This nostalgic 40-year-old Faridabad villa harks back to the owners' childhood memories

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 blog post features a unique custom-built home located at 3482 Flamingo Ave. on Siesta Key, currently on the market for $5.8 million. Completed in 2019, the residence seamlessly blends Old World architectural elements with modern design aesthetics. The owner, Gary McDermott, who had no prior experience in architecture or home design, custom-built the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house with personal touches that also appeal to a broader market. McDermott is selling the home due to a relocation to Raleigh for work. The exterior of the home showcases more than 24 feet of hand-carved Cantera stone framing the double front doors, which are 10-foot-tall mahogany. These carvings include frangipani, his wife’s favorite flower, and a flamingo, a nod to the home's address. Wall-climbing vines and a water fountain contribute to a regal entrance, while wrought-iron balconies overlook a Roman-style pool. The property sits on an acre of land on the north end of Siesta Key and includes a three-car garage. Inside the 4,152 square-foot residence, the fusion of styles continues. An interior courtyard houses a 45-foot lap pool, surrounded by stone pillars. This five-foot-deep pool not only serves as a focal point but also functions to cool the house, reportedly lowering the temperature by 10-15 degrees and creating a natural draft. The pool area also offers views of a large backyard and canal access to Sarasota Bay. McDermott sourced the hand-carved stone from Mexico, emphasizing his preference for Old World styles while maintaining a clean, modern look. The interior features extensive tiling throughout, with traditional furniture pieces and light fixtures complementing updated bathroom and kitchen cabinetry. The kitchen boasts blue azul granite countertops, a material also used around the pool. The owner noted that delays in finding specific tiles provided ample time to refine their vision for the home. A notable amenity for contemporary living is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest house equipped with a full kitchen and a luxury office, catering to remote workers. Looking ahead, the roof was intended for further development, with plans for a greenhouse, a day bed, a putting green, and a bocce ball court, adorned with cacti and bromeliads. These future projects are now available for the next homeowner to undertake. Steve Abbe of the Abbe Ross Team with Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida is the contact for inquiries regarding the property. #SiestaKey #CustomHome #LuxuryRealEstate #MediterraneanArchitecture #OldWorldDesign #ModernDesign #SarasotaHomes #HomeForSale #ArchitecturalFeatures

The Florida room, also known as a sunroom, garden room, or conservatory, is a roofed home addition characterized by three sides of screened or glass windows or walls. These rooms are designed to bring the feeling of the outdoors inside, allowing occupants to enjoy natural light and views without exposure to the elements. Typically, they feature sturdy wood or stone floors, and their integration often uses the home's exterior siding for the windowless wall. The functionality of Florida rooms can vary. A three-season room is generally not insulated or equipped with HVAC, making it suitable for spring, summer, and fall use. In contrast, a four-season room includes insulation and HVAC, along with glass walls or windows, enabling year-round enjoyment. The choice between these depends on the climate and desired comfort level. The concept of sun-filled sanctuaries dates back centuries, with conservatories gaining popularity in the U.S. in the 1820s and 1830s. The specific 'Florida room' designation gained traction in the 1950s and '60s, driven by a post-war desire among homeowners for spaces that blurred the lines between indoor and outdoor living. These light-filled additions, equipped with windows that could be opened or closed, became popular nationwide, serving as ideal spots for morning coffee or evening cocktails. Despite their initial popularity, Florida rooms saw a decline in newer home designs, which favored open-plan living spaces extending to large porches and decks. However, there is a renewed appreciation for Florida rooms due to their nostalgic appeal and practical benefits, such as protection from sun, insects, and wind. Adding a Florida room involves a significant investment, with costs ranging from $8,000 to $80,000, or $80 to $400 per square foot, according to HomeGuide. The total cost is influenced by factors like whether it's a three-season or four-season enclosure, the square footage, the inclusion of amenities like a kitchen, and the overall luxury of the design. A Florida room can enhance a home's value, offering a 50% to 60% return on investment upon resale. Styling a Florida room emphasizes its indoor-outdoor nature. All-weather furniture, such as wicker, is recommended, and plants like orchids and ferns thrive in the abundant sunlight. Seagrass carpets or decorative floor tiles can further enhance the aesthetic. Comfortable seating arrangements and even a cocktail bar setup can transform the space into an inviting retreat. Florida rooms differ from similar structures like California rooms, screened porches, and lanais in key aspects. While Florida rooms are fully enclosed to protect against insects and weather, California rooms often have an open side, making them suitable for milder climates with fewer pest issues. Screened porches are similar but typically have outdoor deck flooring and may lack the option for glass windows or air conditioning found in Florida rooms. Lanais, originating in Hawaii, are roofed areas that can be screened but may also feature open walls, offering less protection from the elements than a Florida room. #FloridaRoom #Sunroom #HomeAdditions #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #OutdoorLiving #HomeImprovement #ArchitecturalStyle

Villa Verde, a holiday home in Anjuna, Goa, belonging to property developer Nibhrant Shah, embodies a rustic aesthetic with an emphasis on natural light and airiness. Interior designer Meetu Akali, co-founder of Studio Momo Architecture & Interior Design, brought this vision to life. The design draws inspiration from coastal holiday homes found in Portugal, southern France, and Tuscany, Italy, reinterpreting these influences with a fresh, contemporary approach and a breezy color palette. The interiors are characterized by meticulous detailing, personalized touches, and a playful atmosphere. The 400-square-foot bedroom, accompanied by a 200-square-foot attached bathroom, maintains the simple, homely appeal seen throughout the villa. Studio Momo's team handpicked each piece of furniture during their travels, with a notable example being a sideboard cabinet discovered in a bazaar in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. These pieces underwent careful restoration to integrate seamlessly into the villa's design. Sustainability was a key consideration in the project. Studio Momo, an environmentally conscious firm, utilized products from Chalk Barn, their in-house brand specializing in natural, chemical-free finishes. This commitment to eco-friendly materials extends to all elements within the villa, including flooring, furniture, upholstery, and accessories, each of which was customized to fit the overall design philosophy. The project involved several key collaborators. Meetu Akali of Studio Momo was the interior designer, responsible for the creative direction and execution. Carpenter services were provided by Kudai, while eco-friendly finishes came from Chalk Barn. Furniture restoration and reproduction were handled by White Sheep. Lotus Constructions, based in Mumbai, served as the contractor for the project. The combination of these efforts resulted in Villa Verde, a coastal retreat that successfully blends rustic charm with contemporary design and environmental consciousness. #GoanVilla #RusticDesign #CoastalLiving #InteriorDesign #StudioMomo #MeetuAkali #SustainableDesign #FurnitureRestoration #HolidayHome

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