Beyond This Southampton Home’s Dutch Door: a British-Inspired Kitchen and a Dreamy Sunroom

Interior designer Sara Hillery, after a successful career start in Houston, returned to Richmond in 2014 with her young family, seeking a home that could integrate her growing business and personal life. Her priority was a home that could serve as both an office space for Sara Hillery Interior Design and a display for her design philosophy to clients, in addition to being a functional family residence. They settled on a Dutch Colonial home, which initially featured a series of boxy rooms. Hillery envisioned its potential for transformation into a versatile space that would accommodate both work and leisure. The initial renovation focused on creating an open-concept living space. Walls on the main floor were removed to enhance the sense of size and flow between rooms. The entire house was painted white, a technique Hillery often employs to establish a unified flow and provide a neutral backdrop for the family’s diverse collection of art, mirrors, and framed pieces. This open layout also significantly improved the home’s suitability for entertaining, a key consideration for the family. The Hillerys frequently host guests, including annual crawfish boils, celebrating Julian Hillery’s New Orleans heritage. The kitchen, considered the heart of the home, received significant attention during the renovation. It was designed with an island and bar stools to encourage gathering, snacking, and conversation. A light-filled breakfast nook offers a bright space for morning meals and casual chats. The family room is another central gathering point, featuring a cooking fireplace inspired by a Williamsburg tavern. This unique element influenced the room’s simple color palette of warm browns, tans, and gold accents, complemented by two plush sofas for relaxation and socializing. Hillery’s design philosophy, “If you truly love a piece, you’ll find a place for it,” is evident throughout the home. This is particularly showcased in the dining room, where French antique mirrored windows, acquired from a Texas antiques fair, became a focal point after custom column niches were built to accommodate them. The second floor was also meticulously designed. The master bedroom was conceived as a calm, neutral sanctuary, accented with yellow and gold to add warmth and personality. For her three young children, Hillery aimed to create bedrooms that reflected their evolving personalities while maintaining the home’s classic style. The nursery features a neutral color scheme suitable for either gender, incorporating a rustic changing table, a gold mirror, and soft colors to create a chic, rather than overly childish, aesthetic. Her blue-loving son’s room boasts natural light, rich wood paneling, and a durable wood floor, with a trunk for storage and his guitar readily accessible. Her eldest daughter’s room is adorned with pink, purple, and blue, and she actively participated in its decoration. Antiques are thoughtfully integrated throughout the home, mixed with new and upcycled items. Hillery notes that antiques, with their inherent imperfections, add character and subtly expose her children to beauty and history. Practical, kid-friendly elements include durable seagrass rugs and playful framed art. The lower level of the home houses a playroom and the Sara Hillery Interior Design office, allowing Hillery to balance her demanding career with family life and to demonstrate her design concepts to clients within a real residential setting. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HouseTours #FamilyHome #Renovation #OpenConcept #DutchColonial #SaraHillery

The article details the design process and outcome of a custom-built home in Dallas for Chris and Lynsey Synek, whose personal style, particularly Lynsey's "couture" fashion, heavily influenced the interior design. Faced with a limited real estate market offering homes that were either too old or too small, the Syneks decided to purchase a lot and embark on a custom build. They engaged designer Philip Thomas Vanderford of Studio Thomas James, Janson Luter Architects, and builder Faulkner Perrin to create their ideal home. The design aesthetic for the house was directly inspired by Lynsey Synek's curated and edgy fashion sense, characterized by precise editing and a specific color palette. This influence translated into the home's selection of deep charcoals, dusty whites, spicy mustards, eggplant, and sophisticated pinks, some enhanced with high-gloss finishes. These colors were balanced with natural elements like oak beams, flooring, and cabinetry, extending even to the office ceiling. Vanderford's approach focused on holistic design, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal mobility between spaces. The couple's preference for having all main living areas on the first floor guided the layout. A central feature of the home is the living room, designed as the nexus for family and guests, and considered one of the Syneks' favorite areas. To prevent the large room from feeling either overcrowded or empty, Vanderford implemented a "rule of two," using pairs of significant furniture pieces such as 85-inch settees, midcentury modern chairs, and coffee tables. This strategy aimed to improve circulation and flow, making the room feel both inviting and functional without appearing cartoonish, a common pitfall in oversized Texas rooms. The article also provides a room-by-room breakdown, highlighting specific design choices and sourced items. The entryway features an inky, textural wallcovering from National Solutions and custom black-and-white tile, complemented by a custom Riloh chandelier and a St. James Lighting lantern. The living room includes pieces from Paul Matter and Baker-McGuire, with a Stark rug. The family room, serving as a more informal entertaining space, contains chairs by Julian Chichester, a Visual Comfort & Co lamp, and a coffee table from Theodore Alexander. The kitchen is characterized by a wall of windows, warm oak cabinetry, and Bianco Superiore quartzite, furnished with vintage stools in Élitisfabric and Riloh pendants. Further sections detail the butler's pantry with Hapny hardware, a breakfast nook featuring a custom banquette and a Riloh chandelier, and a dining room painted in high-gloss Benjamin Moore Ciao Bella, accented with Carlucci draperies and a Jonathan Browning Studios chandelier. The wet bar, located opposite the living room, is equipped with Fyrn barstools. The powder room showcases terrazzo tile from Ann Sacks, Visual Comfort & Co sconces, and Phylrich fixtures. The primary bedroom features a supersized custom headboard and a pitched ceiling, with a Visual Comfort & Co chandelier and Thibaut wallcovering. The main level owners' suite and an outdoor cabana are also mentioned, completing the comprehensive tour of this custom-tailored Dallas residence. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #CustomBuild #DallasRealEstate #InteriorArchitecture #ColorPalette #FurnitureArrangement #PhilipThomasVanderford

This article highlights the renovation of an 1844 Colonial Revival home, focusing on a kitchen redesign by Modern Heritage, a design firm based in Scarborough, Maine. The homeowners, who are avid art and antiques collectors, aimed to update the home's functionality while maintaining its historical aesthetic. The original floor plan was considered unsuitable for contemporary family living, prompting a comprehensive renovation that included reconfiguring the layout to expand the kitchen and breakfast room and integrating a new sunroom. Andrew Brewin, a founding partner at Modern Heritage, emphasized the client's desire for a dark, cozy kitchen that aligned with the house's period. The renovation involved repurposing locally sourced barn boards to conceal structural beams, which were necessary to create an open floor plan. These barn boards were stained to match the dark custom, quarter-sawn white oak cabinetry designed and crafted by Modern Heritage. A key feature of the redesigned kitchen is a box bay window with an integrated sill made from honed American Mist granite, serving as a plant nook that allows abundant natural light and acts as a focal point from the sunroom's pocket doors. This box bay also boasts a copper roof, enhancing the exterior elevation. Storage solutions were ingeniously incorporated, such as custom built-in hutches flanking the sunroom's pocket doors. These hutches were painted white to blend seamlessly with existing walls and featured seeded leaded glass panels, drawing inspiration from the client's antique light fixtures. The renovation also included a new pantry and laundry room, accessible from a mudroom leading to the yard. The breakfast area features a wet bar designed to appear as a freestanding furniture piece, complete with a custom-milled V-groove backsplash visible through seeded leaded glass panels. Antique furniture, including a 19th-century American oak table and an 18th-century French buffet, informed the choice of wood species and stain colors for the millwork, ensuring a cohesive design that honors the home's heritage. A Swedish copper pendant light, found by the client, complements the kitchen's copper range hood. Additionally, a built-in desk and shelving unit with a sliding door to conceal a television were added near the wet bar, with a cabinet wrapping around the formal dining room's fireplace chimney. The most significant addition is a four-seasons sunroom, which evolved from an initial three-season room concept. This insulated space features a 14-by-eight-foot pyramidical glass skylight that operates automatically via weather sensors. The sunroom's walls are finished with custom-milled nickel gap, and its tumbled-edge porcelain floor tiles are scribed to eliminate the need for baseboards, creating a clean, integrated look. Granite slabs lead from the driveway to a new deck outside the sunroom, with French doors connecting to the formal dining room and glass pocket doors opening into the kitchen. #KitchenRenovation #ColonialRevival #HomeDesign #SunroomAddition #AntiqueIntegration #CustomCabinetry #PeriodAppropriateDesign #AutomatedSkylight

This article details the transformation of a Kensington townhouse kitchen, orchestrated by Roundhouse Design for a French couple. The homeowners, relocating from Corsica, sought to imbue their London residence with the same sense of ease, light, and connection to the outdoors they cherished in their Mediterranean home. With a new baby on the way, the design prioritized creating a comforting, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space for their growing family. The couple, both with a deep appreciation for beauty and history, aimed to retain the Victorian character of their mid-19th-century townhouse while introducing modern elements. A key decision, made with Layzell Architects, was to move the kitchen from the lower ground floor to the ground floor to maximize natural light and facilitate a seamless connection to the garden and the rest of the house. This involved remapping the ground floor to an open-plan layout and repositioning the staircase, effectively balancing traditional character with a fresh, contemporary feel. The design philosophy of 'elevated but not ostentatious' guided the choice of a soft, natural color palette to enhance an airy atmosphere and materials that would age gracefully over time. Roundhouse Design was enlisted to translate this vision into the kitchen space, tasked with balancing heritage, modernity, and functionality with beauty. Mathilde, an avid cook, required a highly practical kitchen but also desired a streamlined, uncluttered appearance. This led to the innovative concept of a 'hidden kitchen.' The design team, in collaboration with contractor Jo Pirie from Bancroft Heath, implemented traditional wall paneling that conceals floor-to-ceiling kitchen storage. The bespoke cabinetry was custom-matched to the walls, ensuring a seamless integration with the surrounding interior and disguising numerous appliances and gadgets. Even the extraction system is integrated into the hob to maintain the minimalist aesthetic. A standout feature is the kitchen island, meticulously designed by Paul Welburn, Senior Designer at Roundhouse, to resemble a dining table rather than a conventional kitchen island. It features rich-colored wood, stained with a bespoke oil, and raised legs to enhance its furniture-like appearance. To further maximize the 'hidden' storage, the island's legs were engineered to conceal gadgets. Natural stone worktops with distinctive veining were hand-selected by the owners, offering both practicality and timeless appeal. The 'hidden kitchen' concept successfully addresses the modern dilemma of balancing practicality, comfort, and style in a home's most frequently used space. The result is an elegant family area that perfectly aligns with the owners' lifestyle, providing a daily reminder of their vision through the soft morning light, the gentle flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, and the thoughtful details that reflect their way of living. #KitchenDesign #HiddenKitchen #LondonTownhouse #InteriorDesign #RoundhouseDesign #ModernLiving #SeamlessDesign #FunctionalBeauty #VictorianRenovation

Sunrooms offer a unique blend of indoor comfort and outdoor ambiance, allowing occupants to enjoy the surrounding landscape while remaining sheltered. These versatile, light-filled spaces can serve various purposes, from casual dining areas to relaxing lounges, suitable for all seasons. This article explores 14 stylish sunroom ideas, showcasing how different designs and decor can enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of this transitional space. One example is a coastal shack in Weymouth, Tasmania, where the living space was intentionally designed to follow the sunlight, making a miner’s couch a favorite spot for lounging. Another instance highlights the sunroom of "Ventnor," one of Sydney’s oldest homes, featuring Michael Hirst timber and leather safari chairs alongside a vintage Minotti coffee table, all set against tranquil water views. This design emphasizes a connection with nature while incorporating sophisticated furnishings. A Federation-era home demonstrates a blend of contemporary and heritage elements, with "Pretzal" rattan armchairs basking in a light-drenched sunroom, prioritizing both beauty and functionality. An 1885 Italianate Victorian home preserves its sunroom with untouched, chipped original paintwork, creating a soft, romantic atmosphere. In an updated farmhouse, the sunroom features a neutral, Hamptons-inspired palette with a Colada coffee table, an Early Settler sofa, and a tapestry from France, providing a timeless and comfortable space. The Terragong, an 1858 farmhouse converted into a B&B;, features a sunroom with a vintage chaise and decorative tiles, filled with plants, reflecting a design philosophy that respects the original structure while incorporating complementary furnishings. A converted old cottage showcases a conservatory built as a direct response to its beautiful garden, described as a "gin and tonic room" due to its inviting atmosphere and numerous opening windows. Similarly, a 19th-century church transformed into a retreat on the Hawkesbury River now includes a light-filled sunroom that serves as a dining space with garden views. In a reimagined Southern Highlands bungalow, the sunroom was strategically designed with extensive glass to maximize natural light and views of the gardens, creating a peaceful reading nook. Another heritage home's sunroom was transformed into a Bahamas-plantation-style glasshouse by Tamsin Johnson, who incorporated abundant palms and plants, emphasizing the integration of the outdoors. A stately old manse in Berry, NSW, features a sunroom with a warm beige-caramel palette, creating a layered and inviting look designed by Adelaide Bragg. A worker’s cottage in Sydney received a monochrome makeover, with its atrium overlooking a garden designed by Peter Fudge Gardens, showcasing how a sunroom can become a central element. An elegant abode with a Hamptons-style sunroom, designed by Greg Natale, features a coastal theme with prevalent patterns. Finally, a restored historic Blackbutt bungalow includes a timber-lined sunroom that serves as a family gathering spot, designed to capture sunlight and provide a comfortable space with neutral textures. These examples illustrate diverse approaches to sunroom design, from preserving historical elements to implementing modern renovations, all aimed at creating harmonious spaces that celebrate natural light and the surrounding environment. #SunroomDesign #HomeDecor #Renovating #IndoorOutdoorLiving #LightFilledSpaces #ArchitecturalStyles #CoastalDesign #HeritageHomes #ModernFarmhouse

Interior designer Nicole Fisher of BNR Interiors transformed a four-bedroom, builder-grade row house in Hudson, Upstate New York, into a vibrant home with British charm. The initial state of the house, purchased by a developer, lacked character with generic hardware store moldings and fixtures. Fisher's primary goal was to infuse personality and warmth into the space, moving away from the common 'white on white' aesthetic prevalent in the region. The design process began with selecting a cohesive color palette, largely inspired by House of Hackney’s Avalon wallpaper, a striped and floral pattern used in the dining room. This wallpaper dictated the selection of 14 different paint colors applied throughout the house, aiming to create a distinctly British, rather than farmhouse, atmosphere. The homeowners, being British themselves, were receptive to a bold and layered approach to interior design, having previously embraced unconventional choices like a lime green kitchen in their London home. Fisher embraced the British tendency for playful interiors, characterized by multiple patterns and layers, creating spaces that feel timeless rather than confined to a specific era. The philosophy was to choose elements that the homeowners loved, ensuring they would work together harmoniously if executed correctly. A significant feature of the renovation included the incorporation of two hidden doors—one leading to a pantry and another in the TV room. These hidden spaces serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing privacy in a house where the entire length is visible from the front door, and offering practical solutions for entertaining by concealing clutter or creating a 'speakeasy' feel. Attention to detail extends to specific rooms, such as the primary bedroom, where multiple patterns are successfully integrated. The key to this success lies in a common color thread, specifically a cranberry hue, which is consistently pulled through various elements like the bed, wallpaper, and chair tassels. Additionally, Fisher employed variations in scale, combining small and large patterns, such as a chunky floral fabric from Liberty (which held sentimental value for the homeowner as her wedding dress designer) for the headboard. This approach creates a collected, aged feel, reminiscent of a modern grandmother's country house, avoiding a 'too new' or 'too precious' ambiance. The kitchen also showcases unique finds, including a faux marble island sourced from 1stDibs. This island, with its colors complementing the chosen wallpaper, became a central element that set the tone for the rest of the kitchen, contributing to the overall layered and inviting aesthetic Fisher aimed for. Other notable design choices include Sanderson’s Stapleton Park Wallpaper in the dressing room, Farrow & Ball’s Potted Shrimp for the den walls, Phillip Jeffries’s Island Raffia in the living room, Cole & Son’s Frutta e Geometrico in the bar area, Soane’s Scrolling Acanthus in Bloom in the primary bedroom, John Derian wallpaper in another bedroom, and Scalamandre’s Magnus in Indigo Blue in the laundry room. These selections highlight a rich interplay of patterns, textures, and colors, successfully transforming a generic space into a home filled with character and warmth, deeply influenced by British design sensibilities. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #BritishCharm #PatternMixing #WallpaperDesign #ColorPalette #HiddenDoors #HudsonHome #BNRInteriors

This article details the transformation of an HDB maisonette in Hougang into a colonial-styled home, achieved through a $70,000 renovation (excluding furnishings). The homeowners, Subashini and Prakash, sought to combine their appreciation for bold, statement interior designs with the monochromatic and elegant elements characteristic of black and white colonial houses. They enlisted the DISTINCTidENTITY design team, who completed the renovation in eight weeks, with the family moving in during July 2021. The design process focused on creating a spacious and integrated living environment. The previously closed and dark kitchen was converted into an open-concept space, serving as a central hub. A key feature of the kitchen is a vibrant blue accent wall, chosen to complement a specific painting the homeowners wanted to display, and echoed in a custom dining table from De Woodscape. The kitchen also incorporates a waterfall island counter, fulfilling Subashini's request for a baking space and offering additional counter area, storage for appliances, and a family-friendly spot for children to assist with chores. Functionality was also a priority in the kitchen's redesign. The original entrance to the powder room from the kitchen was sealed, and a new access point was created from the passageway. This strategic change not only ensured guest privacy by making the powder room accessible from the living area but also carved out essential space for a dedicated laundry area, complete with a sink, washing machine, and dryer. An otherwise unused area at the foot of the stairs was creatively transformed into a bar area, designed to serve as a foyer. This space features a standing bar and two rattan chairs, which were specifically chosen to complement the living room's wooden elements and provide additional seating for entertaining guests. The home's furniture and decor were entirely new purchases, aligning with the black and white colonial theme, with some pieces sourced from secondhand stores to enhance the aesthetic. The exterior terrace was meticulously designed to integrate with the colonial theme. Checkered tiles, laid diagonally, were chosen for the balcony to add visual depth. Horizontal invisible grilles were installed for safety without obstructing the view or the home's natural light and breeze. The homeowners opted not to cover the east-west facing terrace, instead decorating it with large potted plants suited to rain and sunshine, highlighting their preference for natural elements. The bathrooms were also given careful consideration; the powder room and children’s bathroom were designed with an 'infinity' tiling layout to create an illusion of greater space, while the master bathroom adopted a sophisticated black and white tile scheme with gold trimmings. #HDBMaisonette #ColonialStyle #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #OpenConceptKitchen #MonochromaticPalette #TerraceDesign #SingaporeHomes

The article details the renovation project of an interior designer, Steph Schlegelmilch of Studio Seva, who transformed a bland new-build home in Westport into a charming family residence. Despite the house being sold at teardown value in a foreclosure auction, Schlegelmilch recognized its potential, especially its English Tudor-style architecture, which was uncommon in the area dominated by modern farmhouses. The initial vision for the renovation was to create a comfortable, elevated, and timeless home with a strong European influence, achieved by selective changes and preserving original features. The renovation began with addressing the home's initially cold and uninspired interior, described as a "builder special." The existing lighting was seen as wasteful and bland, lacking soul. Significant landscaping work was also necessary, involving the removal of almost four hundred yards of ledge, which caused a three-month delay. The exterior transformation included a backyard retreat with a pool, multi-tiered patios, gardens, retaining walls, and mature landscaping, designed to enhance the property's European country home feel. In the kitchen, minimal structural changes were needed, but extensive upgrades for functionality were carried out. Outdated, undersized, and awkwardly configured appliances, such as a left-hinged fridge and freezer positioned side-by-side, were replaced. The original range was upgraded to a Lacanche, a new plaster hood was installed, and lighting was updated, featuring Matthew Cox island pendants from England as a key design element. The dining room was conceived as a dark and sultry space, leveraging its large size and high ceilings. Plaster was used on the walls to add warmth and align with the European style, and a darker finish was chosen to create a bold yet sensible ambiance. This darker tone was subtly echoed through accents in other rooms to maintain continuity, especially since the dining room is not immediately visible upon entering the house. The family room emerged as the designer's favorite space, serving as a daily gathering and unwinding area. It is strategically located adjacent to the kitchen but designed to feel distinct, avoiding the common issue of modern open-plan homes where dining and living areas blend too much. Special design details in this room include an arched niche with custom-stained oak millwork, the addition of symmetry around the fireplace, and the conversion of the fireplace to gas with a reclaimed beam mantel, enhancing its coziness. Throughout the home, Schlegelmilch emphasizes collecting unique items and incorporating pieces from favorite brands like Verellen to create a lived-in, comfortable, and soulful environment. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #WestportHome #EuropeanInfluence #TudorStyle #FamilyHome #KitchenDesign #DiningRoom #FamilyRoom #LandscapeDesign

This article offers a comprehensive visual tour of a 'Cool Spaces' home situated at 100 Jillian Way in South Hanover Township, showcasing its various architectural and interior design features. The residence, a product of Roland Builder, emphasizes modern living and thoughtful space utilization across its multiple levels. The tour begins with an exterior shot of the home, providing a general overview of its design. Inside, the mudroom is highlighted as a highly functional area, integrating a desk, cubbies, lockers, a walk-in closet, and a partial bath, demonstrating a focus on practical storage and utility. A significant architectural element noted is the three-story open stairway, which acts as a central artery connecting the finished lower level, the main living areas, and the bedrooms on the upper floor. This design choice not only facilitates movement but also enhances the open feel of the interior. The main living spaces include a kitchen, dining room, and a great room. The kitchen area is presented from multiple angles, emphasizing its layout and connection to other parts of the home. The great room features a cathedral ceiling and a ceiling-height stone fireplace, serving as a prominent focal point and contributing to an expansive ambiance. Views from the great room extend into the dining area and kitchen, illustrating an open-concept design that encourages seamless interaction between these spaces. A breezeway is featured, connecting the garage to the main house, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical shelter. The study, located off the foyer, provides a dedicated space for work or contemplation, while a first-floor guest bedroom, also accessible from the foyer, includes built-in window seating, adding charm and functionality. The covered front porch presents an inviting entry point to the residence. The owner’s suite is detailed, particularly its bath, which includes a soaking tub, suggesting a focus on comfort and luxury. The owner's suite also features walk-in closets with pocket doors on either side of the bath entry, optimizing space and privacy. The finished lower level is noted to include additional living space, a bedroom, and a full bath, indicating versatility for guests or extended family. The upper floor houses the main bedroom areas, accessed via the open stairway, further emphasizing the home's multi-level functionality and design coherence. The photography systematically covers each mentioned area, offering a visual narrative of the home's design and features, without delving into specific design philosophies or construction techniques beyond what is visible. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalFeatures #Mudroom #GreatRoom #OpenConcept #LuxuryHome #SouthHanoverTownship

Kate and Dan, seeking more space for their growing family, relocated from London to Woking, Surrey, an area offering a convenient commute to the city. They discovered an early 1900s detached house and were immediately captivated, making an offer even before selling their existing home. The rapid sale of their London residence accelerated their move-in date. The property, while appearing acceptable on the surface, revealed underlying issues such as poor insulation and plumbing problems, prompting the couple to embark on a comprehensive renovation project. Their initial efforts focused on replacing bathrooms, the boiler, and insulating the roof. The original layout of the house was considered outdated and conservative. The renovation involved significant structural changes, including the removal of an old chimney breast that spanned three floors and the demolition of parts of the kitchen, family room, utility room, and garage. These alterations paved the way for extensions on the ground and first floors, creating a modern, open-plan kitchen-diner and entertainment area, with a new master bedroom above. On the top floor, the removal of the chimney breast allowed for the reconfiguration of two small, oddly shaped bedrooms into a larger multipurpose space, functioning as a kid’s room and gym. Additionally, the existing deck was reshaped and modernized, and bi-fold doors were installed to foster an indoor-outdoor living experience. The entire renovation process, described as a labor of love, spanned seven years. Kate and Dan assembled a team comprising an architect and an interior designer, with whom they began the planning permission process for the extension in 2013. The design phase alone took over a year, complicated by the need to consult with the council regarding tree preservation regulations, which increased costs due to the necessity of avoiding damage to tree root balls during foundation work. Construction officially commenced in February 2016, leading the family to relocate for an eight-month period. Although the project exceeded its initial budget, the couple managed finances by utilizing savings and obtaining loans. The major construction was largely completed before Christmas, with only decorative finishes remaining. Kate sought a design aesthetic that honored the home's 100-year history without being overly traditional or contemporary. She aimed to incorporate color and statement pieces, drawing inspiration from a watercolor painting owned by her husband. Her neighbor and friend, interior designer Amanda Erritt, assisted in developing a scheme that blended stand-out features with a mix of colors and textures. The kitchen emerged as the central gathering point of the home, designed to accommodate large family gatherings and entertaining, with an island for casual interaction and a dining table capable of seating sixteen. The open-plan design also allowed for flexible use, such as children doing homework or relaxing while Kate prepared meals. #HomeRenovation #PeriodHome #SurreyProperty #OpenPlanLiving #InteriorDesign #HomeTransformation #KitchenDiner #HistoricHome #PropertyRenovation

This article details the extensive home renovation project undertaken by Birgitte Danielsen and her husband in Richmond's West End, aiming to create an eclectic, modern home that blends their Danish and Indian heritages. The couple, originally hesitant about a large property needing significant work, were ultimately drawn to the house's abundant windows and open floor plan, which offered views of a nearby lake. Their decision to purchase coincided with Danielsen giving birth to twins, adding complexity to the renovation. Interior designer Kristi Lane of Visible Proof and contractor Mark Franko of Mark Franko Custom Building collaborated on the project. Danielsen, who works in finance and frequently travels between New York City and Richmond, sought a modern aesthetic that avoided a generic "catalog" look, emphasizing personal touches and a reflection of their extensive travels. While the 1960s-built residence featured some Midcentury design elements, Danielsen's preference leaned towards contemporary Danish design, characterized by collecting enduring pieces rather than frequent redecorating. Her consistent choice of Danish designers impressed Lane, who appreciated the couple's international, eclectic, and unique taste. Despite the main floor undergoing a complete gut renovation, the original room layouts largely remained intact, with the exception of the master bathroom. This space was significantly expanded by combining several smaller rooms and closets. A new large picture window was installed, offering panoramic lake views and flooding the room with natural light. An engineered solid-stone soaking tub by MTI Baths was positioned in front of this window, and a wall of built-in cabinets ensured a clean, clutter-free environment, aligning with Danielsen's desire for everything to be out of sight. The kitchen also received a modern overhaul, featuring rich walnut cabinetry and a substantial center island topped with Calcutta Gold marble, a detail chosen to honor her husband's Indian heritage. Recognizing the absence of a mudroom, Lane integrated a wall of cabinets dedicated to organizing family belongings. A portion of a wall was also removed to foster an open-concept living space, allowing for greater connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. A notable transformation occurred on the stairs and lower-level railing, where existing pipe railings were replaced with clear-coated steel bannisters and cable rails custom-fabricated by Virginia Railing & Gates in Ashland. This design choice aimed to maintain an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape. The renovation is ongoing, with future plans for extensive work on the home's lower level and yard, including the creation of a playroom and outdoor play area for their twins. Danielsen expressed immense satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of Mark Franko and Kristi Lane, acknowledging their ability to understand and execute her vision effectively. #DanishModern #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #EclecticDecor #CustomBuilding #ModernAesthetics #RichmondHome #InternationalInfluence #OpenConcept

Lauren Sparber, an interior designer, and her husband Josh, embarked on a renovation project for their historic 1920s Tudor-style home in Washington D.C. Their primary goals were to expand the footprint, significantly increase natural light, and optimize the house's functionality for their family of four. Facing the challenge of a narrow plot with nearby properties, which complicated expanding and introducing more light, Lauren enlisted the expertise of her neighbor, architect Colleen Healey. Healey's local knowledge and understanding of the couple's vision proved invaluable in developing effective solutions. A key design challenge involved incorporating a large screened-in porch without blocking essential light to the new living spaces. Colleen Healey's innovative solution involved a striking porch addition at the rear of the house, featuring large doors that can be fully opened to seamlessly integrate with the interior living areas. An open space beneath the porch was also incorporated for children's play equipment and storage, with the flat roof designed for a future green roof. This design allowed the family to enjoy the porch for dining and entertaining throughout much of the year, with integrated fans and heaters ensuring comfort. Furthermore, strategically placed skylights became crucial for illuminating the interior. To maximize natural light, especially in the kitchen and family room, an asymmetrical ridge line was implemented in the roof design. This allowed morning light to reach the new primary bedroom and afternoon light to penetrate the double-story kitchen through a carved-out section of the second floor. An additional east-facing skylight further enhances the natural illumination in the kitchen. The original kitchen, described as tiny and cramped, was transformed into an airy and functional workspace, boasting triple the storage and counter space, centered around a large island ideal for entertaining. Lauren Sparber selected earthy warm oak full-height cabinets and an island, complemented by painted white lower cabinets, to introduce subtle layers of color. For countertops, Vermont Danby natural stone was chosen for its durability and unique green and black accents, which then influenced other design elements in the space. Three Allied Maker pendant lights above the island and laced leather and rattan barstools from McGuire were selected to complement the architectural details and other black accents in the room. The family room, constrained by the home's footprint, was meticulously planned to feel spacious despite its narrow layout. The design prioritized a well-considered arrangement and carefully chosen furniture. Hardwearing materials were selected to accommodate a young family, with a West Elm sectional serving as a primary seating area. Sophisticated touches were added with a Holly Hunt chair and side table, custom coffee tables, and a Matt Camron wool rug. TimberTech flooring on the screened porch seamlessly extends to the light oak interior floors, creating a cohesive look. A popular window seat, positioned between the family room and the glass porch, provides a cozy reading nook, featuring a Pollack woven linen cushion, a Mantas Escaray blanket, and a Visual Comfort reading light. The dining room, though maintaining its original location, benefited significantly from the new open wall leading to the addition, creating an illusion of greater size and natural light. Furnishings in the dining room include a BuzziSpace light fixture, an ebonized oak Camerich dining table, and easily cleanable leather-covered Holly Hunt host chairs and molded wood CB2 side chairs. Externally, the front facade also underwent a renovation. The existing front porch, which darkened the interior rooms, was removed. Windows were replaced with a soft grey finish and a simple mullion pattern, and the heavy Tudor elements were replaced with a clean stucco finish. The redesign successfully created a modern, light-filled family home that meets the owners' aesthetic and practical requirements, with the double-height kitchen ceiling and the screened porch being particular highlights for Lauren. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #ModernHome #LightFilledSpaces #KitchenDesign #FamilyHome #ScreenedPorch #Skylights

This article details a kitchen remodeling project undertaken by Studio Laloc founder and principal designer Lauren Caron in a century-old Dutch Colonial Revival home on north Capitol Hill. The aim of the remodel was to update the kitchen while respecting the historical context of the house and integrating the personalities of the young family living there. Caron, drawing on her background in visual design at Bergdorf Goodman, approaches interior design from a branding perspective, viewing the house's legacy and the clients' modern lives as interconnected 'brands' that need to be harmonized. The Dutch Colonial Revival architectural style, characterized by its distinctive curved eaves resembling a barn, is less well-known compared to styles like Queen Anne Victorian or Craftsman. However, Caron embraced its 'urban farmhouse' aesthetic. The remodel incorporates elements that subtly nod to this farmhouse style without making the space feel overly rustic or dated. Examples include an apron-style sink with a brass bridge faucet and a breakfast nook featuring ticking stripe bench cushions and mixed floral fabrics. These choices evoke a bucolic feel, complemented by walnut-colored rush chairs and a lighter dining table that coordinate with the oak floors. Nods to the Dutch heritage of the home's architectural style are also present. Caron incorporated custom-blended Dutch blue cabinets, inspired by Farrow and Ball’s De Nimes, and multidimensional white tiles from Fireclay, which she selected based on her travels in Amsterdam. These elements provide a subtle thematic connection without creating a museum-like atmosphere. Caron emphasizes that the goal was not to make the house exclusively era-appropriate, recognizing that original owners would have furnished their homes with a mix of contemporary and inherited pieces. A key aspect of Caron’s design philosophy for this project was to blend the old with the new seamlessly. A 1950s wood dining table, chosen for its durability and 'not too precious' quality, serves as a functional piece for family activities, integrating modern family life into the historic setting. While many appliances were concealed behind cabinetry to maintain a uniform and sleek appearance, a modern, energy-efficient Bertazzoni induction range was deliberately left exposed as a focal point. This appliance is topped by a traditional architectural hood, originally custom-designed for Caron's own kitchen, symbolizing her approach of connecting to the past while avoiding a 'time capsule' effect. The overall design balances historical reverence with contemporary functionality and the clients' personal style. #HomeRemodel #KitchenDesign #DutchColonialRevival #InteriorDesign #SeattleHomes #ArchitecturalStyle #StudioLaloc #LaurenCaron

Mews houses in London, once considered undesirable stables or garages in the 18th century, have become highly sought-after prime real estate. Angus Buchanan, creative director of Buchanan Studio, and his wife Charlotte, transformed one such property in South Kensington for Charlotte's parents. The parents desired a city base to visit their daughters and grandchildren, a need that the designers addressed by infusing the house with character after a previous developer had 'white-boxed' it, stripping away its original charm. The renovation began with the removal of drywall, which uncovered original features like old bricks and a metal horse tie, helping to re-establish the home's historic essence. In the dining area, a large, custom primavera marble table was installed to accommodate multiple generations. This unique table, chosen to honor Charlotte’s father's interest in minerals, required seven people to carry and features curved ends to prevent guests from getting stuck on corners. Its mobility is enhanced by specially engineered cast-brass wheels, allowing it to be pushed against a wall for buffet-style gatherings while remaining a statement piece that requires no placemats when in use. The accompanying bespoke bench is covered in durable, easy-to-clean leather. Traditional tongue-and-groove paneling was added throughout the house, contributing to its historical authenticity and cleverly concealing modern elements like the living room boiler. Salvaged rafter beams from an old Yorkshire school were used to clad the ceiling, while old cheese boards sourced from Retrouvius, an architectural salvage yard, were repurposed for the built-in cabinet under the stairs, adding unique, aged textures. An illusion of barn doors in the living room, designed with Angus's set-design background, creates the appearance of opening onto the street, circumventing costly structural changes while maintaining the home's aesthetic and historical feel. Residents can still enjoy fresh air by walking to Hyde Park or using a bistro set in the alley. The small, windowless galley kitchen was transformed with a bold pink and red color scheme, a favored combination of the designers, applied to pre-made cabinets and the ceiling. This vibrant choice, though initially met with some persuasion for Charlotte's father, brings a surprising burst of color to the otherwise compact space. In one of the two bathrooms, a commitment to a bathtub over a shower was made due to Charlotte’s mother’s preference. A peachy-pink marble surrounds the tub, with off-cuts cleverly repurposed into open shelving, making the space functional and aesthetically pleasing. The marble bath is described as 'bombproof,' designed to accommodate various items for a relaxing experience, making it a luxurious escape for all family members, whether visiting or staying over. The project involved careful sourcing from local vintage shops like Retrouvius and online platforms such as Vinterior for unique pieces. The marble bath was the biggest splurge, while preserving and restoring the original floorboards was a significant cost-saving measure, enhancing the ground floor’s light and airy ambiance. The successful execution of the project was attributed to collaborations with local builders and joiners like MCJ Home Improvements, marble and natural stone experts like Marcus from Artisans of Devizes, and painters such as Portland Decorating, highlighting the importance of skilled craftsmanship in achieving the desired traditional and colorful aesthetic. #LondonMewsHouse #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BuchananStudio #FamilyHome #VintageDecor #MarbleFurniture #ColorfulKitchen #DesignInspiration

The New York architecture firm Sawyer|Berson, known for its stylistic versatility in designing Hamptons' residences, undertook a unique project for Richard Shemtov, CEO and founder of furniture company Dune. Shemtov envisioned a modestly scaled weekend retreat in Southampton for his family, inspired by traditional gable-roof barns but executed in a rigorously pared-down style. Key inspirations for the design included Herzog & de Meuron’s Parrish Art Museum and John Pawson’s Baron House in Sweden. This project, while seemingly simple, presented an exercise in discipline for architects Brian Sawyer and John Berson, requiring careful coordination of the plan and section to create a cohesive composition. To achieve a crisp silhouette for the 8,000-square-foot house, one of its two main levels was entirely submerged below-grade. The weathered-gray zinc standing-seam roof was designed to be flush with the perimeter edges, featuring hidden gutters. The exterior is characterized by expansive 10-foot-high, black-painted aluminum-framed glass panels, many of which are operable, along with a distinctive recycled-glass brick cladding. The ground floor accommodates an open living/dining area, a kitchen, and four bedrooms. The basement level, designed to be column-free to house multiple entertaining areas, Shemtov’s home office, a laundry room, a gym, and a kitchenette, added significant engineering complexity to the project. The design evolved to include a custom-fabricated carport and a half-level attic den, which also functions as a guest bedroom. The construction ultimately took nearly three years and exceeded the initial budget, but Shemtov affirmed it was the house they desired. Richard Shemtov himself took on the role of interior designer, a first for him on a project of this scale. The interior design process was meticulous, with every inch carefully considered. Architectural detailing was minimized, focusing on simple baseboard trim and custom millwork. In the double-height living area, Shemtov designed a striking fireplace surround in wenge and built-in bookshelves with a hand-glazed faux-linen finish, backed with mirror or hair-on hide for added texture. The ground level features 8-inch-wide pine floor planks, wire-brushed and treated with a milky glaze for a unique tactile experience. Most built-ins, seating, and tables were produced by Dune, utilizing a mix of existing collection pieces and new designs, some of which have since been incorporated into Dune's product line. Examples include an amoeba-shaped ottoman/table upholstered in harlequin-patterned coral leather and a Donald Judd-inspired teal-aluminum sideboard. The lower level, dedicated to recreation, features exuberant Dune sectionals in a rusty-hued chenille and a lemon-suede, channel-tufted circular model inspired by Pierre Paulin. The artwork within the home predominantly consists of personal collections and pieces by friends. A notable acquisition is a Bernardo Siciliano painting of a restaurant interior, which resonated with Shemtov as Dune had previously created a custom banquette for the very restaurant depicted. To introduce natural light into the lower level, Sawyer|Berson, responsible for the landscaping, created a courtyard garden. This garden features amphitheater-style concrete terraces adorned with various potted plants, a concept refined by Shemtov. The rear grounds are dominated by a minimalist swimming pool, framed by porcelain-tile coping and a precisely graded lawn. An outdoor kitchen, a poolside dining pergola, and a covered terrace offer additional family gathering spaces. Shemtov envisions the home serving as a cherished retreat for his family for many years, describing the entire project as a profound labor of love. #SouthamptonHome #SawyerBerson #DuneFurniture #RichardShemtov #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #HamptonsArchitecture #ModernBarnStyle #LuxuryResidence #LandscapeArchitecture

Angelica and Richard Squire, cofounders of the U.K.-based design firm Studio Squire, undertook a significant transformation of an 1820s English cottage located in South Downs National Park. The clients, based in London, sought a weekend retreat to escape their demanding city lives. Upon their initial visit, the designers observed that despite its age, the cottage had lost much of its original character over the last 40 to 50 years. However, the property boasted exceptional natural surroundings, including a mile-long driveway through woodlands, rolling hills, and a series of lakes, offering an ideal setting for a secluded getaway. The clients presented Studio Squire with a completely blank canvas, requiring everything from furniture to dinner plates and art. Their primary constraint was a desire to utilize the house as quickly as possible. This led to an intensive renovation and furnishing period of approximately six months, during which the designers meticulously selected every item to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The project deliberately avoided recreating a historically accurate 200-year-old aesthetic, instead focusing on integrating materials, colors, and finishes that harmonized with the magical woodland environment. A key design decision involved replacing the ground-level flooring with old stone, which significantly altered the home's overall feel. While major construction was limited by time and budget, the designers reconfigured several awkward spaces. They added an extra bathroom upstairs in one of the guest bedrooms and downstairs, converted a small, oddly shaped boot room, a purposeless office, and a tiny windowless lavatory into a more functional and spacious boot room, essential for a home in the woods. This new boot room features a glazed door connecting it to the kitchen, tongue-and-groove paneling, Shaker pegs for coats, and wallpapered upper walls and ceiling. One of the project's biggest cost savings came from retaining the existing, well-built kitchen. The designers updated it by replacing worn countertops with tumbled granite, adding new wood to the island, repainting the cabinets, installing new hardware, and incorporating a hot water and filter tap. The first item purchased for the project was a chunky oak farmhouse table from a local dealer, Sussex Antiques, emphasizing a connection to the local community. The designers expressed enthusiasm for using tumbled granite again, noting its durability and resistance to marks, making it a practical alternative to less resilient materials like slate. The living room showcases an eclectic mix of seating, achieved by re-upholstering and re-springing secondhand chairs, giving the space a comfortable, inherited feel. A creative solution for concealing a large television involved hanging a Suzani tapestry on a curtain rail, allowing it to be pulled back to reveal the screen. An inventive transformation saw a non-working fireplace in the living room converted into a bar, complete with a slightly raised lintel arch. Additionally, a new door was installed to provide direct access to the garden from this area, enhancing convenience for entertaining. In the bathrooms, functionality met unique design. An added window in the shower, sourced affordably from eBay, was a key detail that prevented the space from feeling like a narrow tunnel. The main downstairs lavatory, visible to most guests, received a splurge with Thomas Crapper fittings, along with a window and a long console table. Upstairs, an interior curtain was installed at the top of the stairs, allowing residents to section off unused bedrooms during quieter weekends. The smallest bedroom features a bold "India Yellow" paint from Farrow & Ball and tongue-and-groove paneling to create a cabin-like atmosphere. In the primary bedroom, a fabric bed canopy was chosen over a grand four-poster, striking a balance between creating a focal point and maintaining the cottage's relaxed aesthetic, particularly in a large room where a walk-in wardrobe was removed to avoid clutter. #EnglishCottage #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #StudioSquire #WeekendRetreat #CountryLiving #EclecticDecor #KitchenDesign #BathroomRenovation