A Hidden Play Room and More Clever Details in This "Modern-English-Cottage-Mansion"

Maggie Griffin, an interior designer, found her charming 1940s cottage in Gainesville, Georgia, and immediately fell in love with its historic appeal. The house, with its original features, small rooms, and quirky ceilings, perfectly fit her design philosophy of mixing old and new. Maggie's passion for items with history is evident throughout her home, which is filled with inherited pieces like an antique secretary and settee, alongside modern elements such as lucite and parsons tables. Her approach creates a warm and welcoming environment that reflects her personal style. Upon moving into the Gainesville cottage, Maggie and her husband, David, made minimal cosmetic changes. They focused on refreshing the space with new paint, countertops, and a few faucets, maintaining the integrity of the home's original character. The previous homeowner, who shares a friendship with Maggie, had impeccable taste, which facilitated a smooth transition. The cottage's curb appeal, characterized by painted brick, a charming side addition, a gable roof over the front door, and single-pane windows, embodies the quintessential cottage style that Maggie admires. Inside, the original floors and slanted ceilings on the second floor further enhance the cozy, historic atmosphere. Maggie's keeping room, located off the kitchen and breakfast area, serves as the central hub of her home. This multi-purpose space is designed for family gatherings and features a mix of antique market finds and contemporary pieces. The Thibaut wallpaper adds a touch of happiness, and layered rugs provide depth. The breakfast table and server were sourced from Scott’s Antiques, while the chairs are from Serena & Lily. A settee, inherited from her maternal grandmother, has been re-covered in velvet, adding a layer of family history to the room. An acrylic coffee table from Amazon.com offers a practical, easy-to-clean surface, ideal for a home with a young child. The kitchen, though previously remodeled, received Maggie's personal touch. She painted the cabinets and island, incorporating a wooden countertop for warmth and swapping perimeter counters for granite. This blend of finishes and the natural light from a large window over the sink contribute to the kitchen's inviting ambiance. The exterior also received attention, with shutters painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Herbal Escape,” complementing the vibrant spring blooms of her ten bright pink peony bushes, which bring Maggie joy each summer. Outdoor living is a significant part of the Griffins' lifestyle. From April to October, all meals are enjoyed on their back porch, which is furnished with a comfortable sectional for watching football games and a farm table from Scott’s, paired with easy-to-clean metal chairs. This space is designed for entertaining, accommodating both adult dinner parties and neighborhood playdates, and even hosted over 150 guests for a Halloween gathering. The master bedroom showcases Maggie's affinity for blue and white, with the design originating from a remnant bolt of "La Grenade" fabric by Bailey & Griffin, used for the bed skirt. Nightstands, acquired from a friend’s mother, were painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Half Moon Crest.” A custom upholstered headboard, inspired by Bunny Williams, and a bench from Scott’s with a leopard-print cushion from Lewis & Sheron further personalize the space. The bedding combines elements from Pine Cone Hill and Serena & Lily, alongside a custom bolster. An upstairs sitting room features original pine paneling and flooring, creating a charming den for guests. A camelback sofa, inherited from her paternal grandmother, is recovered in navy velvet. A hand-me-down ottoman and bobbin chairs from Pier 1, re-covered in fabric from Scott’s, complete the seating arrangement. The room also includes an IKEA jute rug layered with an antique store find, and a gallery wall displaying a mix of collected art, personal creations, and pieces from artist friends. Her son Henry’s room, located off the breakfast room, features a sophisticated look with Schumacher linen on the headboard and elephant art by Erika Lackey. A dark-blue chest from Scott’s Antique Market, framed alphabet book pages, and discarded turtle shells decorate the space, reflecting a blend of whimsy and personal history. Henry's bathroom includes Schumacher wallpaper, gray-painted trim and vanity, a Target turtle shell, and antique silver canapé dishes with the New Orleans crest. Maggie's background in furnishings and interiors, influenced by her chic grandmothers and mother, led her to a career in design. Her early experiences at Heery’s Too!, a high-end home furnishings gift shop, allowed her to transition from assisting shoppers with small decorative tasks to managing larger design projects, establishing her career as an interior designer who cherishes history and mixes it with modern sensibilities to create unique, inviting homes. #HomeFeatures #InteriorDesign #CottageStyle #AntiqueDecor #HomeDecoration #GainesvilleGeorgia #MaggieGriffinDesign #OldMeetsNew #FamilyHome

This article highlights the interior design and garden renovation of a historic Tudor Revival home in Westhampton, owned by Christine and David Cottrell. The 8,000-square-foot house, built in 1924 and designed by architect William C. Noland, is situated on prime real estate overlooking the 18th green of the Country Club of Virginia. The Cottrells, who are the third owners since 1997, sought to preserve the home's historical integrity while updating its interiors and gardens to suit their lifestyle and entertaining needs. Interior designer Todd Yoggy was tasked with respecting the home's architecture, which features a combination of brick and half-timbering, a slate roof, and massive chimneys. Before the Cottrells moved in, a kitchen renovation was undertaken, removing walls from the old servant's quarters to create a more open space. Artist Philippe Faraut redesigned the kitchen and also created two hand-carved mantels for the living and dining rooms. Yoggy collaborated closely with the Cottrells to design interiors that complemented the historic structure, ensuring that the spaces were livable and reflective of the owners' personalities rather than appearing as museum exhibits. The Cottrells frequently host parties, a factor that influenced the design of the elegant living and dining rooms. The sunroom was transformed into a family room for their teenage daughter, Leah. The home's two-level entry maintains its original sconces, woodwork, beamed ceiling, and a hand-carved newel post. A custom-made rug from Woodward Grosvenor in England, inspired by carpets from the Rockefeller estate Kykuit, extends through the landings and stair runner, harmonizing with the existing colors of the house. The living room is anchored by a custom back-to-back sofa by George Smith furniture and features multiple seating areas. A large 1849 Persian carpet serves as the color inspiration for the room's rich, jewel-tone palette, having been a housewarming gift from the previous owner. The antique Steinway grand piano is a central feature for entertainment. The dining room, with its warm red color scheme, includes claret drapery panels and a custom Regency rug in a medallion pattern with red and plum shades. Custom George Smith, Regency-style chairs upholstered in rich red leather surround an antique table. Christine Cottrell's porcelain and silver collection is displayed in the breakfront, while a late-18th-century Irish cut-crystal chandelier hangs from a ceiling adorned with hand-molded plaster medallions in a Gothic tracery pattern. David's office on the upper level resembles an exclusive men's club, with camel hair walls and drapery, a pony-skin sofa, and Conley leather chairs. Dragon light fixtures from Christie's and an ocelot-print rug add a unique touch, complemented by military photographs, sportscar memorabilia, and images of Steve McQueen reflecting David's interests. The master bedroom continues the traditional aesthetic with Ralph Lauren's "1,000 Roses" wallpaper, featuring 10 shades of blue echoed in the velvet draperies and rugs, tempered by white bedding. The home's exterior also received significant attention. Although Charles Gillette designed the landscape plan in the 1920s, it was only executed after the Cottrells purchased the property. These plans are now the oldest Gillette plans held by the Virginia Historical Society. A salvaged reflecting pool from the Virginia Governor’s Mansion serves as a focal point in the side garden, featuring a bronze sculpture of the Cottrells' daughter by artist Faraut. The original wooden deck at the back of the house was replaced with bluestone terraces atop reclaimed granite blocks with limestone balustrades, providing a more fitting and elegant outdoor entertaining space with views of the 18th fairway and Huguenot Bridge. This project, representing the fourth home Yoggy designed for the Cottrells, emphasizes a long-term approach to design, focusing on custom-made, antique, and original pieces to create timeless interiors that complement the home's architecture. #TudorRevival #HistoricHome #InteriorDesign #GardenRenovation #WesthamptonEstate #ToddYoggy #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalPreservation

This article explores various approaches to designing children's play spaces that are both functional for kids and aesthetically pleasing to adults, moving beyond basic setups of old furniture and plastic bins. It suggests that parents can integrate their personal design preferences into playrooms by drawing inspiration from different decor styles. One suggested approach is to incorporate elements from 1960s and 1970s design. This includes using mod lamps, modular furniture, pop art, and space-age prints for wallpaper and textiles. The color palettes popular during these decades, such as orange, yellow, teal, green, and white, are recommended to add energy to furniture, cushions, and rugs. Examples cited include designer Amanda Nisbet utilizing a Roy Lichtenstein print and a bubble chair, and Victoria Sanchez employing colorful Missoni fabrics in a teen lounge. Resources like Modshop1.com, Designpublic.com, AllModern.com, and Fab.com are mentioned for sourcing appropriate pieces, including kid-sized furniture and retro-style patterns. For a more understated yet stylish look, the article suggests Danish modern wood furniture with smooth edges, such as armless upholstered club chairs for lounging. Mid-century credenzas are proposed for toy storage, with sources like Overstock.com, Etsy.com, ThriveFurniture.com, and OneKingsLane.com. Accent pieces could include "Mad Men"-era posters or toy ads, and floor pillows with period-appropriate patterns. Soothing colors like umber, avocado, mustard, and sky blue are recommended to create a relaxed atmosphere. Another trend highlighted is industrial-style playrooms, characterized by warehouse-grade tables, rugged furniture, and decorative elements. This style is considered appealing to children as it encourages a sense of freedom. Neutral color palettes, combining whites, grays, and browns, are suitable for both genders. Specific suggestions include metal-caged ceiling lights, riveted furniture, repurposed machine-shop elements, and galvanized-iron locker-style dressers from places like PBteen.com. Ikea's PS metal cabinet and a magnetized blackboard are also suggested to enhance the edgy vibe. The article also covers themes inspired by nature and fantasy, encouraging creativity. The Zuo Modern Phante chair, an elephant-shaped design, and realistic cast-resin bear's heads are examples of whimsical decor. Ocean Sole's animal sculptures made from scavenged flip-flops are suggested as inspiring indoor adventure. Mural wallpapers depicting clouds and intergalactic orbs from DesignYourWall.com, along with nature-themed rugs from Ikea and LandofNod.com, are presented as ways to integrate these themes. Practical tips for playroom customization are also provided. These include using ready-made kitchen cabinets for storage, repurposing metal tool carts as side tables or portable art stations, and incorporating multipurpose furniture like Land of Nod's round coffee table or farmhouse-style work table, and Ikea's Kivik sectional. The article also suggests creative display methods, such as face-forward book shelving, using old carpenter's toolboxes for storage, and showcasing game boxes or old game boards as wall art. Finally, it recommends creating personalized artwork by framing close-up photos of children's favorite toys, offering a unique and sentimental decorative touch. #PlayroomDesign #KidFriendlyDecor #HomeInterior #MidCenturyModern #IndustrialStyle #CreativeSpaces #ChildrensFurniture #StorageSolutions #DecorTrends

This article describes the transformation of two separate apartments into a single, expansive penthouse designed to accommodate a family with children and pets. The project aimed to create a home that felt rustic and inviting, offering ample space for both family life and entertaining. The design process involved merging the living areas and reimagining the layout to optimize flow and functionality for a large household. Key considerations included creating distinct zones for play, relaxation, and communal activities, while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic throughout the combined space. The renovated penthouse features an open-plan living and dining area, which serves as the central hub for family interactions. The kitchen was designed to be both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing, with durable surfaces and child-friendly features. Attention was paid to maximizing natural light and incorporating elements that bring the outdoors in, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The rustic theme is woven throughout the design, utilizing natural materials such as wood and stone, along with warm color palettes to create a cozy and welcoming ambiance. Specific design choices were made to ensure the home is robust enough to withstand the wear and tear of children and pets. This included selecting resilient flooring materials, easy-to-clean fabrics for upholstery, and furniture with rounded edges to enhance safety. Storage solutions were integrated discreetly to help maintain an uncluttered environment, essential for a family home. The bedrooms and private spaces were conceptualized as serene retreats, providing comfort and privacy for each family member. Outdoor spaces, if available, were also integrated into the design, offering safe and engaging areas for children and pets to play. This could include a balcony or terrace furnished with comfortable seating and planters, extending the living space outdoors. The overall objective was to craft a home that not only meets the practical needs of a growing family but also embodies a sense of warmth, durability, and rustic charm, making it a perfect sanctuary for both humans and their animal companions. The article highlights how careful planning and thoughtful design can turn two distinct units into a harmonious and spacious family dwelling. #PenthouseDesign #ChildFriendlyHome #PetFriendly #RusticInterior #ApartmentCombination #FamilyLiving #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SpaciousLiving