This Bed-and-Breakfast–Turned–Family Home Never Stopped Being a Retreat | domino

Jacque Hamilton acquired her dream home in WaterColor, Florida, nearly two decades after first discovering it. The property, located on Buttercup Street and designed by architect Jim Strickland of Historical Concepts, captivated Hamilton with its distinctive front porch, French doors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. After initially being unable to purchase it, she rented the home and later managed it as a rental through her business, Exclusive 30A. The house, having served as a rental for twenty years, required significant repairs and an update to reflect Hamilton's personal style and modern durability needs. Hamilton engaged Birmingham-based designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas for the renovation, a recommendation from the original architect. Hillegas undertook a comprehensive decorating project, focusing on revitalizing the interior without structural changes, thanks to Strickland's well-conceived floor plan. The renovation process, completed in just four months, was expedited by Hillegas's resourceful approach, which involved reupholstering existing furnishings, repurposing fixtures, incorporating antique pieces, and pre-stocking textiles to minimize delays. A key design element is the front porch, which Hillegas transformed into a cozy and private space using curtains and shutters in a classic blue-and-white color palette. Benjamin Moore's Narragansett Green (HC-157) was chosen for the shutters, and Perennials' Vintage Stripe fabric in Lagoon was used for the curtains, setting a consistent color scheme throughout the house. Inside, Hillegas employed creative solutions for window treatments, layering tent-flap curtains with a bold print (Katsugi in Blues by Schumacher) on the front and a stripe on the back over woven blinds from India, to achieve visual impact efficiently. The open-concept kitchen and living area, a potential design challenge, was effectively delineated by Jim Strickland's strategic placement of ceiling beams. Hillegas enhanced the kitchen's functionality and aesthetic by installing a counter-depth panel-ready refrigerator to blend with existing cabinetry, which was repainted in Sherwin-Williams' Natural Tan (SW 7567). The island received a vibrant touch with Sherwin-Williams' Labradorite (SW 7619). Personal touches included incorporating Hamilton's dining table and hutch. Throughout the home, found objects were displayed as art, such as a collage of antique hats above the bed in the master bedroom, creating a beachy, casual ambiance. The master bed was dressed with linens from Peacock Alley, a Pottery Barn quilt, and a vintage throw. Built-in bookcases were updated with grass cloth wallpaper from Crezana, and the walls and ceiling were painted in Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster (SW 7008). The primary bathroom saw its existing vanity, light fixtures, claw-foot tub, and wooden elements revitalized with fresh paint, while original pickled walls upstairs were preserved to maintain their vintage appeal. The stair landing was updated with a Roman shade in a Quadrille fabric, New Batik Cloud New Brown on Tint. In the bedrooms, Hillegas blended new and vintage elements. One guest bedroom features a brown-and-white color palette with Caribbean-inspired decor, including a sunburst mirror and natural woven table, reflecting the coastal surroundings. The bedspread was custom-made, and the headboard covered in Heather Chadduck Textiles' Little Bamboo in Chocolate. Another guest bedroom showcases a playful mix of blue patterns reminiscent of the ocean, with drapes in a Heather Chadduck Textiles fabric complementing the blue-and-white bedding. The design approach successfully transformed the property into a personalized and functional Florida getaway, combining timeless style with practical durability for family use. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FloridaHome #CoastalLiving #HomeDecor #DesignTransformation #WaterColor

Seattle designer Hayley Francis and her father, Ken, embarked on a project to convert a 480-square-foot shed into a functional and stylish guest house to accommodate family visitors at their beach home on Washington's South Puget Sound. The goal was to create a space where multiple guests could sleep, relax, work, cook, and shower without the need for additional construction or expansion of the main house. The resulting "tiny home" is a testament to efficient design, incorporating multifunctional furniture, high-end kitchen amenities, and an innovative bathroom layout. Hayley, who spent her childhood summers and weekends at the family beach house, shared a special connection to the property with her late mother, Laurie, also a designer. The conversion project was driven by a desire to preserve family gatherings and create more space for her sister, nieces, and nephew, making it a personally significant endeavor. The original garage, primarily used for tool storage, was transformed into living quarters, while the existing carport was simultaneously converted into a new garage for practical purposes. Collaborating with Seattle architect/designer Seth Grizzle of Graypants, Hayley integrated a private bedroom, an efficient yet elegant kitchen, and a compact but luxurious bathroom. The design prioritized an open and airy feel, achieved through vaulted ceilings, the replacement of garage doors with French doors, and ample windows. The interior design blends budget-friendly secondhand furniture and open shelving with decorative elements such as brass plumbing fixtures and statement lighting. For entertainment, a built-in projector above the sleeper sofa and a pull-down screen over the window seat provide a cozy movie night experience. The window seat also serves as a breakfast nook and a remote workspace for Hayley's design business, Neon Doves, complemented by an expandable family table and built-in storage niches for stools. The kitchen, designed as a "wall kitchen" rather than a corner unit, enhances the sense of openness. It boasts a sophisticated aesthetic with a wall-mount brass faucet, matching sconces, and a single slab of soapstone for the backsplash, chosen for its "rocky" texture that subtly evokes the beach environment. A box beam conceals electrical wiring and upgrades the ceiling's appearance. To maintain a clean, uncluttered look, appliances like the refrigerator and microwave are cleverly hidden behind wood panels and within a pantry cabinet. Each room benefits from the vaulted ceilings, contributing to a spacious feel. The bedroom features vintage burled-wood nightstands, a caned headboard, and window trim all in harmonious tones, grounding the space. A side door provides access to private areas, including the bedroom, bathroom, and a loft reachable via a rolling ladder, with a linen closet situated opposite the bathroom. The bathroom adopts a European-inspired wet room concept, with hexagonal ceramic tiles covering all surfaces, eliminating the need for a separate shower stall and saving space. A heated floor adds a touch of luxury to this small area. Up in the loft, a custom cushion fills a berth in the highest section of the ceiling, with a wall sconce for reading and a porthole window echoing the beach theme. The tiny home’s layout is a masterclass in space optimization, with a flexible living room furniture arrangement, shallow back-to-back closets for accessible storage, and a floating wall that consolidates plumbing while preventing the room from feeling cramped. Lofted nooks above the kitchen and bathroom further expand the usable area, demonstrating that thoughtful design can maximize comfort and utility in a compact dwelling. #TinyHome #GarageConversion #GuestHouse #SmallSpaceDesign #EfficientLiving #GourmetKitchen #InteriorDesign #HomeMakeover #MultifunctionalFurniture

Ranch-style homes have maintained their appeal for over 80 years, initially gaining traction on the West Coast and subsequently becoming a widespread choice for families across the United States. These homes are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity, attributed to their versatile design capabilities, which can range from minimalist to luxurious, cozy to expansive, and rustic to modern, while consistently integrating core features. The origins of the ranch-style home trace back to the 1920s and 1930s, though their widespread adoption occurred after World War II. This style emerged as a response to the post-war demand for housing, particularly in burgeoning Southwestern urban centers like Los Angeles. The design offered a comfortable and timeless aesthetic, characterized by long, low, and horizontal rooflines, appealing to the typical American nuclear family and fostering a strong connection to the natural landscape. Architect Cliff May is often credited with popularizing the ranch house, designing numerous developments across California and significantly influencing its widespread appeal. The style's adaptability to various individual tastes and the abundance of mass production techniques further contributed to its success, allowing for diverse stylistic opportunities ranging from minimal detailing to more ornate materials. Key characteristics of ranch homes include their single-story structure, often featuring an L- or U-shaped footprint, with an emphasis on fluid transitions between rooms. This sprawling horizontal layout promotes an open and relaxed flow between interior spaces and the outdoors. A crucial element is the strong link to nature, evidenced by varying window sizes on the front and more prominent, often large glass doors and windows at the back, which frequently open onto a full or half courtyard. The interior layout is typically organized with a central section dedicated to common spaces, flanked by more private areas. Bedrooms are often clustered on one side, with an integrated car garage on the other, leaving the central area open for living spaces. Despite being single-story, ranch homes achieve a light and airy feel through soaring ceilings and distinctive detailing. The absence of a second floor allows for expansive vertical space, often enhanced by exposed post-and-beam structures that contribute to a visually larger feel. Over the past century, ranch-style homes have undergone various evolutions to align with different aesthetics and needs while retaining their relaxed appeal and unique flow. Notable versions include the traditional ranch, characterized by exposed wood posts and beams, stucco or wood siding, and low, tiled roofs. The Joseph Eichler house represents a more contemporary interpretation, known for its exposed post-and-beam system, distinctive roof, blank exterior wall panels, and extensive use of glass. Another popular iteration is the Palm Springs Butterfly style, recognized by its inverted, butterfly-shaped roof and large, blank stucco walls, a style that gained prominence through architectural developments in the Palm Springs desert of California. Contemporary ranch homes often incorporate modern construction methods while honoring historical elements such as terracotta floors or plaster walls. The enduring popularity of this style is rooted in its iconic characteristics: the open floor plan, the use of natural materials, and the inherent connection to the landscape, making it as desirable today as it was decades ago. #RanchStyleHome #ArchitecturalHistory #HomeDesign #PostWarHousing #OpenFloorPlan #IndoorOutdoorLiving #CliffMay #MidCenturyModern #HousingTrends

This article discusses the concept of universal design in home renovations and new construction, focusing on how adapting a home for aging in place can be a sound investment and make living easier for maturing bodies. The central idea revolves around creating living spaces that are accessible and usable by people of all ages, sizes, and abilities, thereby allowing older individuals to remain in their homes longer, a concept known as "aging in place." The article highlights that universal design elements, while beneficial for the elderly, are also attractive and practical for people of all ages. The article provides a detailed case study of a couple in North Wilmington who added a first-floor master suite to their home, specifically designed with universal design principles. This addition includes an oversized bedroom with a sitting area, a large bathroom suite with a walk-in shower and separate toilet room, two walk-in closets, an office, and a laundry room. Key design features mentioned are elevated front-loading washer and dryer, wide hallways and doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, and a separate entrance from the driveway that can be ramped if needed. The bathroom, designed by Rita Wilkins, president of Design Services in Wilmington, features amenities found in luxury hotels, such as walk-in showers and anti-scald faucets. Vanities are set at different heights, with some at 38 inches for easier use and one lower to accommodate a wheelchair user. The new bedroom boasts a 10½-foot ceiling with cove lighting and transom windows for ample natural light, and the owner's closet includes a large window seat, while his closet has a skylight, emphasizing the importance of extra lighting as vision deteriorates with age. The article emphasizes that universal design is not limited to new construction or additions. Renovations can also incorporate these principles, adding resale value and making existing homes safer and easier to live in. For instance, if stairs become an issue, a first-floor bedroom can be added, or an elevator can be installed if closets on different floors align vertically. An elevator typically requires about a 5-foot square space. The article shares an example of a Newark home where an elevator was installed to address mobility concerns, allowing the homeowners to remain in their beloved location. Other adaptations include adding handrails to stairs and hallways, installing grab bars near tubs and toilets, and adjusting the height of counters, light switches, thermostats, and electrical outlets for easier access. Traditional light switches can be replaced with rocker switches, and storage areas can be made more accessible with roll-out trays in cabinets and D-shaped handles instead of knobs. Some kitchen counters can be lowered to a desk height of 30 inches, and lever faucets are recommended over traditional turning handles. The article also suggests installing a faucet and spray hose near the stove for convenience. Flooring and furnishings are also crucial considerations. The case study home features firm chairs that are easy to get in and out of in the reading nook, and low-pile carpeting with firm padding in the bedroom, which is ideal for walkers or wheelchairs. Transitions between different types of flooring are clearly demarcated by contrasting colors. The overall message is that universal design, when implemented correctly, is stylish and blends seamlessly with the home's aesthetics, rather than making it resemble a hospital room. The article concludes by stressing that people do not have to leave their homes and neighborhoods they love simply because they are getting older, as numerous adaptations can make their current homes more livable as they age. #UniversalDesign #AgingInPlace #HomeRenovation #AccessibleDesign #HomeModifications #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #AdaptiveLiving #HomeAccessibility