original layers of her folk Victorian home, dating back to at least 1910. Her primary motivation was not to impose a new style but to restore the house to its original state, thus preserving its legacy. This often involves undoing previous, sometimes improper, renovations that may have diminished the home's historic integrity. Nathan Goodwin, a historic preservation carpenter, underscores the importance of thorough research into a home's original appearance. He notes that many quick-flip renovations often neglect the thoughtful process required for historic restoration, leading to hastily assembled modifications. Goodwin advises homeowners to delve into the historical context of their homes, understanding why they were built in a particular way. Peter Smith, who directs North Bennet Street School's preservation carpentry program, describes the process as "forensic carpentry." He explains that most people are not trained to properly assess historic homes, often mistakenly viewing them as tear-downs. Smith emphasizes the need to understand the built environment by carefully peeling back layers to read the historic fabric, connecting tangible history with academic knowledge. While authenticity is crucial, Beebe-Center points out that not every original feature will be relevant to modern life. He suggests a balanced approach where historic aesthetics are blended with modern practical functions. This might involve opening up a small, historically accurate kitchen to create a more functional space, while preserving a formal parlor. The goal is to make harmonious changes that allow the house to be functional in the 21st century without sacrificing its aesthetic integrity. The restoration process can be time-consuming due to the need for period-appropriate materials and traditional methods, which contrasts with the often-misleading timelines presented in modern renovation shows. Smith, for instance, sources lumber from local mills for historic timber frame construction, a practice that requires more patience than using materials from big-box stores. Specialists like Goodwin are in high demand, with long booking times, underscoring the scarcity of skilled historic restoration professionals. Projects can range from strict historic preservation to a combination of restoration and modern renovation. Defining the specific historical period to be referenced is key to establishing a cohesive philosophy for refurbishment. Resources such as old photographs, neighborhood tours, and even remnants like wallpaper scraps can provide valuable clues about a home's original colors and architectural details. For those daunted by a full-scale restoration, experts recommend starting small, perhaps focusing on two rooms or the facade. Prioritizing details like moldings, door casings, and window trim can significantly enhance a home's historic quality. Windows, often overlooked, are critical style indicators; well-maintained 100-year-old windows can last another century if properly restored, proving more durable than many modern replacements. Additionally, salvaging period-appropriate fixtures and fittings from places like The Old House Parts Company can provide simple yet impactful ways to restore historic character to a home. #HistoricHomeRestoration #HomeImprovement #NewEnglandArchitecture #PreservationCarpentry #HistoricRenovation #ArchitecturalDetails #RealEstate #OldHouseParts

The article details the challenges and solutions involved in revitalizing the facade of a colonial home in Far Hills, New Jersey. The homeowner, Brian Truss, faced significant issues with the original cedar siding, including rot, mold, and insect infiltration, necessitating a complete replacement. The primary concern was to restore the exterior without compromising the home's distinctive colonial character, which featured complex trim work and extensive molding profiles. Traditional wood siding presented a continuous cycle of maintenance, and the homeowner sought a durable, low-maintenance alternative. CREO Construction, led by sales and design specialist Joe Hydro and operations manager Mike Crowell, proposed using AZEK Exteriors' comprehensive PVC system. This system was chosen for its ability to replicate the numerous existing molding profiles, ensuring that the home's architectural integrity would be maintained. The team highlighted that the AZEK system was unique in its capability to match the 10 to 12 different types of molding present on the house, offering a complete solution from trim to siding to blocks. The installation process revealed several practical advantages of the AZEK material. Its lightweight nature facilitated easier handling and faster installation, significantly reducing labor time. The material's clip system further contributed to the efficiency of the process. A key innovation discussed is the AZEK Lap Siding's floating installation system, which allows for natural expansion and contraction. Unlike traditional products that are rigidly tied to studs, this floating mechanism accommodates material movement, particularly around openings, preventing common issues associated with exterior materials. Another significant improvement was the elimination of visible maintenance points. The AZEK system avoids the need for caulk around windows, doors, and trim, addressing a common complaint from homeowners about other renovation projects. The 16-foot panel lengths minimize visible seams, contributing to cleaner sight lines across the facade. Combined with hidden fasteners and rabbeted trims, the overall result is a remarkably seamless finish that surpasses traditional installations in aesthetic quality and longevity. From the homeowners' perspective, the primary benefit of the AZEK system is its longevity and low maintenance. Hydro emphasized that AZEK Lap Siding requires no painting and is designed to maintain its original appearance for decades, eliminating the cyclical maintenance associated with traditional cedar siding. The renovation successfully preserved the home’s original architectural proportions and details, but now with materials engineered for durability and minimal upkeep. The outcome is a home that looks virtually identical to its original charming state, but without the persistent degradation and maintenance demands of its former exterior. #ColonialHome #ExteriorRenovation #SidingReplacement #AZEKExteriors #PVCBuildingMaterials #HomeMaintenance #ArchitecturalPreservation #DurableMaterials #LowMaintenance

The article details the meticulous restoration and redecoration of a late-17th and early-18th-century manor house in Wiltshire, England, owned by Esther Cayzer-Colvin and her husband, Jamie. Cayzer-Colvin, whose family includes influential figures in design and aristocracy like Nancy Lancaster and Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire, has imbued the historic home with a unique blend of classic and contemporary, colorful, and comfortable aesthetics. Despite her modest claims of 'plagiarizing' ideas, her approach to decorating is described as highly personal and creative, drawing inspiration from her heritage while asserting her own distinct style. Upon acquiring the Grade II listed redbrick manor in 2005, the house was in disrepair, necessitating extensive renovations including reroofing, replastering, replumbing, and rewiring. A new drawing room wing was also added. The interiors are a curated collection of art, paintings, and furniture, much of which is either custom-made by creative friends or inherited, reflecting a life lived and memories collected. The few pieces from Jamie's family survived a fire at his childhood home, Tangley House, adding sentimental value to the new collection. Cayzer-Colvin's decision to personally oversee the decoration, rather than hiring a professional, ensures a cohesive and personal signature throughout the house. Her attention to detail is evident in various bespoke elements: manganese tiles from Delft were commissioned for the kitchen fireplace to complement an antique porcelain duck; a specific 'cooking-apple' green hue was achieved for the sitting room walls through careful mixing with a specialist decorative painter; and de Gournay chinoiserie wallpaper in the entrance hall was chosen for its silver tones and lack of man-made objects or blue, creating an uplifting, airy feel. The four-acre garden also reflects Cayzer-Colvin's design philosophy, developed with friend Frances Rasch. Lacking distant views, she created a series of intimate 'rooms' using yew and beech hedges, effectively turning the garden inward to form its own microcosm. This design seamlessly integrates the indoors and outdoors. Influenced by her grandmother Nancy Lancaster's Virginia roots, Cayzer-Colvin incorporated American colonial elements, such as two white clapboard pavilions near the swimming pool, inspired by a garden building at Colonial Williamsburg. The ogee shape of their cedar-shingled roofs is echoed in the green-oak fruit cages in the kitchen garden, reflecting a preference for simplicity over grand statements. The article showcases various rooms including the entry, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, pantry, and multiple bedrooms, detailing specific design choices and furnishings, many with personal histories or notable designers. #WiltshireEstate #HistoricHome #EnglishCountryStyle #InteriorDesign #GardenDesign #NancyLancasterInfluence #EstherCayzerColvin #CustomDecor #RenovationProject

Ashley and Max, newlyweds, recently transformed their 1,068-square-foot 1920s bungalow in Madison, Wisconsin, into a cozy and personalized home. The couple moved from Boston, where homeownership was financially challenging, to Madison for Max's PhD studies at UW Madison. Inspired by Ashley's father, a civil engineer with a construction background, they sought an older home with character that they could renovate themselves. They purchased the bungalow, which, despite being livable, was in need of significant updates. The kitchen, in particular, was outdated and poorly designed, with an illogical layout that included the refrigerator obstructing a bedroom doorway. The outdoor space was also overgrown, and the interior walls featured bright orange and yellow paint. Their renovation journey began with gutting and revamping the kitchen. Max personally laid the new tile, while Ashley's father and uncle assisted with painting and assembling ready-to-assemble cabinets. This collaborative family effort resulted in the kitchen becoming one of their favorite rooms. Beyond the kitchen, they meticulously repainted all interior walls and the exterior siding and trim. Ashley also worked with a local nursery to select native plants for the yard and uncovered a hidden patio and fire pit, which they later used as the venue for their wedding in July 2022. This personal connection imbued the home with significant sentimental value, symbolizing their shared commitment and teamwork. The couple's personal interests are visibly integrated into the home's aesthetic. Ashley, with a background in art and poetry, and Max, a PhD student in U.S. history and education policy, appreciate older items, which aligns with the bungalow's 1920s architecture. Original features like scalloped arches, a large multi-panel dining room window, and 1920s bathroom tile were preserved and highlighted during the renovation. Ashley curated a gallery wall from her extensive collection of personal artwork, travel photographs, old maps, and souvenirs, creating a deeply personal and meaningful display. Their furniture selections reflect an eclectic approach, combining sentimental family heirlooms, such as a leather chair from Ashley's grandmother, with self-built pieces like a bookcase/TV stand, and budget-friendly finds from IKEA and Facebook Marketplace. This mix of textures, colors, and styles, featuring pops of orange and green against neutral tones, contributes to the home's warm and personal ambiance, with each item holding a unique story. The dining room, open to the living space, stands out as Ashley's favorite area. She envisioned it as a versatile space for work, reading, art, hosting, and games, appreciating the abundant natural light from the large window and the conversational appeal of the gallery wall. A bright yellow front door further adds to the home's charm. Their latest acquisition was an Art Deco mirror, a $20 Facebook Marketplace find, placed above an IKEA bar cart, highlighting their knack for discovering unique pieces affordably. Their advice for creating a beloved home centers on choosing items that bring joy, rather than strictly adhering to matching aesthetics, and experimenting with various colors, materials, textures, and furniture styles to achieve a cohesive and personal space. #HomeRenovation #Bungalow #DIYHome #EclecticDecor #HistoricArchitecture #CoupleGoals #PersonalizedHome #MadisonWisconsin #HouseTour

Building a new home offers the advantage of creating a bespoke space free from the constraints of old floor plans or previous owners' preferences. However, a significant challenge in new construction is the absence of inherent history, original features, or quirky characteristics that often define older properties. This article details how designers Annabel Hickton and Samantha Liu of Untold Interiors tackled this challenge in a 2024 project: transforming a contemporary new build into a home imbued with a sense of history and character without resorting to pastiche. The clients desired a family home that was practical, comfortable, light, and airy, while also feeling stylish and sophisticated. They needed spaces for daily family life, like breakfast areas for children, and more formal, tranquil areas for entertaining and evening relaxation. Crucially, they wanted to avoid the generic feel often associated with new builds, prompting a focus on unique detailing and finishes. For instance, the limestone floor was chosen with a tumbled edge and rustic grout to achieve an aged appearance, deliberately eschewing mass-produced, overly straight elements. Untold Interiors collaborated with architects Concept Eight from the project's inception, allowing them to influence the interior architecture and design every space to suit the clients' lifestyle. The property, located in the Hertfordshire countryside, replaced an existing bungalow. The designers emphasized the importance of early involvement to tailor the layout and specific room functions. They meticulously considered the shape, proportion, and purpose of each room, integrating distinctive design elements to enhance character. In the double-height entryway, fluted wall paneling and high stone skirting were incorporated, details that are unconventional but create a significant visual impact upon entry. An arched entrance with a pocket door was chosen to introduce softness and a welcoming ambiance, contrasting with a standard rectangular opening. Decorative panels and curved black anodized steel spindles accentuate the hallway's proportions, complemented by wall sconces from Allied Maker and a dark-stained wooden handrail. A 19th-century French bleached walnut gueridon and two aged-brown oak console tables further add historical charm. The designers paid particular attention to ceilings, introducing oversized coving in the family living room, a tongue and groove ceiling in the dark blue media room, and decorative wall beading in the formal dining and lounge. These elements were crucial in making the ceilings feel less generic, adding layers of interest throughout the house. Material selection was also key to grounding the interior and providing warmth, with choices like honed limestone flooring, limewash paint for depth, and antique bronze metal accents. The emphasis was on materials that develop a patina, conveying authenticity and timelessness. The color scheme was primarily neutral but carefully curated to offer depth and interest through natural materials such as oak and limestone flooring, and limewash walls. The designers also incorporated varied textures, patinas, and color tones. This calm background serves to highlight carefully chosen furniture and art, curated by Art Consultancy, Hollandridge, and allows the natural beauty of the garden and surrounding countryside to become a focal point. The kitchen, designed as the heart of the home, is integrated into an L-shaped family living space. Flush wall cabinets and a subtly enclosed extraction fan were chosen to make the kitchen feel like a natural extension of the room, rather than a distinct, bulky area. Additional kitchen storage, a second dishwasher, and a wine store are discreetly placed in a pantry, allowing for a clutter-free main kitchen, especially when entertaining. Notable kitchen features include a four-meter semi-honed Taj Mahal quartzite island, in-frame solid oak cabinets with a sand gray stain, and dovetailed drawers. Bar stools were custom-made. The kitchen collaboration with 202 Design involved bespoke solid oak shaker cabinets with a unique sand gray stain and a hand-decorated finish, alongside Gaggenau appliances and aged brass hardware. In the family living space, oversized seamless coving extends from the walls, accentuating height and echoing the home's curved elements. The home bar, a focal point for entertaining, was inspired by classic hotel bars but designed with a softer, more inviting feel. It features a curved timber arch, a rounded stone countertop, bespoke wall detailing, and decorative bobbin beadwork paneling. Caned chairs and a Porta Romana side table complete the sophisticated setup, which also includes open shelving, beverage refrigeration, and discreet drawers. The master bedroom, with its high ceilings and awkward angles, presented a challenge. Thoughtful design, including high skirting that adapted to the windows and a custom-made door frame, created a serene and intentional space. Sixty percent of the home's elements, including all sofas, were custom-made, requiring careful coordination and testing to ensure perfect proportions. Even functional spaces like bathrooms received meticulous attention, with marble slopes replacing standard shower niches for ease of cleaning and improved aesthetics. The entire project took three years, resulting in a home that feels natural, modern, and understated, yet elegant and timeless, successfully blending traditional country details with contemporary interpretations. #HouseDesign #NewBuild #InteriorDesign #CountryCharm #HistoricFeel #CustomDetails #TimelessDesign #FamilyHome #LuxuryInteriors

Australian designer Greg Natale's firm undertook the makeover of a narrow 19th-century town house in New York, drawing inspiration from the art deco era as seen through 1970s European cinema. The project, located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, was commissioned by repeat clients Leticia Francini and Stephen Ninnes, who sought to infuse their new American pied-à-terre with the color, pattern, and layering reminiscent of maximalist European restaurants. The four-story, mixed-use property includes a ground-floor retail space, which was converted into a white-box studio for their Art With Love Foundation, offering free workshops in Renaissance painting techniques. Natale's design approach for the 3,330-square-foot residence involved painting rooms—walls and ceilings—in a rich palette of blush, plum, terra-cotta, and various greens. Colorful shades of veined marble, such as Calacatta Viola, Rosso Levanto, and Verde Alpi, are extensively used on floors, walls, countertops, a fireplace, and to frame portals and doors. The intricate stonework was facilitated by the clients' relationship with an Italian quarrier, who cut the marble in Italy and sent masons to New York for installation. An exterior intervention included reinstating a historically appropriate double street entrance, with two doors defined by fluted limestone pilasters, leading separately to the art foundation and the residence. Engineered oak flooring in a herringbone pattern, designed by Natale, is used throughout much of the home, creating a vivid and welcoming interior within the narrow 12½-foot-wide brick building. The town house, previously renovated in the 1970s, retained its general layout but was stripped to the studs. The living spaces, including a sitting room, kitchen, and dining room, are situated on the middle level, flanked by two two-bedroom floors to accommodate the clients' five adult children. Mirror paneling, especially an art deco-inflected arrangement of bronze- and smoke-hued rectangles in the dining area, enhances the sense of space. The dining area also features a starburst molding centered on an 1980s Murano-glass chandelier, a modern interpretation of Italy's Liberty style. Murals play a significant role in setting the European tone, with an embroidered linen-and-silk mural based on Henri Matisse’s Jazz cutouts in the second-floor hallway and a wallpaper blowup of Wassily Kandinsky’s 1935 painting Deux points verts in the living room. The furniture selection combines vintage and contemporary Italian pieces. The living room features a Gianfranco Frattini 1970s Sesann sofa and Arnold Madsen 1944 Clam armchairs, complemented by a concrete-framed Iris mirror by Shawna and Matt Heide and a custom Anna Bonino paper pendant fixture. The dining area includes Dirk van der Kooij’s recycled-plastic Meltingpot table and Juliana Lima Vasconcellos’s Giraffe chairs. The main bathroom showcases Italian rationalism with a complex inlaid-marble shower pattern, while the adjacent bedroom features Mehmet and Dimonah Iksel’s hand-painted White Blossom wallpaper and Vincent Darré’s Neofutur headboard. A notable feature is the dressing room, connected to the main bedroom by marble-encrusted portals, designed to resemble a high-end boutique with sculptural marble-slab dividers forming open closets. #GregNatale #NewYorkTownHouse #ArtDeco #EuropeanCinemaInfluence #MaximalistDesign #MarbleInteriors #VintageFurniture #CustomMurals #InteriorRenovation

Architect Patrick Ahearn has completed a new residential project, "Rural Vineyard," located just outside Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. This residence is designed to seamlessly integrate with the area's historical architectural character, appearing as though it has been part of the landscape for over a century. Ahearn, known for his expertise in historically motivated architectural and design styles, has previously preserved and revitalized numerous historic properties in Edgartown. Rural Vineyard stands as a newly constructed home that successfully mimics the traditional gambrel shingle style prevalent in the region, blending in with its older surroundings. The design of Rural Vineyard is characterized by its H-shaped schematic, which optimizes long views towards the water from its primary living spaces. The architect strategically incorporated window choices, such as a fully glazed wall in the sunroom, to maximize natural light and offer expansive coastal vistas. Despite these modern interior elements, the exterior maintains historical accuracy, reflecting classic coastal New England architecture. The property's access features a courtyard, a pedestrian entry, and a carriage house wing. Complementing the main house are a separate gambrel-style guesthouse/cabana, a discreetly placed pool, and a garden, all situated at the opposite end of the courtyard. Inside, the finishes are meticulously crafted to evoke the grandeur of early 20th-century shingle-style homes, creating the impression of a painstakingly restored property rather than a new build. Ahearn prioritized open spaces and functionality in the interior design, incorporating modern conveniences and a neutral color palette that aligns with a contemporary island lifestyle. The construction of Rural Vineyard presented several challenges, primarily related to the land's significant topography. To overcome this, the team constructed 16-foot concrete walls and retainers, ingeniously concealed to make the house appear nestled within a natural wildflower field. Extensive mature planting was introduced to further enhance this illusion, making the home seem as though it has been in place for over 100 years. Another design decision involved the placement of the pool and guesthouse on the landside. This arrangement served to define the entry and parking court, leaving a portion of the main house in its natural wildflower setting. This strategic placement also created an additional recreational and social area, distinct from the primary residence. Through effective use of a courtyard and breezeway, Ahearn achieved cohesion and flow among the main house, carriage house, and pool cabana. The interior details include antique oak flooring that elongates hallways, welcoming archways, and an open floor plan with cool, nautical colors and rugs to define gathering spaces. Strong, cased beams contribute to the home's implied historical character. The sunroom features a brick floor, transitioning seamlessly from indoor to outdoor space, while the pool cabana boasts a bluestone floor, casual furnishings, and a ship ladder leading to a guest room, adding a nautical touch. Full-height millwork paneling, a detailed staircase, and carefully placed antique furnishings and artwork enhance the sense of historical accuracy and visual interest. The successful integration of new construction with historical aesthetics and modern functionality positions Rural Vineyard as an elegant and livable island homestead. #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDesign #LuxuryHomes #CoastalLiving #MarthaVineyard #HistoricPreservation #NewEnglandArchitecture #InteriorDesign #LandscapeDesign