An architect converts a wartime pumping station in Dungeness into her holiday home

The article details the redesign of an 18th-century farmhouse in Lumberton, transforming it to accommodate modern living while honoring its historical roots. The project was undertaken by Michelle Gage of Philadelphia-based Michelle Gage Interiors, who notes the home's significant age, dating back to the Revolutionary era. This particular residence presented a unique challenge due to its extensive history and the accumulated alterations made by previous inhabitants over centuries. The homeowner's openness to Gage's suggestions was a crucial factor in the redesign's success, allowing for a creative yet respectful approach. Gage identified an inherent 'English vibe' in the home and aimed to align the interior design with both this aesthetic and the client's 'quirky and eccentric' personality. The English influence is evident throughout the house, starting from the entry where antique boot racks hold wellies. The primary bedroom showcases a vibrant display of color and pattern, featuring layered florals on the walls, headboard, and bedding. The chosen wallpaper designs evoke a British country house style, characterized by rich patterns that contribute depth and character to the space. The redesign also incorporated unique elements like a moody, jungle-themed wall covering in the breakfast nook. This wallpaper, featuring hidden animal motifs, thoughtfully frames the home's original built-in cabinetry, adding an element of surprise and whimsy. In contrast, the laundry room adopts a more serene ambiance with a subdued sage-green and white botanical wall covering, designed to create a fresh and crisp atmosphere reminiscent of newly laundered linens. The project successfully merged historical integrity with contemporary comfort and personal style, creating a home that respects its past while providing a vibrant and unique living environment for its current owner. The collaboration between the designer and homeowner resulted in a space that is both historically conscious and reflective of modern eclectic tastes, demonstrating how an antique structure can be adapted for current lifestyles without sacrificing its inherent charm. #LumbertonFarmhouse #HistoricalHome #HomeRedesign #EclecticDecor #InteriorDesign #MichelleGageInteriors #EnglishVibe #RevolutionaryEraHome

Jay Deputy embarked on a journey to update his late parents' home in Seaford, Delaware, transforming it into a personal retreat while preserving its inherent character. The single-story, red brick Colonial-style house, built in 1968, held significant sentimental value, having been purchased by his parents, John and Lillian, in 1970. Deputy, who describes himself as a lifelong collector of homes and furnishings, ranging from a 13,000-square-foot mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, to a New York City loft and a centuries-old farmhouse in North Wilmington, viewed the Seaford property as an ideal downstate getaway. He appreciated its "human-scaled" rooms, conducive to intimate gatherings of six to eight people. Upon inheriting the house after his mother's passing in 2009, Deputy's initial focus was on structural stability. This involved addressing termite damage, installing a new heating and air conditioning system, and restoring the front porch columns. He then furnished the porch with rockers and casual seating, allowing for enjoyment of the hydrangeas. Simultaneously, he simplified the yard and garden to better suit a second home, acknowledging it as an ongoing project despite removing several trees. Inside, Deputy concentrated his decorative efforts on the entertaining areas: the formal living room, library, dining room, and sunroom, along with the master and guest bedrooms. Notably, he left the kitchen largely untouched, preserving its original Corian countertops, plank cabinets, and wrought-iron hinges, deeming it "still a very serviceable kitchen." The library, which served as a family room during his childhood, underwent a significant transformation. Deputy removed dark paneling, painting the walls and fireplace a soft celadon green, a color inspired by a floral needlepoint rug inherited from his grandmother. He sourced matching Baker settees, reupholstering them in a claret-and-ivory toile fabric by Brunschwig & Fils, featuring pheasants, hunting dogs, and woodland flora. Accents of black, including a painted tole tray, silk chandelier shades, and a cocktail table, complement the room's color scheme. A 19th-century Empire-inspired mahogany bookcase displays antique volumes and Chinese porcelains, subtly reflecting the room's palette, flanked by 18th-century Chippendale chairs. Deputy's decorating style, while more formal, shares a common appreciation for Chippendale furniture with his mother, who preferred a country aesthetic. He describes the mahogany sideboard in the dining room as an artful reproduction, adorned with vintage Waterford crystal and heirloom decanters holding a collection of rare Scotches. The full restoration of his St. Paul mansion, which took a decade, provided him with valuable hands-on experience in plastering and carpentry. For the Seaford project, he hired out much of the work but personally handled tasks he enjoyed, such as painting, often accompanied by Bach on his iPod. The formal dining room features a bold blue-and-white Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper depicting birds and vines. Chippendale-style dining chairs by Maison Jansen and mid-century reproductions of a dining table and breakfront by Henredon, inherited from his aunt, complete the space. An antique Chinese rug from his grandmother and 18th-century gilt-wood sconces with their original mirrors add historical depth. In the sunroom, Deputy refreshed his mother's whitewashed wicker furniture with black paint and claret-and-cream toile cushions. Unmatched Asian-influenced chandeliers were unified with a glossy crimson enamel, and lemon trees and leafy plants contribute to a tropical atmosphere. The formal living room showcases his grandmother’s camelback sofa, upholstered in its original shimmering gold silk, complemented by cream walls, coral wing chairs, and an Oriental carpet. The room also features a 1740 partner's desk, a mahogany desk with flame finials crafted in Delaware, and 18th-century commodes serving as end tables. A magnificent, thinly cut stone screen from China behind the sofa underscores his passion for collecting. Deputy emphasizes the sentiment behind these items, stating, "Things we find, things that have age, things we collect have a certain weightedness," and cherishes the stories embedded within them. #HomeRenovation #InheritedHome #InteriorDesign #SeafordDelaware #FamilyHeirlooms #ChippendaleStyle #HistoricHomes #HomeDecor #PersonalizedSpace

Fashion designer Kelli Wharton embarked on a transformative renovation of her blonde-brick suburban house in Byron Bay, converting it into a stunning beach-inspired home. Her clear vision was to create a cool, beachy abode that mirrored the laidback coastal lifestyle she and her family embraced, regularly spending time on the white sands south of Byron Bay. The design emphasized ease and functionality to suit a family with two young boys, incorporating natural elements like stone and wood throughout the interior to reflect the surrounding environment. Key changes included converting a bedroom into a family room, which was adorned with cushions from Talulah's homewares range. The living room features a striking coffee table from Ahoy Trader and a recently added Izzah Beni Ourain rug from Marr-Kett. The master bedroom was thoughtfully built in the space previously occupied by the garage, featuring whitewashed floorboards from Choices Flooring, contributing to the beachy aesthetic. The master bedroom also includes a colorful artwork by Jai Vasicek of Ahoy Trader, hanging above a chair sourced from Byron Designworks. The kitchen, a central hub for the family, was completely rebuilt in its original location to incorporate more cupboard and bench space, catering to practical family needs. The dining area features a marble-topped dining table from Coco Republic, complemented by chairs from Fenton & Fenton. The bathroom was updated with Bianco Industry Silver tiles from Byron Bay Tiles, ensuring a contemporary yet cohesive feel. An outdoor dining area includes a table from Kelli's father, paired with chairs imported from Indonesia, and a fan from Beacon Lighting, with a towel from the Talulah homewares range, enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow. Functionality and style extend to the exterior with a garage built from merbau timber at the front of the property, designed to house the family's surfboards, including a mini mal from Kelli's own label, Talulah. This renovation successfully blends modern design with a relaxed, beach-inspired atmosphere, creating a home that is both beautiful and practical for a coastal family life. #ByronBayHome #BeachHouseRenovation #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #FashionDesignerHome #FamilyFriendlyDesign #HomeTransformation

A TikTok creator named Chloe, known as @plantyquil, successfully transformed an 850-square-foot shed into her dream plant shop, demonstrating the potential for converting underutilized spaces into functional and aesthetic tiny homes. The conversion project, documented in a video, showcases a fully equipped space that includes essential amenities such as a washer and dryer hookup, stairs surrounding the property, and comprehensive plumbing. Chloe's initiative highlights a growing trend towards minimalistic living and sustainable housing solutions, as tiny homes offer a practical alternative to traditional residences. The total cost for this extensive shed transformation was approximately $50,000 to $60,000. This figure encompasses all aspects of the renovation, from the structural modifications like adding stairs to the front and back of the property, to the installation of modern conveniences like the washer and dryer hookup, and plumbing infrastructure. Despite the relatively small footprint, the interior design maximizes space, allowing for ample room to care for a large collection of plants, which is central to Chloe's business. The article emphasizes the increasing popularity of tiny homes, positioning them as an effective solution for both short-term and long-term living arrangements. A significant advantage of tiny homes is their ability to provide all necessary amenities while incurring only a fraction of the utility costs associated with larger, traditional homes. This cost-efficiency is a key driver for individuals seeking more affordable housing options. Furthermore, tiny homes encourage a minimalistic lifestyle, which inherently reduces household waste and promotes a more sustainable way of living. United Tiny Homes, an organization focused on this housing model, supports these claims by explaining that smaller living spaces necessitate fewer resources, generate less waste, and consume less energy. The construction of tiny homes often involves environmentally friendly materials and sustainable building practices, positioning them as a more eco-conscious housing choice. This aligns with broader environmental goals of reducing carbon footprints and promoting responsible consumption. In contrast, larger homes, particularly those exceeding 200 square meters, are reported to consume significantly more energy—up to four times more than smaller spaces. This increased energy consumption is due to the greater effort required to heat or cool larger volumes of space. Utility King further elaborates on the energy implications, noting that beyond just the energy-consuming appliances, the sheer size and construction materials of a home play a crucial role in its overall energy footprint. Building smaller homes is presented as not only a more cost-effective option but also an energy-efficient one, contributing to lower utility bills and reduced environmental impact. By consuming less energy, tiny homes help decrease planet-harming emissions, thereby fostering a healthier planet and mitigating pollution. #TinyHome #ShedConversion #SustainableLiving #GreenHome #MinimalisticLifestyle #HomeHacks #EnergyEfficiency #DIY #PlantShop

DHaus's 'La Terre' project is a four-bedroom family home situated in the Surrey countryside, Southern England, that exemplifies a commitment to sustainable architecture and ecological integration. The design utilizes modern, eco-friendly construction techniques, prominently featuring stabilized rammed earth, an ancient method updated with contemporary technology to enhance strength, weather resistance, and environmental performance. This material choice offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional building materials like cut stone, concrete, and brick, achieving optimal environmental performance. The home is conceptualized to appear sculpted from its natural surroundings, with its earth walls subtly blending into the landscape. A distinctive feature is its elevated ground floor, which sits 0.5 meters above the surrounding grass. This elevation creates a visual illusion of weightlessness and levitation, echoing the architectural styles of historic country homes from the 1940s. The London-based practice, DHaus, meticulously designed accessible steps that flow in and out of the living areas, clearly articulating the functional spaces of the home. The structural integrity of 'La Terre' is supported by cast concrete plinths that serve as the foundation for the stabilized earth walls, effectively preventing erosion and ensuring long-term stability. Beyond its structural and aesthetic benefits, the project incorporates passive house principles to minimize energy consumption. This approach underscores a broader commitment to sustainability, aiming for a low environmental footprint throughout the building's lifecycle. Interior design plays a crucial role in connecting residents with the natural environment. Two expansive atriums are integrated into the circulation spaces, each housing Japanese gardens. These interior gardens are designed to immerse inhabitants in the engulfing landscape as they navigate through the house, fostering a continuous visual and experiential link between indoor and outdoor realms. Large expanses of glazing further enhance this connection, particularly in the living spaces, allowing abundant natural light and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Further emphasizing its eco-friendly design, a natural pond is incorporated into the property, providing another element that allows inhabitants to connect with nature. The master bathroom also features views overlooking the garden, ensuring that even private spaces maintain a visual relationship with the external environment. Horizontal bands in the architecture create elevated green spaces, which appear to hover in the air, contributing to the home's distinctive and harmonious integration with its site. In essence, 'La Terre' represents a comprehensive architectural solution that prioritizes sustainability, aesthetic integration with nature, and a harmonious living experience through innovative use of materials, passive design strategies, and thoughtful spatial planning. #EcoFriendlyHome #RammedEarthArchitecture #SustainableDesign #PassiveHousePrinciples #ResidentialArchitecture #SurreyCountryside #DHaus #BiophilicDesign #GreenArchitecture