A Tudor style homestead with dark timber interiors

This article details the journey of designer/builder Victoria Holland in constructing her own home, a process that spanned five years after a decade of building homes for others. Growing up in a heavily wooded area of Bellevue, Washington, the author developed a deep appreciation for nature, which profoundly influenced her desire for a home that felt connected to its natural surroundings. Her chosen site, a small parcel of land filled with cedar trees and sword ferns, became the backdrop for her unique vision. Inspired by Native American longhouse designs, particularly a visit to a Kwakiutl tribal village on Vancouver Island, the author decided to incorporate elements of traditional longhouse architecture into her contemporary home. A key inspiration was the concept of massive, peeled logs serving as both structural elements and aesthetic focal points, reminiscent of the carved poles that supported traditional longhouses. She intentionally designed the house to be unobtrusive within its wooded setting, carefully aligning its main axis to maximize sunlight, a crucial consideration given the dark, grey winters of the Pacific Northwest. Approximately a year before construction began, the author sourced four straight, 16-inch diameter Douglas-fir trees to serve as the primary structural logs. These logs were cut in early July, a strategic timing choice as summer-cut logs are easier to peel. The peeling process was done on-site using a floor scraper, or spud, and after drying for a year, the logs were treated with a bleach solution to remove mold, resulting in a distinct silver-grey finish. The remainder of the house was conventionally framed around these prominent logs, with the exterior walls constructed using 2x6 framing. These walls were then clad with 1x4 horizontal tongue-and-groove clear-cedar siding, stained to blend with the natural color of aged cedar bark in the surrounding forest. The interior design philosophy prioritized open space and an abundance of natural light, aiming to evoke the sense of wonder and possibility the author experienced as a child playing in the woods. The layout also drew from longhouse principles, where raised floors along the sides traditionally served as sleeping or private areas, while the lower central core functioned as a communal space and fire pit. Although not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the synopsis mentions a roof-wide skylight that contributes significantly to the interior's brightness and dramatic aesthetic. The interior materials consist of a clean blend of glass, concrete, and hemlock, creating a modern yet natural feel. Adding to the holistic design, a separate zen bathhouse was constructed a short distance from the main house. This bathhouse features a radiant-slate floor, Japanese-style shoji screens for a tranquil ambiance, and a compact laundry area. This detached structure further reinforces the theme of connecting with nature and creating distinct, purposeful spaces within the property. The entire project reflects a design philosophy that prioritizes personal vision, natural integration, and a departure from conventional resale value considerations or neighborhood styles, allowing for creative freedom in material and design choices. #HomeDesign #PacificNorthwestArchitecture #NativeAmericanInfluence #LogConstruction #SustainableDesign #NaturalLight #Skylight #CustomHomeBuilding

This article highlights a multi-generational family farmhouse located in Ashbourne, VIC, designed to accommodate both a family and their parents in a unique mirrored-house concept. The farmhouse is home to Kate Thornell-Staig, her husband David Staig, and their daughters, Abby Maya and Lotti, as well as Kate's parents. The property, five years in the making, blends privacy with communal living, offering distinct spaces for each family unit while fostering togetherness. Kate Thornell-Staig, who recently launched her clothing and knitwear label Garçonne, has a distinct approach to interior decoration, favoring items that possess a story and character rather than pristine newness. This philosophy is evident throughout the farmhouse, where many pieces have been collected over two decades and bear the marks of time, reflecting a preference for history and personal connection over mere aesthetics. She explains that the 'marks and chips on old things tell their story,' a sentiment she tries to impart to her younger daughter. The interior design of the farmhouse showcases a blend of rustic charm and carefully curated elements. The living area, which opens onto a deck, provides expansive views of the farm. It is adorned with cushions from Matteo in California, contributing to a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is a central feature, designed around an antique wooden beam that serves as a display for Kate’s bread boards. Key kitchen elements include a 'Domsjo' sink from IKEA, a dining table gifted by a friend, handmade Moroccan 'Zellige' splashback tiles from Tiento Tiles, and a French-made Lacanche oven distributed by Manorhouse. An old shop counter repurposed into a kitchen bench further exemplifies the home's unique, collected style, complemented by lighting from Edison Light Globes, Melbourne. The living room features a vignette created with vintage oil paintings, sourced from Etsy and eBay, paired with a 1750s French commode, illustrating Kate’s knack for blending old-world charm with contemporary finds. In the main bedroom, Kate’s personal touch is evident through hand-stencilled paisley designs on the walls. The paintings in this room were found online, while a lamp stand was acquired at an antiques fair in Fryerstown, emphasizing the eclectic and personalized nature of the decor. Lotti’s bedroom features a bed assembled by Dave from separate antique pieces, and a handmade patchwork quilt by Kate, underscoring the family's involvement in creating their living spaces. The bathroom incorporates a 'Rodney' tub and a round concrete basin from Boyd Alternatives, alongside a chair from Found. at Hepburn. An antique vanity is paired with tapware from The English Tapware Company, creating a sophisticated yet aged look. The rear deck, overlooking the garden and paddocks, is a cherished spot where Kate enjoys evenings in her cane chair. Dave constructed the arbour for the crimson glory vine, enhancing the outdoor living space. The property also includes a kitchen garden with sheds and a beehive, integrating practical and aesthetic elements of country living. The overall design narrative is one of creating a comfortable, lived-in home that cherishes history and personal touches while accommodating the dynamics of multi-generational living. #FarmhouseDesign #MultiGenerationalLiving #MacedonRanges #VintageDecor #CountryStyle #InteriorDesign #CustomHome #AntiqueFurniture #RuralLiving

The modern farmhouse style is a design aesthetic that combines traditional farmhouse elements with contemporary design principles, creating comfortable, inviting, and sophisticated spaces. This style gained significant popularity, partly due to designers like Joanna Gaines, and serves as a response to earlier minimalist trends, allowing individuals to embrace tradition with a modern twist. At its core, modern farmhouse style integrates rustic elements, such as wooden beams or shiplap accent walls, with sleek, contemporary features like stainless steel appliances in a kitchen. The overall effect is one of warmth and elevated design that remains approachable and comfortable. Unlike classic farmhouse, which might lean heavily on vintage and traditional fabrics, modern farmhouse incorporates modern touches like a neutral color palette and clean lines. It emphasizes mixing relaxed furniture with salvaged materials, such as reclaimed wood, and includes antiques that are tactile and tangible, all while maintaining a cozy, uncluttered environment. Color schemes in modern farmhouse design are primarily composed of warm and cool neutrals, including cream, beige, brown, gray, and white, alongside natural, earthy tones such as blues, greens, yellows, and dark oranges. White is frequently used to create bright and open spaces. Warm neutrals, drawing inspiration from natural elements like sand and soil, offer a soft feel, while cool neutrals like gray and light green provide a soothing ambiance. Earthy accents, including warm woods and deeper reds and oranges, are incorporated to be relaxing and grounding rather than bold or jarring. Key design elements common to modern farmhouse homes include reclaimed wood, barnboard details, large comfortable furniture, architectural salvage, pine furniture, wrought iron accents, wide plank floors, and vintage accessories. Maintaining this style involves keeping spaces tidy and organized, utilizing decorative baskets in natural materials, and ensuring open shelving is neatly arranged with matching storage containers. When compared to other styles, modern farmhouse differentiates itself from country style by maintaining a higher level of sophistication and a more minimal approach to accessories. While country style can sometimes verge on kitschy and heavily accessorized, modern farmhouse is more refined. It also contrasts with industrial farmhouse, which plays up raw architectural elements and darker tones, as modern farmhouse tends to be brighter and whiter. There is a slight overlap with cottagecore, but modern farmhouse is characterized by a classic, airy, and rustic feel, in contrast to cottagecore's bright colors, quirky patterns, and maximalist decor. Modern farmhouse generally evokes the image of a larger, classic American home in a rural setting, while cottagecore aligns with a more cluttered English cottage aesthetic. To achieve the modern farmhouse look, comfort is paramount. Furniture should be inviting, and nothing should appear too delicate. Starting with a base of light neutrals—such as cream, beige, silver, or sage—and layering in natural wood tones, especially salvaged wood with natural wear, establishes the foundation. Accent colors can be introduced sparingly to complement the neutral scheme, with contrasting black elements adding a contemporary edge. Incorporating a variety of textures through fabrics like cotton, wool, and chenille is crucial to prevent the neutral space from appearing flat. Mixed metal accents, limited to no more than three per room, can be added via light fixtures and hardware. Drawing inspiration from nature through organic materials like wood, stone, wicker, and rattan helps connect the interior to the outdoors. Finally, accessories should be used sparingly, allowing a few well-placed items to enhance the space without clutter. Modern farmhouse exteriors typically feature white paint on various surfaces, potentially board and batten or X-shaped trim reminiscent of barns. Simple front doors, often double doors or those with windows, commonly feature stained wood or subtle paint colors. Black, gray, or metal roofs, understated trim, and potentially shutters are also characteristic. The structure is often a simple rectangle, possibly with rectangular additions. Large, covered front porches and numerous windows are common, contributing to the bright and inviting interior. Landscaping is typically neat and simple, and lighting fixtures are modern interpretations of rustic styles, such as streamlined lanterns. The exterior serves as a preview of the interior's uncomplicated and welcoming decor, with large porches emphasizing a communal and gathering-friendly atmosphere. #ModernFarmhouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignStyles #NeutralPalette #ReclaimedWood #RusticCharm #ContemporaryDesign

This article showcases a two-storey terrace house located off Braddell Road, which features a design concept that blends classic English aesthetics with a modern rustic touch. The interior designer, Vincent Ang from Black N White House, was tasked with creating a home tailored to the clients' lifestyle, emphasizing a traditional white English look while incorporating rustic elements without sacrificing elegance. The article highlights how a consciously restrained color palette contributes to the sophisticated yet modern ambiance of the home. The living area is characterized by mostly contemporary and clean-lined furnishings, which maintain a light and modern feel within the classic English framework. A grand piano serves as a focal point, indicating a blend of traditional elegance and personal interests. The design choice reflects a desire for a serene and uncluttered environment, allowing the architectural details and select rustic accents to stand out. For the kitchen, an open-concept design was chosen, catering to the homeowners' busy professional lives and infrequent cooking habits. This functional layout promotes a sense of spaciousness and connectivity, aligning with modern living preferences while still integrating with the overall design theme. The simplicity of the kitchen design ensures it remains unobtrusive and harmonizes with the rest of the living space. In the master bedroom, a study corner features stark white cabinetry, which is intentionally contrasted with warm wood furnishings. This contrast introduces visual interest and balances the pristine white elements with the natural, earthy feel of rustic design. The combination creates a functional workspace that is both aesthetically pleasing and integrated into the bedroom's serene environment. One of the most notable design features is the lofty pitched roof, discovered when two rooms were combined. This architectural element provided an opportunity to leverage vertical elevation, with the interior designer incorporating exposed metal beams. These beams draw inspiration from rustic barns, further enhancing the modern rustic aspect of the home's design and adding a distinctive character to the space. The integration of such a structural detail reinforces the blend of classic and rustic styles, creating a unique and elegant residence. #TwoStorey #BlackAndWhite #Braddell #HomeTour #RusticInteriorDesign #TerraceHouse #EnglishStyle #ModernRustic #InteriorDesign

This article explores a variety of farmhouse bedroom ideas designed to create a cozy and stylish sanctuary. It emphasizes that farmhouse style extends beyond white walls and weathered wood, incorporating diverse colors, textures, and finishes to suit individual preferences, from warm neutrals to vibrant accents. The article aims to inspire readers to blend rustic charm with contemporary elements through design details, reclaimed materials, and vintage furnishings. One concept presented is the 'Modern Farmhouse Makeover,' which combines whitewashed palettes with salvaged items and industrial elements. This is illustrated by a bedroom featuring a sliding barn door and a weathered bench alongside modern furnishings like a midcentury modern pendant light, with blue and orange accents adding vibrancy. 'Timeworn Elegance' focuses on incorporating reclaimed materials, such as a DIY headboard made from fence posts, contrasted with delicate gold and floral details and robin's-egg blue accents. The 'Classic Country Style' advocates for a curated, collected-over-time look rather than matched bedroom sets, showcasing distressed wood dressers, a metal bed frame, antique drapery tiebacks, and burlap pillow shams. 'Industrial Intrigue' suggests using shiplap walls for clean lines, combined with elements like cool concrete floors, quilted bedding, and a hide rug for a ranch-style feel. For children's rooms, 'Americana Accents' proposes a red, white, and blue color scheme, complemented by iconic farmhouse elements like a Dutch door. The 'Cabin Escape' theme is achieved with forest-themed wallpaper and cedar-paneled ceilings, featuring an edgy chandelier, green glass pendants, a fur pillow, and a caned bedframe. 'Coastal Influence' draws inspiration from beach colors, creating a bright and airy room with muted red and pale blue accents against beige built-ins, reclaimed wood ceiling beams, shell-inspired decor, and a seagrass rug. 'Scandinavian Stunner' offers a minimalist approach to farmhouse style, emphasizing 'hygge' with geometric fabrics, white shiplap walls, and vintage accents like a pitcher-turned-vase, all finished with matte black sconces. 'Farmhouse Textures' combines glamour and country by pairing a tufted velvet headboard with mixed throw pillows, paneled walls, and linen bedding, using an old wooden stool as a bedside table. 'Layered Neutrals' establishes a French Provincial style with cool grays, eggshell whites, and warm hardwood floors, highlighting rustic furniture like a distressed bench and vintage keepsakes. 'Better in Blue' introduces color into the traditional white farmhouse palette, using a navy blue scheme throughout a vintage rug and wall art, balanced by a soft gray upholstered bed frame and white ceilings. 'Boho Farmhouse Mix' suggests adding romantic touches with pink and purple accents in the rug, bedding, and accessories, alongside a hanging rattan chair and bohemian elements, grounded by a Jenny Lind bed and horse accents. 'What’s Old Is New' celebrates the past by repurposing items such as quilting fabric for drapery ties and a metal stool for a side table, softening the look with white linens on an ornate vintage wood bed frame. The 'Gray Farmhouse Color Scheme' relies on creamy whites and cloudy grays, incorporating pattern play with plaid throws and gingham pillows, and repurposing a metal basket as a book holder. Finally, 'Southwestern Style' embraces a country ranch aesthetic with a mounted deer sculpture, patterned bedding, and a wicker chair, all complemented by plank flooring as a classic farmhouse element. #FarmhouseDecor #BedroomIdeas #InteriorDesign #RusticStyle #HomeDecor #CountryLiving #ModernFarmhouse #ScandinavianDesign #BohemianFarmhouse