8 design tips to take from this classic New England home with its pared back style

The English country design aesthetic, characterized by natural woods, printed florals, muted shades, durable fabrics, and heirloom antiques, is a timeless style that evokes coziness and warmth. This article explores how Northern Virginia designers have incorporated these elements into clients' homes, offering insights and tips for achieving this classic look. Sara Swabb, founder of Storie Collective, transformed a 2005 Craftsman in North Arlington to blend modern living with Old-World charm. Her approach involved using natural stone, raw wood, antique furniture, warm color palettes, and performance fabrics to create an elegant yet livable space. Swabb retained existing Craftsman features, such as a wood-burning fireplace, and added Victorian moldings to enhance the historical feel. She emphasizes the use of natural materials like travertine and slate, which inherently possess imperfections and tactile qualities consistent with English country style. Swabb also advises incorporating subtle English country influences through fixtures, citing an Urban Electric light fixture as a modern interpretation of an old lantern. To add warmth, she sourced textured fabrics, many from UK vendors, alongside vintage and antique pieces from platforms like 1stDibs. Her designs also feature raw and reclaimed wood, complemented by nature-inspired hues, such as an ochre-colored chaise lounge. Swabb encourages mixing various wood finishes, wood species, and stones, asserting that natural materials blend harmoniously and are a hallmark of English country homes, allowing for a sophisticated yet subdued breaking of design rules. GTM Architects, in collaboration with builder Steve Smith of Ventura Group LLC, designed a Cape Cod-style home in Arlington with strong English country influences for clients relocating closer to family. The homeowners desired earthy tones, high-end materials, paneling, siding, and reclaimed pieces. A notable custom feature is the "boot room," a British-inspired mudroom designed for practicality, where the homeowner could shed gardening boots. The home also includes a unique reading nook on the second-floor landing, featuring ample shelving for books. In the study, an antique fireplace was seamlessly integrated into the room's paneling, and reclaimed wood was used for the flooring. Additional touches, such as a grandfather clock and an antique secretary desk, further underscore the European aesthetic, blending style with functionality. Kristin Harrison, founder and principal designer of Georgia + Hunt Design House, designed a powder room in a McLean home, demonstrating how small spaces can be made impactful within the British design philosophy. Harrison explains that British design often prioritizes making smaller areas an experience, a principle her firm embraces. For this powder room, she utilized natural materials, including a custom marble sink basin and an antique wooden mirror. The room was then enveloped in a beautifully printed wallpaper, which serves to transport visitors to the English countryside. This approach highlights the effectiveness of natural elements and decorative details in creating a distinctive and charming atmosphere, even in compact areas. #EnglishCountryDecor #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #NorthernVirginia #DesignTrends #Renovation #ArchitecturalStyle #HomeRemodel

Susannah and Alex Bartko, long-time Atlanta residents, discovered a 1960s ranch house in their desired school district. The property's flat, walk-out backyard and its location on a quiet cul-de-sac were the main attractions, providing an ideal setting for their two young daughters. While the house had good structural integrity, its outdated layout necessitated a renovation. The Bartkos, who enjoy entertaining, sought a home with a seamless flow between rooms. They engaged Melissa Welker of Melissa Lacy Design, a local designer, to manage the renovation. The primary objective was to create a more open floor plan to enhance the home's spaciousness and functionality for the family. Melissa noted that the house required fundamental upgrades and an infusion of character. She integrated inherited and unique pieces to achieve a collected-over-time aesthetic, emphasizing the importance of adding 'soul' and patina alongside improved functionality. The design team drew inspiration from English styles found in design books, which guided the overall decorating scheme. Despite only slightly enlarging the home's original footprint, the team creatively reconfigured the space. The kitchen was relocated to the front of the house, a mudroom was added off the garage, a linen closet was converted into a powder bath, the family room ceiling was vaulted, and the oversized basement was divided into multiple functional areas. Melissa focused on practicality while also incorporating architectural details like trim and casings to add depth. She emphasized the importance of a fluid layout in common areas, stating that a 'dead-end room' should be avoided during gatherings. Intentional design choices, such as high-gloss black double doors with unlacquered brass hardware, added elegance and privacy to pass-through spaces. The entry was anchored by a central table, an unexpected element that creates a traditional foyer feel and offers flexible placement. The front two rooms, typically formal living and dining areas in traditional ranches, were underutilized. Melissa transformed this sun-drenched space, thanks to large bay windows, into the new kitchen and a welcoming sitting room, which also serves as the family's daily dining spot. The decision to move the kitchen to the front was driven by the desire to maximize natural light, a crucial consideration for ranch-style homes. To optimize seating in the kitchen, a banquette and antique breakfast table were positioned flush against the island, which is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Lush, AF-475. Melissa highlighted that the upholstered banquette adds warmth to the kitchen. Blue Willow china, inherited from Susannah’s parents, was displayed on the wall as decor. This connected kitchen and sitting room became the primary living and entertaining space for the family. While the home's main palette consists of neutral tones, Melissa introduced vibrancy through collections, mixed-and-matched throw pillows, art, and fabrics. For instance, the banquette in the kitchen features Lisa Fine Textiles' Calico Floral Stripe. The previously 'scary, eighties-tiled breakfast room' at the back of the house was transformed into a light-filled dining space. This area maintains a formal yet inviting atmosphere with Belgian bluestone flooring, Farrow & Ball's Oval Room Blue (No. 85) on the walls, an Urban Electric Company light fixture, and a round table accommodating up to eight people. Custom fixed-glass doors were installed on both exterior and interior walls of the dining room to allow natural light to penetrate deeper into the house, including the adjacent family room with its brick fireplace. To brighten the family room, the ceiling was vaulted and painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17), while the walls were painted in Dove Wing (960). Unique pieces, such as a print of 'Strawberry Hill Library' by Dale Goffigon, were chosen for their personal resonance and to create a fresh contrast with existing oil paintings. Melissa updated a passed-down maple chair with a slipcover and velvet cushion for the family room. For symmetry, a locally made sofa from Travis and Company was centered opposite the fireplace, with a second, longer sofa dividing the space from a walkway to the dining area. An ottoman replaced a traditional coffee table to ensure comfort and safety for the children, while also adding texture and pattern to the room. The bright sunroom, a favorite gathering spot, features Benjamin Moore’s Dove Wing paint on the walls and Brandon Beige, 977, on the floor, complemented by playful textiles. Existing windows, a skylight, a rattan sofa from Susannah’s grandparents (refurbished with paint and a new cushion), and a garden stool create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Downstairs, the awkward basement was made more functional by dividing it into a playroom with ample storage, a gym, and a movie nook with a sectional. This created a secondary entertaining space for family gatherings, specifically for the children. For the younger daughter's bedroom, Melissa incorporated a whimsical custom headboard to elevate a small nook, making it feel cozy and unique. The design process focused on integrating cherished family heirlooms and creating a functional yet character-filled home. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #EnglishDesignStyle #RanchHome #FamilyHeirlooms #KitchenRemodel #FunctionalLayout #AtlantaHomes #SouthernLiving

The Cape Cod-style house, a timeless architectural design, originated in New England during the 17th century. Its distinctive features were born out of practical necessity, designed to withstand the region's cold climate. Key characteristics include a symmetrical façade that appears to be one story, with the second floor built into the roof featuring dormer windows. This compact design and limited wall exposure helped to retain heat during harsh winters. Early iterations of these homes possessed a rustic, lived-in charm, furnished with modest country-style pieces, worn wood tables, and handwoven textiles in muted tones. Over centuries, the Cape Cod style experienced a resurgence in popularity, notably championed by architect Royal Barry Willis in the 1920s and beyond, who designed thousands of these homes. Architecturally, these houses are defined by their steep, gabled roofs, which were initially intended to facilitate the shedding of snow and ice. A large, central chimney is another common architectural element, serving as a primary heat source during cold coastal months. The exterior often features weathered cedar shingle siding, contributing to an organic, nautical aesthetic that has become iconic. Inside, Cape Cod homes typically maintain a symmetrical layout. The ceilings are often low, fostering a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Interior décor frequently mirrors the coastal environment, incorporating muted color palettes of blues, grays, and sandy neutrals. Collections of traditional maritime craftsmanship, such as lightship baskets, marine life carvings, and other nautical artifacts, are common decorative elements, reflecting the region's rich history. A practical interior feature is the captain's stairway, a narrow and steep staircase designed to maximize floor space on the first level while providing access to the second floor. Decorating a Cape Cod-style home involves embracing its historical character and cozy confines. Given that these structures often have limited square footage, thoughtful decoration is crucial. The long history and inherent charm of these residences lend themselves well to layered interiors that showcase the homeowner's personality and passions. This approach creates an effortless charm where each item tells a story, and nothing feels overly precious. Natural fiber rugs, quilted bed covers, and other textiles are recommended to enhance the inherent coziness. Incorporating a seafaring theme through items like carved bird decoys, boat models, fine art, crafts, and shelves filled with books further enriches the aesthetic, blending utility with beauty. #CapeCodStyle #HomeArchitecture #ArchitecturalHistory #NewEnglandHomes #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #CoastalLiving #TraditionalHomes

This comprehensive guide explores 31 popular architectural house styles found throughout the United States, providing detailed descriptions and historical context for each. The article begins by outlining key factors to consider when identifying a home's style, such as materials, window and door details, roof style, facade structures, number of stories, and construction era. It then delves into a diverse range of styles, starting with the iconic Cape Cod, characterized by its story-and-a-half structure, dormers, symmetrical windows, and central doorway. Originating in the late 17th century from English settlers, Cape Cods became particularly popular in the 1950s. The Victorian style, spanning the early 1800s to early 1900s, is presented as an era of design rather than a single style, known for its ornate gables, steeply pitched roofs, turrets, and intricate details. Colonial homes, dating back to the 17th century, are discussed in their various forms, emphasizing their rectangular shape, symmetry, and features like gabled roofs, window grids, and brick facades. The American Craftsman style, emerging in the early 20th century, highlights front porches, wide eaves, exposed beams, and open floor plans, with a strong focus on natural materials and earthy color palettes. Prairie-style homes, inspired by nature and Frank Lloyd Wright's innovative designs, are noted for handcrafted details, simple woodwork, stained glass, and built-in furniture, primarily found in the Midwest. Ranch homes, popular from the 1930s onwards, are described as single-story or split-level houses with open floor plans, large front windows, and low-pitched roofs. Tudor-style homes are easily identifiable by their dark timber details against light stucco and ornate brickwork, often found in colder northern climates. Mediterranean-style homes feature warm tones, stucco exteriors, and ornamental details in tile and woodwork, designed to be open and airy, gaining popularity in warmer U.S. regions. Modern architecture, influenced by the 1930s modernism movement, emphasizes clean lines, functional design, modern materials like concrete and steel, and minimal ornamentation. Contemporary architecture is presented as an overarching term for current trendy building styles, focusing on connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, sustainability, and energy efficiency. The article continues to describe farmhouse styles, cottages, cabins, and rowhouses, each with their unique characteristics and historical origins. It then explores more historically inspired styles like Greek Revival, French Country, Saltbox, and Art Deco, highlighting their distinctive features and prevalence in different regions or periods. Further architectural styles covered include Queen Anne, Italianate, Eastlake, Romanesque Revival, Gothic Revival, Tudor Revival, Midcentury Modern, Federal, Neoclassical, French Provincial, Asian, Pueblo Revival, and Bungalow. Each description details the key visual elements, historical context, and geographical prevalence of these architectural styles across the United States. The article concludes by addressing frequently asked questions about the most common, newest, and timeless house styles in America, emphasizing the diversity and evolution of residential architecture. #ArchitecturalStyles #HomeDesign #HouseStyles #InteriorDecorating #HistoricHomes #ModernArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #CraftsmanHomes #VictorianHomes

Designers Evan Krenzien and Pierce Jordan of Shane & Pierce recently renovated a Dallas home, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of Southern living. Their design philosophy blends classic Georgian architectural elements with modern functionality, focusing on warm hospitality rooted in tradition. The renovation showcases seven distinct design ideas that can be adapted to various home styles and sizes. The first idea features a striking black and white marble diamond tile, which is used throughout the entry and hallway. This design choice provides a timeless, Georgian-inspired aesthetic without appearing overly formal. The use of checkered tiles, combined with French doors that allow ample natural light, creates an inviting and dramatic entryway. Evan emphasizes the importance of wide, open hallways and clear sightlines between rooms, even in a more traditional layout, to maintain a sense of flow. Secondly, the design advocates for uniquely defined rooms, moving away from the open-concept trend. Pierce aimed to create spaces with distinct purposes, incorporating traditional elements. The living room, for instance, is anchored by a mix of smaller, sculptural tables rather than a single oversized coffee table, offering flexibility and artistic visual interest. The seamless transition from marble to wood flooring further helps to define individual rooms while maintaining overall cohesion. Evan highlights that despite a move toward dedicated spaces, a modern home still requires easy flow between areas. The third principle is to blend heritage with modern needs. The kitchen exemplifies this with its stunning verde antigua marble, sourced from Verona, Italy, paired with vintage sconces and sage-framed windows. This combination creates a layered, tonal effect that is both classic and fresh. Evan notes that a balance of old and new, incorporating traditional or heirloom pieces into a modern setting, is a enduring aspect of Southern design. The kitchen itself is designed to feel clean, classic, and airy, accommodating both informal gatherings and formal dining occasions. Fourthly, the design prioritizes indoor-outdoor flow. Given Dallas's outdoor-oriented lifestyle, the home's U-shaped footprint wraps around a private pool courtyard, creating natural gathering points for both entertaining and quiet moments. A two-way sofa in the primary bedroom further blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, inviting both views and conversation. The fifth idea encourages taking design risks. The designers integrated art deco lighting, British-inspired wallpaper from House of Hackney, and custom marble selections to introduce unexpected flair while preserving a classic foundation. Pierce specifically points to the blend of art deco elements in the primary bathroom with traditional marble as a successful risk. Sixth, the home embraces color, as seen in the office with its deep purple, richly textured wall, signaling a trend for 2026. Finally, maintaining symmetry is a key element. The bathroom tile design echoes the entryway's checkerboard pattern, scaled down to create a cohesive yet charming detail throughout the home. Pierce concludes that timeless Southern living is characterized by understated elegance, rich details, poise, and comfort. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #SouthernStyle #DallasHome #GeorgianArchitecture #MarbleTile #DefinedRooms #IndoorOutdoorFlow #DesignRisks