‘My whole concept was this mixture of ugly and pretty' – tour an exuberant cottage in the city filled with character

This article highlights a unique property, described as a pristine "Byrd house," located in a prime Studio City location. The residence, reminiscent of Robert Byrd's architectural style from the 1920s to the 1950s, offers an enchanting cottage aesthetic, ideal for an artist. The approach to the home features a charming stone pathway, leading to a facade adorned with window planters, lush vegetation, shutters, and original lead windows, contributing to its historical appeal. Upon entering, the living space is characterized by a stunning fireplace and a window seat equipped with storage and original built-ins, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The dining room, which allows direct access to the kitchen, is designed for ease of entertaining. The home includes two bedrooms, both featuring ample closet space and charming decorative touches. An additional finished attic provides significant extra storage capacity. Further into the home, the den showcases architectural details such as wood beams, original paneled detailing, and a brick wood-burning fireplace, adding to the rustic charm. Descending from the den, a marvelous sunroom awaits, enveloped by large windows and opening skylights that fill the space with natural light. Outdoors, the property boasts an oversized pool, mature landscaping, and private seating areas, leading to a dedicated artist's sanctuary. This sanctuary is a two-story studio/office space featuring a vaulted ceiling and skylights. It offers gorgeous views of the property and ample room for creative pursuits or expansion. The article emphasizes the property's unique characteristics, making it a one-of-a-kind offering. The post was contributed by Alan Taylor, an Estate Agent. #HomeDesign #StudioCity #RealEstate #ArchitecturalStyle #ArtistRetreat #VintageHome #PropertyDescription #UniqueHomes

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

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

Novelist Adriana Trigiani, known for her best-selling books like “Big Stone Gap,” shares the story of acquiring and decorating her 1838 townhouse in the West Village. After years of renting two floors with her husband, Tim Stephenson, the couple realized their dream of owning the entire four-story property in 2002. The previous owners, a doctor and his wife, offered them a unique payment plan, allowing them time to save up for the purchase. Trigiani, who had a background in comedy, writing for sitcoms such as “A Different World” and “The Cosby Show,” transitioned to novel writing by the time they bought the house. She highlights the sentimentality of the acquisition, viewing it as a passing down from one family to another, and emphasizes their commitment to preserving the building's historical integrity. Trigiani and Stephenson reside on the bottom two floors, which span 2,100 square feet, and rent out the top two to a friend, Michael Patrick King. Their apartment features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining room, and a 500-square-foot private garden. The couple meticulously maintained the original architectural details, including hardwood floors, arched doorways, intricate woodwork, and marble fireplaces. They also made efforts to retain the original color palette during repainting. Notably, their lighting fixtures are period-appropriate, with the dining room chandelier even predating electricity, having been converted from gas-lit to electric. Despite the historical grandeur, Trigiani made practical adjustments, such as moving the kitchen from its original street-level location to a smaller space on the second floor. She candidly admits to not having a large kitchen or office, highlighting her portable imagination and tendency to write in her garden. A unique feature of her master bath is a door leading directly to the yard, allowing for fresh air while bathing. When it came to interior design, Trigiani’s long-held aspirations were realized. She explains her methodical approach to decoration, having conceptualized rooms on paper even before she could afford the furnishings. The living room is adorned with a custom Roubini rug, Louis XIV side chairs, a recently re-covered couch in Scalamandre silk, and 1930s club chairs with claw feet. The dining room features an Early American pedestal table and antique chairs, offering views of the garden. Black and white window treatments, inspired by Cecil Beaton’s designs in “My Fair Lady,” are lined with gingham for a touch of cheerfulness. Books are a prominent feature throughout the house, reflecting Trigiani’s passion for collecting signed editions, often found in second-hand stores. She also collects art, including a portrait of her daughter, Lucia, by Vivian Moody, and several pieces by Lucia herself. A significant and immovable piece in her entrance hall is a 13-foot-high by 5-foot-wide mirror from the Plaza Hotel’s Baroque Room, which she humorously notes cost more to move than to buy. Trigiani’s personal treasures also include her complete collection of Enrico Caruso records, a nod to her novel “The Shoemaker’s Wife,” which was inspired by her grandparents' love story. The article also mentions her extensive literary career, with 14 books to her name, and her ongoing projects, such as “Ciao, Valentine.” She also organizes walking and tasting tours related to her books and runs an online gift shop. Trigiani’s philosophy centers on the theme of home and family, expressing deep contentment with her life in the townhouse and the sense of belonging it provides. #AdrianaTrigiani #WestVillage #Townhouse #HomeOwnership #InteriorDesign #HistoricalPreservation #AuthorLife #RealEstate #LiteraryInspiration

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