From the Archive: Tour Star Restaurateur Keith McNally’s Charming Martha’s Vineyard Farm

A Martha's Vineyard property, originally built in the late 1990s by Shope Reno Wharton, has undergone a significant reimagining, transforming into a modern coastal retreat named Red Cliff. The project was a collaborative effort involving Hutker Architects, interior designer Paul Commito, Martha’s Vineyard Construction Co. (MVCC), and landscape architect Horiuchi Solien Inc. The renovation aimed to integrate modern and coastal design elements, deviating from the client's more traditional primary residence, while emphasizing the natural beauty and ocean views of its Chilmark location. The redesign prioritized an open floor plan, moving away from the property's initial division by paneled walls. The 5,700-square-foot house now features crisp white walls, serving as a gallery-like backdrop for the client’s growing modern art collection. White oak floors guide visitors through the interior, which blends natural materials and hues with contemporary touches. Strategic placement of rugs and furniture defines distinct yet interconnected spaces, preventing a disjointed feel. A notable piece is a bright blue sculptural bench by Casey McCafferty, crafted from a fallen Central Park tree, which subtly divides the dining and living areas. The interior design sought to create a warm and inviting atmosphere despite the large, modern space and cool color palette, with Paul Commito emphasizing coziness for guests. The living room showcases black trusses and an Allied Maker fixture on the ceiling, complemented by a palette of coral, green, blue, sandy taupe, and brown in natural fibers. Furnishings include Roman & Williams Guild sofas, B&B Italia armchairs, and custom-stained wood stumps from John Thayer Cabinetmakers. The kitchen, once a closed-off galley, was transformed into a central, open area that overlooks both the pool terrace and the Atlantic Ocean. Hutker partner Phil Regan highlighted this change, noting the kitchen's improved views and social integration within the great room. White oak accents continue into the kitchen, which is equipped with integrated Miele, Sub-Zero, and BlueStar appliances. The kitchen's central island, painted in Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue and topped with Caesarstone fresh concrete, is a focal point. Allied Maker pendants hang above, and Mark Albrecht Studio leather-woven stools offer front-row seating for the expansive ocean views. A large picture window behind the sinks, flanked by glossy, light blue-green Ann Sacks tiles, frames the cliffs, sandy beach, surfers, and gardens, seamlessly connecting the interior with the shimmering blue beyond. The primary suite provides a private sanctuary with a neutral-toned aesthetic, featuring a Materia chandelier and a shearling Audo lounge chair, nestled within native seagrasses. Its en suite bathroom includes a Blu Bathworks soaking tub with views of the pastoral landscape. The exterior spaces are equally designed to embrace the natural surroundings. Granite steps lead through native flora to various outdoor living areas, including a fire pit with Sutherland Adirondacks, an Olympic-length lap pool, a hot tub, and a lounge area, all strategically positioned to maximize ocean views. This comprehensive renovation successfully merged sophisticated modern design with the inherent beauty of Martha's Vineyard, creating a harmonious coastal dwelling. #Martha'sVineyard #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #ModernArchitecture #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalRenovation #LandscapeDesign

Faraway Martha's Vineyard, a hotel in Edgartown, Massachusetts, represents the second property in Blue Flag Partners' bohemian-chic Faraway collection. This project involved the renovation of the 282-year-old Kelley House hotel, which comprised nine distinct buildings and the Newes From America pub, all of which were in need of significant modernization. Jason Brown, CEO of Blue Flag Capital, recognized the potential of the property, having grown up visiting Martha's Vineyard. The goal was to transform the Kelley House into a vibrant destination while respecting its historical context and the unique character of Edgartown. The design inspiration for the renovation was drawn from Carly Simon, a long-time island resident and music icon. This muse allowed for a blend of traditional New England Georgian architecture with a more eclectic interior aesthetic. Workshop/APD, a New York-based architecture and design firm, was responsible for the hotel's reinvention. The exterior architecture, characterized by local shingles, was largely preserved with historically appropriate updates. Inside, the design team aimed to infuse a "hipper, cooler" vibe, imagining what Simon might incorporate into an old New England home. The interior design combines a base layer of elements inspired by the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, integrating both vintage and modern decorative items. Guestrooms feature custom midcentury-inspired furniture and handwoven rugs, designed to evoke a sense of history and discovery, similar to items found at a flea market. The hotel's color scheme is warm and sandy, complemented by floor-to-ceiling drapery that conceals bric-a-brac within oversized cabinetry. Natural materials and greenery, including custom floral pieces, were incorporated to add a "mystical element" and encourage a prolonged stay. The property, previously a disjointed collection of buildings separated by a large parking lot, underwent a significant transformation in its layout and functionality. The main entrance received a new façade, awning, and landscaping. The lobby was expanded to double its height, and two former guestrooms were converted into an inviting library that leads to a new central courtyard. The pool, previously located in an awkward front corner, was relocated to this courtyard. A new cut-through path was created to traverse the grounds, connecting guests and locals to the revitalized space. Lush greenery and soft grasses were introduced to bring a touch of the island's natural, "up-island" wildness to the downtown area. The Faraway Martha's Vineyard now features 58 guestrooms, primarily within the Kelley House and five additional buildings. It also includes three food and beverage venues: the outdoor sushi bar Pelican Club, the poolside Snack Shack, and the existing Newes From America. The project aimed to center Edgartown, making the hotel a connectivity point for the entire island and integrating it more deeply into the local community. #HotelDesign #HospitalityDesign #MarthaVineyard #RenovationProject #WorkshopAPD #BlueFlagPartners #BoutiqueHotel #InteriorDesign #HistoricalRenovation

Patrick Ahearn, an architect renowned for his architectural restorations and reinventions of waterfront compounds in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, has designed a private retreat for his own family. Unlike the grand manors he typically crafts, this personal dwelling is an unassuming blue-grey shingled cottage nestled on a 2.8-acre sandy beach. The property, acquired in late 2013, originally featured two dilapidated beach shacks. Ahearn undertook a comprehensive transformation, converting the larger shack into a main house for multi-generational gatherings and the smaller into a guesthouse. The renovation required stripping both structures to their foundations and obtaining necessary planning and conservation commission approvals. Regulatory constraints limited the total area to 2,000 square feet. Despite this, Ahearn managed to incorporate a new deck, hot tub, and expanded bedroom and bathroom in the main house, along with a pergola for the guesthouse and enhanced landscaping. Both buildings received new roofs, shingles, doors, and mullion windows. Modern upgrades included new wiring, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and appliances to ensure comfort and compliance with current standards. The main house, characterized by Ahearn’s signature integration of natural light, features three bedrooms and two levels of glass windows and skylights, providing ample light and expansive ocean views. Sliding doors facilitate a seamless connection between the newly constructed deck and the living and dining areas. The interior design, meticulously curated by Marsha Ahearn, employs a shabby-chic aesthetic with a coastal influence. A neutral color palette dominates the floors, walls, and furnishings, punctuated by accents of blue and turquoise, alongside summer floral patterns, creating a fresh and comfortable ambiance. The main-floor bedrooms incorporate exterior elements into their design; one bedroom features a headboard crafted from old shutters and a blue and white striped cotton rug, while the other boasts a sisal carpet and distressed turquoise furniture. The kitchen is designed with an open layout, showcasing white cabinetry, teak countertops, open shelving, and a deep sink. Wicker baskets are utilized for bar essentials, and a whimsical touch is added by an eclectic table lamp with a 1950s-style floral shade. The living room, with its cathedral ceiling, centers around a fireplace adorned with beach stones and a rustic mantel. A ship’s ladder provides access to a loft bedroom, which is illuminated by a suspended lantern and furnished with blue-and-white ticking bedding and a variety of throw pillows in neutral and vibrant floral designs. The overall aesthetic of the cottage is breezy and airy, achieved through white ceiling beams, light-colored furniture, distressed chests, accent chairs, and extensive use of wicker. The coastal décor extends to the guesthouse, which comprises a master bedroom, a bathroom, and a combined kitchen and living/dining area. In this space, touches of red and grey provide accent colors. An outdoor deck, shaded by a pergola, offers additional gathering space, making it an ideal private retreat for visitors seeking proximity to the ocean’s sounds and scents. This beach cottage serves as a personal reflection of Patrick Ahearn’s architectural philosophy, presenting a tranquil sanctuary that embodies his distinctive style on a more intimate scale. #PatrickAhearn #Martha'sVineyard #BeachCottage #CoastalDesign #ArchitecturalRestoration #ShabbyChic #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #NewEnglandStyle

The author visited Quitsa Kitchen with their wife to experience the new menu offerings. Upon arrival, the dining room was noted for its clean, hip, and cozy ambiance, with a comfortable cushioned seat chosen by the window. The menu presented a variety of appealing options, leading the author to order the French Onion Grilled Cheese and Ham, and the popular Fire and Honey Chicken Sandwich for both themselves and their wife. While waiting for their order, the author and their wife interacted with Theresa Manning, the owner and head chef of Quitsa Kitchen. During this interaction, Manning provided a tour and discussed her achievements and future plans for the establishment. The atmosphere was described as filled with delicious aromas, and all items were prepared in-house, which heightened the author's anticipation for the food. A display of take-home prepared meals and soups in a fridge was also observed during this time. When the food arrived, the French Onion Grilled Cheese and Ham was sampled first. The sandwich featured fresh bread, high-quality cheese, and was prepared with care, leading to a positive impression from both the author and their wife. The Fire and Honey Chicken Sandwich was the next item to be tasted. This sandwich was served on homemade focaccia bread, which received particular praise for its quality, attributed to an experienced baker on staff. The chicken in the sandwich was fried to a perfect crispness while remaining juicy. The sandwich was complemented by fresh lettuce, housemade honey sriracha aioli, and house-pickled onions and pickles. The chef's ability to balance the flavors, preventing excessive spiciness, was highlighted, making the experience enjoyable. The author concluded the review by recommending Quitsa Kitchen for lunch, expressing satisfaction with the meal. The operating hours and location of Quitsa Kitchen were also provided: open Tuesday through Sunday, with the cafe operating from 6:30 am to 5 pm for baked goods and 'Grab-n-Go' items. Breakfast is served from 7 am to 11 am, and lunch from 11 am to 2 pm. The establishment is located at 455 State Road, Unit 9, Vineyard Haven. #QuitsaKitchen #RestaurantReview #FoodCriticism #MarthaVineyard #DiningExperience #LocalCuisine #LunchSpot

Martha's Vineyard, a renowned New England summer destination, offers a variety of accommodation options, including a growing selection of Airbnbs suitable for diverse travelers. This curated list highlights some of the top Airbnb rentals on the island, catering to different preferences and group sizes, ranging from quaint cottages to spacious homes and even a unique sailboat experience. Each listing is chosen based on factors such as Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, and guest reviews, ensuring a high-quality stay for visitors. One featured property in Chilmark is a tranquil, modern villa complete with a guest cottage, offering four bedrooms and three baths. This setup provides separate spaces for larger groups or families and boasts private beach access. It borders Sherriff’s Meadow, a 100-acre conservation land ideal for hiking and offering a serene atmosphere. Another option in Edgartown is a group-friendly four-bedroom house with three and a half baths, conveniently located within walking distance of downtown. This property includes a pool, a renovated entertainment barn with games, and indoor-outdoor Bluetooth sound systems, catering to social gatherings while allowing for quieter zones. For those seeking classic charm, a quintessential Victorian beach house in Oak Bluffs, featuring four bedrooms and two baths, is highlighted. Its distinctive lace trim and pink exterior, combined with a funky interior decor of turquoise floors and eclectic furniture, epitomize the island's charm. The house is situated in the historic Copeland District, providing easy access to the town and beach, with a wraparound porch for people-watching. A unique offering in Vineyard Haven allows guests to live a nautical life on a 1960s sailboat, equipped with three bedrooms and two baths. This unusual accommodation offers the experience of overnighting on a working sailboat, anchored in Vineyard Haven Harbor, providing both novelty and convenience to the town's amenities. In Tisbury, a cottage playfully named “Not Your Great Aunt’s Island Cottage” presents three bedrooms and one bath. It features tastefully updated interiors with nautical decor, a large yard for lawn games, and a grill for outdoor cooking. This property is close to bike rentals, a library, and mini-golf. An Aquinnah listing offers a modern treehouse with water views, three bedrooms, and one and a half baths. Its design includes an enormous wall of windows that blend the interior with the outdoors, complemented by a fully stocked kitchen and a fenced yard suitable for children and pets, all while being near stunning sunset spots on the island's west end beaches. Another Chilmark cottage provides a cozy and serene retreat with four bedrooms and three baths. This intimate space features old-school details like shiplap walls and antique furniture, with mostly white interiors bathed in natural light. It includes a spacious patio with lounge furniture and a grill, offering a comfortable setting for relaxation. For solo travelers or couples, a secluded guest studio in Oak Bluffs offers one bed and one bath. Located a short cab ride from the ferry, it adjoins over 30 acres of conservation land, providing access to hiking and biking trails, while remaining minutes away from beaches and restaurants. A recently renovated beach house in West Tisbury, with four bedrooms and three baths, showcases a reverse-style design where bedrooms are on the ground floor and common areas are on the second floor. This layout maximizes natural light and privacy, especially in the open-plan kitchen and sitting area, and is situated on 1.6 quiet acres near Long Point Beach and Long Point Wildlife Refuge. Lastly, a delightfully retro waterfront cottage in Menemsha, featuring four bedrooms and two baths, offers colorful kitchen cabinets, turquoise painted floors, and knotty pine paneled walls. It boasts water views and a private staircase leading to a secluded section of the beach, providing a unique and private coastal experience. #Martha'sVineyard #AirbnbRentals #NewEngland #VacationRentals #CoastalLiving #IslandGetaway #TravelAccommodation #LuxuryRentals

Maggie Beer's Barossa Valley garden serves as both a personal sanctuary and a vital source for her renowned culinary work. Despite a demanding schedule that includes filming, writing, and managing a successful food business, Maggie prioritizes the tranquility and productivity of her garden, viewing it as a space for quiet reflection and a consistent supply of fresh produce. Her 8-hectare property, centered around a 1861 farmhouse, has been her home for two decades, with various outbuildings repurposed and a modern extension added to accommodate her piano. The garden itself is structured into distinct 'rooms' that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality. Immediately outside the shaded verandahs, raised garden beds near the kitchen cultivate a variety of herbs and vegetables. Beyond this, the property features an orchard, an olive grove, and flowerbeds that infuse the space with color and fragrance. Sections of this garden have been featured in her cooking show, 'The Cook and The Chef,' making it familiar to many. Having grown up in an urban setting, Maggie's passion for gardening stems from her family. She finds immense joy in harvesting fresh greens for dinner, particularly benefiting from South Australia's Mediterranean climate which supports a wide array of productive plants. With the exception of native gums and an old peppercorn tree, every tree on her property is fruit-bearing, including pomegranates, macadamias, walnuts, mulberries, chestnuts, persimmons, and figs. She also cultivates varieties that are difficult to find commercially or do not transport well, such as white peaches, nectarines, damson, greengage, and medlar, emphasizing the importance of consuming them directly from the tree. The garden has faced challenges, particularly recent drought conditions in southern Australia. Maggie's primary focus has been on sustaining the kitchen and vegetable gardens. While the property has access to town water, its use for the garden is restricted. A 50,000-liter water tank, replenished by rainwater runoff from the extensive roof space, prioritizes water supply for the shiraz grapes and olive trees. Despite these efforts, some plants like young asparagus struggled to survive, though resilient species such as artichokes and cardoons flourished. Following the dry spell, Maggie is actively replanting, focusing on species that demonstrated hardiness. Maggie has observed the resilience of roses during the drought, leading her to significantly expand her rose collection by adding 60 new plants. Her preference for bright, bold colors is reflected in her choice of rose varieties, particularly the striped Delbard series, which offers a vibrant mix of hot pink, orange, gold, copper, and ochre hues. 'Sally Holmes,' a shrub rose with clusters of white flowers and gold stamens, is another favored variety she recommends for any garden. Other drought-tolerant plants thriving in her garden include lavender, agapanthus, bulbs, and various South African species. Beyond the botanical elements, Maggie's garden is adorned with unique treasures, including a collection of sculptures made from driftwood sourced from Kangaroo Island. These birdhouses, crafted by Mrs. Leonhardt, the mother of one of Maggie’s original employees, hold sentimental value. Currently resting on a granite slab used for pizza dough preparation for the wood oven, they are destined for permanent display on a wall, adding a personal and artistic touch to the outdoor space. The garden features a wood-fired oven, enhancing its functionality as an extension of her culinary world. #MaggieBeer #KitchenGarden #BarossaValley #ProductivePlants #DroughtResistantPlants #GardenDesign #HomeGarden #SustainableGardening

The article showcases the Martha's Vineyard home of Seth Meyers and Alexi Ashe, designed by Ashe Leandro, an interior design and architectural firm. This property is one of eight featured in the firm's new book, "Ashe Leandro: Architecture + Interiors." The design of the home, completed in 2022, was largely a carte blanche project for the designers, Ariel Ashe and Reinaldo Leandro, given their prior collaborations with the couple. The house is situated in Chilmark on Martha's Vineyard, adjacent to Ashe's parents' summer home. The exterior of the barn-like structure features bright cedar planks, chosen for a modern aesthetic over traditional cedar shingles, which are expected to weather to a grey tone characteristic of Martha's Vineyard. The home's frame utilizes reclaimed timber, intentionally left exposed inside to provide an aged patina that belies the new construction. Outside, artfully placed boulders, original to the property, and a traditional New England stone wall complement the natural surroundings, reflecting the area's farmland aesthetic. Due to Chilmark's strict building codes limiting size and footprint, the designers created an open-concept main floor with a double-height living room. A prominent limestone, wood-burning fireplace serves as the central anchor, extending to the barn-style beams above. A moody grey limewash treatment on the overmantle adds a touch of sophistication. The flooring transitions from grey stone tiles to French oak floorboards, leading to the kitchen. The kitchen is centrally located and designed to blend seamlessly with the living space, appearing more like a wall of built-ins than a conventional kitchen, complete with a camouflaged refrigerator and sink. The black cabinetry is a nod to the family's Manhattan home, also designed by Ashe Leandro, which reportedly popularized black kitchens. The home emphasizes communal dining, offering multiple dining areas: a smaller breakfast nook with antique Gustavian chairs and a Carlo Scarpa light fixture, and a larger dining area with Scarpa dining chairs and picture windows offering an outdoor dining sensation with views of the oak grove. For actual outdoor dining, a covered porch and a secondary outdoor space with a fireplace by sculptor Eben Armer, crafted from local boulders, are available. Upstairs, arched doorways lead to bedrooms with subtle nautical themes. The boys' room features a porthole-esque window providing a view of their grandparents' home, and an upcycled porthole serves as their bathroom mirror. Vibrant red bunk beds add color against a backdrop of earth and wood tones, furnished with antique pieces. The overall design embraces aged designs typical of Martha's Vineyard but with a sparse, oversized furniture arrangement that fills the space without clutter. Notable interior elements include an unfinished 17th-century Portuguese silk tapestry in the primary bedroom and a repurposed hulking burled wood secretary desk serving as a bar, stocked with Alexi's collection of silver-plated Gucci Stirrup Cups with Elk Head. Small, impactful touches are found throughout, including a sconce from a Parisian flea market in the powder room and miniature oyster paintings. The designers and family agree that the home truly comes alive when filled with people, particularly during mealtimes and gatherings, fostering a vibrant, family-centric atmosphere. #Martha'sVineyardHome #AsheLeandro #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalFirm #SethMeyers #AlexiAshe #LuxuryHomes #ModernFarmhouse #ReclaimedMaterials

The McNally Estate, a historic Californian mansion built in the 1880s for millionaire map-maker Andrew McNally, remained largely unseen by the public for a century. This architectural marvel, featuring a fairytale turret and original 19th-century details, has a rich history from its exotic gardens to an ornate Turkish Room inspired by the 1899 World's Fair. The property was lovingly restored and eventually sold for $3 million (£2.3m), offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Andrew McNally, an Irish immigrant who co-founded cartography publisher Rand McNally & Co., became a millionaire in Chicago before discovering California in his 40s. Drawn to its climate and terrain, he sought to establish himself as a 'gentleman farmer' there. He commissioned architect Frederick Roehrig to build his Altadena mansion, completed in 1888. The original 12-acre estate was designed with elaborate gardens, reflecting the Victorian fascination with exotic plants, a symbol of high status at the time. The house, situated against the San Gabriel mountain range, is characterized by a "simplified Queen Anne-style" with a striking round turret and no-frills wood shingles and clapboard, as seen in photos from around 1900. McNally actively promoted California to his friends, but his life was cut short by pneumonia in 1904 at 68. Following his death, the gardens and aviary fell into disrepair, and much of the grounds were sold off. However, the house itself was well-maintained by subsequent owners, notably the Dupuy family, who preserved its original features for over 50 years, ensuring restorations adhered to the initial designs. The mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Photographer Susan Pickering documented the interior when the property was listed in 2020. The current mansion spans approximately 7,000 square feet, offering nine bedrooms and five bathrooms, with views extending to Catalina Island. The interior showcases original 19th-century details, including carved woodwork, stained glass windows, and Douglas fir wood paneling, across its seven fireplaces, doorways, and banisters. Modern upgrades to plumbing and lighting were integrated discreetly. The ground floor features spacious public rooms with high ceilings and large windows. The foyer boasts box-beam ceilings of sugar pine, along with original gas lamps, pocket doors, and stained glass windows. A distinctive two-sided, double fireplace divides the living room from a snug family room and library, maintaining an open flow. Delicate floral stenciling adorns the ceilings of these rooms. The front parlor, partially built into the turret, exhibits Victorian details like original woodwork and ribbon detailing on the ceiling; despite past water and earthquake damage, it was restored to its original design. The snug, or smaller sitting room, retains its period charm with enormous sash windows, a delicately painted ceiling, and the reverse side of the double-sided fireplace, complete with original built-in bookcases and a coal basket in the hearth. The octagonal Turkish Room is a notable feature, exhibiting Moorish influences, Middle Eastern wood paneling, luxurious silken fabrics, bold carpets, and low sofas. Arabic phrases are stenciled on the upper walls of this 24-foot-diameter room with a matching canopy height. This room is believed to be inspired by a display at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, with theories suggesting McNally either acquired the original or commissioned a replica. The dining room, adorned with original Douglas fir woodwork and hand-printed friezes, is a grand space, with the fireplace being the only modern addition. Upstairs, the master bedroom is located within the turret, featuring curved walls, a period inlay, and a whitewashed fireplace with a 19th-century fitted bench and original bronze steam radiators. A twin bedroom also maintains period style with a teal carpet, peach drapes, and a striking red-brown tiled fireplace. The exterior’s prominent wraparound porch, designed to maximize views of the San Gabriel valley and provide air circulation, remains much as it was in the Victorian era, as evidenced by old photographs. The charming turret, with its glorious views and small balcony, served as a gentleman's playroom, and is now envisioned as a space for relaxation or wellness activities. While the kitchen is a modern update, it incorporates patterned tiles and bespoke woodwork to align with the period aesthetic. Adjacent to the kitchen are two original butler's pantries, offering a glimpse into the past with high ceilings and glass-fronted cabinets. Although the estate now sits on a smaller 0.79-acre plot, remnants of the original 12-acre grounds, such as the aviary, still exist, testifying to McNally's interest in tropical flora and fauna. The original boundary of the estate and the entrance where carriages once arrived are still discernible, preserving the grand impression the property once made. #McNallyEstate #HistoricMansion #VictorianArchitecture #CaliforniaHistory #FrederickRoehrig #QueenAnneStyle #ArchitecturalRestoration #19thCenturyDesign #TurkishRoom

A Martha's Vineyard couple, aiming to downsize, constructed a new, smaller residence on an adjacent lot to their existing property in Chilmark. The central feature of this new home is a 380-square-foot kitchen, designed to facilitate dinner parties, family gatherings with grandchildren, and daily work activities, serving as the social epicenter of the house. Travis Ritchie, principal at R+D Studio, collaborated with Liz Stiving, principal of Martha’s Vineyard Interior Design, on this project. The design of the kitchen draws heavily from the surrounding natural landscape, with a strong emphasis on organic and natural materials. This inspiration led to the prominent use of rich woods throughout the space. Walnut cabinetry, featuring recessed pulls that maintain the wood’s natural patterns, was chosen to discreetly house appliances, spices, and other kitchen essentials. This design choice contributes to a clean aesthetic while maximizing functionality. To further integrate the kitchen with its outdoor surroundings, cedar panels, consistent with the home’s exterior cladding, were applied to the ceiling. These cedar panels frame the Caesarstone-topped island and the Shakuff pendant lights, creating a cohesive visual flow between the interior and exterior. The abundance of wood detailing was balanced by the selection of a light-gray Neolith backsplash. This stone, characterized by minimal grout lines, covers two walls and incorporates practical niches for items such as olive oil, ensuring accessibility and order. The backsplash was chosen for its inherent beauty and its ability to allow the walnut cabinetry to remain the focal point of the design. Key professionals involved in the project included R+D Studio as the architect, Stedman Construction as the contractor, Martha’s Vineyard Interior Design for interior design, Jutras Woodworking for millwork, and Timeless Stoneworks for stone installation. Appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Bosch were sourced from Crane Appliance, while the Neolith “Strata Argentum” and “Fresh Concrete” for the backsplash and countertops were provided by Mid-Cape Home Centers. Designer Travis Ritchie also provided four essential tips for kitchen-cabinet design. First, achieving cohesion is paramount; cabinetry materials and finishes should be finalized only after all other design elements, including flooring, countertops, and the overall color palette, are determined. Second, embracing light is crucial for a bright and airy space, which can be achieved by minimizing upper cabinets or incorporating glass fronts for light reflection. Third, considering ergonomics ensures easy access and functionality; well-placed niches and specialized shelving or drawers can enhance convenience. Finally, testing hardware is vital to ensure comfort and practicality, especially for recessed pulls which may require careful consideration regarding cleaning and daily use. #KitchenDesign #WalnutCabinetry #CedarCeiling #MarthaVineyardHome #OrganicDesign #NeolithBacksplash #HomeInterior #KitchenRemodel

This article offers a detailed tour of designer Bailey McCarthy's century-old Victorian farmhouse in Bellville, Texas, showcasing how she infused it with a fresh yet timeless country aesthetic. McCarthy, despite her urban upbringing, drew inspiration from childhood summers on her grandfather's ranch to create a comfortable and inviting retreat for her family and friends. The home features a blend of traditional country elements like buffalo checks, antique quilts, and chintz, alongside modern touches to prevent it from feeling overly thematic. The kitchen, which had been previously restored, received significant cosmetic upgrades. McCarthy painted the walls and varied-height cabinets black to create a cohesive look and replaced granite countertops with butcher-block for a practical, casual, and aging-friendly surface. A farm table functions as an island, complemented by a brass light fixture, floral curtains, and open shelves displaying antique pewter and needlepoint. In the dining room, inspired by the surrounding landscape, McCarthy incorporated rustic wood elements and green accents. An existing antler chandelier was retained, and an antique round table was stripped to raw wood for a weathered appearance. Beech wishbone chairs, lacquered in apple green, provide a lively contrast, while a large antique hutch stores copper Moscow mule mugs and green and white china. A pale pink Oriental rug with subtle blue and chartreuse hues completes the space. The living room is designed for both large gatherings and intimate family game nights. McCarthy combined robust, indestructible furniture, such as a buffalo check sofa and a chintz armchair, with modern elements like a steel-framed coffee table and a graphic longhorn watercolor painting by Mary H. Case. This blend prevents the space from becoming too themed. The primary bedroom, originally the house's parlor, is centered around McCarthy’s company’s Wimberley pattern. A white-painted bed is upholstered in blue-and-white-check fabric, coordinating with whimsical sheets. Wallpaper with a wood-grain pattern provides a warm backdrop, and gauzy eyelet curtains add a country touch. An antique patriotic quilt serves as graphic artwork, highlighting McCarthy's appreciation for craftsmanship. The guest bedroom emphasizes coziness with rich green paint on walls and trim. A four-poster spindle bed, dressed with a striped wool blanket and wood-grain patterned bedding, creates a room-within-a-room feel. Botanical curtains add softness and privacy, while vintage carved wooden lamps and sepia-toned landscape photographs contribute to a collected-over-time aesthetic. Her daughter Grace’s bedroom showcases a vibrant mix of pink and green, with soft pink walls and a bright green cannonball bed. An antique quilt is paired with graphic heart-print bedding, and vintage elements like Murano glass tulip sconces and fair banners personalize the space. The article also highlights a unique dance hall-inspired playhouse for Grace, custom-built by Lilliput Play Homes, based on Gruene Hall, Texas's oldest operating dance hall. #FarmhouseDesign #VictorianHome #CountryDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeTour #KitchenRenovation #BedroomDesign #LivingRoomIdeas #VintageFurniture

Carson and Dori Boneck, former Wicker Park residents, initially envisioned themselves as city dwellers but shifted their perspective when searching for a suitable lot to build a new home. After two years of unsuccessful searching in the city for a sufficiently sized lot, they decided to move to Wilmette, seeking large, functional living spaces for their two young children. The result was a 4,600-square-foot modern farmhouse completed in 2013, featuring six bedrooms and five bathrooms. The interior architecture and design were handled by Kelley Audrain of Audrain Architecture and Cookie Weber of Inside Job. The design brief was to combine Dori's rural upbringing with their years of city living, aiming for a balance of rustic charm and urban edge. This fusion is evident in the home's exterior, which features traditional white board-and-batten siding punctuated by a black door and black window casings, giving the classic farmhouse a modern feel. This palette extends indoors, where one-inch-thick jambs around doors and windows are painted a deep gray, a design choice initially daunting but ultimately defining for the house. The designers emphasized creating a lived-in and comfortable atmosphere, incorporating rustic elements throughout the new construction. A sliding barn door connects Carson's office and the living room, adding texture. A woven-oak chandelier by Chicago artist Lucy Slivinski draws attention to exposed ceiling beams. In the dining room, a reclaimed wood mantel contrasts with contemporary metallic wall covering. Furnishings primarily consist of refurbished mid-century pieces from Knoll, Risom, and Eames, upholstered in kid-friendly fabrics, alongside new and custom items. The kitchen features a rustic table from Anthropologie paired with a bench and chairs from Skokie-based New Breed Furniture Network, a company also responsible for Carson's desk and the master suite's bedside tables. The Bonecks prioritized supporting local artisans and vendors over catalog purchases. A distinctive feature of the home is its bold use of wallpaper, much of it from the Dutch company Eijffinger. This is applied in the dining room, powder room, and children's rooms, introducing an element of surprise, layers of color, and depth that transform potentially quiet spaces. The overall design successfully achieves the Bonecks' goal of a home that blends city and country aesthetics, and modern and rustic styles, creating a unique and satisfying living environment. #ModernFarmhouse #WilmetteRealEstate #HomeDesign #InteriorArchitecture #RusticUrbanBlend #CustomFurniture #WallpaperDesign #SuburbanLiving