This Old Florida Bungalow Is Proof Big Isn't Necessarily Better

Interior designer Emma Beryl undertook the renovation of a 150-year-old New Orleans home, a property she had long admired and dreamed of decorating. The house, previously used for parties, presented initial challenges such as sticky floors and overgrown bushes, but Beryl’s primary goal was to preserve its original character while updating it for a young family moving from New York. Her deep familiarity with New Orleans' historic properties fueled her desire to salvage the home's inherent charm. The home's late 1800s construction meant a layout characterized by numerous walls, a stark contrast to modern open-plan designs. Instead of demolition, which would have damaged intricate crown molding, Beryl opted to assign a distinct purpose to each space. The formal living room, for instance, serves as the initial welcoming area for guests. A crucial addition, influenced by local advice, was a built-in bar featuring a black granite counter and a small sink with an antique brass faucet, catering to the homeowners' love for entertaining. Beryl made the controversial decision to forgo a sofa in this area, prioritizing the flexibility offered by multiple chairs, which allows for various social configurations, from dance parties to game nights. Adjacent to this is the sunroom, which connects to an expansive backyard with a pool. This space was designed as a lounge-ready zone, furnished with plush performance linen sofas and soft sconce lighting to enhance comfort. The kitchen, untouched since 2010, underwent a complete gut renovation. Beryl carefully selected materials that would age gracefully, such as Carrara marble, painted oak cabinetry, and brass hardware, respecting the home's age. A narrow island was installed to provide additional prep space and serve as a future homework station for the young children. Upstairs, Beryl took a more aggressive approach, particularly in the primary bathroom. She removed a wall, transforming a previously segmented space into a cohesive and open area. Apart from retaining the original soaking tub, everything else was replaced. An ornate area rug was incorporated to unify the space, and a custom vanity addressed the home's lack of closets. Large mirrors above the counters were strategically placed to reflect the lush greenery outside, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor. The children's nursery drew inspiration from the surrounding natural environment. Beryl chose a floral wallpaper featuring blooming branches, influenced by the trees outside and designed to integrate the deeper color palette the family preferred in their previous New York apartment without overwhelming the historic home. To balance the ornate chinoiserie motif, a durable and soft jute carpet was selected, providing a crawl-friendly surface. Smaller spaces also received attention, including a powder room with a shiny brass sink and stone tile. The renovation involved meticulous details, such as scraping paint from every original window to allow for better airflow, a necessity in New Orleans' climate. Finally, the project culminated in polishing the golden stained-glass windows in the stairwell and the pebbled transom windows above the doorways. The two-year renovation was a painstaking process, but Beryl considered it a rewarding assignment, aiming to create a living, breathing home filled with textures and layers without stifling its historical essence. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HistoricHome #NewOrleans #EmmaBeryl #TraditionalModern #KitchenDesign #BathroomRenovation #FamilyHome #DesignInspiration

Allyson and Paul Riser, who annually vacation along Highway 30A in Seaside, Florida, embarked on a project to build a family retreat on a narrow, challenging lot in the heart of Seaside. Initially skeptical of the neglected strip of land, which they mistook for overflow parking, the Risers were ultimately convinced by its unparalleled location—catty-corner from Seaside’s town square and a short walk from the beach, offering wide views of the Gulf of Mexico. This prime location was a critical requirement for their large family, consisting of four grown children and a daughter-in-law. To overcome the constraints of the unusual lot size and accommodate their family's needs, the Risers enlisted Seaside architect Ty Nunn and Birmingham interior designer Fran Keenan. Their primary objective was to create sufficient bedrooms and gathering spaces, while Allyson also sought to infuse the new Florida build with the character and timelessness found in the old coastal homes of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Nunn designed a three-story house, one room deep and three rooms wide, with the kitchen and main living area located on the top floor to maximize the exceptional views. Keenan faced the challenge of incorporating the Lowcountry aesthetic, which often features large, low-slung roofs, into a tall three-level structure. A trip to Paris provided an unconventional solution: installing large, pop-out windows in the roof to flood the third-floor living area with natural light, creating a bright and airy space that became the focal point of the home. Inside, Keenan and her colleague Sara Walker curated an interior that reflected the surrounding landscape without resorting to overt beach-themed decor. The color palette, inspired by the blues and greens of the Gulf, features grayish blues, whites, muted turquoise, and faded aqua, fostering a sense of peace and serenity. The light-colored floors were specifically chosen to mimic sand, cleverly concealing any beach sand tracked in by the family. The design incorporated a mix of antique furnishings and architectural details such as wide-wood-paneled walls and detailed casing to give the new house an immediate sense of history and character. Keenan emphasized that using "old things" helps keep a space fresh and unique, breaking away from conventional design norms. The decor was further enhanced by layers of art, including framed textiles and pressed botanicals, adding personal touches and fostering conversation. A notable feature is the stairwell art gallery, filled with over 120 vintage nautical paintings collected from various vendors across the Southeast, including estate sales in Little Rock, making an otherwise functional space a vibrant display of personal history and curated taste. A large coastal landscape painting, discovered at Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta, became a centerpiece in the sons' room, symbolizing a nostalgic piece that could be passed down through generations. Ultimately, the home serves as a cherished gathering place for the Riser family, facilitating connection and creating lasting memories as their children grow. #BeachBungalow #CoastalHome #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SeasideFlorida #FamilyRetreat #ArchitecturalInnovation #AntiqueDecor #NauticalArt

The perception of wood paneling as an outdated or unappealing design element, often associated with dimly lit basements, is being challenged by contemporary interior design trends. Many accents previously scoffed at, such as gingham and kitschy pieces, are experiencing a modern revival, and wood paneling is no exception. When implemented thoughtfully, this traditional style can appear more modern than ever, thanks to a variety of washes and application methods. Several innovative approaches demonstrate how wood paneling can be integrated into modern living spaces. One method involves using mixed tones of wood paneling, as seen in a Jessica Helgerson-designed mid-century space. This design avoids clichés by incorporating varied wood shades and balancing the natural material with a clean white wall to introduce light and break up the texture. Another contemporary use is integrating wood paneling with built-in furniture. A pink dining room features a built-in wood console that seamlessly blends with an accent wall, adding a natural touch. The careful matching of the dining table to the cabinetry and the inclusion of antique artwork further enhance the room's charm and sophistication, preventing it from appearing overly saccharine. Unfinished raw timber finishes also offer a refreshing take on wood paneling. In one Netherlands home, pale wood ceiling hardwood is matched with kitchen cupboards, creating continuity and an airy, artist-loft ambiance, rather than the heavy feel of a retro A-frame. Similarly, light-washed wood paneling provides a bright and airy backdrop, ideal for showcasing art in spaces like a seaside Connecticut home. This bleached look prevents the area from feeling closed off, a common issue with darker panels. Wood paneling is not limited to walls; it can also be incorporated into furniture. A tall, narrow dresser made with wood panels effectively fills an empty corner in an NYC apartment, demonstrating how the style can be applied in smaller, less permanent ways. This approach allows individuals to experiment with the trend without committing to a full wall installation. For those seeking a bolder statement, combining superwide wood boards with distinct elements like a sputnik chandelier and a cowhide rug can create a 'total trifecta' effect. The key to making such a vibrant combination work is minimizing clutter, allowing each bold piece to contribute to the focal point without overwhelming the space. Another classic mid-century modern application in a Portland home features wood detail on both walls and ceiling, complemented by a dark brick fireplace. Striped pillows and a patterned rug add a cozy finish to this style. Matte black wood panels introduce a dramatic and moody aesthetic. In a bedroom, black square panels, iron detailing, and an antique brass lamp create a bold and sophisticated space. The interplay of mixed materials and natural light prevents the room from feeling too dark or cave-like. Finally, dark wood walls can serve as a beautiful and unconventional backdrop for art and collectibles. While this maximalist look may not appeal to everyone, it offers an ideal canvas for those who appreciate vibrant colors and an eclectic assortment of decorative items. These varied examples demonstrate that wood paneling is evolving beyond its traditional, dated image, offering versatile and stylish options for modern interior design. #WoodPaneling #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #MidCenturyModern #DesignTrends #ModernInteriors #AccentWalls #HomeRenovation #DIYHomeDecor

Designer James Farmer embarked on a comprehensive gut renovation of a ranch-style home in Winter Park, Florida, transforming it into a functional and aesthetically striking residence for a young family of four. The home, nestled in an established lakeside neighborhood with mature live oaks, originally possessed a humble and straightforward architectural style. Farmer collaborated with Skolfield Homes to maintain the general architectural character while implementing significant internal modifications. Key structural changes included a complete overhaul of the galley kitchen and the relocation of the main staircase from the side of the house to the center, elevating its prominence within the living room. The reimagined kitchen, described as a "glorified galley," now features a sunny breakfast room, formerly a screened-in porch. The designer also emphasized the formal entry space, adding a bar to encourage its use for social gatherings, ranging from cocktail parties to casual post-work martinis. For the interior, Farmer employed a layered approach, integrating diverse textures and bold patterns with elements characteristic of grand Floridian style. These include floral wallpapers, gold accents, intricate trim, palm motifs, pecky cypress wallcoverings, and a coastal-inspired color palette. The design intentionally blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living through the incorporation of trellis details and a combination of timeworn brick and wood flooring. This emphasis on location-specific design aimed to create a space that is both fun and timeless, echoing classic Florida aesthetics. Farmer guided his clients to invest in durable materials and timeless pieces that would gracefully evolve with the family over time, a philosophy he elaborates on in his book, "Home Again: A Return to Gracious Interiors." The fusion of opulent interior design and modern structural alterations resulted in the home's guiding principle: "Traditional with a twist!" The renovation addressed various spaces, each with distinct design choices. The front parlor, for instance, features custom millwork and wainscoting, a color palette of peach, robin's egg blue, and butterscotch, and a blue-painted ceiling reminiscent of Southern porches. It also includes a bar area with accent chairs by Thibaut and custom couches by Grant Trick Furnishings. The family room showcases a pickled pecky cypress ceiling, rich velvets, and a terracotta and emerald color scheme with creamy white millwork. The sunroom, previously a screened-in porch, retains an alfresco feel with trelliage panels, white wicker furniture from Memoire Design, and vintage elephant garden stools. The dining room, which maintained its original footprint, boasts custom Gracie Studio wallpaper, a lacquered ceiling, and console tables painted in a lemony yellow. The newly designed kitchen, a double galley, is divided into a seating area and a functional workspace with high-end appliances, reflecting the clients' entertaining lifestyle. An octagonal breakfast room, created during the kitchen expansion, features Old Chicago brick and palm motifs, emphasizing a porch-like ambiance. The relocated stairwell, now a central focal point, was customized with a runner from Vermilion. The daughter's bedroom was designed to be adaptable as she grows, featuring pink trellis wallpaper by Schumacher. The primary bedroom incorporates elements like bamboo, palm, and pecky cypress, evoking an "old Florida" feel. The primary bathroom extends the aesthetic from the bedroom, utilizing matching Brunschwig and Fils wallpaper and Cowtan and Tout curtains, employing a design trick of using drapery fabric for wall coverings. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FloridaStyle #TraditionalWithATwist #RanchHomeTransformation #SouthernDesign #CustomMillwork #CoastalColorPalette #TimelessInteriors

Designer Liz Hoekzema of KLH Custom Homes collaborated with repeat clients, a young family of four, to create a forever home in Mattawan, Michigan. The property, partially under construction when purchased, features an exterior that resembles a barn, yet the interior design intentionally deviates from a traditional farmhouse aesthetic. The design approach focused on crafting a sophisticated and grown-up ambiance, departing from previous more 'of-the-moment' styles. The interior spaces were conceived to offer a balance of coziness and drama. This was achieved by manipulating ceiling pitches; for instance, a low roofline in the living room fosters an intimate atmosphere for movie watching, while the entertaining area boasts a two-story ceiling, creating a sense of expansiveness. The designer explicitly stated that the aim was not to re-create a barn but to reshape the structure into a desired aesthetic. In the kitchen, the design incorporates a dark cabinet color and viola marble counters, complemented by extra-tall windows to maximize natural light. To address the potential lack of airflow with numerous fixed windows, vertically split windows were installed closer to the floor, allowing for natural ventilation. Floating shelves were enhanced with arched detailing and dividers, forming cubbies for spices and utensils, adding both functionality and visual interest. The arrangement of pendant lights over the 12-foot island in an asymmetrical pattern was a deliberate choice to prevent the area from appearing static and to guide the eye through the space. The adjacent dining area features a unique lighting solution where dimmable globe lights are mounted off the wall using custom rods. This cantilever design, crafted by KLH’s metalworker, not only adds architectural character but also conceals wiring within the hollow rods, making the lights appear as artistic installations. The mudroom, painted in a dark Benjamin Moore 'Black,' is outfitted with soft yet durable brick floor tiles. An arched mirror in this space serves the dual purpose of allowing homeowners to check their appearance and reflecting light from the entryway, thereby enhancing warmth and texture by mirroring the nearby wood slats. An awkward landing at the top of the stairs was transformed into a playful loft, accessible via an Yves Klein Blue ladder, catering to the children's imaginative play. Below this hideaway, a two-person workstation was integrated to accommodate homeschooling needs. For the primary bedroom, the homeowners' desire for a new bed frame led to the creation of a custom built-in unit, inspired by hotel designs. The challenge of incorporating an adjustable mattress was met by carefully calculating the necessary clearance to allow for its movement and ease of bed-making. Throughout the home, the design emphasizes bespoke solutions and a departure from conventional interpretations, resulting in a residence that is both functional and aesthetically distinctive. #HomeTour #CustomHome #MichiganDesign #ModernBarn #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #KitchenDesign #CreativeLighting #FamilyHome

The article showcases the transformation of a century-old family lake cabin in Wisconsin, highlighting how interior designer Katie Rosenfeld revitalized the space with a vibrant mix of color and pattern while preserving its historical integrity and sentimental value. The cabin, which has been in the same family for generations, required an update to its layout and interiors, yet the owners wished to retain cherished old-school elements such as Norwegian painted heirlooms, original checkerboard tile flooring, and sentimental furnishings. Rosenfeld's approach focused on energizing the home with graphic wallcoverings, unexpected fabrics, and a palette inspired by the natural surroundings, predominantly greens, blues, and yellows, which she describes as having a "Midwestern feel." The renovation began with a significant reconfiguration, including the addition of a primary suite and more bedrooms and bathrooms on the second floor, and a new mudroom, family room, and an expanded open kitchen on the first floor. Throughout the home, the designer blended new design elements with existing artifacts. For instance, the living room features lake-inspired blues, with family-loved chairs reupholstered in a patchwork plaid and new sofas adorned with floral tapestry. A Danish built-in cabinet continues to display decades of collected accessories. The kitchen was reimagined with hand-painted ceramic tiles for the walls and vent hood, complemented by two shades of green paint for the cabinetry and trim to create a modern take on an old-fashioned aesthetic. A dedicated corner of the kitchen prominently displays heirlooms like a rosemaling-decorated trunk, a vintage teapot, and antique Norwegian mangle boards, alongside a new bobbin chair covered in floral linen. The breakfast nook, incorporated into the new kitchen, layers patterns through a Scandinavian-inspired rug, a floral pendant light lampshade, and original artwork, with alderwood-and-handwoven rush side chairs and a striped banquette providing ample seating. The enclosed front porch, a historical gathering spot with lake views and original red-and-white checkerboard flooring, was preserved with its vintage Danish Modern table and chairs. Rosenfeld freshened the space with crisp white paint and an elegant chandelier, while the existing vintage Heywood-Wakefield furniture in the seating area was updated with a blue-and-white jacquard weave fabric. A new wet bar was designed to appear unfitted, resembling collected furniture pieces, enhanced by a display of woven baskets. The fireside sitting area maintains a Norwegian rosemale plate as its focal point, surrounded by a rich mix of patterns including custom chairs in a woven fabric, an ottoman in red embroidery-like fabric, floral window seat prints, and striped pillows. The new mudroom, designed to blend seamlessly with the original structure, features paneled walls, a timeless dark green paint color, and Sister Parish fabric on the bench. Each of the six bedrooms received a refresh with vibrant wallcoverings; for example, one guest room has a ginger-hued floral wallpaper, and another features a yellow patterned wallpaper with blue built-in cabinetry. The primary suite features bold wallpaper to visually lower high ceilings, incorporating quilts, a rattan three-chest drawer, and a vintage oil painting to achieve a special yet understated feel. The children's rooms also showcase layered patterns, with one boy's room featuring green patterned wallpaper and the daughter's room incorporating lavender hues and a sweet-pea patterned wallpaper with a graphic fabric headboard. In contrast to the vibrant bedrooms, the primary bathroom offers a serene retreat with a white double vanity, brass hardware, a claw-foot tub, and basketweave tile flooring, designed to emphasize the lake views. A blue-walled bunk room is punctuated with red accents, including a broadloom rug, a patterned swivel chair, and a mix of plaid and floral bedding, contrasted by white Jenny Lind spindle beds and midcentury modern-style wall sconces. The powder rooms add playful elements with whimsical wallpapers, such as cherries, strawberries, and floral garlands, and a shared bath features starry Sister Parish ceramic tiles and an indigo vanity, balanced by brass mirrors and lighting. The overall design successfully integrates the home’s rich history with modern functionality and a lively aesthetic, creating a warm, cozy, and nostalgic atmosphere. #LakeCabin #InteriorDesign #PatternMixing #ColorPalette #HomeRenovation #FamilyHeirlooms #ScandinavianInfluence #WisconsinHome #CountryLiving

Architect Jesse Bornstein's innovative approach to residential development in Santa Monica, California, addresses the city's unique challenges of astronomical real estate prices and restrictive zoning laws. Instead of adhering to traditional single-family home models or maximizing profit through large-scale developments, Bornstein chose to convert his single-family home into a two-unit condominium, demonstrating that thoughtful, community-oriented building can also be financially viable. The project began in 1999 when Bornstein purchased a 1,400-square-foot postwar house on a 50-by-160-foot lot. The property included an imposing elm tree, a dilapidated carport, and a ten-foot-high retaining wall leading to a sloped, dangerous backyard. His initial phase involved renovating and expanding the original house for his family. This renovation included gutting the interior, adding 700 square feet to create a two-story structure with an upstairs master suite and bath, and integrating central heating and air conditioning. Bornstein focused on maximizing natural light and opening up interior spaces, moving the 1951 house into a more contemporary design aesthetic while retaining some original features like thin, three-panel doors. Following the completion of the renovated front house, which was then sold, Bornstein embarked on phase two: constructing an entirely new house directly behind the first. This new structure, intended for his family, was connected to the front house via its new garage. The new house features a split-level design with Bornstein’s home office/studio extending horizontally through the gable-roofed garage. The cladding materials of the two houses, second-growth redwood strips and gray plaster for the new house, and wood siding and stucco for the original, were carefully chosen to create a visual harmony that respects their individual identities. The 2,891-square-foot back house, completed in August 2002 at a cost of $220 per square foot, is meticulously integrated with its environment. Its floors ascend the hillside, creating a flat, 700-square-foot backyard above the old retaining wall, suitable for his children's play. Reclaimed concrete from the carport demolition forms a "poor man’s stone wall" at the yard's rear, and bamboo plantings are intended to screen an adjacent apartment building. The interior design of the back house revolves around the mature Chinese elm, which is visible from various levels and rooms, serving as a central focal point. The house features numerous balconies and strategically placed windows that frame diverse views, ranging from distant mountains to local trees and sky. A theatrical-grade, solar-powered lighting system illuminates different zones within the house. The main level's living/dining area extends outdoors through large sliding-glass doors, creating a seamless transition to the usable exterior space, including a koi pond and pathways for children to play. The project, legally structured as a two-unit condominium due to Santa Monica's subdivision regulations, illustrates a pragmatic and aesthetically pleasing solution to urban infill. Bornstein's design philosophy, influenced by his Harvard training, balances core rules with site-specific demands, resulting in a harmonious and functional structure that coexists with its surroundings. The architect's daughters enjoy distinct living areas, including a dedicated suite and playroom, highlighting the family-centric design. #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #SantaMonicaRealEstate #TwoUnitCondominium #UrbanInfill #SustainableDesign #FamilyHome #ModernLiving #JesseBornstein