What Exactly Is a Colonial Revival Home?

Lindsay Marcus, an interior designer, recently completed a project in the Little Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, transforming a 1940s Colonial Revival-style residence into a transitional family home. The client sought an elevated, refined, and chic living space that was also kid-friendly in certain areas, marking a stylistic departure from their previous neutral-toned mid-century modern home. Marcus’s design philosophy for this project centered on preserving the home’s original architectural features while integrating an eclectic, layered, and elevated aesthetic. The design approach emphasized allowing the traditional aspects of the architecture to guide the overall tone of the space. To achieve a layered and collected look, Marcus incorporated mid-century lighting and modern furniture silhouettes, aiming for a balance between old and new elements, as well as color and pattern. The project's success lies in its ability to blend contrasting styles and eras into a cohesive and timeless environment. The entryway exemplifies this design vision, with its elegant architecture, including a sweeping stone staircase and refined iron banister, serving as the foundational classic elements. The space is enriched with a thoughtful mix of eras through a clean-lined dresser, varied textures in vignettes, and a vintage rug, creating a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere. For the powder room, Marcus and her team selected a rich, cool blue paint for the paneling and a dramatic mural from Gracie, transforming the small space into a jewel box. Vintage Italian Pietro Chiesa sconces and a floral ceiling flush mount from Urban Electric further enhance the room's romantic ambiance. In the living room, existing furniture, such as a royal blue Nickey Kehoe sofa and a Roche Bobois loveseat, were integrated into the new design. The Nickey Kehoe sofa inspired the room’s color palette, and the Roche Bobois loveseat was reupholstered in a striped fabric from Howe. An antique Art Deco coffee table and a French giltwood mirror from 1stDibs introduced Old Hollywood glamour and served as focal points. Italian Murano glass and brass sconces, a marble bar, and Pierre Jeanneret chairs re-covered in hair-on-hide added to the room’s luxurious feel. The walls were finished with Portola Paint’s Tikal limewash, and contemporary oil paintings by Gideon Rubin and Hannah Brown contributed to a modern sophistication. The dining room features a contrast of a rustic farmhouse table paired with original Finn Juhl chairs, reupholstered in light brown mohair, under a modern plaster chandelier, creating a harmonious blend of styles. The main bedroom maintained its existing white paneling, complemented by a neutral grasscloth wallpaper from Gregorious Pineo and a Rosa Bernal fabric for drapery, creating depth and texture without overwhelming the vintage Persian rug. Custom white oak nightstands with Rojo Alicante marble tops and Victoria Morris pottery lamps in an oxblood glaze added refined touches, while a shearling-covered womb chair provided a cozy reading nook. The children's areas were designed with distinct personalities. The playroom features bold olive green walls and wainscoting, with Farrow & Ball’s Barrow Blue paint on the paneling and ceiling, paired with a checkered wallpaper. Mustard Togo chairs provide comfortable and playful seating. The boy's room adopted a masculine palette of blues, white, and subtle greens, anchored by a Lawson Fenning bed upholstered in McLaurin and Piercy fabric. Side chairs and poufs from Sabin LA offered youthful yet sophisticated shapes, and a Zak + Fox stripe wallpaper added subtle color and texture. The second child’s room embraced a whimsical, nautical theme with a marine ceiling flush mount and Cole and Son’s Melville wallpaper, complemented by a leather sconce from Lostine and a floral bedcover from Nickey Kehoe. Marcus expressed particular satisfaction with the living room, primary bedroom, and powder room, highlighting the use of patterned drapery fabrics throughout the home as a favorite element that made each space feel special and cohesive. The designer emphasized that the client’s willingness to take risks contributed significantly to the successful and elevated outcome of the project. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColonialRevival #TransitionalStyle #LuxuryHomes #HomeMakeover #DecoratingIdeas #ColorAndPattern

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

Amanda Teo and Stephen Gordon, a couple with three children, faced the common challenge of managing clutter within their 1400-square-foot home in Jamaica Plain. Their desire for more space and better organization led them to a stately 1900 colonial revival house on a tree-lined street in Brookline. Although the house had undergone previous updates, they recognized the need for specialized design expertise to maximize storage and minimize visual clutter, especially with their extensive collection of books, numerous musical instruments, and various hobby-related items. They enlisted the help of Stephanie Freeman Design, along with Leana Taft of Slocum Hall Design Group and Masse Builders, to undertake a significant renovation. The design team embarked on an ambitious project to overhaul the first floor, focusing on creating dedicated spaces for the family's possessions and activities. A key element of the renovation involved reorganizing the first-floor openings and adding stairs to the attic, which allowed for the creation of a small workstation for Amanda Teo. To address their storage needs, a mudroom was incorporated into the design. The existing front living room was transformed into a library, providing a proper home for their large book collection, while the back living room was thoughtfully converted into a music room, accommodating their various instruments and fostering a space for family jam sessions. Stephanie Freeman's design philosophy aimed to modernize the home while preserving its inherent character. This was achieved by blending classic architectural elements with bold color choices and clean-lined furniture, resulting in a "mod-trad" aesthetic that was both fun and family-friendly. The library and music room, where the family spent much of their time reading and playing music, served as primary sources of inspiration. The decision to use Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue in the library set the tone for many subsequent design choices throughout the house. One of the more challenging aspects of the renovation involved designing the kitchen to accommodate Stephen Gordon, an avid cook with numerous large industrial kitchen appliances and gadgets. The family's passion for entertaining, particularly hosting large dinner parties capable of seating up to 40 guests, also dictated the kitchen's reconfiguration. To facilitate this, the kitchen was redesigned to include an opening wall that connected it seamlessly with the dining room, thereby creating an open-plan entertaining space ideal for their gatherings. Remarkably, the entire project was completed within an accelerated timeframe of just eight months. Towards the end of the renovation, decorative beams were added to the dining room ceiling, an eleventh-hour design decision by Freeman to enhance the room's aesthetic. This detail underscored the belief that while organization was paramount, carefully considered "stuff" could contribute positively to the home's overall character and charm, ultimately creating a harmonious and functional living environment for the family of five. #ColonialRevival #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #StorageSolutions #FamilyHome #KitchenRemodel #BostonInteriors #StephanieFreemanDesign

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

Victoria and Marcus Ford undertook a renovation of their 1970s Dutch Colonial-style home in Cary, North Carolina, aiming to infuse it with a blend of Colonial New England classicism and their personal 'African Americana' aesthetic. This initial phase of their 'Makeover Takeover' project focused on transforming the front exterior, entry, and dining room. The exterior of the house, initially a combination of gray and an unsuitable green, was the first area addressed. The Fords decided to repaint the siding with a slightly off-white, 'Alabaster' by Sherwin-Williams, and chose a darker shade of green, 'Dard Hunter Green' by Sherwin-Williams, for the door and shutters to create a more impactful contrast. The aesthetic was further enhanced with colonial-style bronze lanterns and black urns. New door entry hardware and a bumblebee knocker completed the refreshed facade. Moving indoors, the previously drab entry, characterized by beige walls, muddy brown accents, a vinyl floor, and a lack of staircase presence, underwent a significant transformation. The Fords introduced a vibrant 'African Americana' style, combining elements of Ralph Lauren and camp-inspired aesthetics with art by African American artists. This was achieved through a green front door, a Turkish runner, and a green-and-white laurel-patterned wallpaper by Rifle Paper Co. The trim was painted 'Pure White' by Sherwin-Williams, and a sisal runner was installed. A semi-flush-mount light fixture and a 'Beachcomber' basket from Pottery Barn added functional and decorative elements. The staircase, lacking in grandeur, received an upgrade with beefier, glossy black newel posts, handrails, and balusters from Stair Supplies, painted in 'Tricorn Black' by Sherwin-Williams. Original hardwood floors, discovered under layers of vinyl and linoleum, were refinished and stained to match the home's existing hardwoods. A decorative domino set, placed on a painted Ikea 'Hemnes' cabinet, served as a personal touch, honoring Marcus’s grandfather. A porcelain umbrella holder was also added. The dining room, initially uninspiring with its beige palette, dated wallpaper border, and lackluster trim, was redesigned to be an inviting space for daily use and special occasions. The centerpiece of the room became a framed print of Hughie Lee-Smith’s painting, '_The Stranger_,' downloaded with permission from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The walls were covered in a textural 'Palette' grasscloth wallpaper in Moss by Rifle Paper Co., with trim in 'Pure White' by Sherwin-Williams. A simple Parsons dining table from Facebook Marketplace was paired with caned-back dining chairs, which Victoria refurbished with navy spray paint and plaid Sunbrella fabric. A 'Katie' chandelier by Lauren Ralph Lauren, a Turkish rug from Revival Rugs, and ginger jars by Lo Home by Lauren Haskell Designs contributed to the room's layered texture and sophisticated appeal. A sideboard by Nadeau, horse table lamps by Regina Andrew, and Sunbrella Linen French Pleat Drapes by Outdoor Drape completed the furnishings. Marcus enhanced the millwork by adding thick, simple frameworks of stock one-by-four boards below the chair rail and installing new three-inch crown molding, creating the illusion of expensive paneling. A Sunbrella-covered dog bed was included for their Irish Wolfhound mix, Remus, blending functionality with the refined aesthetic. #HomeRenovation #ColonialRevival #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #BeforeAndAfter #DiningRoomDecor #EntrywayDesign #ExteriorRefresh #AfricanAmericanaStyle

This article details the renovation of a Victorian Colonial home in Hastings-on-Hudson, purchased by Peter and Brittney Walgren, New York City transplants. The couple, with a young son, Teddy, sought to infuse new life into the older home, moving from their West Village apartment. Brittney, with a background in floral design, found her aesthetic aligned with Greenwich-based designer Becca Casey's vision. Casey's approach aimed to visually refresh the home with light walls, transitional furnishings, and a slightly West Coast aesthetic, emphasizing vibrancy. Her style, described as neo-traditional, blends classic silhouettes with modern and light elements, incorporating textural barn woods against stucco walls, ethnic textiles layered with neutral ones, and deliberately worn found pieces to soften the space. The color palette for the home primarily features off-white walls, sage and chartreuse greens, and matte black, contributing to an understated arrangement. A key aspect of the design process was preserving and working with the home's original features, such as intricate carpentry, wood moldings, inlay floors, and glass door hardware, which spoke to its Victorian heritage. Paint played a crucial role in initiating the design transformation. The house previously had heavy moldings and red and blue walls, requiring a significant overhaul before achieving the desired fresh and family-friendly environment. To create visual harmony across rooms, walls and moldings were painted in Simply White by Benjamin Moore, while the original wood moldings around door casings were retained as natural room dividers. Casey's objective was to open up the space, create a warm canvas, and then layer in a mix of pieces. Specific design interventions included the creation of a "boot room" from a previously voided area off the foyer. This space now features custom-designed built-ins, replacing church-like benches, to serve the needs of a growing family. The boot room is further enhanced with Granada tile flooring and millwork finished in Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon, complemented by brass fixtures. The living room fireplace was redone with a stucco façade and terra cotta tiles, and the room incorporates a variety of textiles like bouclé, ticking, and an antique Khotan rug. A Herman Miller Eames chair provides a reading nook. Adjacent to the living room, the library was painted with Farrow & Ball’s Railings and furnished with a chartreuse settee and mixed throw pillows. A built-in was added to house the couple’s antique record player and a collection of records, each a wedding gift. In the dining room, an oak table with mid-century style chairs serves as a focal point, capable of seating eight guests. The dining room fireplace received a textural paint treatment to give it an older, worn appearance, and an original Egyptian artwork gifted by Brittney’s mother is displayed above it. The overall ambiance of the home is natural, establishing a strong connection to the outdoors, inspired by the surrounding bucolic gardens and views of the Hudson River. Despite the natural theme, elements of glamour are integrated through the use of brass and richly finished metals, which add depth, antiquity, and prevent sterility in the newly finished spaces. The article concludes by listing the design team involved: Becca Casey of Becca Interiors as the designer, Stephen Madoka of Floe Painting for the fireplace, and Olvin Caballeros of Cabelleros Wood Flooring for the flooring. #VictorianColonialRevival #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BeccaCasey #HastingsOnHudson #NaturalElements #GlamDecor #NeoTraditionalDesign #FamilyHome

Mike and Laura Brosius, drawn to Astoria, Oregon, and a specific 1892 Queen Anne/Stick Style house, embarked on a significant restoration project. The house, untouched by prior remodels, boasted original stained-glass windows, Eastlake-style hardware, and faux-grained woodwork, retaining its original room layouts. However, after purchasing it in 2016 at a reduced price, they discovered the extent of neglect that necessitated a comprehensive restoration to revive its 19th-century elegance. The exterior of the house suffered from decades of neglect, with white paint obscuring decorative trim. The attic was infested with pigeons and roof leaks, leading to significant water damage. All 38 sash windows required restoration due to broken pulleys, paint-sealed frames, and shattered glass. Inside, plaster throughout the house was cracked, and the dining room's embossed Anaglypta wallcovering was damaged. The faded and water-damaged faux-grained wainscot in the front hall also needed attention. Both bathrooms were in disrepair; the upstairs featured a cheap fiberglass shower, while the downstairs suffered from severe water damage and lacked heating. The main rooms had inappropriate shiny brass lighting and wall-to-wall beige carpeting, replacing original features. A poorly executed 1960s kitchen remodel had removed original trim, installed an aluminum slider window, a dropped ceiling, and a dividing peninsula. The kitchen's deck, offering views of the Columbia River, was rotting beneath three 1970s plastic bubble skylights. The restoration process addressed numerous structural and aesthetic issues. The two-brick-wythe foundation, compromised by water infiltration, required hundreds of feet of new drain lines. A new concrete foundation was poured, necessitating an 18-inch excavation to create sufficient ceiling height for a new mudroom and bath, extending the projected 90-day project to nine months. Seismic upgrades were performed, the crumbling chimney was rebuilt, and a new cedar-shake roof was installed to match the original. A new HVAC system was integrated, and all 38 windows were meticulously removed, restored, and rehung. Interior renovations focused on historical accuracy and artisanal craftsmanship. The original, embossed Anaglypta wall covering in the dining room was repaired and refinished. Floors, previously bleached, were stained to a rich brown to complement the restored woodwork. Gilded picture-rail molding, discovered in the attic, was repaired and reinstalled. An archival photograph of the original owners guided the replication of missing battlement moldings, window trim, and rosettes. The Brosiuses opted for a “Painted Gentleman” aesthetic for the exterior, utilizing a subdued polychrome palette of Benjamin Moore’s Knoxville Gray for the body, low-luster black for sashes, and Montgomery White for trim, with Brass Monkey metallic accents, departing from the brighter “Painted Lady” style. Talented local artisans contributed significantly; Christy Mather repaired the Anaglypta, while Joanne Lumpkin Brown and Faith Brown restored and faux-grained 29 doors, six pocket doors, and 31 windows, as well as re-creating trompe l’oeil wood-panel wainscoting. Faith also stenciled gold medallion patterns in the dining room and parlor. The kitchen was completely gutted and rebuilt to an 1890s aesthetic, featuring a stenciled floor mimicking Victorian linoleum, subway tiles, period lighting, and a restored vintage Magic Chef stove. A former pantry was reinstated to its original use. Swedish wallpaper from Boråstapeter was chosen for the parlor, honoring Gustav Holmes, the original owner. The house was furnished with period antique furniture and lighting, complemented by personal travel mementos, completing a comprehensive and historically sensitive restoration. #HomeRestoration #QueenAnneArchitecture #VictorianHome #HistoricalPreservation #InteriorDesign #ExteriorPainting #ArchitecturalDetails #Craftsmanship #CoastalHome

Molly Singer, a designer, transformed a 1960s Colonial-style house outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, into a vibrant and colorful home for her family of four and their four pets. Initially overlooking the property despite its stunning three-acre homestead and bucolic setting, she eventually chose it due to a looming deadline and dwindling options. The house, while having good bones, was unassuming and needed a fresh perspective. Singer embraced the challenge, deciding to infuse the formal space with color and bold patterns, aiming for an elevated Colonial charm that was more exciting and contemporary than its previous Colonial Williamsburg style. The entryway sets the tone with daring blue wainscoting painted in Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball, complemented by patterned wallpaper. This bold choice immediately signals the home's departure from a muted aesthetic. The formal sitting area, which Singer admits is rarely used by her family, became a showcase for bold colors. An ochre yellow wall color, forest green sofas, and bright blue accents, including an ottoman and steely blue fretwork on the ceilings, create a rich, colonial-inspired palette. Singer balanced these strong colors with simple upholstery, floral occasional chairs, and chinoiserie pillows, while the fretwork on the ceiling adds visual interest without making the lower ceilings feel cramped. The kitchen, a highlight of the renovation, was designed to be a breezy cottage-style space. It features Shaker-style cabinetry painted in Skywalker by Backdrop, contrasted by creamy tongue-and-groove paneling and custom-stained red oak beams, corbels, and flooring. The 12-foot tall ceilings contribute to an airy feel, embodying timeless charm through traditional touches and designer details. The dining area and butler's pantry showcase a blend of historical inspiration and modern flair. The butler's pantry, painted in the same moody blue as the entryway, serves as a crucial connection point between the home's original structure and a new addition. It houses a collection of antique teacups, belonging to Molly's mother, adding a personal touch. The formal dining room is adorned with an enveloping Chinoiserie mural wallpaper, a design choice that felt destined after discovering a similar vintage wallpaper during renovations. Blush tones in the dining room provide a feminine counterpoint to the house's subtle red accents, while vintage mahogany pieces from Baker furniture ground the space. In the primary bedroom, Singer opted for a bold floral wallpaper that extends onto the vaulted ceiling, despite initial concerns about its calming effect. She committed to her design philosophy of 'going all-in' with bold choices, resulting in a space that is both relaxing and refined, further enhanced by gingham lampshades and a leopard-printed rug. The adjoining primary bathroom offers a textural contrast with earthy grasscloth wallpaper, moody black limestone tile, and a classic slipper tub, incorporating Molly's belief that 'every room needs a bit of black.' A surprising yet functional renovation was transforming the old family room into an expansive laundry-meets-mudroom. Despite initial skepticism from friends and contractors, Singer regards this as one of her best decisions. The room features a large 150-year-old French farm table that functions as both a clothes-folding station and a family catch-all. Woodsy green cabinetry, housing a farmhouse sink and dishwasher, ensures the space is highly functional. Finally, the outdoor areas, including a screened-in back porch and the property's historic well house, are designed to connect with nature. The sunroom, with its varying shades of green, maintains a cheerful ambiance year-round. The 100-plus-year-old well house serves as a charming reminder of the property's history and the tranquility that initially drew Singer to the homestead, demonstrating how thoughtful design and bold risks can transform an unassuming house into a beloved, vibrant home. #HomeDesign #ColonialRenovation #ColorfulInteriors #MollySingerDesign #HouseTour #InteriorDecorating #FarmhouseKitchen #WallpaperTrends #HistoricHome

This article highlights the design and features of a new Colonial Revival kitchen created by Kennebec Company, celebrating its 51st anniversary, in collaboration with Colin Smith Architects. The project involved renovating a 1920s revival house to integrate a combined family room, dining room, kitchen, and pantry space, while maintaining an aesthetic that respects the home's original character. The design cleverly uses architectural elements like columns and room-dividing cabinets to define distinct areas without completely sacrificing open sight lines, a modern adaptation suitable for older homes. The kitchen's cabinetry is a key feature, employing plain, inset cabinets from Kennebec’s Maine Farmhouse collection. These cabinets, simpler than the raised-panel woodwork typical of the original house, are hand-painted, a finish that echoes historical casework and furniture traditions while being a luxury touch in contemporary design. The choice of black and white for the kitchen creates a classic and elegant contrast that complements the house's revival style. Material selections emphasize quality and historical appropriateness, including wood and glass doors with true divided lights, durable soapstone counters, and brushed-nickel hardware. Lighting fixtures, such as the ‘Hampton’ pendant from Hudson Valley Lighting, are chosen to evoke colonial-era designs, further enhancing the historical ambiance. The article also touches upon design elements that bridge historical styles, suggesting that the underlying design principles of this kitchen could be adapted for homes transitioning from Arts & Crafts to Colonial Revival, or for integrating modern kitchens into early houses. The ability of Kennebec Company, founded in 1974, to produce a wide range of period cabinets, especially for older Maine homes, is underscored, demonstrating their expertise in historical renovations and custom cabinetry. The narrative subtly praises Kennebec's longevity and adaptability in the custom cabinetry market. Beyond the primary kitchen design, the article briefly features home decor items that complement the vintage aesthetic. These include reproduced ‘Vintage Etched’ glasses from Williams-Sonoma, available in pink or clear, providing an option for those seeking period-appropriate glassware without the challenge of finding original antiques. Additionally, it mentions a 'Cal Floor Lamp Adjustable Pole' and a 'Plank + Beam Mid-Century Square Bench Black' as versatile pieces that can blend with various traditional and mid-century styles, and a 'C Knight Mission Storage Ottoman' for its multifunctionality and classic design. These product recommendations are curated to inspire readers looking to furnish or accessorize spaces in a similar historical or transitional style. #ColonialRevivalKitchen #KitchenDesign #HistoricRenovation #CustomCabinetry #HomeDesign #PeriodStyle #InteriorArchitecture #TraditionalHome #KennebecCompany

Matthew Carter, a Lexington, Kentucky-based decorator, undertook his first project in Maine, transforming a quintessential Colonial Revival summer house for clients from Kentucky. The clients, who possessed traditional taste but also a high tolerance for color and pattern, desired to elevate the home's aesthetic beyond its original "simple and lovely" state, which characterized many coastal Maine cottages. These homes often exude an undecorated feel, a blend of Yankee ingenuity and Puritanical vestiges, emphasizing functionality over ornamentation. Carter's approach was to infuse the home with personality and vibrancy while respecting its heritage and location. He began in the entry hall, choosing a bold, all-over dark brown and ivory Miro wallpaper by Albert Hadley. This choice was not only striking but also meaningful, subtly acknowledging Sister Parish, co-founder of Parish Hadley and a long-time summer resident of Dark Harbor, a nearby locale. This bold decorative move set the tone for the rest of the house, demonstrating that daring design choices could be harmonious with the Maine setting. The decorator emphasized that each bold design decision was carefully considered and connected to the home's context, rather than being a generic design that could exist anywhere. The design elements paid homage to both Northeast Harbor, where the owner spent his youth, and Lexington, his current home. Carter's design philosophy aimed for a "studied looseness," arranging items in a way that felt natural and un-curated, akin to the historical decorative displays in New England sea captains' homes, which often featured an eclectic mix of global artifacts. This deliberate lack of rigid order allowed Carter to introduce strong design elements without them appearing overly deliberate or "try-hard." An example of this is the study, where emerald lacquered paneling and bookcases, combined with custom deep green on ivory wallpaper, could have been overpowering but instead offered depth and definition. Carter explained that this provided a necessary punch and dimension, allowing furniture and art to stand out against a rich, jewel-toned backdrop. A similar effect was achieved in the central living room, which was painted a deep chocolate brown. Carter noted that dark colors cause walls to recede, drawing attention to the exterior views and creating a cool, grounding atmosphere in the core of the house, contrasting with the lighter perimeter rooms. This technique, also employed in his own home's dark brown library, is a classic summer house strategy effective in various climates. Challenges arose, such as integrating a family heirloom—an antique pencil-post double bed—into a guest bedroom. To blend its "very Kentucky" aesthetic with the coastal summer house style, Carter draped the bed in fifty yards of ivory linen, transforming it into an airy, coastal-appropriate piece. This humorous and inventive solution highlighted the project's overarching theme: reinterpreting the classic summer house concept through playful and sophisticated design. The project, featured in Veranda magazine's July/August 2023 issue, showcased Matthew Carter's ability to blend traditional tastes with vibrant colors and graphic patterns, creating a distinctive and personal summer retreat. #ColonialRevival #MatthewCarter #MaineSummerHouse #InteriorDesign #EmeraldLacquer #GraphicPatterns #Wallpaper #CoastalDecor #TraditionalInteriors

After residing in Paris, a homeowner returned to Singapore and selected a walk-up apartment in the leafy enclave of Portsdown Road, Queenstown, driven by an appreciation for historical elements like architecture and cobblestone streets. This residence, a Black and White colonial house, became a canvas for a personalized interior design that integrates Parisian antiques, art from the Salvation Army, and contemporary items from Ikea. The resulting aesthetic is an eclectic mix of Chinoiserie and Baroque styles, which, combined with the Parisian market and store finds, imbues the interiors with a distinctive personality. The living room serves as the central design feature, characterized by high ceilings and a spacious rectangular layout. This space was intentionally chosen to accommodate the homeowner's Parisian-inspired decor. Framed artworks are displayed above antique wooden shoe molds, acquired from Parisian markets, establishing an authentic 18th-century ambiance. The homeowner carefully selected each piece, prioritizing items with historical significance and either a Baroque or industrial vintage style, contributing to the room's carefully curated atmosphere. The dining area continues the Parisian theme, featuring an elegant vintage table and chair set. Overhead, striking enamel "gas station" lamps introduce an industrial element, creating a blend of styles that enhances the French aesthetic of the apartment. This combination of different design elements is a key factor in the space's captivating appearance, effectively evoking the character of a French-style dwelling. The master bedroom functions as a comfortable retreat, seamlessly blending Eastern and Western influences with both old and new pieces in a relaxed style. This room showcases the homeowner's preference for French antiques and Parisian aesthetics, combined with a laid-back vibe. The furniture includes an antique dresser and a luxurious upholstered headboard, contributing to the room's vintage charm. The apartment also features a long balcony at tree canopy level, which is a significant outdoor amenity. This space provides an area for relaxation and entertaining, surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful escape from the urban environment of Singapore. The combination of elegant French decor, vintage Parisian antiques, and unique design choices highlights the homeowner's sophisticated taste and appreciation for pre-war architectural details. The overall design creates a unique and engaging living space. #Colonial #HomeTour #Queenstown #VintageFurniture #WalkUpApartment #ParisianStyle #InteriorDesign #AntiqueDecor #EclecticStyle

This article explores interior design and architectural styles prevalent in American homes approximately 100 years ago, coinciding with the country's entry into the Roaring '20s. This period marked a transition with a growing emphasis on interior design, blending various styles. For example, a home in upstate New York showcased rustic features alongside Colonial Revival furniture, indicating a mixture of aesthetic influences. The Arts and Crafts movement also left its mark, as seen in a 1916 writing desk, while other pieces, such as a chair, leaned closer to the Victorian period. Unique elements like patterned wood walls and chintz-patterned chairs were also noted, with chintz gaining broader popularity later. Dining rooms, such as one in Olean, New York, often featured Victorian-style tables complemented by cane-seat chairs, which became mass-produced and popular following the Industrial Revolution. Presidential homes also offered insights into the era's design. Sagamore Hill, Teddy Roosevelt's Queen Anne style home in Oyster Bay, New York, built in the 1890s, received electricity in 1918. It featured big game trophies, and while wallpaper was initially restricted due to toxic agents, it became more common after 1919. The home incorporated pine woodwork, cork tile flooring, and a Classical Revival mantelpiece in its Trophy Room. Roosevelt's library, famous for its mahogany woodwork and stained-glass windows, also exhibited the Queen Anne style. Colonial Revival homes, like the Franklin McFadden home in Radnor Valley Farm, Pennsylvania, showcased terraced gardens and elements of Greek Revival with their columns. This architectural movement, part of the Eclectic movement, aimed for precise renditions of earlier styles but began to wane by the 1960s. Insights into construction and living conditions were also provided by examples such as the radio operators' residence at the U.S. Navy Yard in Norfolk, Virginia, and the four-family quarters built for Panama Canal workers in the Canal Zone, which featured plate rails and decorative swag. The French Colonial-style Hotel Aspinwall on Taboga Island, initially built for canal workers, later became a vacation resort before its disappearance. Post-World War I Europe saw refugees returning to simple brick homes, a common sight in war-torn areas like the Somme region of France. American soldiers returning from the war brought French architectural influences back to the U.S., notably seen in Jacqueline Kennedy's remodeling of the White House. Wallpaper, particularly designs resembling William Morris patterns, was popular, as evidenced in a photo of composer Sidney Hormer's family with their hand-carved dining room table. Another historical residence highlighted was Bullock Hall in Roswell, Georgia, Teddy Roosevelt's mother's birthplace, a Greek Revival home from 1839. The early 20th century also saw the rise of bungalows, accommodating the working class and those seeking summer retreats, with some Adirondack homes showing early bungalow characteristics. Log cabins, like one in the Adirondacks, sometimes retained bark on their pine logs for a rustic look, though this presented construction challenges. Rustic vacation homes in New York often featured stone fireplaces and vertical wood paneling. Interior design also embraced "simple elegance" with Arts and Crafts furniture, border wallpaper, and distinctive lamps. Cozy cabins frequently incorporated natural elements, such as knotty pine paneling. The Rumford fireplace, characterized by its shallow design to reflect heat, was also a notable feature, often paired with beadboard paneling. Finally, the Maltese Cross Cabin, Teddy Roosevelt's former residence in North Dakota, demonstrated dovetail square log construction using ponderosa pine logs and wooden floors, showcasing an example of early American cabin design. #HomeDesignHistory #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalStyles #Early20thCenturyHomes #QueenAnneStyle #ColonialRevival #ArtsAndCraftsMovement #RusticHomeDecor #BungalowStyle #HistoricalHomes

This article details the transformation of a 1925 Colonial home in Seattle's Montlake neighborhood, owned by Sally and Anders Zwartjes. The couple purchased the 3,000-square-foot house in 2016, drawn to its charm but recognizing the need for significant updates to accommodate a family of four, particularly the limited one and a half bathrooms and outdated features. Designer Casey Keasler of CASEWORK, a family friend, was enlisted to lead the extensive renovation. The project spanned a year and a half and involved both cosmetic changes, such as new flooring and fresh paint, and dramatic structural modifications. A 500-square-foot addition was integrated into the home, expanding its overall footprint. The primary goal was to modernize the living space for a contemporary family while respectfully preserving the colonial style and original architectural elements. Keasler emphasized the importance of functionality, collaborating with architect Paul Crowther to secure permits before focusing on the aesthetic details. A key aspect of the renovation involved altering the home's original layout to better suit the family's needs. This included the decision to convert one of the four original bedrooms into a full second bathroom, prioritizing utility over adherence to traditional room counts. This strategic choice highlights a flexible approach to renovation, where individual family requirements dictate design decisions rather than rigid conventions. The addition also included a larger kitchen, a significant item on Sally and Anders' wish list. This new kitchen features a classic white design, a breakfast nook, a pantry, and a mudroom, contributing to a brighter and more open feel throughout the home. The window-lined breakfast nook, in particular, was designed as a central gathering space for the family. Keasler aimed to balance the inherent seriousness and symmetry of colonial architecture with a more relaxed, Northwest aesthetic. This equilibrium was achieved through deliberate contrasts. Existing period details such as built-ins, cove ceilings, crown molding, and oak floors were maintained and refreshed. The millwork and built-ins, for example, replicated the intricate details of the original cabinetry, including the bead on the inside cabinet panels, ensuring consistency with the home's historical character. To introduce modern elements and create visual interest, Keasler incorporated contemporary furniture and light fixtures, often in mid-century, Scandinavian, or modern styles. Graphic-style rugs were also used to provide a modern accent against the traditional backdrop. The designer's tips for blending old and new include maintaining consistency with metal finishes, refreshing existing features like built-ins with new paint and hardware, and unifying the home's trim and molding with a consistent color and varying sheens to achieve a modern look. This project demonstrates that a careful integration of historical preservation and modern functionality can create a home that is both charming and highly livable. #ColonialHome #HomeRenovation #ModernFacelift #InteriorDesign #SeattleRealEstate #HistoricalPreservation #StructuralChanges #KitchenDesign #ContemporaryLiving

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

This article details the transformation of a formal center-hall Colonial home in Canton into a light, airy, and casual space, a challenge undertaken by mother-daughter interior designers Susan Hayward and Jillian Hayward Schaible. The clients, whose tastes lean traditional, sought a refreshed aesthetic for their long-standing residence. The renovation began in the kitchen, located at the back of the house, which was initially made brighter through the addition of skylights by the builder. The designers' role involved selecting fixtures and finishes to imbue warmth into the all-white kitchen the clients desired. To achieve this, the designers incorporated nickel gap and walnut beams to visually break up the extensive ceiling in the large, cabinetry-filled space. A warm white paint, Benjamin Moore Cotton Balls, served as a foundational creamy hue, complemented by oil-rubbed bronze accents and a hammered copper sink, with the bronze hardware's subtle gold undertones adding depth. A custom walnut top on the dining island introduced a rich contrast to the quartzite used on the perimeter and prep island. The connection between the kitchen and breakfast nook was enhanced by widening the opening, allowing more natural light to flood the spaces. Hayward noted that sunlight now streams directly into the nook, drawing attention to this area, which was further embellished with a textural wallpaper featuring oversized leaves. The breakfast nook also features a curved banquette, strategically implemented to maximize the natural light and views of the surrounding greenery. This design choice also resolved a furniture layout challenge, as the clients' original table and chairs did not fit centrally. Positioning them with a banquette in a corner created a cozy gathering spot. In the front of the house, an office, already featuring new, traditional walnut millwork, was transformed into a feminine retreat. The design process for this room started with selecting wallpaper, with the client being drawn to Lee Jofa panels by Aerin, which provided an old European, romantic garden feel. Complementary elements included a subdued neutral rug, a velvety blue chair, and a distressed iron chandelier adorned with glass crystals. A key objective for the designers was to ensure that the refreshed home did not appear to be recently redone. Schaible emphasized that the design aimed for an aesthetic where everything seemed to have always been in place, belonging naturally within the home's existing character. The article also provides resources for the interior design services and the carpenter involved in the project, along with a correction regarding the carpenter's phone number. #HomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #ColonialHome #KitchenRenovation #BreakfastNook #HomeOfficeDesign #TraditionalStyle #ResidentialDesign #CantonMassachusetts