Inside John Derian’s Old World Cape Cod Home

This article highlights the design philosophy and home transformation journey of Dana Dore, a professional stylist, blogger, and Instagram influencer known as Adored House by Dana Dore (@adoredhouse). Dore, residing in Farmingdale, Monmouth County, New Jersey, has garnered significant attention for her ability to infuse charm and color into her family’s 1,700-square-foot, builder-grade home, making it appear older and larger than its 12 years and 8-foot ceilings suggest. She emphasizes that with clever decorating tricks, any house can become a dream home, a sentiment she lives by through her personal renovation projects. Dore's design approach relies heavily on vintage decor, which she believes offers unmatched quality and appearance compared to new items. Her home features a variety of pre-loved pieces, from antique art and furniture to restored cabinets, contributing to its unique character. Even the landscaping, with its mature garden beds overflowing with hydrangeas and roses, gives the impression of an established, vintage setting. She attributes her DIY skills and appreciation for antiques to her parents, who fostered an early interest in home improvement, painting, and collecting. This upbringing naturally led her to study art and design, culminating in a 14-year career in retail display before she transitioned into social media content creation. Her family home, shared with her husband Bob and their two daughters, is situated in a quiet, rural community but remains conveniently close to popular New Jersey Shore beaches like Belmar and Manasquan. This proximity influences her design choices, incorporating nautical references and timeless beach objects throughout the interior. Despite initial reservations about purchasing a new colonial-style house that lacked the charm she desired, Dore proceeded with the assurance that she could personalize it extensively. Her philosophy, "Love the one you’re with," encourages homeowners to transform their spaces regardless of the property's original character, especially given the current real estate market's limited inventory of older homes. The transformation of her home began in 2016, focusing on first-floor living areas, the primary bedroom, and her daughters’ room. Her daughters actively participated in designing their "sisters suite," a collaborative effort that reminded Dore of her own teenage experience renovating her bedroom with a Victorian theme. The home showcases an exuberant color palette, particularly favoring summery yellows and greens, complemented by classic patterns like stripes and gingham. Dore's passion for unique finds is evident in pieces such as her indestructible ship-hatch door coffee table, which is ideal for family game nights. She is an avid thrifter, frequently utilizing Facebook Marketplace to source vintage items within driving distance, including her daughters' twin beds, the kitchen table, and a spacious TV cabinet. For a quintessential summer home with a Shore vibe, Dore recommends white bed linens, fresh flowers, and homemade treats made with local Jersey peaches, ultimately advising homeowners to fill their spaces with cherished items for their loved ones. This article showcases Dore's expertise in interior styling, her ability to blend vintage elements with modern comfort, and her dedication to creating a personalized and inviting living space. Her journey from a retail display artist to a prominent design influencer illustrates the power of creative vision and hands-on effort in making a house a beloved home.

This article details the journey of Alex Pires, a Washington attorney turned Dewey Beach restaurateur and nightclub owner, and his wife, Diane Cooley, in building their shingle-style cottage in Dewey Beach, Delaware. The project began when Pires purchased a 1920s oceanfront cottage six years prior. Initially, Pires attempted two renovations to bring the cottage in line with the shingle style, inspired by the architecture of Henry Hobson Richardson in his hometown of North Easton, Massachusetts. Dissatisfied with the renovations, Pires and Cooley decided to demolish the existing structure and build a new home that truly reflected their vision. They enlisted long-time friend and architect David Jones of David Jones Architects in Washington, D.C., for the design. The objective was to create a distinctive residence that stood out among the typical developer-built cottages in the area. Jones, who developed an appreciation for historic architecture throughout his career, embraced the challenge of designing a shingle-style dwelling. The project presented unique challenges, including editing Pires's numerous ideas and adhering to height restrictions while maintaining the style's verticality. To ensure historical accuracy and detail, Pires and Cooley researched shingle-style architecture extensively, including touring historic "cottages" in Newport, Rhode Island, designed by pioneers of the style. The shingle style, originating in the Boston area in the 1880s, is characterized by unpainted wooden shingles and a departure from Victorian fussiness, favoring unembellished surfaces, honesty of form, and purity of line. Interiors were designed with fewer, larger rooms to maximize sunlight. Pires compiled photographs of notable architectural details, such as the small, multi-paned windows of Richardson's William Watts Sherman house and the turret inspired by the Isaac Bell House in Newport, designed by McKim, Mead and White. The house, situated on a corner lot, features two facades: a broad gable with a deep porch facing the ocean to the east, and a more vertical tower and gable facing the street and beach path to the north. Forest green trim bands contrast with the sand-colored cedar shingles. Nautical motifs, such as a lighthouse-shaped newel post, are incorporated into the exterior. The main floor is elevated to protect against ocean surges, with breakaway walls on the lowest level for the garage and storage, a design element that allows water to flow through without compromising the structural integrity of the house. This functional and aesthetic approach prevents the common "stranded" appearance of many beach houses built on pilings. Finding a builder capable of executing the intricate design proved difficult, with three companies declining the project. Pires ultimately hired Bob Purcell, known for his craftsmanship, after admiring a home he built in Lewes. Purcell accepted the job, committing to Jones's insistence on an entirely wooden construction, which is rare in modern building practices. The detailed design earned architect David Jones a 2008 national Palladio Award for best new house under 5,000 square feet. For the interiors, Pires and Cooley collaborated with Pinehurst, North Carolina-based designer Brenda Lyne, impressed by her work at the Bellmoor Inn. While Cooley initially desired a less formal style, she appreciated Lyne's ability to combine elegance with durability suitable for a beach house. The interiors feature a neutral palette with blond Australian cypress flooring and white painted wood paneling. The main level's living-dining room, facing the beachfront, is furnished with white linen slipcovered sofas, Asian-themed accents in blue, and contemporary local art. A screened-in wrap-around porch includes a hot tub and ocean views. The kitchen, though compact, is highly functional with a bead board-covered island, cream-colored cabinets concealing appliances, and blue Bahia granite countertops. Pires's office, in contrast to the breezy aesthetic of the rest of the house, features dark walnut paneling, plantation shutters, and built-in library shelving, displaying his collection of boxing memorabilia. The second floor includes an office-sitting area, a guest room, a bedroom for Pires's daughter, and a master bedroom with ocean views from the turret. Pires reflects on the project, stating their goal was not merely to build a large house but a well-designed and crafted home, honoring American architectural history while creating a lasting, beloved residence. #HomeDesign #CoastalArchitecture #ShingleStyle #HistoricPreservation #DeweyBeach #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #OceanfrontHome #CustomBuilt

Fashion designer Kelli Wharton embarked on a transformative renovation of her blonde-brick suburban house in Byron Bay, converting it into a stunning beach-inspired home. Her clear vision was to create a cool, beachy abode that mirrored the laidback coastal lifestyle she and her family embraced, regularly spending time on the white sands south of Byron Bay. The design emphasized ease and functionality to suit a family with two young boys, incorporating natural elements like stone and wood throughout the interior to reflect the surrounding environment. Key changes included converting a bedroom into a family room, which was adorned with cushions from Talulah's homewares range. The living room features a striking coffee table from Ahoy Trader and a recently added Izzah Beni Ourain rug from Marr-Kett. The master bedroom was thoughtfully built in the space previously occupied by the garage, featuring whitewashed floorboards from Choices Flooring, contributing to the beachy aesthetic. The master bedroom also includes a colorful artwork by Jai Vasicek of Ahoy Trader, hanging above a chair sourced from Byron Designworks. The kitchen, a central hub for the family, was completely rebuilt in its original location to incorporate more cupboard and bench space, catering to practical family needs. The dining area features a marble-topped dining table from Coco Republic, complemented by chairs from Fenton & Fenton. The bathroom was updated with Bianco Industry Silver tiles from Byron Bay Tiles, ensuring a contemporary yet cohesive feel. An outdoor dining area includes a table from Kelli's father, paired with chairs imported from Indonesia, and a fan from Beacon Lighting, with a towel from the Talulah homewares range, enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow. Functionality and style extend to the exterior with a garage built from merbau timber at the front of the property, designed to house the family's surfboards, including a mini mal from Kelli's own label, Talulah. This renovation successfully blends modern design with a relaxed, beach-inspired atmosphere, creating a home that is both beautiful and practical for a coastal family life. #ByronBayHome #BeachHouseRenovation #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #FashionDesignerHome #FamilyFriendlyDesign #HomeTransformation

The popular Paramount Network series *Yellowstone* features the iconic ranch home of patriarch John Dutton, a setting that has captivated audiences with its rustic charm and stunning Montana backdrop. Production designer Yvonne Boudreaux, who joined the series in its second season, sheds light on the creative process behind bringing this fictional dwelling to life. The inspiration for the ranch's aesthetic is deeply rooted in Montana's ranch life, incorporating elements like Ralph Lauren and Pendleton designs, as well as cowhide accents, to evoke a sense of coziness and authenticity. The lodge itself, built in 1914, uses existing timber and stones from the property, contributing to its historical feel. Significant alterations were made to the real-life Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana, where the show is filmed, to transform it into the Dutton family's homestead. For instance, the barn, originally white and green, received an update, and porches were added to the front and back of the lodge. The back porch, in particular, is highlighted as a special spot, offering views of the singular tree often seen with John Dutton. This attention to detail extends to the interior design, which skillfully blends old and new elements, giving the ranch a timeless quality. The great room, for example, embodies this generational approach. John Dutton's bedroom is designed to honor the ranch's Native American roots, featuring luxury bedding with beautiful Native designs. The use of raw logs and warm wood tones throughout the interiors contributes to a "sunset vibe," a directive from show creator Taylor Sheridan, which aims to infuse every set with a particular atmospheric warmth. This contrasts sharply with the colder, sharper aesthetic of scenes set in the capital when John Dutton assumes his role as governor, visually emphasizing his discomfort outside his natural ranch environment, where he feels most powerful. Boudreaux emphasizes the crucial role of the natural landscape in shaping the design and overall allure of the estate. The surrounding Montana environment serves as the primary color palette and a constant source of inspiration for the production design team. The breathtaking scenery, described by those who hired Boudreaux as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, is integral to the show's visual identity. For fans who wish to experience the *Yellowstone* lifestyle, two cabins at the Chief Joseph Ranch are available for booking. Additionally, furnishings and design elements inspired by the set can be purchased through an official partnership with shopthescenes.com, allowing viewers to incorporate the ranch's aesthetic into their own homes. #YellowstoneRanch #ProductionDesign #YvonneBoudreaux #MontanaHome #RusticDecor #ChiefJosephRanch #SetDesign #InteriorDesign #TelevisionProduction

Jay Deputy embarked on a journey to update his late parents' home in Seaford, Delaware, transforming it into a personal retreat while preserving its inherent character. The single-story, red brick Colonial-style house, built in 1968, held significant sentimental value, having been purchased by his parents, John and Lillian, in 1970. Deputy, who describes himself as a lifelong collector of homes and furnishings, ranging from a 13,000-square-foot mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, to a New York City loft and a centuries-old farmhouse in North Wilmington, viewed the Seaford property as an ideal downstate getaway. He appreciated its "human-scaled" rooms, conducive to intimate gatherings of six to eight people. Upon inheriting the house after his mother's passing in 2009, Deputy's initial focus was on structural stability. This involved addressing termite damage, installing a new heating and air conditioning system, and restoring the front porch columns. He then furnished the porch with rockers and casual seating, allowing for enjoyment of the hydrangeas. Simultaneously, he simplified the yard and garden to better suit a second home, acknowledging it as an ongoing project despite removing several trees. Inside, Deputy concentrated his decorative efforts on the entertaining areas: the formal living room, library, dining room, and sunroom, along with the master and guest bedrooms. Notably, he left the kitchen largely untouched, preserving its original Corian countertops, plank cabinets, and wrought-iron hinges, deeming it "still a very serviceable kitchen." The library, which served as a family room during his childhood, underwent a significant transformation. Deputy removed dark paneling, painting the walls and fireplace a soft celadon green, a color inspired by a floral needlepoint rug inherited from his grandmother. He sourced matching Baker settees, reupholstering them in a claret-and-ivory toile fabric by Brunschwig & Fils, featuring pheasants, hunting dogs, and woodland flora. Accents of black, including a painted tole tray, silk chandelier shades, and a cocktail table, complement the room's color scheme. A 19th-century Empire-inspired mahogany bookcase displays antique volumes and Chinese porcelains, subtly reflecting the room's palette, flanked by 18th-century Chippendale chairs. Deputy's decorating style, while more formal, shares a common appreciation for Chippendale furniture with his mother, who preferred a country aesthetic. He describes the mahogany sideboard in the dining room as an artful reproduction, adorned with vintage Waterford crystal and heirloom decanters holding a collection of rare Scotches. The full restoration of his St. Paul mansion, which took a decade, provided him with valuable hands-on experience in plastering and carpentry. For the Seaford project, he hired out much of the work but personally handled tasks he enjoyed, such as painting, often accompanied by Bach on his iPod. The formal dining room features a bold blue-and-white Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper depicting birds and vines. Chippendale-style dining chairs by Maison Jansen and mid-century reproductions of a dining table and breakfront by Henredon, inherited from his aunt, complete the space. An antique Chinese rug from his grandmother and 18th-century gilt-wood sconces with their original mirrors add historical depth. In the sunroom, Deputy refreshed his mother's whitewashed wicker furniture with black paint and claret-and-cream toile cushions. Unmatched Asian-influenced chandeliers were unified with a glossy crimson enamel, and lemon trees and leafy plants contribute to a tropical atmosphere. The formal living room showcases his grandmother’s camelback sofa, upholstered in its original shimmering gold silk, complemented by cream walls, coral wing chairs, and an Oriental carpet. The room also features a 1740 partner's desk, a mahogany desk with flame finials crafted in Delaware, and 18th-century commodes serving as end tables. A magnificent, thinly cut stone screen from China behind the sofa underscores his passion for collecting. Deputy emphasizes the sentiment behind these items, stating, "Things we find, things that have age, things we collect have a certain weightedness," and cherishes the stories embedded within them. #HomeRenovation #InheritedHome #InteriorDesign #SeafordDelaware #FamilyHeirlooms #ChippendaleStyle #HistoricHomes #HomeDecor #PersonalizedSpace