This Charming ’50s Ranch House Captures a Glimmer of a Forgotten California

Jim and Jennifer Wissing, residents of a three-bedroom, 2 ½-bath ranch home in the North Shore area, have meticulously transformed their 1963 house into a Victorian-era abode, reflecting their shared passion for the period's aesthetics and history. The couple, who acquired the house in 1977, initially decorated it in a traditional style. However, about two decades ago, after their children moved out, they began collecting antiques, progressively upgrading their pieces over time. Their collection is not merely an assortment of old items; the Wissings specifically seek out pieces with a historical connection to Milwaukee. For instance, they own three documented artifacts from the Schandein mansion, which once stood at 24th Street and Wisconsin Avenue. These include a large wood carving of a court jester, a newel piece shaped like a lady, and two carved wood panels that extend their crown molding. These particular items were acquired from the Alpine Village restaurant when it was sold. Another notable acquisition is a wrought-iron lunette by Cyril Kolnik, originally an archway piece from the Blatz Hotel on North Water Street, also sourced from the Alpine Village sale. Their collection further includes a chandelier from the Josiah Noonan House and hand-carved wood statues from the Brumder mansion. Beyond purchasing antiques, Jim Wissing contributes significantly to the home's Victorian ambiance by crafting furniture that aligns with the era's style. He constructed the three-piece bedroom set in their master bedroom, designed by Jennifer, as well as bookcases in the office, a decorative block front chest in the living room, and wall paneling in the family room. When asked about their choice of a ranch house over a period home, Jennifer explained that while they considered Victorian homes in areas like Concordia, they ultimately prioritized their preferred neighborhood, close to their parents. They have adapted the ranch structure to better suit their Victorian decorating style by installing new six-panel oak doors with gold leaf corner blocks and adding thick molding and trim throughout the house. A primary challenge has been fitting large Victorian pieces into the ranch's smaller spaces, necessitating creative solutions such as using a smaller gaming table from the 1880s or 90s in the kitchen and shortening chandeliers to accommodate lower ceilings. The home’s interior colors are all Victorian-inspired, with Jennifer drawing inspiration for the living room from “Victorian America, Classic Romanticism Through Decorating” by Wendell Garrett. The kitchen underwent a significant transformation, with Jennifer designing custom cabinets with raised panels and a hutch, built by Jim. They also incorporated stained glass windows from a house on Brady and Prospect Avenue, black granite countertops with bronze flecks, and hardware chosen to match the bronze accents. The couple collects epergnes, decorative glass pieces for dining room tables. The family room features a French hunting cabinet from around 1850, two 1870s newel post figures, and a three-piece parlor set. The living room is furnished with mahogany pieces, reupholstered in teal sculpted velvet, and includes high-back chairs from an Atlanta courthouse. The guest bedroom showcases an R.J. Horner & Co. three-piece set from the 1880s, with a bedspread made from reproduction fabric from St. James Place castle in England. The dining room boasts an antique oval table that extends to 11 feet, with six chairs upholstered in sculptured velvet damask, and custom-made window treatments. Large gasoliers, typical of Victorian mansions, are present in most rooms, including a piece by Cornelius & Baker in the dining room. Their future plans include transforming the basement into an old beer hall. The exterior complements the interior with an English garden, chosen for Jennifer’s love of roses and its suitability for the light-colored brick exterior of their home. #VictorianDesign #HomeRenovation #AntiqueCollection #MilwaukeeHistory #InteriorDecorating #RanchHomeTransformation #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalSalvage #PeriodStyle

This article highlights a remarkable 37-acre private oasis in the Coachella Valley, featuring an 11-bedroom, 40,000-square-foot residence designed as a perfect escape. The extensive property includes working horse and date farms, a 6-acre Clive Clark–designed golf course, a large lake with canals, a petting zoo, horse and bike trails, pickle-ball and tennis courts, a pool and spa, and a helicopter pad. The project was a collaborative effort involving architect Gregory J. Smith of Uberion Architecture + Design, interior designer Dorothy Willetts, Bradshaw Construction's Mark Bradshaw, and landscape architect Anne Attinger. The development of this property began with raw, undeveloped land that was a working pasture. One significant challenge was bringing essential utilities, such as domestic water, gas, and electricity, from over a mile away, and ensuring that infrastructure capacities were multiplied tenfold to support the scale of the residence. For instance, the home is powered by a 2,000-amp main panel, a substantial increase from a typical house's 200-amp panel. The owner, a real estate developer and sportsman, desired an uninterrupted indoor-outdoor connection, leading to the incorporation of as much glass as building codes permitted. This design choice necessitated the use of a significant amount of steel in construction—more than is present in the nearby Indian Wells Stadium—because very few solid walls extend from floor to ceiling. The aesthetic inspiration for the home is Indonesian, intended to evoke the mythical sea serpent at Tanah Lot Temple in Bali, while still serving modern recreational purposes. To prevent the complex from appearing out of place in an arid desert environment, the design team focused on subtlety. Interior designer Dorothy Willetts chose a textural, earthy, elemental, and contemplative palette of sage greens, terra-cottas, and grays, with red accents to subtly nod to Asian influences. She avoided lush, tropical patterns and bright, beachy colors, opting instead for an island-inspired luxury destination feel with South Pacific and Caribbean influences. Furnishings and accessories were carefully selected to align with the Asian theme without making the space overly formal. Willetts utilized framed textiles and Indonesian shadow puppets, along with indigenous artifacts, to create an organic and soulful atmosphere. The heavy reliance on steel not only provided extensive overhangs for shade and wind protection but also allowed for soaring wood-covered ceilings up to 37 feet high. Custom-built furniture was essential, given the client's height and desire for deep seating, leading to muslin mock-ups for client approval. Specialized pieces, including billiard and ping-pong tables, were also custom-designed and manufactured. Willetts collaborated with artists like Mirena Kim Ceramics for porcelain lamps and Etienne Moyat for sculptural carved-wood panels, and relied on A. Rudin for upholstery, chosen for their U.S. manufacturing and proximity to the client. Landscape architect Anne Attinger divided the exterior into distinct quadrants: a date farm with over 1,000 palms, a horse ranch, a pasture that serves as an unconventional golf course, and the residential compound. Plantings immediately adjacent to the main house and canal suggest a subtropical environment, while the guest quarters feature a more stylized desert landscape. Japanese-style garden vignettes are also integrated throughout the property, further enhancing the oasis theme. #LuxuryRealEstate #CoachellaValley #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalMarvel #ResortLiving #IndoorOutdoorLiving #CustomInteriors #LandscapeDesign #DesertOasis

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

Interior stylist Leah Ashley Finn, returning to Texas from California, collaborated with her father, Gary Wright, known as “Builder Gary” of River Hills Homes, to construct a multi-generational farmhouse in Dripping Springs, Texas. The family had purchased 7 acres of rural land previously as an investment, which had served as a retreat for picnics. As their family of four outgrew their current home, particularly after Finn’s mother moved in during the 2020 pandemic, they decided to build on their land, which Finn describes as the ideal environment for her children to grow up. Finn's vision for the Finn Family Farm was a home that appeared to have existed for generations, drawing inspiration from the German immigrants who settled in Central Texas over 175 years ago. The design, chronicled in the streaming series _Home to Homestead_ on The Design Network, incorporated a limestone exterior reminiscent of historical regional architecture. A key aspect of Finn's approach was sustainable living, including a rainwater collection tank and raising chickens for fresh eggs and fertilizer. The project emphasized integrating with the natural surroundings; instead of a traditional grass lawn, the property features native Texas pollinator plants, reducing maintenance and promoting water conservation with its 65-gallon rainwater collection system. Contrasting with modern open-concept designs, Finn opted for a more traditional layout with distinct rooms, fostering a sense of discovery within the home. The kitchen, for instance, includes a U-shaped breakfast alcove with nostalgic groove paneling and built-in seating, completed with a bistro table and woven leather chairs. Finn also champions 'slow decorating,' a process of patiently sourcing preloved and reclaimed items. The mudroom showcases this philosophy with an 1800s French pharmacy cabinet and a vintage cast-iron sink, both found at the Original Round Top Antiques Fair. The interior design further blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor elements by using the same smeared exterior limestone for kitchen walls, referencing early German settler homes. A custom kitchen island was designed to mimic a vintage piece, and refurbished pendant lights from Nomadic Trading Co. contribute to the rustic aesthetic. Instead of popular indoor/outdoor living features like large sliding doors, Finn emphasized natural light through numerous large windows and French doors. She also practices repurposing furniture, exemplified by a living room cabinet bought on Facebook Marketplace for under $200 and antique dining chairs from a Llano, Texas, garage sale. The guest bathroom features a thrifted side table converted into a skirted vanity using vintage Etsy fabric and brass fixtures from Signature Hardware. The guest rooms showcase a playful use of patterns and textures. One primary guest space, designed for frequent visitors, combines neutral patterns on walls, upholstery, and linens to create dimension. Custom draperies by Everhem are adorned with large pink tassels from Round Top. Another guest room includes built-in bunk beds painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Pewter Green, offering additional sleeping arrangements for both children and adult guests. For a modern touch in the bathroom, Finn blended metals, such as brass knobs with polished nickel faucets and showerheads. The space includes a silver cast-iron tub, a plastered walk-in shower, and an outdoor shower. Travertine tiles from Taylor Designer Floors and small vintage rugs complete the neutral palette, adding warmth. #FarmhouseDesign #TexasHome #SustainableLiving #ReclaimedDecor #InteriorStyling #MultigenerationalHome #ArchitecturalHistory #DrippingSprings #CustomHome

Architect Chad Dorsey's 3,000 sq ft home, dubbed the Surf Shack, located near White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas, blends Californian coastal aesthetics with timeless mid-century modern furniture and wabi-sabi finishes. Dorsey acquired the property after spotting a for-sale sign while working on a client’s home in the area. The existing single-story house was demolished to make way for a new construction, envisioned after Dorsey was inspired by the plot's circular driveway and overgrown trees, which reminded him of a beach path in California. The home is shared by Dorsey, his partner Kurt Bielawski, and their two dogs, Jackson and Lucy. The architectural design of the Surf Shack emphasizes an effortless and unassuming appearance. The main structure is clad in stained shingles, mimicking the Japanese shou sugi ban technique of charred cedar board, and features black corrugated metal roofs. The interior and exterior spaces are unified by a white-based and light-colored material palette, reflecting the sunny Californian coastal vibe. The driveway, paved with white gravel, seamlessly transitions into the concrete flooring of the living space, creating a cohesive visual flow. Inside, the design incorporates concrete flooring, bleached walnut millwork and doors, warm white surfaces, and linen drapery to introduce softness and a sense of aged comfort. This design philosophy aimed to create an environment that felt established and well-maintained, as if it had existed for many years. The furniture collection primarily consists of vintage and mid-century pieces that Dorsey has owned for a long time, alongside restored and reupholstered found items. Notable pieces include 30-year-old black leather and wood armchairs, a gift from his architect uncle, and a Herman Miller sideboard from his parents. A coffee table with a fractured timber top, purchased 15 years prior at a sample sale, is also a prominent feature. Dorsey's aesthetic focuses on using natural materials with simple, textural finishes. Examples include raw steel bookshelves in the living room, designed to appear floating, and cork wall panels that provide a soothing texture in the lounge area. Copper shelves in the kitchen complement artisanal copper accents in the backsplash, enriching the muted color palette which also features bleached walnut, marble, and concrete. Artworks, such as a mud-room graffiti wall by muralist Joe Skilz and Thomas Langley’s 'Buy Mum A House' piece, add personal touches. Custom elements include a marble top for the dining table by Kara Mann for Milling Road at Baker Furniture, and a steel bed frame in the master bedroom, also by Kara Mann, which contributes to the room's Zen ambiance with a low table and ikebana-style vase. The overall design embodies Dorsey’s concept of “relaxed luxury,” characterized by understated elegance and a focus on tactile experiences. This approach involves custom furnishings with handcrafted elements and meaningful objects, reflecting the personalities of the residents. The attention to detail, though sometimes subtle, is intended to be appreciated by those with discerning eyes, creating an approachable yet sophisticated living environment. #CalifornianCoastalVibe #MidCenturyModern #WabiSabiFinishes #HomeTour #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #RelaxedLuxury #NaturalMaterials #VintageFurniture