The Old House, Dorset: There's beauty up above

Maggie Griffin, an interior designer, found her charming 1940s cottage in Gainesville, Georgia, and immediately fell in love with its historic appeal. The house, with its original features, small rooms, and quirky ceilings, perfectly fit her design philosophy of mixing old and new. Maggie's passion for items with history is evident throughout her home, which is filled with inherited pieces like an antique secretary and settee, alongside modern elements such as lucite and parsons tables. Her approach creates a warm and welcoming environment that reflects her personal style. Upon moving into the Gainesville cottage, Maggie and her husband, David, made minimal cosmetic changes. They focused on refreshing the space with new paint, countertops, and a few faucets, maintaining the integrity of the home's original character. The previous homeowner, who shares a friendship with Maggie, had impeccable taste, which facilitated a smooth transition. The cottage's curb appeal, characterized by painted brick, a charming side addition, a gable roof over the front door, and single-pane windows, embodies the quintessential cottage style that Maggie admires. Inside, the original floors and slanted ceilings on the second floor further enhance the cozy, historic atmosphere. Maggie's keeping room, located off the kitchen and breakfast area, serves as the central hub of her home. This multi-purpose space is designed for family gatherings and features a mix of antique market finds and contemporary pieces. The Thibaut wallpaper adds a touch of happiness, and layered rugs provide depth. The breakfast table and server were sourced from Scott’s Antiques, while the chairs are from Serena & Lily. A settee, inherited from her maternal grandmother, has been re-covered in velvet, adding a layer of family history to the room. An acrylic coffee table from Amazon.com offers a practical, easy-to-clean surface, ideal for a home with a young child. The kitchen, though previously remodeled, received Maggie's personal touch. She painted the cabinets and island, incorporating a wooden countertop for warmth and swapping perimeter counters for granite. This blend of finishes and the natural light from a large window over the sink contribute to the kitchen's inviting ambiance. The exterior also received attention, with shutters painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Herbal Escape,” complementing the vibrant spring blooms of her ten bright pink peony bushes, which bring Maggie joy each summer. Outdoor living is a significant part of the Griffins' lifestyle. From April to October, all meals are enjoyed on their back porch, which is furnished with a comfortable sectional for watching football games and a farm table from Scott’s, paired with easy-to-clean metal chairs. This space is designed for entertaining, accommodating both adult dinner parties and neighborhood playdates, and even hosted over 150 guests for a Halloween gathering. The master bedroom showcases Maggie's affinity for blue and white, with the design originating from a remnant bolt of "La Grenade" fabric by Bailey & Griffin, used for the bed skirt. Nightstands, acquired from a friend’s mother, were painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Half Moon Crest.” A custom upholstered headboard, inspired by Bunny Williams, and a bench from Scott’s with a leopard-print cushion from Lewis & Sheron further personalize the space. The bedding combines elements from Pine Cone Hill and Serena & Lily, alongside a custom bolster. An upstairs sitting room features original pine paneling and flooring, creating a charming den for guests. A camelback sofa, inherited from her paternal grandmother, is recovered in navy velvet. A hand-me-down ottoman and bobbin chairs from Pier 1, re-covered in fabric from Scott’s, complete the seating arrangement. The room also includes an IKEA jute rug layered with an antique store find, and a gallery wall displaying a mix of collected art, personal creations, and pieces from artist friends. Her son Henry’s room, located off the breakfast room, features a sophisticated look with Schumacher linen on the headboard and elephant art by Erika Lackey. A dark-blue chest from Scott’s Antique Market, framed alphabet book pages, and discarded turtle shells decorate the space, reflecting a blend of whimsy and personal history. Henry's bathroom includes Schumacher wallpaper, gray-painted trim and vanity, a Target turtle shell, and antique silver canapé dishes with the New Orleans crest. Maggie's background in furnishings and interiors, influenced by her chic grandmothers and mother, led her to a career in design. Her early experiences at Heery’s Too!, a high-end home furnishings gift shop, allowed her to transition from assisting shoppers with small decorative tasks to managing larger design projects, establishing her career as an interior designer who cherishes history and mixes it with modern sensibilities to create unique, inviting homes. #HomeFeatures #InteriorDesign #CottageStyle #AntiqueDecor #HomeDecoration #GainesvilleGeorgia #MaggieGriffinDesign #OldMeetsNew #FamilyHome

This blog post highlights a meticulously renovated townhouse located at 132 West 81st Street on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Originally built in 1887 and designed by architect Edward J. Webb, the property has undergone a complete redesign by Alison Downey of Downey Interiors. Situated near Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, and various shopping and dining establishments, the 7,000-square-foot home boasts six levels of luxurious living space. It features five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and four powder rooms, complemented by a range of modern amenities. The residence is distinguished by its extensive outdoor spaces, including a south-facing, bricked garden with a herringbone pattern, suitable for gardening. A significant feature is the handsomely equipped rooftop deck, offering multiple seating and dining areas, cedar fencing, new roof tiles, and provisions for water, electricity, and a sound system, designed for entertaining. Indoor amenities include an elevator, a home gym, a dedicated office, central air and heat, dual bars and laundry facilities, and comprehensive water filtration, intercom, and security systems. The home integrates Savant smart-home technology to manage built-in speakers, automated lighting, and door entry. Architectural details throughout the townhouse preserve its historical charm while incorporating modern comfort. These elements include a circular staircase, pocket doors, oak flooring, wall sconces, crown moldings, stained glass windows, and a backyard fountain. The blog post emphasizes the spacious and inviting staircase landings, suggesting them as ideal spots for relaxation. A floor-by-floor tour begins with an elegant reception gallery featuring radiant-heat stone floors in a black and white pattern, leading into a newly designed, fully custom eat-in kitchen. This kitchen is equipped with an oval-shaped island and breakfast bar, a large walk-in pantry, handcrafted wood cabinetry with task lighting, soapstone countertops, a tile backsplash, and high-end appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, a Viking six-burner range, and two ovens. The basement level contains the gym, ample storage, a powder room, and a custom laundry room with built-in cabinetry. The parlor floor is designed for entertaining, offering an open-plan layout with a spacious living room featuring a gas fireplace, a wet bar, and nearly 11-foot ceilings. French doors in the south-facing dining room open onto a balcony with a stairway leading to the backyard garden, facilitating indoor-outdoor flow for gatherings. The third level comprises two large bedrooms, one currently configured as an office, while the floor above features two more en-suite bedrooms, each with marble and tile bathrooms. The primary suite occupies the entire fifth floor, presenting a large bedroom, a custom dressing room, and a new bathroom with a separate shower and tub, and a dual sink vanity. This level also includes a wet bar with a full ice maker and an under-counter refrigerator. A notable advantage of the townhouse's location is the low scale of surrounding blocks, ensuring that the rooftop deck remains open, private, and bathed in natural light throughout the day, enhancing the property's appeal. #UpperWestSide #ManhattanRealEstate #LuxuryTownhouse #HomeRenovation #RooftopDeck #SmartHome #ArchitecturalDetails #InteriorDesign #NewYorkCity #HistoricHome

The author reflects on a recent hiking vacation to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, highlighting how elements of windows, doors, and design were observed even in this natural, disconnected environment. Despite the primary focus on the natural beauty of craggy granite mountains, waterfalls, and wildflowers, architectural and design insights emerged. A visit to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve provided a notable example, where the building's design, particularly its tilt-turn windows, orientation, overhangs, and natural ventilation, indicated passive house principles. Further inquiry revealed the building's Platinum certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program, marking it as the first building within the U.S. National Park system to achieve such a distinction. The vacation also presented observations on glass and fenestration in an unexpected context. The author visited the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which featured a 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' exhibit. One striking image, "When Worlds Collide" by Toronto-based photographer Patricia Homonylo, depicted over 4,000 dead birds arranged in concentric circles, illustrating the devastating impact of bird-window collisions. This observation led the author to recommend reading the current issue's 'Clear Solutions' article, which discusses residential solutions for bird-friendly glass. Another significant architectural encounter was at the Jackson Lake Lodge. The lodge exemplified how large glazing can effectively integrate the outdoors with indoor spaces. Specifically, the staircase leading to floor-to-ceiling windows offered panoramic views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range, demonstrating a powerful design choice to maximize the connection to the surrounding landscape. This instance reinforced the idea that certain environments are particularly suited for expansive glazing to enhance the 'bringing the outdoors in' concept. The article concludes by inviting readers to share their own design and fenestration discoveries from their summer travels, underscoring the pervasive influence of architectural and design elements even in remote or natural settings. #GrandTeton #NationalParks #SustainableDesign #LEEDCertification #PassiveHouse #BirdFriendlyGlass #LargeGlazing #ArchitecturalDesign #WindowDoorDesign

Color drenching, a design technique that involves bathing an entire room in a single color or color scheme, has been a prominent style in homes since the early 2000s. This method can create a monochromatic look or utilize similar hues within one color palette, with results varying from elegant to potentially overwhelming depending on the execution. Interior designer @houseofbrinson showcased a recent application of this trend in a historic home renovation, specifically in a bedroom setting. The designer used terracotta hues for the main bedroom, while an adjacent nook was painted in a muted green, creating a contrasting yet harmonious effect. This approach was described by one commenter as making the nook appear like 'a jewel sitting in the jewelry box.' Despite the initial surprise many might feel about using a pinkish-brown color in a historic home, the overall aesthetic of the room received significant positive feedback. Comments highlighted the unexpected beauty and masterful execution of the design, with users noting its 'gorgeous' and 'phenomenally executed' qualities, creating a space that is 'cozy yet elegant and fresh.' This particular project demonstrates that color drenching, when thoughtfully applied, can successfully blend modern design sensibilities with historical architecture, transcending conventional expectations for period homes. The enduring presence of color drenching in interior design suggests its timeless appeal, as evidenced by its historical roots and continuous adaptation to contemporary tastes. The introduction of modern elements, such as the contrasting green room in the showcased project, helps to maintain the trend's freshness and relevance. Furthermore, experts suggest that well-executed color drenching can potentially enhance a home's value. When considering implementing this trend, it is crucial to research expert advice on color selection and application to ensure a cohesive and appealing outcome. Personal anecdotes, such as painting a living room black and offsetting it with dark gray recliners, illustrate how individual preferences and specific spatial considerations can influence the trend's application. While largely praised, color drenching is not without its critics. Some individuals find the technique overwhelming for a space, or express concerns about color connectivity. However, the designer's response to such criticisms, emphasizing personal preference, underscores a fundamental principle of interior design: the ultimate satisfaction of the homeowner. As long as the residents appreciate the result, external opinions hold less weight. This reinforces the idea that design choices, especially those as bold as color drenching, are deeply personal and should prioritize the comfort and aesthetic enjoyment of those living in the space. #ColorDrenching #HistoricHomes #InteriorDesign #ModernUpdate #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #ColorPalette #TikTokDesign #HomeValue