This historic Cotswold house hides a contemporary look inside

Jamie and Tim Forsyth, along with their daughter Sienna, reside in an English country manor house in North Wales, Montgomery County, which was built in 1880. The property, originally part of a 200-acre horse farm, later became a riding academy before being subdivided in the 1970s. The Forsyths acquired the seven-bedroom manor house and a caretaker's cottage on two acres in 2016 after the price was reduced. Both Jamie, a nurse, and Tim, a project superintendent for a commercial contractor, were drawn to the house's historic charm and “good bones,” despite its considerable size. Upon moving in, the house featured 11-foot ceilings on the first and second floors and nine-foot ceilings on the third. The interior had been recently painted with cream walls and a deeper buff for carved doors and trim. The parlor showcased sky-blue walls and ceiling, complemented by Dutch tiles around the fireplace. Brass and crystal chandeliers adorned the parlor, foyer, and family room, hanging from elaborate plaster medallions. The original random-width oak flooring was well-maintained, contributing to the home's historic appeal. Despite the well-preserved interior, the Forsyths undertook several renovation projects. They installed a new roof and trimmed large ash and evergreen trees, while removing smaller trees from the pool area. Tim, with the help of friends, repainted the stucco exterior an antique white. The columns of the wrap-around porch and window trim were painted a brighter white, with shutters and column brackets in black. Tim also collaborated with a plumber friend to remodel the first-floor powder room. Future plans include installing a ductless heating and air conditioning system and creating a master bedroom suite with modern closets. They also intend to renovate the 20-year-old kitchen, merging it with Sienna’s current playroom, and add French doors that open to the patio, enhancing its suitability for entertaining. Jamie furnished the living areas with existing carpets and sofas from her previous home, alongside vintage pieces. Notable items include a grandfather clock built by her great-grandfather as an engagement gift and a mahogany drum table inherited from her grandmother. A metal-lined bar in the dining room belonged to an uncle. Seasonal decorations are a significant aspect of their home life; a spring bouquet of tulips, candle holders spelling “Spring,” stuffed bunnies, and bunny-embossed pillows adorned the parlor for Easter, with baskets of colored eggs completing the theme. The Norristown Garden Club decorated the house for Christmas, including it in their annual holiday tour, featuring floral arrangements and pine cone ornaments crafted for two Christmas trees. The Forsyths welcomed local carolers and hosted a family holiday party. For Easter, they organized an egg hunt on their lawn for Sienna and neighborhood children, reflecting the strong community ties that have developed with other young families living in homes built on the former horse farm. The Forsyths acknowledge the continuous work involved in maintaining such a large property but express that the effort is worthwhile. #EnglishCountryManor #HistoricHome #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #VintageDecor #FamilyLife #MontgomeryCounty #NorthWales #HomeRestoration

In London, a city renowned for its diverse architectural styles, a renewed interest in traditional coving is gaining traction among homeowners. This decorative ceiling moulding, once considered old-fashioned, is now experiencing a resurgence, driven by several factors that highlight its timeless appeal and practical benefits. Many London properties, ranging from Georgian terraces to Victorian townhouses, were originally designed with intricate plasterwork, including coving. Over time, modern renovations often removed these historical details. Today, homeowners are actively seeking to restore or reintroduce coving, recognizing its role in honoring architectural heritage, enhancing property value, and maintaining a cohesive design narrative. This trend not only preserves historical identity but also adds character to homes. The aesthetic versatility of coving is a key reason for its comeback. Whether it features the elegant curves of Georgian designs or the detailed patterns of Edwardian styles, traditional coving brings a sense of sophistication to any room. It effectively softens the transition between walls and ceilings, creating a refined and finished appearance. Coving adapts well to various room sizes and ceiling heights, adding drama in larger living spaces and subtle elegance in smaller bedrooms. Even in contemporary settings or new builds, traditional coving can provide a striking contrast, infusing warmth into minimalist interiors without overpowering them. This adaptability allows coving to blend seamlessly with both period-style and modern decor. The growing interest in home restoration and period-style renovations also contributes significantly to coving's revival. Influenced by various media, homeowners are increasingly embracing the charm of combining old and new elements. For many, reinstating coving is not about strict historical replication but about harmoniously integrating different eras. Traditional coving can be paired with contemporary lighting, neutral color schemes, and sleek furniture, resulting in eclectic and balanced spaces that respect the building’s origins while accommodating modern living. From a financial perspective, traditional coving represents a smart investment in London’s competitive property market. Period features, including original or replica coving, are highly desirable to potential buyers and are often highlighted by real estate agents. These features help properties stand out, convey uniqueness, and suggest a high standard of care and quality in renovations. For homeowners considering future sales, adding or restoring traditional coving can be a relatively low-cost upgrade with significant visual impact, subtly increasing a property’s perceived value. Technological advancements have also made coving more accessible. While historically crafted from heavy, hand-moulded plaster, modern options include high-quality polyurethane and lightweight plaster alternatives. These materials accurately replicate intricate historical details while being easier to install and maintain. They can be cut, handled, and painted with ease, facilitating DIY projects and quicker professional installations. Suppliers now offer a wide array of traditional coving styles suitable for various architectural periods, from Georgian to Art Deco. The return to traditional coving signifies a broader appreciation for detailed, character-rich interiors that connect the past with the present and enhance a home's atmosphere in ways modern finishes often cannot match. #LondonCoving #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalHeritage #PeriodFeatures #PropertyValue #HomeDecor #TraditionalStyle

The "Water's Edge" project, named after its location alongside the Provo River near Salt Lake City, Utah, emphasizes a deep connection with nature through its design and material selections. The defining element of this expansive home is the integration of exterior natural stone, Colonial White Ridgestone, into the interior spaces, creating a seamless transition from the outdoors to the inside. This natural stone, characterized by its light, time-weathered hue, is featured prominently in the entryway, rising up the walls to meet a plaster barrel ceiling, and continues throughout hallways and staircases, meticulously installed with a specific grout style to maintain consistency. The great room, a soaring space encompassing the living room, kitchen, and dining room, is designed for large gatherings. The key to managing this large area is effective space planning, achieved by creating distinct zones. The living room, for instance, features a square seating arrangement grounded by an 18' x 22' vintage rug, with an L-shaped sectional and a custom oversized wood coffee table, whose wood species harmonizes with the room's overall aesthetic, ensuring ample seating for extended family and guests. Elements of the exterior stone are also incorporated to visually tie the home together. The kitchen is highlighted as a favorite space, designed to evoke a Cotswolds-inspired feel despite the home's substantial 20,000 square feet. This is achieved through the use of rich textures and natural materials like wood, stone, plaster, and brass. The exterior stone forms the focal point of the kitchen, extending across the space to an integrated hood, complemented by a reclaimed timber beam. The backsplash and niches feature the same plaster as the entryway's barrel ceiling, offering a warm contrast to the stone. The kitchen also incorporates mix-and-match white oak cabinetry, antiqued brass hardware, and a honed black granite countertop. Two double kitchen islands feature lower cabinetry painted in Fawn Brindle, a velvety grey-green, topped with porcelain countertops that mimic marble with bold veining. The island design intentionally breaks symmetry, with one side enclosed and the other open to display cookware, adding visual interest and character. A hidden white oak door conceals a pantry, which is painted in a dark, moody shade called Inspiration, providing a surprising contrast to the lighter main spaces and offering extensive storage, an additional sink, and stoves. The dining room features a remarkable 19-foot table, the longest ever designed by Studio McGee, capable of seating 18 people. This massive table is styled with two long vintage troughs filled with moss, providing a low-maintenance, organic centerpiece, complemented by a modern linear light fixture above. The hearth room provides a cozy, intimate counterpoint to the home's large scale, achieved through rustic timber beams, stone-covered walls (the same as the exterior), and a symmetrical furniture layout featuring two identical sofas facing each other, accented by varying pillow styles. Built-in shelving in this room displays an artful stack of wood and collected styling accessories, incorporating antique pieces to add soul to the new build. The home also includes spaces of utility such as a laundry and mudroom, a sprawling primary suite, an office, guest bedrooms, and two bunk rooms capable of sleeping a total of 40 people comfortably, alongside a basement and sport court, emphasizing its role as a rustic mountain retreat perfect for entertaining large groups. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryHome #CotswoldsInspired #NaturalMaterials #GreatRoom #KitchenDesign #DiningRoom #HearthRoom #BedroomDesign #SpacePlanning

Modern cottage style is a decor approach that merges the rustic and welcoming characteristics of a country home with contemporary elements. This design aesthetic draws from traditional architectural and design styles while incorporating modern twists, moving beyond the whimsical nature of cottagecore and offering a softer, more romantic alternative to modern farmhouse. While the term 'cottage' historically refers to small, often quaint, two-story homes, modern cottage style is more about evoking a particular feeling and atmosphere within any home. It aims to create an inviting, homey look that is reminiscent of past decades but updated for the present. Key elements of modern cottage style include a reliance on cool, neutral color palettes, with white and gray serving as primary tones, accented by bolder colors. Exposed beams are often featured to impart a rustic feel, emphasizing natural textures. Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are central, contributing to the style's inherent warmth and coziness. Vintage fixtures, such as farmhouse sinks, are integrated to blend country charm with functionality. White beadboard and wood paneling, whether on walls or ceilings, are common, adding a distinct cottage ambiance. Open kitchen shelving is preferred, reflecting the humble and relaxed nature of the style. Woven textiles, like throws and pillows, are used to add warmth and comfort, often handmade. Arched doorways are frequently observed, enhancing the traditional cottage feel. To implement modern cottage style at home, the focus is on comfort, ensuring every room feels homey and welcoming. This involves embracing antique aesthetics while introducing modern elements such as moody paint colors, reclaimed wooden pieces, and chunky textiles. Natural materials like stone and wood are prioritized over man-made alternatives, with real wood pieces, exposed brick, and stone being prominent choices. The style encourages a mix of 'old meets new,' such as pairing a vintage lamp with a modern leather sofa. While modern cottage can appear eclectic due to its diverse material and piece combinations, each item is intentionally chosen for purpose and coziness, avoiding stark materials like metal and plastic. The adaptable nature of this style allows individuals to personalize it, as it emphasizes a nostalgic and warm sentiment rather than a rigid set of rules. The history of the term 'modern cottage' is not precisely defined, though the word 'cottage' dates back to the Middle Ages, describing small dwellings. It evolved to represent quaint, typically four-room, two-story homes. Modern cottage style specifically draws from 19th-century English traditional cottage decor, but with an enhanced emphasis on comfort and warmth. This style is viewed as an evolution of the modern farmhouse trend, which gained popularity in the 2000s. It shares many elements with modern farmhouse but leans more towards a quaint, country aesthetic, incorporating traditional English elements while maintaining a similar welcoming atmosphere. Common questions about the style include how to give a modern home a cottage feel—by incorporating natural materials, vintage items, and neutral color palettes—and what trends are succeeding modern farmhouse, with modern cottage and Euro-cottage styles being noted as replacements. Best colors for modern cottage spaces are warm neutrals and soft tones of reds, blues, and greens. #ModernCottageStyle #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #RusticDesign #VintageElements #NeutralPalette #CozyHome #DesignTrends

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