Interiors: A nautical-style pool house with space-saving tips from designer Stephanie Dunning

Diane Fogerty, owner of Savvy Surrounding Style, embarked on a transformative project to convert her pool house into an open-air entertainment space, driven by a desire to seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor living. The core of this renovation involved removing a full wall and three-quarters of another, replacing them with folding glass doors. This strategic design choice allows the space to function year-round, enabling the family to enjoy an 'outside' feel regardless of weather conditions, with the flexibility to close the doors and utilize heating or air conditioning as needed. The outdoor element is further emphasized by the inclusion of an oversized grill, facilitating year-round outdoor cooking. The transformed pool house, situated on a 3-acre property in Frontenac, offers a unique 'glamping' experience, blending the joys of nature with the comforts of home. Beyond the kitchen, the space is thoughtfully furnished with two full-size sofas, floor pillow seating, a bespoke humidor, and a convenient powder room. While the natural surroundings, including weather, stars, and sunshine, serve as the primary focal point, meticulous attention was paid to the interior design. A neutral color palette, featuring creamy Danby marble and natural stone accents, was chosen to enhance the open and airy feel of the space. The console beneath the television is crafted from wood and stone, contributing to the natural aesthetic, while decorative light fixtures above the living area are made from grapevine and twigs, further reinforcing the organic theme. The flooring, travertine tile, extends from the pool deck into the interior, providing a cohesive look that is both slip-resistant and easy to maintain, mirroring the natural variations of stone. Fogerty offers advice for creating comfortable outdoor living areas, stressing the importance of personalizing the space as one would an indoor room. She highlights her own addition of a hanging herb garden on a brick wall, which not only provides fresh herbs for cooking but also infuses the space with pleasant aromas. For ambiance, an outdoor fireplace is recommended, with options like tabletop fire pits available for smaller areas. Practical seating solutions for limited spaces include built-in benches adorned with attractive fabrics and throw pillows, or hanging swings, ensuring comfort without sacrificing space. To achieve a harmonious flow between the indoor and outdoor environments, Fogerty advises maintaining a consistent color palette. The renovated pool house serves as a cherished retreat for Fogerty's family, offering a relaxed setting for various activities such as outdoor movie nights and watching sports. The ability to enjoy these experiences within the comfort of their home, while feeling connected to nature, underscores the success of the design. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can bridge the gap between interior comfort and the natural environment, creating a versatile and inviting space for entertaining and relaxation. #HomeDesign #PoolHouse #OutdoorLiving #EntertainmentSpace #InteriorDesign #NeutralPalette #FoldingGlassDoors #TravertineTile #DianeFogerty

This article explores various interior design and decorating strategies for homes, drawing inspiration from projects in Newport and Little Compton. The focus is on integrating personal collections, optimizing space, and utilizing specific design elements to enhance a home's aesthetic and functionality. Several designers' approaches are highlighted, offering practical tips and creative solutions. One significant aspect is the incorporation of personal artifacts into home decor. Designer Jocelyn Chiappone, for instance, integrated a homeowner's vintage oar collection into their Little Compton home, demonstrating how personal items can become focal points rather than being stored away. This approach transforms a house into a personalized space that reflects the occupants' interests and history. Another theme is the clever use of materials and architectural details to create specific looks or solve common design challenges. Solange Richards replicated the look of wainscoting in a 19th-century Newport home by applying battens directly to the wall, a cost-effective method for adding classic architectural detail. Similarly, homeowners Jill and Barry Martin replaced a traditional stair railing with a burly rope, injecting a playful nautical touch that aligns with coastal living aesthetics. Texture plays a crucial role in enriching interiors. Jocelyn Chiappone's design in Little Compton incorporated woven-rope chairs from Orient Express, illustrating how different textures can add depth and warmth to a space. This attention to tactile elements contributes to a more inviting and visually interesting environment. Practical solutions for everyday living are also discussed. For instance, painted floors and furniture in beach houses are presented as a functional and aesthetic choice, effectively concealing inexpensive flooring or minor imperfections on hand-me-down items, as demonstrated in a home decorated by Kirby Goff. This highlights how design choices can be both beautiful and pragmatic. Maximizing storage and optimizing functional spaces, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, is another key area. Solange Richards designed a compact kitchen with floor-to-ceiling cabinets, integrating concealed shelves, coffee stations, and baking centers to enhance usability and minimize clutter. In bathrooms, innovative solutions like a single trough sink with wall-mounted faucets in a Newport home, also by Richards, address space constraints while maintaining style and functionality. Powder rooms are identified as ideal spaces for creative expression, with examples like animated wallpaper by Hygge & West in a Newport bath, allowing for bold design choices due to their smaller size and less frequent use. Material trends and lighting considerations are also touched upon. Brass, a material from the 1970s, is noted for its return to vogue, adding a humble, patinated sheen when left unlacquered. Effective vanity lighting is emphasized, recommending eye-level fixtures on either side of the face, or even mounted directly onto the mirror, as seen in a Little Compton house by Kirby Goff, to achieve flattering illumination. Collectively, these examples from various designers and homeowners showcase a range of decorating ideas that blend aesthetic appeal with practical considerations, offering insights into creating personalized, functional, and stylish living spaces. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #NewportHomes #DesignTips #SpaceOptimization #NauticalDecor #TextureInDesign #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign

This article highlights the design and functionality of a Southport, CT, pool house, emphasizing its year-round usability and transitional, tropical aesthetic. Designed by Moss Design, the pool house integrates essential indoor amenities such as a powder room, laundry room, living room, and a kitchen with a passthrough to outdoor dining, alongside an exterior shower. The interior design contrasts with the main house, adopting a modern and playful 'vacation-vibe escape' through elements like rope lighting, a seagrass mirror, rattan furniture, ocean blue accents, and palm-frond wallpaper. Durability is a key consideration in material selection, with features like terrycloth upholstered barstools addressing practical needs for a pool environment. The article further provides architectural insights from Burr Salvatore on building a pool house. Salvatore stresses the importance of complying with municipal regulations, including zoning, wetlands setbacks, and flood regulations, noting that these can sometimes present unique landscape opportunities. Local regulations may also impose restrictions on the height, amenities, and overall size of pool houses. A critical decision for homeowners is whether the pool house functions as a year-round guesthouse or primarily as a seasonal storage and shaded area. This decision dictates the scope of amenities required, such as whether to include a full kitchen or a kitchenette, a laundry room and full bathroom or just a changing area, and sleeping or living spaces. These choices directly influence the design, size, and construction methods. Salvatore advises homeowners to view the pool house as an opportunity for a less formal and more distinctive design compared to the main residence, emphasizing that its identity is more crucial than its size. The design team for this specific Southport pool house included Meghan De Maria, Founder and Principal Designer at Moss Design, and Bob Chagnon, Owner of Bob Chagnon Residential Design LLC. #PoolHouseDesign #YearRoundLiving #LuxuryHome #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalTips #OutdoorLiving #SouthportCT #HomeImprovement

This article details the transformation of a circa-1980 beachside home in Ventura, California, which was purchased by a Los Angeles-based couple with two young children at the beginning of the pandemic. The homeowners enlisted designer Jess Diab to revitalize the property, which was initially described as "clunky" with irregular shapes and compartmentalized social areas. Diab's primary goal was to celebrate the existing geometry of the space while introducing a sense of flow and movement, despite the house's three-story layout and numerous stairs, which often made it feel disjointed. The design strategy focused on enhancing the home's inherent curves and improving its functionality without undertaking major structural changes. The house features guest bedrooms on the lower level, living, dining, and kitchen areas on the middle floor, and a partially open, lofted main bedroom. Diab addressed the 'clunky' feel by creating design 'moments' throughout the house, aiming to give the illusion of seamless movement. For instance, a funky stairwell niche was transformed into a calming focal point using textured plaster walls, a sculptural side table, and a decorative clamshell, encouraging occupants to pause and appreciate the space. In the guest bedrooms, located on the beach level, Diab aimed to create a hotel-suite ambiance. This was achieved by incorporating simple nightstands and pendant lights. A custom-cushioned panel, sourced from Drop It Modern fabric, inspired the design of a three-ball side table. This table, originally an inexpensive piece, was spray-painted to mimic a high-end designer item, demonstrating a resourceful approach to budget-conscious design. The lofted main bedroom, initially narrow and awkward, was made more inviting with a custom channel-tufted headboard that introduced horizontal lines, visually broadening the space. The kitchen's design also incorporated the theme of movement and connection to the surroundings. A new marble countertop and backsplash, featuring dark green and gray veining, were selected to evoke the Pacific Ocean. The visible edges of the shelves were meticulously book-matched to create a swirling, watery effect. An upper shelf was strategically placed to ensure easy access to essentials like coffee and mugs for guests. Storage was a significant consideration, especially since the homeowners needed to accommodate up to 15 people. Diab collaborated with professional organizer Julianna Strickland of Space Camp Organizing to not only stock the home with family favorites but also to design and install custom cabinets. These cabinets, framing the dining nook, provided ample storage for pantry items and dishes, essential for entertaining large groups. The curved theme was extended to the hardware, with Park Studio handles adorning both the kitchen cupboards and bedroom closets, ensuring a cohesive design language throughout the home. #BeachHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CurvedDesign #SpacePlanning #CoastalDecor #StorageSolutions #JessDiabStudio #VenturaHome

The article showcases a modern lakeside pool house in Gallatin, New York, designed to accommodate four generations of a family and their guests. The initial vision for the property was a family escape, particularly during the pandemic when four generations resided together in the main house, built in 2017 by Carol Kurth Architecture. This led to the development of a separate, expansive pool house, also serving as a guest house, to meet the diverse needs of a large, multi-generational family and their community-oriented lifestyle. The design process involved a collaborative effort with Bedford-based designers Carol Kurth, AIA, Hilary Matt, and builder David Penny of East Mountain Construction Management. Gabby, one of the homeowners' daughters, played a key role in overseeing the construction. The inspiration for the pool house stemmed from a long-standing family tradition of gathering at a lake house, a tradition Gabby's father, who grew up in South Africa, sought to continue after purchasing the Columbia County property nearly three decades ago. The pool house complements the main residence while integrating with its natural surroundings, emphasizing a more casual and adventurous design approach suitable for a second home. The pool house's layout prioritizes ease of access and functionality for large groups. It features a unique design without a traditional front door, instead offering "wet-dry footpaths" that lead into a mudroom or through the pool bathroom. The mudroom is equipped with cubbies for storage and laundry facilities for wet towels. This area seamlessly transitions into the main entertaining space, characterized by vaulted ceilings and expansive glass doors that open onto a covered outdoor seating area, fostering a continuous indoor-outdoor experience. A notable playful element is a rock-climbing wall that extends from beyond the mudroom into the living room, appealing to children. Durability and child-friendliness were central to the interior design choices. High-quality vinyl flooring, mimicking wood, was installed to withstand water and heavy use. Furniture, such as the Verellen living room sofas, are covered in outdoor fabric, ensuring easy cleaning of spills. A chalkboard-covered pocket door separates the bedroom wing from the main living space, adding another interactive element. The bunk room, designed by Kurth and Matt, features timeless navy hues and full-size beds to accommodate guests of all ages. For children, the room includes monkey bars that span a wall and across the ceiling, along with individual Sazerac Stitches sconces by each bed. The primary bedroom offers a luxurious retreat, featuring a plush bed from Muskoka Living, Kelly Wearstler side tables, Allied Maker alabaster sconces, a Katy Skelton bench, and Matouk linens. Its design incorporates extensive glass, providing views of the woods and lake, creating a treehouse-like ambiance with modern comforts. The primary bathroom continues this theme with a floor-to-ceiling slot window in the shower. Art curated by Gabby's mother, a former Guggenheim curator, is integrated throughout the house, including pieces from her personal collection and abstract works created by a family friend in collaboration with Gabby's brother. The outdoor spaces are equally integral to the family's entertaining, with an outdoor kitchen added by the pool and a sun shelf in the Wagner Pools-installed pool. The surrounding landscape by Biasin Landscape features bluestone pavers and wood planks, mirroring the house's modern aesthetic. #LakesideLiving #PoolHouseDesign #MultiGenerationalHome #FamilyEscape #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #ModernHome

This article showcases the transformation of a Cornish beachside house into a home filled with coastal charm, reflecting the owner Juliet Mayhew's journey from initial skepticism about the region's appeal to fully embracing its unique character. Initially, Juliet, an Australian, found Cornwall's shingle beaches a stark contrast to the white sands she was accustomed to. However, a sunny second visit, including a boat trip along the Helford River, changed her perspective, leading her to appreciate the special allure of the area. This shift in perception was crucial as she and her husband found a house in a prime, secluded location overlooking the sea, offering views of bobbing boats and lush oak-covered hills. The process of acquiring the property was a notable undertaking, requiring an early morning drive from London to place a successful bid before the house went to the open market. Following the purchase, the couple dedicated significant time to planning improvements, aiming to seamlessly connect the interiors with the stunning outdoor spaces. A key structural alteration involved creating an open-plan kitchen and sitting room by knocking through a wall, enhancing light and maximizing the sea views from all main rooms. The kitchen, which was an existing feature, received a stylish update with pale grey painted cabinets, and its large central workspace was designed for entertaining. As an experienced interior designer and party planner, Juliet meticulously curated the home's aesthetic over a year, drawing inspiration from the sea. Her approach involved extensive online searches for marine-themed decor, including rope lamps, fabrics with coral motifs, shells, boats, oars, driftwood stools, and a large compass. This intentional and overt embrace of nautical styling, rather than a subtle nod, infused the house with distinct character and visual interest. The sitting room, with its expansive windows, allows residents and guests to fully immerse themselves in the spectacular views, complemented by a vibrant color scheme that defines the coastal living space. The dining room's lively color palette mirrors Juliet's energetic personality and her love for entertaining, a central consideration in the home's redesign. Upstairs, the main bedroom was expanded to include a larger balcony, creating a space that evokes the feeling of a ship's deck. Juliet particularly enjoys sitting on the balcony and watching boats, finding it a source of deep relaxation. In contrast to the home's more vibrant areas, the guest bedroom offers a serene atmosphere, decorated in a calming palette of blues and neutrals, directly inspired by the surrounding coastal environment. Optimizing the outdoor living experience, the terrace was reconfigured after observing the sun's path throughout the seasons. This thoughtful adjustment allowed the couple to fully leverage the breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline. The entire renovation and decoration project underscore a deliberate design philosophy that blends personal taste with the natural beauty of the location, creating a harmonious and uniquely styled beachside residence. #CoastalHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CornwallLiving #NauticalDecor #OpenPlanLiving #SeasideProperty #HomeStyling

This article highlights four home decor books that offer inspiration for coastal design and architecture. These selections provide insights into various aspects of interior design, from creating personalized spaces to blending style with functionality, and exploring architectural heritage. The first book, "James Huniford: At Home" by James Huniford, showcases the work of a renowned interior designer known for his ability to juxtapose opposites and transform found objects into art. The book offers a glimpse into Huniford’s design philosophy and process, as sought after by A-list clientele. It serves as a resource for those interested in sophisticated and unique interior stylings. Next, "Your Home, Your Style: How to Find Your Look & Create Rooms You Love" by Donna Garlough is presented as a guide for individuals seeking to enhance their living spaces. Garlough, a writer and interior designer, helps readers identify their personal design preferences, strengths, and weaknesses. The book aims to empower individuals to curate a home environment that genuinely reflects their taste and brings them satisfaction upon entering their dwelling. "Elements of Family Style: Elegant Spaces for Everyday Life" by Erin Gates addresses the common challenge of balancing aesthetic appeal with practical needs, especially for families with young children. Gates, a writer and designer, provides guidance on how to create stylish spaces that are also durable, comfortable, and safe for children. This book offers solutions for maintaining an elegant home environment without sacrificing the functionality required for daily family life. Finally, "Summer Houses by the Sea: The Shingle Style" by Bret Morgan focuses on a specific architectural style prevalent along the coasts of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. This book, illustrated with photographs by Morgan, explores the luxurious homes characterized by the American Shingle style. It documents these historically significant residences that defined the upper East Coast, and also touches upon how this traditional style has influenced modern architectural interpretations. The book provides a visual journey through the unique aesthetic and historical context of these coastal properties. #HomeDecor #CoastalDesign #InteriorDesignBooks #DesignInspiration #ShingleStyleArchitecture #FamilyFriendlyDesign #PersonalStyle #LuxuryHomes

This article highlights a brand-new, two-story, six-bedroom, 7.5-bath property with 7,416 square feet of living space, designed by Emily White and Kristy Craig Anderson of Dwell Home Staging and Market. The home, built by Halo Homes, is a contemporary new build that served as an ideal canvas for a "livable luxe" design, characterized by a vast open floor plan, sleek iron and glass details, and custom wood cabinets and flooring. The primary goal of the interior design was to create a quiet, minimal, and luxurious feel, while also tempering the sleek architectural elements and high ceilings with soft textures and organic details to ground the space. The designers achieved a modern, organic vibe using a color palette of crisp whites, creamy taupes, and tans, accented with contrasting black and charcoal elements. A key design principle was to ensure that the furniture and decor played a supporting role, allowing the coveted Davis Islands waterfront view to remain the focal point of the property. The living room, for instance, features on-trend curved boucle accent chairs, which introduce a soft element that mirrors the curved lines of the arched doorways and dining room chairs. These dining chairs are also designed to swivel, offering optimal views for television watching. The living room's design is anchored by a down-filled sectional in a fresh off-white performance fabric from Dwell Home Market, chosen for its versatility in accommodating both upscale entertaining and family movie nights. The property's exterior amenities emphasize its prime waterfront location. It includes a designer saltwater pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a private dock, all strategically positioned to face the waterfront. The deep-water dockage is specifically highlighted as a desirable feature for yacht owners. The home is situated on one of Davis Islands' most sought-after streets, and its design maximizes the surrounding natural beauty. Sweeping bay views are visible from nearly every massive window throughout the residence, ensuring that the scenic environment is an integral part of the home's aesthetic.

The London family, residents of the Twin Cities, owned an idyllic vacation home on Balsam Lake in Wisconsin. While they appreciated the property, the existing house from the 1980s lacked a modern kitchen and sufficient space, especially with their children approaching their teenage years. Trisha and Steve London initially approached architects Michael Roehr and Chris Schmitt of RoehrSchmitt Architecture with the idea of adding a bunkhouse over the garage. However, the architects proposed a more transformative solution: constructing a new structure in a previously wild garden area. This decision was driven by the potential to leverage the site's natural beauty, including its bluff overlooking the lake and mature oak trees, for enhanced views. The existing home, built in the 1980s, featured distinctive wedge-shaped shed roofs, which inspired the design of the new bunkhouse. The architects created a complementary wedge-shaped form for the bunkhouse, which not only provided additional living space but also visually balanced the entire property. The bunkhouse's design incorporates a steeply pitched roof and dark-stained wood siding, a hue that was extended to the existing home to create continuity and a rich contrast with the natural landscape. A new covered breezeway now connects the two structures, defining the front entry and framing views of the lake, creating a sense of anticipation. The architectural design emphasizes a dichotomy of modern minimalism softened by natural materials such as wood and stone, and abundant natural light. This approach is particularly evident in the bunkhouse's sophisticated full bedroom, located above a four-bed children's bunk space. This 'tree house-like' nest features a soaring paneled-wood ceiling that reflects natural light entering through a floor-to-ceiling glass wall, offering spectacular views. Beyond the bunkhouse addition, a significant renovation was undertaken in the main house, specifically addressing the outdated kitchen. The original kitchen, described as small and maroon and gray from the 1980s, was out of sync with the home's 2015 renovations. RoehrSchmitt Architecture reimagined the space, first by reconfiguring square footage behind the kitchen to incorporate a powder room and a walk-in pantry, significantly increasing storage. The cooking area itself was completely revamped. Dark-painted wood cabinetry was installed, contrasting with a natural-wood island topped with marble-look quartz. Open shelves above the range and a wood-paneled vent hood contribute to an airy and organic aesthetic. Sparkling white backsplash tile further brightens the space, reflecting light. The architects also made a significant change to the ceiling, lowering it and adding faux beams to conceal a real beam and new lighting, creating a coffered ceiling that enhances the feeling of lightness. White oak flooring, laid in a herringbone pattern, adds elegance. Trisha London, drawing on her past experience in an art gallery and interior design studio, curated the decor, incorporating wood and textural elements to connect with the home's natural surroundings. The renovation has transformed the kitchen into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space that facilitates gathering and relaxation, enhancing the Londons' enjoyment of their lakeside home. #HomeDesign #Architecture #HomeRenovation #LakesideLiving #ModernMinimalism #KitchenRemodel #BunkhouseDesign #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign

This article highlights the transformation of a small beach cottage in Laguna Beach, California, into a stylish and highly functional family home, designed by Jen Samson. The project focused on creating livable spaces for a family of five with three young boys and a dog, prioritizing durability and aesthetic appeal. Samson, drawing from her background in fashion, seamlessly blended sophisticated textures and neutral tones with practical, built-in solutions to maximize space and functionality. Initially, the design process involved addressing cosmetic issues, such as mismatched wood paneling in the living room. Samson replaced a dated, naturally stained shiplap fireplace wall with a whitewashed look and new tiling to create a more cohesive and modern feel. A significant challenge was optimizing the flow of the long, rectangular living room. To overcome this, Samson designed two distinct sitting areas, including a custom built-in sofa, effectively utilizing what would otherwise have been an awkward, unusable space. This approach provided ample seating for the family and their guests without making the room feel cramped or narrowly configured. A mid-century-inspired light fixture was incorporated to complement the room’s soaring ceilings and organic decor. The living room also features a pair of cane chairs sourced from Bali, separated by a carved African drum stool, creating a sun-drenched, favorite spot for the designer. The olive green fabric of these chairs inspired the color palette for other elements in the room, including a gallery wall of vintage oil paintings. The front entryway was re-imagined as a versatile space that serves both as a welcoming area and a functional mudroom. Samson integrated a second built-in corner bench, upholstered in faux leather, emphasizing ease of use and storage. This design aimed to accommodate the family's numerous belongings, keeping the area tidy. A hidden floating shelf beneath the bench provides discreet storage for children's footwear, reflecting the practical needs of an active family. The entryway’s design, featuring dark walls, leather accents, and graphic tiles, maintains a strong aesthetic while being highly resilient to daily wear and tear. In the less formal den, Samson opted for a darker, cozier ambiance with rich leather accents, deep blues, and gray tones, similar to the entryway. The choice of Farrow and Ball’s “Hague Blue” for the walls presented a challenge due to initial issues with paint finish and wall texture. After an attempt with flat paint resulted in scuff marks and a second with a glossy finish highlighted imperfections, the walls were finally smoothed and painted with a durable, next-to-flat sheen. This room also includes a secret lofted hideout, making it an inviting space for family game nights. Throughout the home, Samson's design demonstrates a keen understanding of balancing style with the demanding needs of a busy family. #HomeTours #DesignInspiration #LagunaBeach #BuiltInFurniture #FamilyHome #InteriorDesign #SpaceMaximization #FunctionalDesign

This article details the transformation of a small beach bungalow in Santa Monica into a modern family home, spearheaded by interior designer Natalie Myers. The project began in August 2017 when a newlywed couple, inspired by Myers's designs on Pinterest, enlisted her help. The husband's architect brother handled the exterior updates and expansions to the primary suite and kitchen, while Myers focused on interior finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, and furnishings. The renovation process, initially expected to take six months, extended to nearly three years due to permit approvals, construction, and inspections. During this time, the couple welcomed a child, highlighting their patience and adaptability while living in a studio apartment. Myers emphasized the importance of timeless modern design for this project, aiming for a look that would remain fresh and relevant for decades. She maintained her initial design choices throughout the extended timeline, asserting their enduring appeal. The bungalow's layout presented a challenge with two small living rooms flanking the front door. Myers designed them to share a cohesive style while serving distinct functions: one as a formal guest area and the other as a casual lounging space with a TV. She achieved this connection by using Moroccan rugs with the same pattern in both flatweave and shaggy styles. The kitchen is a highlight, described as a "galley kitchen of galley kitchens," featuring two long lines of custom cabinetry. Despite its compact size, the design creates a luxurious and functional space. To optimize storage in the small kitchen, Myers integrated both upper cabinets for discreet storage and open shelving, which she particularly favors for its aesthetic. The material palette was deliberately limited but incorporated varied textures and colors to create a dynamic feel. Caesarstone was used for counters and a 20-inch backsplash, chosen for its durability and clean appearance. A particularly beloved feature is the tucked-away banquette seating at the end of the galley kitchen, designed as a private yet central spot for working or relaxing, benefiting from ample natural light. The primary suite, a significant addition, demonstrates how vaulted ceilings can enhance the sense of space in a smaller footprint. A sliding barn door connects the bathroom to the sleeping area, optimizing flow and privacy. The primary bedroom features a four-poster bed and eye-catching sconces, drawing the eye upwards and contributing to the room's grandeur. The use of various textiles for bedding and wall hangings adds comfort and warmth. The primary bathroom combines classical elements with modern touches, utilizing beige glazed field tile and Calacatta marble hex flooring extending into the shower. A standout design feature in the bathroom is the accent wall in the shower, crafted from cement wall tile, which introduces a playful element to the space. The renovation showcases clever solutions for maximizing space and maintaining a sophisticated, timeless aesthetic in a small beach bungalow. #BeachBungalow #ModernDesign #InteriorDesign #SmallSpaceSolutions #HomeRenovation #SantaMonica #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign

Salt Lake City-based designers Jamie Bellessa and David Clyde completed the interiors of a modern pool house in Park City, Utah, for an Australian family. The family desired a relaxed, stylish, and low-maintenance poolside retreat that could serve as both a private guesthouse and a venue for large gatherings, integrating seamlessly with its mountain landscape. The 600-square-foot property, located at the base of a ski resort, was designed to withstand extreme weather, particularly heavy winter snows, while maximizing sunlight during the summer. Its sloped roof directs snow and ice away from the pool, and large glass walls ensure ample natural light. A key feature is a 15-inch bi-fold glass wall on the northeast corner, which allows half of the house to open up to the outdoors, emphasizing indoor/outdoor living. The designers prioritized adaptability and durability, selecting flexible, hard-wearing furniture, such as a sectional usable both indoors and out. This approach allows the space to be easily reconfigured to accommodate overnight guests or large pool parties. The design challenge was to create a flexible space that could house visiting guests for a few nights while also hosting large pool parties, a task accomplished by allowing the space to be reconfigured in minutes. The compact two-room floor plan includes a bathroom and an open-plan area featuring a simple kitchen, a dining table for six, a hidden queen bed, and a spacious sectional seating up to eight. A limited color palette is complemented by visual and tactile textures, creating a clean, modern aesthetic with white-gloss, slab-front kitchen cabinets and tone-on-tone material selections in the bathroom. The use of simple paint colors allows the wood tones in the furniture to stand out, reinforcing the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. Low-maintenance materials like honed concrete floors extend the refined aesthetic of the concrete pool deck indoors, accommodating wet feet without concern for slipping or messes. To maximize functionality for hosting, a double island concept was implemented in the kitchen. A large waterfall quartz island serves as a dining table for up to eight, while a slightly smaller white oak island, equipped with casters, nests underneath. This mobile island can be pulled out to provide additional serving or seating space for up to eight more people, and can even be moved onto the pool deck for outdoor food preparation. Tongue-and-groove wood ceilings extend from the interior to the exterior soffit, and continuous lines of can lights further blur the boundary between inside and out. Brass accents in cabinet hardware, chandeliers, and picture frames add a warm glow to the interiors at night. The bathroom features custom woodwork, including a teak shelf that extends from above the vanity into the glass shower, providing integrated storage for both wet and dry areas. A skylight, spanning from above the vanity into the living area, draws natural light into the space. Despite construction delays due to the high mountain environment and short building season, the project was installed efficiently, with the clients trusting the designers' vision. The successful outcome allowed the family to host their first large pool party shortly after completion, validating the design's ability to transition from private retreat to lively party hub. #PoolHouseDesign #ModernArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #FlexibleDesign #MountainClimate #SpaceAdaptability #LowMaintenanceDesign #ParkCityUtah #GuestHouse

The article features an interview with renowned British interior designer Katharine Pooley, who provides practical tips for making small spaces appear larger and more inviting. Pooley's advice is categorized into "five-minute fixes," "long-term projects," and "mistakes to avoid," offering a comprehensive guide for homeowners. For quick and impactful changes, Pooley suggests incorporating sculptural linear glass or mirror-top coffee tables, as these create an immediate sense of spaciousness. She emphasizes the strategic use of large mirrors to visually expand living rooms. In the realm of art, she recommends opting for one large statement piece over multiple smaller ones, arguing that a single significant artwork adds drama without cluttering the interior. To refresh a space, she advises using silver or moon gold gilt tray frames for artworks and repainting timber architraves, doors, and skirting boards in bright white or light grey. For those considering more significant and long-term transformations, Pooley offers several recommendations. She suggests increasing the height and width of door openings, and for living areas, replacing single doors with double doors to enhance the feeling of openness. To add elegance and comfort while maximizing space, she advises choosing armchairs or sofas with slender stiletto legs, which lift upholstery off the floor and create an illusion of greater room. For ceilings and walls, polished plaster is recommended due to its soft reflective quality, which amplifies natural light and makes ceilings appear higher. Additionally, incorporating a lit coffer detail with attractive cornices can further elevate the perceived ceiling height in the center of a room. In tiny kitchens, Pooley recommends maintaining a tonally similar color scheme and adding visual interest with glass pendants or architectural ironmongery. For bedrooms, she suggests using Roman blinds made from chic fabrics as a more suitable option than bulky curtains in limited spaces. The article also highlights common mistakes to avoid. Pooley warns against using design fads like oversized patterns on curtains, feature walls, and bright upholstery colors, as these can make a small space feel even smaller. Instead, she advocates for clean lines, suggesting light metal curtain poles in polished nickel and the removal of heavy pelmets or swags. She also prefers plain fabrics for curtains in small spaces, with an optional leading-edge trim for a personal touch. Regarding lighting, Pooley identifies the omission of a pendant light as a common error, explaining that the right pendant can draw the eye upward, making a space seem larger. She recommends lively crystal pendants or Art Deco-style ribbed glass fixtures for a sleek architectural aesthetic, as opposed to solely relying on down-lighting. A final crucial mistake to avoid is using different floor finishes to delineate areas, as this visually fragments the space and contributes to a cramped feeling. To counter this, she advises maintaining a consistent floor finish throughout and avoiding contrasting thresholds to preserve a sense of expansiveness. As an expert tip, Pooley mentions her preference for installing polished marble, such as Statuary Oro, throughout small flats to enhance spaciousness. #InteriorDesign #SmallSpaces #HomeDecor #DesignTips #KatharinePooley #LuxuryLiving #ArchitecturalDesign

Interior designer Betsy Wentz undertook a significant home renovation project during the pandemic, transforming a modest idea for a small pool into a comprehensive outdoor living space with a dedicated pool house. This ambitious project resulted in an 800-square-foot pool house designed to complement the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic of her Sewickley home, which was originally built in the 1970s and is surrounded by century-old stone walls. The design carefully integrates modern elements with rustic touches, featuring a striking glass nano wall that opens directly to a black-bottom pool, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. A key design choice was the use of terrazzo tile floors from Concrete Collaborative in California, which contributes to the modern yet inviting atmosphere. Wentz intentionally extended the exterior stone facade into the interior, creating an accent wall within the living room of the pool house, ensuring a cohesive architectural flow between the main residence and the new structure. This strategic design element helps the pool house feel like a natural extension of the original home, rather than a separate addition. The interior of the pool house, reflecting Wentz's distinctive design philosophy, is characterized by a vibrant and playful color palette. Known for her affinity for bright hues, Wentz filled the space with a mix of hand-picked artworks from her travels, including a dynamic painting by Rob Tucker. A vintage rug runner, previously held in storage for the perfect opportunity, finds its place in the pool house, adding a touch of personal history and unique character. The kitchenette, an integral part of the pool house, features a wall adorned with stacked blue tiles, serving as a focal point and demonstrating Wentz's creative use of color and texture. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the pool house is designed for functionality and serves as a versatile multi-use space. It includes a bathroom and a changing room, enhancing its practicality for family and guests. Although Pittsburgh's pool season is relatively short, Wentz emphasizes that the pool house is utilized year-round as a gathering and entertainment area for her family, comprising her husband, Chris, and their four children, aged 13 to 22. This adaptability highlights its role as more than just a seasonal amenity, but a central hub for family activities and social engagements. The project is a testament to how personal passion and design expertise can transform a functional addition into a vibrant and joyful living environment. #InteriorDesign #PoolHouse #SewickleyHome #MidCenturyModern #OutdoorLiving #ColorfulDesign #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalIntegration #HomeRenovation

Coastal interior design embodies the tranquility and natural influences of seaside environments, bringing these qualities into private homes. While often associated with a relaxed aesthetic, many design professionals have elevated the classic coastal look, incorporating sophistication and luxury into both waterfront and landlocked residences. Contemporary coastal interior designers integrate traditional elements such as nautical motifs, blue and white color schemes, wood paneling, rattan furniture, linen textiles, and tropical patterns with modern accents, vibrant colors, and high-end art. A consistent theme in the work of these designers is the celebration of natural beauty. The article highlights several distinguished designers from the AD PRO Directory who excel in coastal design. Natalia Miyar Atelier, with offices in New York, London, and Miami, focuses on comfort and glamour, tailoring projects from garden-inspired Miami homes to art-filled villas in Ibiza to reflect clients' personal stories and passions. Bunsa Studio, founded by Jennifer Bunsa in Miami, infuses projects with color, pattern, texture, and soul, drawing inspiration from Miami’s architecture and culture while incorporating organic shapes and natural materials like rattan, sandy stone, and warm woods. Cortney Bishop Design, based in Charleston, South Carolina, blends comfort, functionality, creative accents, and color palettes inspired by the Carolina coast, informed by Bishop's passions for travel, art, fashion, and music. Mead Quin, a San Francisco-based designer, crafts stylish sanctuaries for Bay Area innovators, focusing on intentional living and spaces that support well-being. Her artistic background allows her to create homes that align with clients' lifestyles and the natural settings of their residences. Trade Mark Interiors from Sarasota, Florida, manages the entire design process, utilizing interior design psychology to create mood-boosting, functional spaces with a classic and sophisticated aesthetic. Marina Hanisch Interiors, based in Greenwich, Connecticut, is known for its warm, modernist style, integrating natural materials, curated color palettes, and sculptural elements to tell clients' stories and provide refined, comfortable spaces. Patrick Ediger Interior Design in Los Angeles prioritizes creating spaces that enhance clients' lives, considering the home’s site, architecture, and sustainability through locally and sustainably sourced materials. Downey, a multi-disciplinary firm led by Alison Downey, respects a home's original architecture, creating effortless yet timeless interiors using natural elements, quality materials, and elegant textures. Studio IDC, a second-generation family-owned firm, focuses on high-end residential and hospitality projects in South Florida and the Caribbean, drawing inspiration from coastal backdrops and cultural influences to create spaces connected to their natural environments, characterized by laid-back luxury and warm modernity. Alexandra Naranjo Designs, with studios in Toronto and Palm Beach, is celebrated for its bold use of color and ability to combine modern and traditional elements, resulting in energetic, fresh, and timeless interiors. Marni Sugerman, based in Westchester, New York, leverages her textile design background to bring an eye for color and pattern to her clients' homes, creating unique and personalized spaces through strong client connections and innovative solutions. Lark+Palm, founded by Ansley Majit and Stephanie Waskins in Sausalito, California, creates beautifully curated and highly livable spaces through their diverse backgrounds in art consultation, textile design, and project management. Jute, founded by Alison Davin, is passionate about sustainability, using natural and non-toxic materials to create cozy, light-filled interiors that connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Saffron Case Homes, a Malibu-based firm, blends modern and traditional elements with clean lines and tranquil palettes to create comfortable, stylish homes, handling projects from refreshes to full remodels. Terri Ricci Interiors, based in Norwalk, Connecticut, draws inspiration from European design, creating sophisticated, customized whole-house designs by considering architecture and interior design holistically. Burnham Design, led by Betsy Burnham, combines classic East Coast style with a California cool sensibility, creating elegant yet inviting interiors known for their emphasis on color, pattern mixing, and expertly layered elements. Design West in Naples, Florida, emphasizes collaboration and personal attention, employing a 196-step process to ensure successful outcomes for residential interiors, creating spaces inspired by their inhabitants. JMA Interior Design, founded by Jackie Armour in Jupiter, Florida, specializes in luxury homes, country clubs, and private jets, known for its adventurous use of color, pattern, creativity, and attention to architectural details. Lastly, James Duncan, a Miami-based firm, offers comprehensive services including interior architecture, custom furniture, unique wallpapers, and fine millwork, providing bespoke interiors to an international clientele with a refined and timeless style. #CoastalInteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #InteriorDesigners #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalDigest #DesignDirectory #ResidentialDesign #CustomInteriors #SustainableDesign