Go Inside This Cozy Cottage in Green Hills

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

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, an architecture studio, designed a guesthouse as an extension to a private home situated on a secluded island in the Pacific Northwest. The main residence, constructed in 2012 by the same studio, is located on a 24-acre property on Henry Island, part of the San Juan Islands archipelago off the coast of northern Washington. The site is accessible by boat, with the main home nestled in a lush meadow overlooking a shallow bay. Upon acquiring the property in 2016, the new owners commissioned the studio to add structures that would complement the island's natural environment. The resulting guesthouse offers a flexible space for extended stays by family and friends. Its rectangular layout includes a main living area and two bedrooms, spanning 125 square meters. The design harmonizes with the architectural style and materials of the main home while maintaining its own distinct character. The guesthouse is positioned uphill from the main residence, ensuring both a connection and a degree of privacy. Its construction into a gentle slope allows for a partial cantilever, where one end is anchored into the earth and the other extends above ground. This design approach minimizes environmental disturbance and provides unique characteristics for each of the two bedrooms. Each bedroom offers a different view: one overlooks the bay, while the other provides intimate views of the surrounding forests, fostering a sense of coziness. The material palette for the guesthouse includes Douglas fir, cedar, glass, and steel. Large sliding glass doors, designed to pocket into the walls, open on two sides, creating an immersive experience that connects visitors with the island's sights, smells, and sounds. This feature allows the living room to function as a “covered porch,” establishing a serene yet protected indoor-outdoor environment. #GuesthouseDesign #PacificNorthwestArchitecture #BohlinCywinskiJackson #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #DouglasFir #HenryIsland #ArchitecturalInnovation

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

The Dowell family, consisting of Rebecca, Jeremiah, and their sons Deacon, Wyatt, and Ryder, along with their boxer Rookie, recently relocated to La Grange's Heather Ridge neighborhood to be closer to Oldham County Schools due to their sons' involvement in football and other sports. Jeremiah, a Realtor at Keller Williams Louisville East, had long admired the five-level Avery model by Fischer Homes. The family purchased a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom, 3,229-square-foot multi-level home built in 2023, which offered the ideal blend of shared and private living spaces. The Dowells undertook several customizations to personalize their new home. They installed luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and equipped the kitchen with GE Café appliances. A significant change involved moving the fireplace from a corner to the center of the great room, opting for a gas fireplace. This tan brick fireplace, extending to the 18-foot ceilings, is complemented by a matching column in the basement office and an entryway arch, creating a cohesive design. Trim and sconces were added to frame the fireplace, creating symmetry, with a frame TV displaying a black and white family photo when not in use. Jeremiah emphasized the desire for the room not to be solely focused on the television. Rebecca, an independent travel advisor, established an in-home office in the basement. This space features a large, T-shaped desk with two chairs, shelving, and his-and-hers display cases. Rebecca's side showcases whimsical travel and childhood mementos, while Jeremiah's side displays award plaques and framed degrees. A wall-mounted TV in Rebecca's office streams live views of various locations, like New York, beaches, and castles, adding light and an outdoor ambiance to the space. The opposite side of the lower level is dedicated to a workout area, with a discreet entry to a large storage space. The family's love for football is evident in the rec room, which includes a large TV, ample seating, an NFL Blitz arcade game, and a wall adorned with a mural of the Caesars Superdome, reflecting Rebecca's New Orleans roots. The room also features dozens of mini football helmets, which previously were scattered in the children's rooms. The 10-foot ceiling in the rec room was a major selling point for the family, as it provided an expansive feel typically not found in basements and connected seamlessly with the kitchen. Exterior customizations were also undertaken. Initially, Rebecca found the original brown exterior with shutters too busy. After consulting an artist on Etsy for exterior renderings, they chose Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay, an algae-hued neutral paint with slate-blue undertones, to enhance the home's curb appeal. Jeremiah, being in real estate, considered resale value in all their modifications. While the Dowells anticipate moving again in the future, they are currently enjoying their customized home, particularly its open floor plan, which facilitates family gatherings and entertaining, as exemplified by a Derby party where Rebecca could remain engaged with guests while in the kitchen. Key distinctive elements of the home include an entryway with a tan brick archway made with German schmear, quartz countertops, large kitchen cabinets with trim to the ceiling, a custom pantry mirroring the kitchen with a mini-fridge, and a second pantry for dry food and appliances. The first floor features custom luxury vinyl plank flooring. Other notable features include floor-to-ceiling trim in the great room and entryway, a custom mudroom, a renovated basement with an office, gym, bathroom, large framed TV, and ample hidden storage. The primary bedroom boasts a brick wall, a custom 4K electric fireplace, tiled bathroom floor, custom vanity, and custom closet. The backyard includes custom pavers and a gas fireplace, while the garage has an epoxy floor. The Dowells enlisted various professionals for these customizations, including Fischer Homes, Andreanna for LVP flooring, Olde Town Chimney for the gas fireplace, Wes Stutz for fireplace installation and trim work, Wes Stutz and Chris Barber for storage solutions, Jeff Hancock of Triple Trade for electrical and plumbing, Coronado Stone for the primary bedroom brick wall, Kilo’s Painting for interior and exterior painting, Earthscapes LLC for pavers, and Epoxy Dude for garage flooring. #HomeDesign #CustomHome #MultiLevelHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FischerHomes #OldhamCounty #FamilyHome #HomeCustomization

Joanna Gaines, known for her modern farmhouse aesthetic, has applied her signature style to her Hillcrest Estate rental property, offering insightful design lessons that blend rustic charm with contemporary elements. Her approach often incorporates practicality while creating elevated, thoughtfully designed spaces. The Hillcrest Estate, available for vacation rentals, provides a fresh perspective on her design philosophy, emphasizing a balance between old and new for a relaxing and recuperative environment. One key lesson from Hillcrest Estate is Joanna Gaines' use of traditional lighting, specifically chandeliers, in modern settings. She incorporates classic candelabra-style lights in bedrooms and lantern-style pendants with candle holders above kitchen islands. These choices add a sense of history, drama, and charm, demonstrating that traditional features can seamlessly integrate into contemporary designs, particularly within the modern farmhouse style. The strategic placement of these lights contributes to a cozy and elevated rustic feel without clashing with the overall aesthetic. Another distinctive design choice is Gaines' use of the controversial book-reversing trend on bookshelves. In the bedroom, she styles books with their pages facing outwards, allowing the area to maintain a neutral appearance that blends with the rest of the space. This technique, though not universally favored, highlights her willingness to incorporate current trends within her classic farmhouse look, ensuring that the moody bedroom colors remain the focal point without distraction from brightly colored book spines. Gaines also showcases an unconventional yet successful color scheme in the kitchen, pairing cool-toned gray cabinetry with warm gold hardware. While gray is often associated with minimalist interiors, she applies it to classic wooden kitchen fittings, creating a playful juxtaposition of old and new. This blend demonstrates that opposing warm and cool tones can be harmoniously combined, encouraging designers and homeowners to experiment with different shades and hardware, always advising sampling combinations before committing to the final design. Effective display elevation through lighting is another lesson from Hillcrest's living room. A large accent wall featuring a navy-blue built-in bookcase is enhanced by several gold sconces running along its center. These sconces, reminiscent of classic reading lights, are both practical for illuminating the display and stylish, adding a metallic accent that ties into the home's overall design. Gaines' choice of subtle lighting ensures that even crowded areas remain elegant and well-highlighted, especially when paired with neutral, minimal furniture to keep the focus on the accent wall. Finally, Gaines challenges conventional thinking by bringing traditional indoor seating, specifically rocking chairs, into the garden, creating communal and inviting outdoor spaces. This blurring of indoor and outdoor styles results in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Additionally, she demonstrates that dark color schemes can be fresh and rustic by using black on a dining room wall, including the mantelpiece and dresser-style shelves. She balances the intensity of the black with neutral decor, matching books, and coordinated white ceramics, ensuring the farmhouse aesthetic remains present. This approach proves that any shade can work effectively when complemented by appropriate decor and furnishings, unifying both old and new elements for a balanced and sophisticated look. #JoannaGaines #HillcrestEstate #ModernFarmhouse #InteriorDesign #RusticDecor #HomeStyling #LightingDesign #ColorSchemes #OutdoorLiving