A Victorian house is transformed by a designer who really shows how to embrace the unexpected

This article details a recent remodel project undertaken by Studio McGee in Maryland, focusing on transforming a client's childhood home to better suit her young family. The project involved a comprehensive renovation of a Cape Cod-style house, aiming to synthesize the client's long-held dreams for the space with the design team's expertise. The scope of work included significant structural changes, such as moving interior walls, along with the installation of new finishes and the selection of furniture tailored to the client's unique aesthetic. The core challenge and opportunity lay in respecting the home's inherent character and 'good bones' while introducing modern functionality and style. The article emphasizes the collaborative process between the client, who brought a deep personal connection to the house, and the design team, who translated those sentiments into a cohesive design plan. It highlights the importance of balancing preservation with modernization in heritage remodels, ensuring that the updated space feels both fresh and deeply personal. The remodel aimed to create a home that not only accommodates the practical needs of a growing family but also resonates with the client's nostalgic attachment to the property. The project serves as an example of how thoughtful design can update a home for contemporary living while honoring its past. The successful integration of new design elements with existing architectural features demonstrates how interior design can evolve a space without erasing its history, offering valuable insights for individuals considering similar renovation projects. The transformation showcases how a well-executed remodel can breathe new life into a beloved family home, making it suitable for future generations while retaining its cherished heritage. The article implicitly suggests that such projects require careful planning, a deep understanding of the client's vision, and a creative approach to problem-solving, especially when dealing with pre-existing structures and personal attachments to a space. #HomeRemodel #InteriorDesign #HeritageHome #CapeCodStyle #FamilyHome #DesignProcess #ArchitecturalPreservation #Modernization #StudioMcGee

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

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

Meghan Shadrick, founder of Meghan Shadrick Interiors, undertook the redesign of a guest room within a 1970s-era Brewster home, aiming to infuse seaside charm without resorting to typical preppy or clichéd coastal aesthetics. The central element of her design strategy involved curating a gallery wall adorned with vintage stormy seascape paintings. These artworks served as the primary inspiration for the room's color palette, which features a range of moody blues. This intentional selection of art and color was chosen to evoke a sense of calm and to reflect a "kitschy-cool Cape Cod of a bygone era," as described by Shadrick. The design incorporated several key elements to achieve its intended atmosphere. A significant feature is an arched mirror, strategically placed to break the monotony of rectangular windows and to soften the room's angular lines. The mirror's dark brown frame harmonizes with other dark tones present in the space, creating a cohesive visual. Complementing this, a textured navy dresser with silver and gold hardware was chosen to introduce a sophisticated, boutique hotel-like coastal feel. The drapery fabric, The Vale London’s Lily Stripe, offers a contemporary interpretation of a traditional botanical pattern. Shadrick specifically chose lilies over hydrangeas to provide a fresh and distinctive New England character, diverging from more common floral motifs. For the walls and trim, Benjamin Moore’s Floral White paint was selected. This particular shade was chosen for its subtle yellow undertones, which effectively warm up the dark, north-facing room and balance out the cooler color scheme. The collection of vintage paintings, sourced from locations such as the Brimfield Antique Flea Market and Ramble Market, depict 17th- and 18th-century ships on the high seas. These pieces, framed in woodsy brown, were acquired for under $300 each and serve as immediate focal points upon entering the room. Lighting fixtures include lantern sconces from Rejuvenation, which subtly reference the maritime theme. These are paired with distinctive stone side tables from CB2, an unexpected yet fitting tribute to the home's origin. The flooring is anchored by a Nordic Knots flatweave wool rug, featuring a classic yet contemporary checkerboard pattern that adds both stability and energy to the space. An Indian wool blanket from Koredecor introduces a bohemian touch with an Americana-inspired color palette, serving both as a decorative element and a practical item for guests to place luggage on, thus protecting the white bedding. The overall design successfully integrates a unique coastal vibe that avoids common stereotypes, resulting in a restful yet engaging guest room. #InteriorDesign #GuestRoom #CoastalDecor #BrewsterHome #VintageArt #ColorPalette #NewEnglandStyle #HomeTransformation

This article showcases six distinct interior design projects by local Rochester designers, highlighting their unique approaches to transforming living spaces. Each project demonstrates how designers blend client needs with creative vision to achieve functional and aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Bob Breissinger, owner of Designers Library, details a kitchen remodel in a Perinton ranch house. The original kitchen was dark and enclosed, prompting a complete overhaul. Breissinger's team removed soffits, gutted the room, and eliminated a wall between the dining room and den to create an open floor plan. This transformation allowed for two islands, a 36-inch stove, a prep sink, and various ovens. White perimeter cabinets, white and amber-gray granite counters, and glass-fronted, lit cabinets contribute to a light and airy feel. Walnut-stained oak floors were matched to existing den floors, creating a cohesive look. The project dramatically changed the home's feel and functionality, making it ideal for cooking and entertaining. Ayse Lewis, an interior designer based in Canandaigua and Rochester, shares her personal project: an 800-square-foot cottage on Canandaigua Lake that she transformed into a 2,000-square-foot, two-story home. Lewis, who always envisioned living on a boat, retained the original footprint due to legal requirements but maximized the lake views with numerous windows. Her design features a non-traditional nautical theme, incorporating colors from nature with touches of red and black. The master bedroom offers spectacular views, with a black-and-white zigzag rug evoking waves and pinkish-yellow lighting creating a sunset ambiance. The all-white, open-plan kitchen takes advantage of the lake views, designed to let natural outdoor colors infuse the space. Lewis emphasizes meaningful design that balances aesthetics with practicality, especially for a home frequently visited by grandchildren. Margit Jacobson, an interior designer and senior project manager at Leighton Design Group, discusses designing a grandchildren's suite in a Canandaigua Lake house. This project creatively utilized existing architectural elements like a pickled-wood ceiling, wood floors, and sloped roof angles to create specialized children's spaces. Jacobson focused on making the room functional and whimsical. She designed a reading nook with a daybed and open storage in a corner, alongside Dutch doors concealing a playroom. A built-in desk with a continuous paper scroll for art projects and a metal board above it offers creative outlets. The closet was converted into a nursery with wallpaper, built-in storage, and a chandelier, transforming it into a magical space. Jacobson highlights the satisfaction of seeing children actively engage with the room as intended. Robin Muto, owner of Robin Muto Interiors, addresses the challenge of merging disparate aesthetic preferences of a husband and wife in a Pittsford home. Muto, an interior and lighting designer, navigated the couple's preference for French Country (feminine) and industrial urban (masculine) styles. Through inspiration photos, she discovered common ground in the color gray and a rustic, warm aesthetic. The project, a whole-house interior design completed in two phases, prioritized the family room as a stylistic anchor. Muto opted for simplicity, focusing on color and texture rather than elaborate patterns. Elements like plain natural linen drapes, a traditional English sofa in linen velvet, a shabby-chic linen sofa, an industrial coffee table ottoman, and burgundy chairs were combined to create a handsome yet inviting space that satisfied both partners. Heather DeMoras, from Heather DeMoras Design Consultants, recounts the renovation of a 1901 Queen Anne home in Canandaigua. The goal was to preserve its Victorian charm while updating it for modern living. DeMoras conducted extensive research to ensure period appropriateness, incorporating Victorian and Arts & Crafts styles for a more casual feel. Period hardware, lighting from Historic Houseparts, and Bradbury & Bradbury wall coverings were selected, with colors inspired by the home's stained-glass windows. The kitchen was expanded by integrating the butler's pantry and a smoking room, featuring hidden appliances and custom cherry cupboards. Bathrooms incorporated Carrara marble, hand-painted subway tile, and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures. In the bedroom, a fabric matching the wall-covering was used for curtains around a bay window, creating a cohesive and anchored look. Jason Longo, founder of JDL Design, shares a career-defining project with a client in Henrietta. This client, a positive and resilient woman, sought a light, efficient, and eco-friendly home with warm colors after her husband's passing. Longo, who went full-time with his design company around this time, collaborated closely with her. The project involved improving the entry by creating a foyer and separating it from the new dining room (originally the living room) with a wall. The great room became the new living room. Longo reconfigured windows, added walls, and installed a flat wall of windows with an alcove in the dining room, alongside built-ins and an arch-top alcove. In the living room, square windows were replaced with a small arched window above a tiled fireplace, flanked by new windows. The client's trust allowed for significant structural changes. Longo reflects on her profound impact, as she validated his work and inspired him, even as she battled terminal cancer during the project's completion. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #KitchenRemodel #LakesideLiving #ChildrensRoomDesign #VictorianHome #DesignChallenges #ClientRelationships #SpaceTransformation