Westlake couple personalizes floor plan, style in English-inspired home

The Noahs' residence in east Springfield, a 1970s foreclosure, underwent extensive renovation from 2011 to 2013, transforming a dilapidated property into a beautifully appointed home. The couple, Phil and Sharon Noah, were initially drawn to the property by its open ground-level floor plan and the captivating view from the top-floor balcony, even though the house was in a state of disarray. They embraced the challenge, seeking a project that would allow them to reimagine and personalize their living space. The renovation process was comprehensive, impacting every aspect of the house. The Noahs added new structures and dedicated countless hours over two years to the project, living in the home throughout the entire construction period. This commitment meant enduring dust and significant disruption, at one point even requiring a ladder to access their top-floor master bedroom. Their creativity was evident in their resourcefulness, as they repurposed materials from unconventional sources. For instance, terra cotta tiles, columns, and lighting fixtures from a former Macaroni Grill were integrated into a newly constructed gazebo and the kitchen design. The kitchen itself features Phenix marble countertops, unique for their embedded fossils, adding a distinctive natural element to the space. The lower level of the home was reconfigured to include modern entertainment amenities. Two existing bedrooms were converted into a dedicated home theater and a game room. The game room boasts a wet bar, ingeniously equipped with beer taps that Phil, a retired fire marshal, crafted from an antique fire extinguisher, reflecting a personal touch and a nod to his past profession. On the upper floor, the couple optimized their living space by transforming a former bedroom into a luxurious master bathroom and converting a loft area into a spacious walk-in closet, enhancing both functionality and comfort. For the interior decoration, the Noahs opted for a refined aesthetic, furnishing the entire house with European antiques, which contribute to a sense of timeless elegance and character. The extensive work and thoughtful design of their home will soon be showcased to the public as part of the 23rd Annual Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour. This event benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks, offering attendees a glimpse into the Noahs' remarkable transformation project. Sharon Noah expressed her joy in decorating the house, particularly for Christmas, indicating her passion for creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere. The tour provides an opportunity for the community to appreciate the intricate details and the successful revitalization of the 1970s residence. #HomeRenovation #ForeclosureTransformation #OpenFloorPlan #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #EuropeanAntiques #HomeTour #RonaldMcDonaldHouseCharities #SpringfieldHomes

This blog post details the new construction home of Tyler and Amanda Tarver in Benton, highlighting their design choices and experiences. The couple's journey began with an inspiring trip to Israel, where they connected with the author, Tanner Cangelosi. Upon visiting their new home, Cangelosi was impressed by the detailed design and unique style, suggesting Amanda pursue a career in contracting. The Tarvers shared insights into their family life, including Amanda's role at New Life Church Saline County, her support for Tyler's YouTube Channel (Tarver Academy), and their three children: Titus (8), Ezra (6), and Finnick (2). Tyler is the dean of NLC College and manages multiple YouTube channels. Their home's design plans were largely spearheaded by Amanda, who conducted extensive research using platforms like Pinterest, Google, and Instagram to compile a 'highlight reel' of open-floor plans and 'hipster features'. These compiled ideas were then provided to a draftsperson to create their custom blueprints. Tyler contributed his opinions for consideration throughout the process. Key aspects of their new home that the Tarvers love most include the open floor plan, which integrates the kitchen, living room, and dining area. This design choice allows Amanda to feel included in family activities while cooking and provides ample space for hosting guests. The inclusion of a pool is also a cherished feature for future enjoyment. Another favorite is the kitchen bar, which serves as a versatile space for family gatherings, meals, and children's homework or craft projects, fostering more family time. The design emphasizes functionality and communal living. The Tarvers also provided five money-saving tips for those considering building a house. Their advice includes utilizing Amazon.com for comparing quotes and purchasing items, undertaking non-dangerous tasks independently, and being present during construction to minimize material waste by subcontractors. They also highlighted the importance of managing return timelines for purchases and finishing certain areas of the house independently to reduce costs associated with per-square-footage charges. They deliberately chose smaller room sizes for their children, recognizing that the kids prefer to spend time in the main living area, thus maximizing space in shared zones and simplifying cleaning and decorating. The daughter’s private bathroom is also appreciated. The fixtures in their home were sourced from a variety of retailers, including West Elm, Cb2, and Wayfair, with Amanda noting that her favorite light fixture surprisingly came from Walmart. The color palette was selected by Amanda from Instagram photos, aiming for a bright, clean, and open feel with added character. The base color is white, complemented by wood tones, blacks, and golds, reflecting current popular trends and personal style. Both Tyler and Amanda expressed interest in building again in the future or assisting others with their construction projects, fueled by Amanda's passion for design and navigating the building process. #HomeDesign #NewConstruction #OpenFloorPlan #InteriorDesign #MoneySavingTips #FamilyHome #CustomBuild #DesignInspiration #ModernLiving

This article details how Valerie Darden and her husband Jon transformed their new-build home in Stafford, Virginia, to incorporate vintage and old-world aesthetics they originally sought in an older property. The couple, along with their two sons, Brexton and Cole, moved into the five-bedroom, five-bathroom house in December. Their initial preference was for an older home featuring original built-ins and crown molding, and they nearly purchased a century-old house in Loudoun County. However, the lengthy commute to Jon's job in Alexandria led them to opt for the new construction instead. Valerie Darden, who has since launched her own interior design business, Brexton Cole Interiors, embarked on several DIY projects to infuse the new home with the character they desired. Her approach aimed to blend modern design with vintage touches, moving away from the typical feel of a new build. A significant project involved adding Parisian-style molding to their bedroom, an element that evokes a classic, European elegance. She also applied this molding to the windows in the kitchen, further enhancing the historic appeal, and lacquered these kitchen window moldings black for a striking contrast. Another notable DIY endeavor was the installation of built-in bookshelves on a previously blank wall near the entryway. This addition provided both functional storage and an architectural feature that contributed to the desired old-world atmosphere. The choice of built-ins and molding reflects a deliberate effort to create a sense of established history and personalized charm within a recently constructed property. These projects allowed the Dardens to customize their living space to align with their aesthetic vision, despite starting with a modern, unadorned canvas. Key pieces of furniture and decor further emphasize their design philosophy. Valerie's favorite furniture pieces include two Margot green velvet sofas from One Kings Lane, which add a touch of luxury and rich color to the home. The vintage walnut console table, a find from Facebook Marketplace, is also a cherished item, specifically chosen for its ability to introduce a vintage character into the newer construction. This blend of new and old, custom and curated, is central to their home's unique style. Regarding their shopping habits, One Kings Lane is highlighted as Valerie's favorite home interior store, suggesting a preference for curated and often unique design elements. The article also distinguishes between their design splurges and steals. The Anthropologie gilded mirror in the main bedroom represents a splurge, indicating an investment in a statement piece that adds glamour. Conversely, the entryway console table from Facebook Marketplace is cited as a steal, demonstrating how budget-friendly finds can effectively contribute to a sophisticated design scheme. The customization efforts have proven particularly valuable during the recent global health crisis. Valerie Darden expressed that having a home she personally designed has significantly contributed to her well-being and sanity during a period of increased time spent indoors. This personal connection to their living environment underscores the importance of a thoughtfully designed space, particularly when it serves as a sanctuary from external pressures. The project exemplifies how new constructions can be transformed to reflect a homeowner's unique taste and desire for a historic aesthetic through strategic DIY projects and careful selection of furnishings. #HomeDesign #DIYProjects #InteriorDesign #NewBuild #VintageStyle #HomeRenovation #BuiltInFurniture #CrownMolding #StaffordVirginia

The article details the transformation of a Chicago apartment's living room by professional stager Molly Marino, owner of Molly Marino Design & Staging, with the assistance of her marketing director, Mike Pickett. The apartment, located in the West Loop neighborhood, was a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit owned by a client seeking to sell it quickly. The primary challenge was the apartment's sterile, white-box aesthetic, which lacked personality and warmth, making it difficult for prospective buyers to envision living there. Marino and Pickett aimed to infuse the space with an eclectic, maximalist style while maintaining a calming atmosphere through color. They opted for a strategy that involved using a mix of patterns, textures, and colors to create visual interest. For instance, the main wall was painted a deep emerald green, contrasting with the existing white walls and serving as a focal point. This color choice was complemented by a mustard yellow sofa, adding a bold pop of color and unexpected warmth to the room. The designers incorporated various decor elements to enhance the eclectic feel. A key piece was a round, dark wood coffee table that brought a vintage touch and grounded the space. Above the sofa, two abstract art prints in black frames were hung, providing a sophisticated and modern element. The use of different textiles, such as a black and white patterned rug, velvet pillows, and a throw blanket, added layers of texture and visual softness. Greenery, in the form of plants, was strategically placed to bring life and freshness into the room. Lighting played a crucial role in the design. Marino selected a sculptural floor lamp with multiple arms and spherical shades, which not only illuminated the space but also acted as an art piece. This choice contributed to the overall modern yet artistic vibe. The existing built-in shelving was styled with a collection of books, decorative objects, and framed photos, further personalizing the space and making it appear lived-in and inviting. Before the staging, the living room featured minimal furniture, including a small, neutral sofa, a glass coffee table, and a basic TV stand. The walls were uniformly white, and the space felt cold and uninspired. The transformation highlights the significant impact of professional staging on a property's appeal, especially for potential buyers looking for a home with character. The objective was to create a memorable and aspirational environment that would help the apartment stand out in the competitive real estate market. #HomeStaging #InteriorDesign #EclecticStyle #LivingRoomDecor #ChicagoRealEstate #PropertyTransformation #HomeDecor #MollyMarino #RealEstateMarketing

The Houston Estate project, located in a lush Houston neighborhood, exemplifies a seamless integration of traditional and modern design elements, creating a distinctive aesthetic that also showcases the client’s art collection. The entryway sets a grand tone with oversized custom steel doors and plaster walls, a recurring design feature throughout the home. A custom staircase, eclectic artwork, and a floral sofa contribute to a bold, inviting atmosphere, complemented by reclaimed octagon and dot tile from Italy, adding warmth and historical character. The formal dining room features grasscloth wallpaper matching the wood trim, producing a dramatic effect. Each furniture piece in this room is a statement, including a solid travertine table seating eight in velvet barrel-back chairs, and a custom console with a carved wave design. A personalized cupboard was also built to display the client’s china collection. In contrast, the formal living room opts for intricate millwork instead of grasscloth, presenting a color-drenched space where walls, ceiling, and drapes share the same hue, creating a sophisticated and dramatic ambiance. Furniture groupings in this room are arranged around a central fireplace, optimizing both aesthetics and functionality. The kitchen is a custom-designed space, rich with marble and tailored to the height of the homeowner, former MLB player Jason Castro. Details such as a bullnosed countertop profile, bookmatched backsplash, integrated marble sink, and hand-painted plug-in covers reflect meticulous craftsmanship. Oak cabinetry and a black Lacanche range complete the culinary area. The adjacent pantry is notable for its abundant natural light, dark blue cabinetry, soapstone countertops, and brass hardware, creating a moody yet stylish storage solution. An oversized vintage rug adds texture and patina. A casual breakfast nook, located off the kitchen, features a light fixture that harmonizes brass and darker metals, linking it with the kitchen's design. Seating includes comfortable, durable chairs with leather seats and plaid upholstered backs, chosen for a family with young children. Artwork by Tyler Guinn and a Heath Oak Cabinet from McGee & Co. enhance the space. The family room, a more relaxed gathering area, incorporates pieces from Round Top, Texas, and a vintage rug that informs the room's color palette. A curved-back sectional with crypton fabric offers durability, while the fireplace, with its fluted front, curved sides, and reclaimed fire brick, is a focal point. Styled built-ins provide display space for collectibles. The primary suite is designed as a serene retreat with a vaulted ceiling and a fireplace. Its neutral palette of browns, greens, creams, and moody blues is layered with custom millwork and relaxed drapes matching the wall color. Abstract artwork by Kimberly Moore is intentionally scaled smaller above the bed. The primary bathroom features unique elements such as a mixed metal vanity and plaster walls and ceilings between wood beams. The guest bedroom offers a calm and serene environment with ample natural light from windows on two sides. It is furnished with McGee & Co.'s Sutherland Bed and luxurious bedding. The ensuite bathroom features contrast trim derived from the wallpaper and a Calcutta marble-topped vanity. The study is dedicated to displaying the homeowner's baseball memorabilia, including Jason Castro's MLB career mementos and a World Series trophy. A herringbone wood floor with a brass inlay defines the room. The playroom features a distinctive wallpapered ceiling and various nooks for children's activities, including a firepole leading to a netted loft and built-in shelving for toys and books. The girls' room is characterized by a bold wallpaper dictating a soft pink contrast trim, layering pattern on pattern for a playful effect. The ensuite bathroom extends the trim color to the walls for cohesion, and an arched shower entry creates an artistic focal point. The boys' room utilizes a dramatic, high-contrast paint color derived from the upholstered headboard, which is complemented by a display of baseball hats as art. Its ensuite bathroom has subway tile throughout and a strategically placed vanity and mirror in front of a window. In the nursery, design elements such as wallpaper with contrast trim and a paneled ceiling are echoed from other areas of the home. The crib is positioned as the focal point for both aesthetic and practical reasons. The laundry room is designed to be a pleasant space, featuring wallpaper, patterned floors, and soft-colored cabinetry. A bold floral pattern is mixed with a geometric one, unified by a cohesive color palette. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TraditionalModernMix #HoustonEstate #FamilyHomeDesign #CustomInteriors #LuxuryDesign #ResidentialDesign #RoombyRoomDesign