Inside Martha MacCallum's Cape Cod Escape

Wendy and Cleve Meredith, drawing inspiration from their New England background, undertook a significant renovation of their 1930s Cape Cod-style home in Atlanta. The house, which had remained largely unaltered for decades, presented a unique opportunity for an update without expanding its original footprint. Wendy, an interior designer, collaborated with Atlanta architect Brad Heppner to refresh the property, beginning with its curb appeal. Subtle yet impactful changes were made to the exterior, including repainting the brick a warm light brown to blend with the surrounding trees. A new cedar-shingled roof, a flared awning over the front door, and black shutters on the dormer windows were added, enhancing the home's architectural definition. Inside, the objective was to improve living spaces without increasing the home's size. The kitchen, despite retaining its original square footage, now appears more expansive. Much of the kitchen, along with an adjacent pantry and breakfast area, was reconfigured to maximize space planning. Existing scalloped-niche and Shaker-style cabinetry was ingeniously adapted to conceal a refrigerator and pantry. Custom cabinets throughout the kitchen were designed to be slightly oversized, with upper cabinets deepened by 2 to 3 inches to accommodate larger items, and lower cabinets equipped with drawers for easier access. A wooden plank backsplash was chosen over tile to maintain a seamless, old-fashioned cottage aesthetic. A central, space-saving pocket door now connects the kitchen to the dining room. The dining room itself was updated to evoke a sense of history without feeling overly formal. The upper walls were painted the same gray as the kitchen island, creating continuity between the adjacent spaces, while creamy horizontal wood planks were installed below the chair rail. The original hardwood floors were refinished to their former beauty. Wendy selected a round table and antique chairs, upholstered in simple linen and checked fabrics with a delicate scalloped edge, to foster a welcoming atmosphere. A family heirloom, a 13-arm meeting-house chandelier, serves as a distinctive focal point. The former back porch, previously housing a washer and dryer, was transformed into an essential butler's pantry, extending the kitchen's functionality. This area features wood-plank walls, a quaint and practical brick floor, a walnut countertop for added patina, and open shelving to display bar items. A former bedroom was converted into a sitting room, now offering direct access to the newly designed courtyard through French doors. The backyard, originally with a small brick patio, was re-envisioned as a lush courtyard to provide more living space and a garden retreat for the Merediths and their two corgis. A new garage/carriage house anchors the back of the yard. The hardscape includes a picket fence, bluestone tiles, and a pea gravel drive and path, softened by a green-and-white-themed garden. This garden is thoughtfully planted with camellias, a tea olive hedge, hostas, hydrangeas, and ferns, ensuring year-round greenery and blooms. A unique personal touch was added with a quarterboard displaying the name "Glory Cottage," a nod to Nantucket tradition and a symbol of adoration, praise, and thanksgiving. #CapeCodCottage #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ExteriorMakeover #KitchenRemodel #CourtyardDesign #TraditionalHome #ArchitecturalDetails #GardenLandscaping

Frances Halliday, owner of the interior design company Colourful Artists, has transformed her Georgian home in Camberwell, south London, to reflect a Cape Cod-inspired aesthetic. This design choice stems from a holiday in Cape Cod, where she was captivated by the light, airy, and relaxed coastal style. Her home, a Grade II-listed Georgian property, stands out in leafy Camberwell with its distinctive New England feel, characterized by a coastal-style color scheme, nautical designs, and navy stripes. Halliday and her artist husband, Trevor, initially intended to downsize from their large family house in Dulwich and move to the south coast after their children had grown. However, they found themselves drawn to the charming Georgian house in Camberwell, leading them to backtrack on their original plans. The Georgian property, which Frances dates back to the 19th century, required significant renovation as it had been a rental for several years. Despite its listed status, necessitating careful changes to preserve its integrity, the couple undertook extensive improvements. These included installing underfloor heating, redecorating, and laying new floors. They also ingeniously recycled old back doors, transforming them into a feature for a kitchen cupboard, blending historical elements with their desired coastal theme. Halliday emphasizes her love for the grandeur of Georgian homes, particularly the large hallway and elegant facade, along with the original features they uncovered during the renovation. The kitchen was designed with practicality and a neutral palette in mind, allowing Frances to introduce color and texture through her collection of coastal accessories. Blue and white enamel crockery adorn whitewashed wooden shelves, while wicker baskets and lobster pots are strategically placed atop kitchen cupboards. The south-west facing orientation of the house allows ample natural light to flood the interiors, enhancing the feeling of a holiday retreat. Outdoors, Frances has cultivated white hydrangeas and blue delphiniums. She particularly values the pretty terrace at the back of the house, which overlooks a mature garden, advocating for terraces as they extend living space year-round, especially for entertaining. Traditional lantern-style lighting further contributes to the enchanting ambiance at night. Trevor, Frances's husband, works from a Cape Cod-inspired studio at the bottom of their garden, complete with underfloor heating. His seascape paintings are prominently displayed throughout the house, adding to the desired coastal atmosphere. Frances maintains a simple foundation for her interiors, with walls painted in light creamy shades and floors featuring a mix of light-colored stone and white wooden wash. Stone floors in the hallway and kitchen ensure an easy flow, while a softer white wooden wash floor in the sitting room adds comfort. Stripes, considered essential for a coastal theme, are incorporated into sofa fabrics, and miniature vintage yachts decorate the sideboard. Plantation shutters on the windows provide a New England touch while also being practical. Upstairs, the high ceilings are maintained, and en-suite bathrooms have been created in each bedroom by reconfiguring existing spaces. Clever furniture placement and the consistent neutral palette contribute to a sense of spaciousness. Frances has integrated softer accessories and floral patterns in the bedrooms and added colorful Moroccan tiles, sourced from various places including Fired Earth in Dulwich Village, to the en-suite bathrooms and downstairs areas, appreciating their earthy hues. Frances's approach to interior design is experimental, yet she strongly believes that a home should be lived in and enjoyed, not merely admired for its aesthetics. She encourages homeowners to infuse their personality, passion, and love into their decor, stressing that there are no strict rules, even for architecturally significant homes like Georgian properties. Having lived in several south London neighborhoods, Frances expresses her enthusiasm for settling into Camberwell. #CapeCodStyle #GeorgianHome #InteriorDesign #CamberwellInteriors #CoastalDecor #HomeRenovation #NewEnglandInspired #FrancesHalliday #PropertyInteriors

This article details the design and functionality of the mudroom in the McGee home, highlighting its importance as a high-traffic entry point through the garage, especially given the family's move to Utah where practical storage for winter gear is essential. The design incorporates custom elements to maximize utility and aesthetic appeal. A key feature of the mudroom is its cabinetry, which includes tall lockers custom-built by Killowen Construction for each family member. These lockers are designed with vents to ensure breathability, a practical solution for shoes and other items. The cabinetry is finished in Benjamin Moore's 'Midnight' color, providing a rich, dark contrast to the lighter elements prevalent in the adjacent kitchen. Hardware from Armac Martin adds a cohesive touch, mirroring selections made in the kitchen to maintain a consistent design flow throughout the connected spaces. The walls and ceilings of the mudroom feature vertical shiplap by Metrie, which extends the aesthetic used in other areas of the house like the dining room, office, and master bedroom. This choice creates a unified look and adds textural interest. Large windows positioned above the sink allow ample natural light into the space and offer views of the backyard, serving a dual purpose by enabling the homeowner to monitor children playing outdoors while performing tasks like washing produce or arranging flowers. The paint used for the walls and ceilings is 'Swiss Coffee' by Benjamin Moore, diluted to 75% for a softer effect. Countertops are a focal point, featuring SoapStone from Bedrosians, chosen for its distinctive veining and texture that adds depth to the room. An industrial-sized stainless steel sink from Kohler, paired with a pull-down faucet with a magnetic clip, underscores the room's utilitarian nature. The high-arch and industrial spring design of the faucet are specifically selected for heavy-duty washing and scrubbing tasks. Lighting in the mudroom integrates silver and brass pendants from McGee & Co., chosen to blend with the varied finishes throughout the home and contribute to the overall design narrative. For flooring, cement tiles laid in a hexagon pattern from Avente Tile introduce an additional dimension and a robust, easy-to-maintain surface suitable for a mudroom environment. Special design details elevate the mudroom beyond mere functionality. A custom dutch door allows for natural ventilation and adds architectural character. Decorative elements include collected wicker bottles and an art piece, both sourced from McGee & Co.'s vintage collection, along with practical items like pots and a watering can. A bench from the Threshold collection with Target provides seating, while custom-built shelves offer additional storage. This multi-purpose design ensures the mudroom is not only beautiful but also highly efficient in managing daily family activities, from handling outdoor gear to engaging in gardening tasks. #HomeDesign #Mudroom #InteriorDesign #Cabinetry #Shiplap #SoapStoneCountertops #KohlerSink #ArmacMartinHardware #HexagonTile #CustomDutchDoor

The article describes a uniquely designed four-bedroom home located at 16 Petrel Avenue in Mermaid Beach, Queensland. The property, owned by Paul Collis, the proprietor of Blue Coast Finance, is characterized by its distinctive architectural and interior elements, including squid tentacle sculptures, courtyard mirrors, and a suspended stairwell. Collis, who purchased the house two years prior after relocating from an acreage property with his family, highlights the convenience of its location, being just 27 steps from his preferred coffee shop and nestled between the beach and Nobby's. Despite its central and busy surroundings, the home functions as a private sanctuary. The house features timber stairs and floors, complemented by floor-to-ceiling glass walls and louvres, which facilitate a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The interiors are adorned with vibrant, contemporary decor, and raked ceilings contribute to the overall ambiance. Outside, an alfresco courtyard is enhanced with vertical garden walls and a water feature, adding to the property's serene and unique character. Collis, who moved from Sydney 12 years ago, expresses his appreciation for the house's distinctive design, noting its quirkiness and how it stands apart from other Gold Coast homes, many of which he finds lack character. The property is also filled with art and sculptures sourced from the local Gallery One. Furthermore, the home includes a study with a separate entrance accessible from the courtyard, which Collis utilized as a second office, detached from the main living areas. This feature proved beneficial for his work-from-home routine. Although he is reluctant to leave, Collis and his wife are expanding their family and require an additional room, necessitating their move. The article emphasizes the blend of retro beach vibes with contemporary elements and the striking individuality of the property, making it a notable residence in the Mermaid Beach area. #MermaidBeach #UniqueHomeDesign #GoldCoastProperty #ArchitecturalFeatures #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #PrivateSanctuary #ContemporaryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #RealEstateQueensland

The article provides an exclusive look into the Laurel Canyon home of celebrity stylist Maryam Malakpour, known for her work with prominent figures such as Lenny Kravitz, Keith Richards, Heidi Klum, Alessandra Ambrosio, and LL Cool J. Malakpour's residence, which she personally remodeled, is characterized by a blend of luxury, comfort, and unique personal touches. The home features floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto a lush green backyard, complete with a vegetable garden and a swimming pool. The kitchen is designed in an all-black aesthetic with custom fixtures. The master bedroom is described as having a cloud-like bed, offering views of deer in the mornings. A notable and exclusive feature of the house is a secret, hidden wardrobe room dedicated to housing her clients' pieces, which remains off-limits even to visitors. Throughout the house, personal artifacts and design elements reflect Malakpour's life and career. These include a chair gifted by Hedi Slimane, inscribed with a plaque reading “Madame Maryam Malakpour,” and numerous photographs documenting her collaborations with clients. The interior design incorporates various mid-century modern furniture pieces, contributing to a chic and cozy atmosphere. Malakpour's intention for her living space was to evoke a sense of 'zen,' a goal she achieved through elements such as a marble bathtub by the window overlooking the garden. The article highlights how her personal style and professional life are intricately woven into the fabric of her home's design. The piece also briefly touches upon Malakpour's journey, mentioning her role as Keith Richards’ preferred stylist and an anecdote about an instance where she allowed friends and family to graffiti her kitchen. This glimpse into her personal and professional life underscores the unique character of both Malakpour and her living environment. The article concludes by inviting readers to explore her home, emphasizing its blend of rock 'n' roll style and serene living. #MaryamMalakpour #CelebrityHome #LaurelCanyon #InteriorDesign #HomeStyling #MidCenturyModern #SecretWardrobe #LuxuryLiving