A Cozy Louisville Home Away from Home

Christopher Eldridge and Katy Kane Eldridge, founders of the design/build firm Eldridge Company, collaborated on the design of their Louisville home, which they affectionately named “The Samantha” after their dog. The initial concept for the house was famously sketched on a napkin in a coffee shop in Breckenridge, Colorado, when they were visiting Christopher’s brother. This marked their inaugural project together after relocating to Louisville in 2010. The Eldridges acquired a narrow lot, measuring 45 by 150 feet, which had remained vacant since a tornado in the 1970s destroyed the previous house. During construction, they unearthed remnants of the old property, including an antique cast-iron bathtub, underscoring the site's history. The exterior of their custom-built home features raw cedar siding and reclaimed brick, contributing to its distinctive aesthetic. Initially, their design plan for the new home, completed in 2010, included a master bedroom, a guest bedroom upstairs, and Katy’s art studio situated on the first floor. This arrangement was based on their assumption of not having children in the near future. However, their family rapidly expanded with the arrival of their eldest daughter and then twin girls within an 18-month period. Despite these unexpected additions, the couple adapted their living space without compromising their architectural and design principles. Their approach emphasizes “simple, clean, elegant, modern solutions” that are context-specific. Katy’s art studio was subsequently relocated to the garage, which was the only existing structure on the property at the time of purchase. This concrete block building, with its intact concrete floor, was transformed into a detached studio space by finishing the floor, replacing the roof with a cool, angled design, and adding other necessary improvements. This adaptation allowed Katy to continue her work as an artist from home. Leveraging Katy’s artistic vision and their combined expertise in the home building industry, the Eldridges incorporated numerous reused materials and adopted a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach for several aspects of their home. For instance, all the brick used for the house was salvaged from a downtown building they were simultaneously working on. This strategy helped them to manage costs, as it was their first home and they aimed to be both innovative and budget-conscious. Their personal involvement in projects like crafting concrete countertops, constructing a backyard pergola, installing brick inlay in the pergola sitting area, and building a deck around a magnolia tree added unique, custom touches to their residence. The construction of the house took several months, but the landscaping of the yard was a much more extensive endeavor, spanning seven years. Katy dedicated significant effort to improving the soil with topsoil, compost, and manure, transforming what was initially a "jungle" into a beautifully cultivated space that became one of her favorite features of the home. The Eldridges have since moved from “The Samantha,” but the home holds sentimental value for them. Their daughter, Magnolia, is even named after the prominent magnolia tree in the backyard, preserving a connection to their first custom-built home. The project exemplifies a blend of thoughtful design, resourceful material use, and personal investment, resulting in a unique and cherished living space. #CustomBuiltHome #LouisvilleArchitecture #EldridgeCompany #SustainableDesign #DIYHomeProjects #ReclaimedMaterials #FamilyHome #ModernSolutions #LandscapeDesign

The article highlights an innovative architectural project in Old Town Louisville, where architect Andy Johnson designed a contemporary, energy-efficient home on a narrow 37-foot wide by 125-foot deep lot. The clients, Joe Jarriel and Trudy Neal, sought ample outdoor living space despite the limited yard size, leading to a creative integration of outdoor elements within the 2,300-square-foot residence. The project, built by Ryan Wither of Buildwell, aimed to address the common challenge of maximizing outdoor living on a constrained urban infill lot without a traditional large lawn. Johnson's design incorporated several outdoor areas. A covered front porch provides a welcoming entrance and a space for relaxation, complemented by an adjacent patio featuring Adirondack rockers for enjoying summer evenings. The kitchen was designed with an expansive door and an accordion-style window that open directly to a rear deck, facilitating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor entertaining. A small turf yard adjoins this deck. A significant feature is the second-level rooftop deck, which effectively functions as the home's backyard, offering a private outdoor space for entertaining among the treetops, addressing the owners' desire for greenery and fresh air. The architectural style balances contemporary design with a nod to the area's historical context, drawing inspiration from the small, functional miners' homes prevalent in Louisville. Johnson achieved an approachable massing and scale by bringing the front porch forward and setting back the gable-roofed second story. Inside, transparency is a key design principle, with large glass expanses blurring the lines between the interior and exterior. A sculptural stairwell with a large light well above it floods the home's center with natural light and offers sky views, enhancing the connection to the outdoors. Perforated-steel risers further allow light to filter through the space. The design successfully integrates natural light, space for entertainment, and access to greenery, demonstrating that a traditional large yard is not essential for a strong connection to the outdoors. The project serves as a compelling example for urban infill developments, proving that thoughtful design can create an expansive aesthetic and a rich outdoor experience even on a small lot. The home emphasizes visual and physical pathways to the outside, ensuring that occupants constantly perceive and experience the outdoor environment. The design team included Andy Johnson of DAJ Design for architecture, Ryan Wither of Buildwell for construction, and Chris Schroeder and Brady Smith of 1st Green Colorado for landscape architecture. #LouisvilleHome #OutdoorLivingSpace #NarrowLotDesign #ContemporaryArchitecture #EnergyEfficientHome #UrbanInfill #ArchitecturalInnovation #LandscapeArchitecture #HomeDesign

Interior designer Lilly Taylor recently undertook a full renovation of her West Nashville home, a residence she built with her father, John Gianikas, eight years prior. The home is situated on a property that borders Richland Creek and the Greenway, offering a secluded feel and scenic views of the creek and surrounding landscape. Taylor's design philosophy, which she applied to her own home, centers on creating classic, comfortable, and carefully curated interiors that are both sophisticated and approachable. Her approach incorporates organic and balanced elements, blending old and new, raw and refined, with a strong emphasis on texture and tone to achieve a bespoke feel. The goal is for her designs to appear organic and not overly stylized, utilizing antique pieces and custom textiles to add depth. The renovation encompassed the main floor, including the mudroom, powder room, laundry room, dining nook, kitchen, and the primary suite, as well as Taylor’s office and her daughter’s nursery. The primary objective of the renovation was to introduce warmth and more organic materials throughout the spaces. This involved extensive painting, updating lighting fixtures, adding millwork, incorporating wallpaper, and designing custom textiles. Taylor aimed to make the house feel cozier and more enveloping than it had previously, often employing a technique she calls "color-drenching" to create moody and cozy atmospheres in several rooms. Among the various redesigned spaces, Taylor particularly favors the kitchen, bedroom, and her daughter’s nursery. The nursery served as the initial inspiration for the entire home renovation. It features a Sanderson wallpaper with subtle blush tones, which then influenced the color palette and finish selections for the rest of the house. Taylor layered textures to create a dreamy space that is sophisticated yet playful, reflecting her own childhood memories of her bedroom. She hopes her daughter will experience similar nostalgia for her room in the future. For the primary bedroom, Taylor selected a warm and calming off-white paint with green undertones. Despite the room's large, vaulted ceiling, the chosen color makes the space feel serene and moody without being dark. Textile choices also contributed to the warm ambiance, with bedding and drapes switched from white to ivory, allowing a tapestry-like headboard fabric to become a focal point. Taylor notes that the room evokes a sense of peace, highlighting the importance of a well-designed primary bedroom for mental well-being, a principle she often shares with her clients. This peaceful and cozy motif is consistently woven throughout the entire home, establishing a sense of serenity, comfort, and style. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #WestNashville #LillyTaylor #CustomInteriors #CozyDesign #OrganicMaterials #ColorDrenching

This blog post details the design and features of a 4,000-square-foot mountain home in Park City, Utah, built by homeowners as their "forever home." The residence, designed by Unscripted Interiors, is situated on a lot with a creek, offering views of the Wasatch Range and access to year-round outdoor activities. The design process involved a collaboration with architects from the ground up, with Unscripted Interiors playing a pivotal role from the initial drawing plans. Kari Armstrong, principal of the Denver-based Unscripted Interiors, describes the home’s style as "Modern Americana" with a "mountain-ish" sensibility, avoiding overly rustic themes despite its mountain setting. The design subtly incorporates a red, white, and blue color palette, with reds appearing in vintage Turkish carpets, blues in blankets and pillows, and whites in paneled hallways and custom tile installations in the kitchen and bathrooms. Materials such as alpaca, local stone, petrified wood, bouclé, and linen contribute to the sophisticated aesthetic, ensuring the home feels elegant and adaptable to various settings. The double-height great room features custom bespoke elements, including an A. Rudin sofa, a 13-foot dining table with bronze accents from Holly Hunt, custom chairs with leather detailing, and a fireplace hearth crafted from local “Park City Gold” limestone. A custom-made rug from Nepal and a Ralph Lauren light fixture for Circa Lighting further enhance the room’s luxurious feel. The built-in bar showcases a unique approach to traditional mountain house elements, with custom-clad leather cabinets finished with nailhead details by The Tanner’s Craft. Accommodation for visiting family is a key aspect of the home's design, including a "four seasons" sun porch that provides comfort in winter with a fireplace and opens up in summer. A dedicated coffee and breakfast bar connected to guest rooms on the second floor caters to early risers. Other notable features include a sitting room with custom walnut millwork, a kitchen with a herringbone pattern backsplash from Concept Studio and metal cabinets, and a primary bedroom with an antler chandelier, a custom bench, and a bouclé bed. Guest rooms include "dueling bunks" with built-in storage and a wood-paneled guest room painted in Cornwall Slate by Sherwin Williams, adorned with vintage blankets transformed into pillows. The primary bathroom boasts a Victoria & Albert freestanding tub and Phylrich faucets. Outdoor spaces feature Gloster dining chairs and bar stools for al fresco meals and a "she shed" near concrete raised garden beds, offering a serene escape. #ParkCity #MountainRetreat #ModernAmericana #UnscriptedInteriors #HomeDesign #CustomInteriors #LuxuryHome #Utah

Content creator Rachel “Rocky” Barnes and photographer Matthew Cooper embarked on a significant home renovation in 2019 after purchasing what Cooper described as “The worst house on the block, by far” in Los Angeles. The 1958 ranch-style home, a three-bedroom property, presented a mix of styles, including terracotta floors with Greek columns, non-functional original appliances, and a general aesthetic that Barnes humorously called “Mid-century meets ’80s meets a bad remodel.” The couple discovered Barnes was pregnant two weeks after closing on the house, and their son, Jones, was born in New York by the time they secured permits in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Despite initial challenges, including clearing out mold and asbestos, the home's L-shaped layout remained largely intact. Architect Yoram Lepair was instrumental in opening up doorways, adding a parapet, and trimming the roof's eaves to enhance natural light and views of the expansive backyard, which features a pool and tall palm trees. The couple's vision for the home was to create a perpetual vacation-like environment, an idea reflected in their choice of the primary bedroom with direct access to the pool. This design decision aimed to evoke the serene feeling of a hotel stay. The backyard's plaster walls were deliberately maintained to mimic the aesthetic of the Amangiri desert resort in Utah, reinforcing the luxurious, retreat-like atmosphere. The interior design process, guided by Summer Jensen of Hawk & Co, involved a blend of Barnes's maximalist tendencies and Cooper's preference for clean, industrial styles. Ultimately, they settled on a calming palette and a sanctuary-like space filled with personal touches and collected items. These included an oil painting from Barnes’s uncle in Hawaii, thrifted pottery displayed in the kitchen, and a Sarah Ellison Huggy chair in the living room. Each piece contributed to a curated, global aesthetic. Individual preferences were accommodated in specific areas. Barnes transformed a former bedroom into a walk-in closet and office space, designed to showcase her extensive hat collection and facilitate her content creation and modeling work. Cooper's home office, featuring a denim blue sofa and a fireplace, served as his personal retreat and a space for quality time with their son. Although not initially designed with their growing family in mind, the open-plan kitchen proved ideal for casual meals and entertaining. The family now includes a second son, Charlie, and they frequently gather on their large orange circular daybed in the backyard, enjoying the home's resort-like ambiance. The renovation successfully transformed a challenging property into a personalized, luxurious, and family-friendly haven. #HomeTour #LosAngelesHome #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #FamilyHome #OutdoorSpace #ModernRanch #CelebrityHome

This blog post explores Place des Vosges, an exclusive residential development in Dallas that draws inspiration from French architectural design. The development, begun in 2006, is specifically modeled after the Place Dauphine in Paris, a triangular residential square with a central courtyard, rather than the more famous original Place des Vosges. Dallas's Place des Vosges is strategically located at the intersection of Irving Avenue and Turtle Creek Boulevard, with its arrow-point design directing residents' views toward Turtle Creek, mimicking the Parisian landmark's orientation to the River Seine. The article highlights the meticulous planning involved in the design of these 16 luxury homes, emphasizing how every proportion, view, window, staircase, and brick was carefully considered to create a distinctive and private environment. The homes within Place des Vosges are characterized by their classic French townhome exteriors and highly individualized interiors. Each residence offers unique features, such as one with a turret observatory and another with an underground garage, demonstrating a commitment to bespoke luxury. These properties attract owners seeking to downsize from larger estates in areas like Park Cities or Preston Hollow, not by reducing their living space significantly, but by minimizing yard work. For instance, Unit #2, a featured property, boasts 6,163 square feet, four bedrooms, and six bathrooms, clearly designed as a family home. This unit is listed by Judy Pittman, who was the original exclusive broker for the development and remains deeply knowledgeable about its architectural nuances and history. Unit #2 exemplifies the sophisticated design principles of Place des Vosges. Its entry hall immediately signals an elegant, non-standard townhouse, providing access to an elevator or a grand staircase leading to the main living level on the second floor. This elevated living arrangement is a nod to traditional grand townhouses and offers views of Turtle Creek during winter months. The second floor features a formal dining room with inlaid wood floors and hand-painted wallpaper, complete with cleverly concealed built-in wine refrigerators. The adjacent kitchen and breakfast area, though not open-concept, are bright and integrate seamlessly into the informal entertaining space. Modern conveniences are discreetly integrated into the 17th-century inspired design, ensuring comfort without compromising historical aesthetic. The upper levels of Unit #2 house a master retreat, office, and family room. A distinctive 'œil de bœuf' (bull's eye) or oculus skylight illuminates the stairwell, a classic architectural feature. The family room is designed to accommodate evolving entertainment technology, with cabinetry framed to fit increasingly large televisions. The master bedroom is spacious, and the master suite includes separate 'his and hers' bathrooms. The 'hers' bathroom is opulent with marble and mirrors, while the 'his' bathroom features a classical wood theme and intricate stone inlay flooring. Even the guest powder room is adorned with stone inlay, an antique vanity, and high ceilings, reflecting the consistent attention to luxury throughout the home. The article concludes by emphasizing the tranquility and secluded nature of Place des Vosges, despite its proximity to the urban core of Dallas. The central location within the development ensures minimal noise, creating a country-like ambiance. The current market condition is unusual, with four of the 16 exclusive homes available for sale, a coincidence rather than a trend. For prospective buyers seeking a luxurious, secluded, yet urban-accessible property, Place des Vosges offers a unique opportunity. Unit #3, another listing by Judy Pittman, is also highlighted as a Palladian three-bedroom home with five full and two half baths, spanning 5,724 square feet, and listed at $5.75 million, also featuring creek views. The article implicitly encourages engagement with Judy Pittman for those interested in these unique properties. #PlaceDesVosges #DallasRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #FrenchCountryside #TownhomeLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #TurtleCreek #HighEndInteriors #DallasLuxury

This article delves into a peculiar 1904 Chicago bungalow located in the small Villa District, a neighborhood known for its country-like feel within 15 minutes of the city center. Initially, the exterior of the home appears idyllic, featuring well-maintained gardens and a swimming pool, suggesting a charming and desirable property. However, the narrative quickly shifts to the interior and closer exterior views, revealing a stark contrast to the initial impression. The author expresses confusion and bemusement regarding the property's condition and design choices, particularly questioning the real estate agent's decision to include photographs that depict the house in a state of disarray and poor repair. The article proceeds to describe the interior, categorizing some rooms as not "horrible" but noting an excessive amount of decorative items, suggesting a need for decluttering. The author, referencing Marie Kondo, indicates a strong reaction to the sheer volume of 'geegaws' present in every room, implying a cluttered and overwhelming aesthetic. The discussion then moves to the bathrooms, where the design choices are highlighted as particularly unusual and difficult to comprehend. One bathroom is described as having a "mirror ball" aesthetic, which clashes significantly with what appears to be an "abandoned cottage design theme" prevalent elsewhere in the house. Another bathroom features a rattan commode, humorously dubbed the "Rattapper," which the author associates with rustic, "country pooping needs," further emphasizing the incongruity of the design elements. The climax of the article focuses on the kitchen, which is presented as the most perplexing part of the house. Despite containing a stove and a sink, its overall appearance is described as chaotic and inexplicable, filled with an overwhelming number of unidentified objects. The author questions whether the space is truly functional for cooking or merely a bizarre obstacle course. The kitchen's state leads to a rhetorical question about whether it is a room "cursed by an evil witch because it’s on the way to a sleeping princess," underscoring the deep level of confusion and disbelief inspired by its design. The article concludes by inviting readers to offer their interpretations of the peculiar dwelling, reinforcing the overall theme of bemusement and confusion. The house's listing on Realtor.com is provided for readers to view more images and draw their own conclusions. #ChicagoBungalow #RealEstateWTF #UnusualHomeDesign #VillaDistrict #HomeInterior #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #PropertyListing

New Leaf Custom Homes has introduced its latest luxury spec home, a 6,503-square-foot French-style modern masterpiece situated in the sought-after Bluffview neighborhood. The property, listed at $6.899 million, offers a unique combination of high-end design, extensive amenities, and a prime location on over a third of an acre. Rylan Clark, New Leaf’s director of business development, highlights the home's competitive pricing and caliber of features, stating that no other new construction in the area south of Northwest Highway can rival it. The home's design ethos, as articulated by New Leaf designer Samantha Bailey, focuses on creating a luxurious, playful, and sophisticated space with an edgy personality. The exterior reflects an updated château-inspired elevation, and this timeless aesthetic is carried throughout the interior. Upon entry, guests are greeted by an impressive foyer with 20-foot ceilings and abundant natural light streaming through oversized windows. The layout features multiple open and inviting living spaces, including a handsome dining room that seamlessly connects to a chef’s kitchen. This kitchen is equipped with a prep area and a temperature-controlled wine room, catering to both functionality and luxury. Throughout the residence, attention to detail is evident in what Bailey describes as "unexpected design moments." These include custom wood foyer flooring, dramatic double-height wall paneling, textured tiles, distinctive lighting fixtures, and finely crafted trim work such as wood-cased openings and tambour cabinet details. Clark emphasizes the company's ability to strategically allocate design resources to create impactful "wow factors" in their homes. The downstairs primary suite is designed as a spacious retreat, featuring a sitting area with a fireplace, a spa-quality bathroom, and a generous walk-in closet. Adjacent to the primary suite is a versatile flex room that can serve as an office, gym, yoga room, or nursery, adapting to the homeowner's specific needs. Additionally, a guest suite is conveniently located on the first level. Outdoor living is equally well-appointed, with a screened-in living area, a full outdoor kitchen, and a meticulously manicured turf lawn. The property boasts a pristine pool, crafted by New Leaf’s sister company, Pools by Design, complete with a spa and tanning ledge, providing a resort-like experience in the backyard. This comprehensive outdoor setup enhances the home's appeal for relaxation and entertainment. New Leaf Custom Homes has a track record of selling their spec homes rapidly, with previous properties like Forest Lane, Brookview, and Greenbrier being acquired within days of listing. This success is attributed to the company’s seamless and turnkey model, which translates their custom home-building process into their spec projects. Bailey underscores the company's commitment to continuous innovation in design, aiming to surprise and elevate the everyday living experience while meeting the discerning tastes of today's savvy buyers. The home is located at 5751 Glen Falls Lane, and potential buyers are encouraged to tour it promptly due to the high demand for New Leaf's properties. #LuxuryHomes #CustomHomes #Bluffview #FrenchModernDesign #DallasRealEstate #NewLeafCustomHomes #HighEndInteriors #OutdoorLiving #SpecHome

The Rowan is the newest tiny house model introduced by the online marketplace, Tiny House Listings. This 34-foot-long (10-meter) tiny house distinguishes itself with a useful porch area and an expansive interior layout, uniquely arranged on a single floor. While its length is comparable to many North American tiny houses, its increased width of 10 feet (3 meters) — 1.5 feet wider than the standard 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) — contributes significantly to a more spacious and home-like feel inside. However, this extra width necessitates a permit for towing on public roads in the USA, making it less ideal for frequent relocation. The Rowan is constructed on a six-axle trailer, a notable feature that suggests a design choice to distribute weight effectively. The exterior is finished with engineered board and batten wood, complemented by a metal roof, ensuring durability and a contemporary aesthetic. The interior boasts drywall finishes, providing a clean and modern canvas for residents. Access to the home is through a 6-foot (1.8-meter) porch, which leads into the living room via double glass doors. The living area is well-lit with generous glazing and is designed to accommodate a sofa, a TV, and a cabinet, creating a comfortable space for relaxation. Adjacent to the living room is the kitchen, which is equipped with an induction stove and a sink. It offers ample cabinetry and designated space for additional appliances, catering to practical cooking needs. A breakfast bar with seating for two further enhances the kitchen's functionality, serving as a casual dining or workspace. Moving deeper into the tiny house, past the living and kitchen areas, is the bathroom. This facility includes a shower, a sink, a flushing toilet, and some storage, providing essential amenities within a compact footprint. One of the most significant design aspects of the Rowan is its single-floor layout, particularly evident in the bedroom. Unlike many tiny houses that feature loft bedrooms requiring occupants to crawl, the Rowan’s bedroom offers ample headroom, allowing residents to stand and move around comfortably. Located at the opposite end of the house from the entrance, the bedroom is designed to accommodate a queen-sized bed. It also includes a large built-in closet and washer/dryer hookups, maximizing convenience and storage within the limited space. The Rowan is currently available for purchase at US$92,000. This model aligns with Tiny House Listings' recent offerings, which include the larger duplex-style TinyPlex and the more budget-friendly Cortado, showcasing the marketplace's diverse range of tiny home solutions. The Rowan represents a practical yet comfortable option for individuals or couples seeking a tiny house experience with an emphasis on interior spaciousness and a semi-outdoor living component provided by its porch. #TinyHouses #TinyHouseDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #MobileHomes #AffordableHousing #CompactLiving #MinimalistLiving #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

This blog post highlights a newly constructed, multi-million dollar residence located at 1222 Mississauga Road in the affluent Lorne Park neighbourhood of Mississauga. Priced at $6.9 million, this property is designed not merely for living but to offer a comprehensive wellness experience, setting it apart from conventional homes. The article details the property's significant features, emphasizing its integration of luxury amenities with daily living spaces. Upon entering the residence, guests are greeted by a dramatic 23-foot Neolith stone wall, establishing a tone of sophistication. The entrance leads into expansive, open-concept living and dining areas, characterized by abundant natural light, built-in display cabinetry, and integrated ceiling speakers. The main level further includes a thoughtfully designed family room, which features a Regency-style gas fireplace, providing a focal point for gatherings, complemented by extensive custom storage solutions. The kitchen is presented as a culinary haven, equipped with smart and premium appliances from renowned brands such as SubZero for refrigeration and Wolf for its induction cooktop with dual ovens. Additional features include a panelled Miele dishwasher, a built-in coffee machine, a pot-filler faucet, a warming drawer, and dual sinks. The kitchen's aesthetic is enhanced by a modern chandelier and layered under-cabinet and base strip lighting, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The primary suite, located upstairs, boasts 12.6-foot ceilings and cove lighting, contributing to a spacious and tranquil atmosphere. It includes a walk-in closet secured with an electronic lock and a built-in safe. The accompanying ensuite bathroom is a sanctuary for relaxation, offering dual vanities, a deep soaking tub, heated floors, and a steam shower with massaging jets. The upper level also accommodates three additional bedrooms, each featuring its own ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet, with one bedroom providing a private balcony. The lower level of the home is specifically designed as a comprehensive wellness and recreation space. It houses both SaunaCore Infrared and traditional saunas, a steam room equipped with rain and massage showerheads, a dedicated spa vanity, and a changing area. For fitness enthusiasts, there is a mirrored gym with anti-slip floors and a built-in TV mount. This entire basement area benefits from natural light, heated floors, ceiling speakers, and a fireplace, ensuring a warm, inviting, and serene environment, effectively transforming the home into a private wellness retreat. The property, a custom-built residence, is a first-time listing and represents a unique opportunity for elevated living within a desirable community. #LuxuryRealEstate #MississaugaHomes #WellnessRetreat #HomeDesign #SpaAmenities #DavidSmallDesigns #SmartHome #LornePark #CustomBuilt

This article explores a luxurious cabin home situated on the peaceful shores of a natural lake, near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina. Built in 2023, the residence draws inspiration from both luxurious cabin and rustic modern design styles. The owners, who intend to use it as a vacation spot for relaxation and entertaining, enlisted interior designer Brad Ramsey, with whom they had previously collaborated on four other properties. Ramsey's objective was to craft a comfortable yet modern lake house, emphasizing indoor-outdoor living and ample space for family gatherings and entertainment. The design approach centered on incorporating natural materials and textures to complement the surrounding environment, striking a balance between the woods and the lake. The living room, or 'great room,' exemplifies a comfort-filled rustic aesthetic, achieved through intentional color and material choices that harmonize with the outdoors. Notable architectural features include large steel-framed windows, exposed rafter beams, and a fireplace constructed from Lake James North Carolina stone veneer with limestone accents. This open-plan space is designed for both entertaining and relaxation. The designer strategically placed a custom-made chaise in front of the window, offering prime lake views and serving as a comfortable spot for naps. A significant design element is the massive covered upper porch, equipped with powered screens, which allows the dining room's fold-away doors to open completely, effectively doubling the living and entertaining area. Addressing initial concerns about the volume of the space within the home's relatively small footprint, Ramsey opted to shiplap the ceiling and surrounding walls of the kitchen's highest portion. This design choice introduced warmth and prevented the area from feeling like a large, sterile white void. The kitchen features rift-cut white oak cabinets from Grabill Custom Cabinets, Cambria Inverness Frost Matte countertops, and a KitchenAid range and hood, combining style, practicality, and comfort. The dining area includes a large handmade table from ClubCu, surrounded by slipcovered chairs that comfortably seat ten. A Vines chandelier from Sonneman adds an organic, nature-inspired touch, balancing the linear elements of the space. Each bedroom in the cabin is an ensuite. The powder room, designed for guests, features Arte's Hover wallpaper with flying cranes, providing a whimsical yet harmonious nod to the lake's wildlife. Custom-made Grabill vanities with leather drawer pulls and an Arteriors mirror complete the space. The second story is dedicated to the owners' three daughters, each having a private ensuite and a shared sitting area. While maintaining the neutral and textural palette of the house, these rooms incorporate soft peach, pink, and blue tones to reflect individual personalities. The primary bedroom serves as a sanctuary, blending modern design elements like a paneled bed wall with soft, welcoming textiles and furnishings. Artwork from Elysian Tree Study Photography integrates the interior with the stunning lake views. The main bathroom features a floating oak vanity and a strategically placed bathtub in a niche, offering sunset views of the lake. Both the upper and lower levels of the home are equipped with distinct porches, each serving different functions. The upper porch, adjacent to the main living area, includes a fireplace and grilling zone. The lower porch, located near the pool and dock, features a bar, a large shaded seating area, and a custom swing. This thoughtful division of outdoor spaces ensures maximum enjoyment of the natural surroundings for various activities. The project successfully blends luxury and comfort with the rustic charm of a lakeside cabin, prioritizing seamless indoor-outdoor living. #LakesideCabin #LuxuryHome #InteriorDesign #RusticModern #IndoorOutdoorLiving #BradRamseyInteriors #HomeTour #SouthCarolina #NaturalMaterials #OpenPlanLiving

Interior designer Janie Molster was tasked with transforming an outdated 1950s cottage in a leafy Richmond neighborhood into a fully functional family retreat for her clients, Ammar and Sara Sarraf, two full-time doctors with three young children. The Sarrafs, who are dedicated to their careers and their growing family, desired a home that would serve as a true sanctuary, allowing them to spread out and feel transported, reflecting their love for travel. The renovation involved expanding the home significantly, nearly doubling its square footage, and completely redesigning it "down to the studs." This included creating a more spacious kitchen and dining room, as well as larger living areas and bedrooms. Molster focused on enhancing natural light throughout the home, replacing an eight-foot ceiling at the front door with a two-story entryway and incorporating a fourteen-foot cathedral ceiling in the new dining room. A wall of windows in the breakfast area now offers views of the backyard. The design details within each room were carefully chosen to reflect the family's passion for global exploration. The decor incorporates a blend of international imports, such as Italian Savonarola dining chairs and multiple Moroccan rugs, alongside American-made pieces, including ombré curtains by Kevin O’Brien Studio and a Hubbardton Forge chandelier, and artworks by Southern artists. The dining room, conceived by Molster as a "destination restaurant," features Benjamin Moore's Ciao Bella on the walls and Pink Beach on the trim, art by Sabine Maes, Nuevo chairs, a Century Furniture table, Michael Clément curtain fabric, an Orion curtain rod, a Dira chandelier, and Julie Silvers totems, alongside the client's sideboard. The sitting room, designed as a retreat for the parents, is painted in Benjamin Moore's Spellbound and includes fretwork by Ornamental Plaster Works, a Verellen chair, a Weiman sofa, an antique Flemish tapestry, a Currey & Company lamp, and artwork by Bud Lane and Anne Darby Parker. In the entryway, a steel-and-glass door by Wellborn + Wright maximizes light, while Elitis fabric curtains on ONA rods provide privacy. The space is illuminated by a John Richard chandelier, with walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Silver Satin. Antique pieces from Janie Molster Designs, including a wall mirror, settee, Oushak rug, coatrack, and Spanish coffer, complement the area. The kitchen features vintage Gaetano Sciolari chandeliers to add visual interest against the white cabinetry, painted in Benjamin Moore's Cloud Cover, with an Adex USA backsplash, custom chairs and hardware, Bluebird Cabinetry, and a Lacanche range. The family room is adorned with an extra-fluffy, custom Moroccan rug treated with Fiber-Seal to protect against spills, an important consideration for a busy family. The son's room encourages dreams of travel with a blown-up world map wallpaper from Murals Your Way on the angled ceiling above his bed, complementing walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Seapearl. The en suite bathroom is painted in Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee, with Rohl showerhead and faucets, a custom vanity, Elon and Appomattox Tile Art flooring, Pepe & Carols hardware, Hudson Valley Lighting sconces, and a Carver's Guild mirror. The parents' room features luxurious curtains in ombré Kevin O’Brien Studio fabric, walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Adagio, a Fortuny pendant, Cowtan & Tout wallpaper, a Bungalow 5 desk, a Modern History bed and bedding, and a Rosecore rug. The daughter’s room is designed to be timeless, avoiding transient baby motifs, with walls in Benjamin Moore's Glacier White, a Currey & Company pendant, Trend and Victoria Hagan curtains, Jane Churchill wallpaper, and a Moroccan rug. The breakfast room, painted in Benjamin Moore's Cloud Cover, includes a Hubbardton Forge light, an antique suzani tablecloth, and antique Savonarola chairs, completing a home that caters to the family's dynamic lifestyle and their love for travel, providing a sense of escape within their everyday lives. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #RichmondVirginia #TravelInspiredDecor #JanieMolster #LuxuryInteriors #ColorPalette #CustomFurniture

This blog post, part of "The Home Page" series, delves into various aspects of architecture, home design, and local events, beginning with a personal account of a visit to Chicago. The author describes the architectural style of Chicago Bungalows, specifically highlighting a recently purchased home by her son and daughter-in-law in the Montclare neighborhood. These bungalows, built between 1910 and 1930, are noted for their brick construction and prevalence, with over 80,000 such homes forming "bungalow belts" across the city. The narrative touches upon the affordability of these homes relative to Santa Barbara standards, emphasizing the satisfaction derived from the new homeowners' happiness. Further into the Chicago visit, the author recounts a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio in Oak Park. This historical site served as the residence where Wright and his wife raised their six children and where Wright commenced his architectural career, earning him recognition as a leading American architect. The tour was guided by a docent named Amelia, whose historical insights enriched the experience. The author particularly enjoyed envisioning the daily life of the Wright family and the evolution of Wright's professional practice within that space. Specific architectural details are highlighted, such as the lighting in the octagonal library where Wright met clients, and the thoughtful placement and design of the windows, which included both decorative elements and functional features like a deeply recessed window in the children's playroom designed to create a window seat and maximize natural light. Shifting focus from Chicago, the article transitions to an upcoming local event: the Ojai Holiday Home Tour and Marketplace. This event, scheduled for the weekend of November 16 and 17, is presented as an opportunity for readers to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. The tour will feature four distinct homes in the Ojai Valley, ranging from a collector’s cottage to an expansive orchard estate. A complimentary shuttle service will be provided to facilitate transportation between the featured homes. Concurrently, Libbey Park will host a holiday marketplace, complete with Santa Claus appearances and musical entertainment. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Ojai Music Festival, with tickets priced at $45. The article concludes with a general wish for readers to find joy in their day, positioning the Ojai event as a potential source of such joy. #ChicagoBungalows #FrankLloydWright #ArchitecturalTour #OjaiHolidayHomeTour #RealEstate #HomeDesign #Travel #Fundraiser

This article showcases a curated selection of homes featured in a regional tour of homes, spanning from Pawleys Island, South Carolina, to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. Each home highlights distinct design philosophies, personal touches, and the collaboration between homeowners and design professionals to create unique living spaces. The tour emphasizes how these residences reflect the owners' personalities, travel experiences, and specific functional needs, while also showcasing contemporary design trends and regional architectural styles. The first featured home belongs to Steve and Lisa Campbell in The Dunes Club, a Mediterranean-style residence inspired by their travels to Italy, particularly Tuscany. The Campbells' design choices prioritize warm, welcoming colors for walls and ceilings. Each bedroom in their home is themed around specific Italian travel memories, such as the Positano Room, which features art, furniture, and colors reminiscent of the region. The couple also incorporated vibrant and colorful artwork, requiring ample wall space and built-in cubbies for displaying glass collections from their global travels. An open floor plan in the main living area, kitchen, and outdoor pool/deck is a key feature, designed for entertaining. Next, Ricky and Malia Segal's custom-built Pawleys Island home, a collaboration with Susan White at Classic Homes, presents a classic French Acadian-inspired ivory exterior that contrasts with bold interior colors and statement wallpapers. Malia Segal describes her style as transitional, blending contemporary art with traditional furniture elements and distinctive wall coverings. The home features a high vaulted ceiling in the great room with thick architectural beams and a gourmet kitchen with light gray, baby blue, and brass accents. A deep teal dining room with a butler's pantry is also highlighted. The design prioritizes open spaces for entertaining, accommodating family gatherings, and providing a large backyard for their dogs. Sam and Lisa Kinon's new-build home in Myrtle Beach, designed by Jill Heaton of Jill Heaton Interiors, adopts a blue-and-white chinoiserie palette, creating an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. The home is described as light, airy, and uplifting. Heaton guided the Kinons through selections including furnishings, accessories, architectural plans, room layouts, window placements, paint colors, wallpaper, lighting, and cabinet hardware. The aesthetic incorporates subdued blues in upholstery, window treatments, floral wallpaper, throw pillows, and rugs, with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, including a pool and jacuzzi. Billy and Elly Brundage's "forever home" in Ocean Ridge Plantation, Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, is characterized as light, open, airy, and coastal. Elly's vision for her home, realized with the design team of Geralyn Li Vecchi Marshburn and Catherine “Kitty” Bliss, aimed for a welcoming, spa-like beach atmosphere. The living space features blues, creams, and coastal grays, complemented by a beach glass wall shade. The kitchen, central to Elly's daily cooking and entertaining, is open to seating areas. The home was showcased in the 2024 Brunswick County Parade of Homes. Phil and Elaine Saccente's Mediterranean-style home in the Members Club section of Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, built by Nations Homes, features a modern and relaxed interior. Walls are painted in shades of gray, and the grand living room has a coffered ceiling in white and slate. The kitchen includes a sleek waterfall island, a metal range hood, and charcoal tile. The primary bath is notable for its gold-plated soaking tub, modern gold finishes, and ethereal lighting. The outdoor area, with a pool and patio, serves as a retreat for entertaining and relaxation. Joe and Kelly Victoria's custom modern farmhouse in Myrtle Beach, developed in partnership with Heritage Construction, balances traditional farmhouse aesthetics with contemporary elements. Kelly desired natural, light, and welcoming colors with pops of accent colors, and incorporated crown molding. The four-bedroom home on three acres was designed for their family of six, featuring both gold and black finishes and a large custom pantry with plywood shelving, butcher block countertops, a prep sink, and printed tile. Finally, Mary Beth and Emory Thompson's extensively remodeled oceanfront home on North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, originally purchased by Emory's parents in 1999, underwent a significant transformation. Working with Debi Pinelli and Coastal Luxe, a bedroom was converted into a dining room, and a sauna/jacuzzi area became a 1,000-square-foot kitchen and pantry. The indoor pool area and a two-story deck addition with a spiral staircase are highlights. The remodel aimed to modernize the 1940s-era home while honoring its history and Emory's parents. The article also briefly mentions Andrew Entwistle's three-story oceanfront home, "Surfside Beach Wander," in Surfside Beach, North Carolina. This custom-designed home features eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, six workstations, a private heated pool, hot tub, and elevator. Its design includes coffered ceilings, shiplap and slat wood accent walls, marble accents, and high-end finishes, offering panoramic ocean views and private balconies for most bedrooms. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalStyles #CoastalLiving #LuxuryHomes #CustomBuilds #HomeTour #MyrtleBeach #PawleysIsland

Lauren Piscione, an interior designer, embraces a 'wabi-sabi' design philosophy, prioritizing unique, imperfect, and meaningful objects in her home and for clients. Her aesthetic focuses on organic materials, visible wear and tear, and a layered, dimensional feel that avoids being overly matched. Piscione's journey into interior design began after a stint in fashion PR and event design, where she realized her passion for creating living spaces. She founded LP Creative in 2019, emphasizing designs that allow clients to evolve their style over time without feeling constrained by a rigid aesthetic. Piscione's Los Angeles home, located among a canopy of trees, reflects her design principles. She specifically sought a residence with abundant natural light and surrounding greenery, describing the challenging climb to her apartment as worthwhile due to its tree-top elevation. Upon discovering the rental, she was drawn to its inherent character, including a purple exterior, vaulted ceilings, a sunken tub/shower combination, and a riverstone fireplace. While limited by rental constraints, Piscione personalized the space by updating cabinetry in the kitchen and bathroom and applying specialty paint finishes to create a faux Venetian plaster effect, achieving her desired wabi-sabi look with readily available materials like Lowe's faux cement finish. Her home showcases a collection of art and objects from artists and makers she has encountered throughout her career, such as Taylor Kibby, Otherside Objects, and Minjae Kim. These pieces are not merely decorative but hold personal significance, symbolizing her professional growth and relationships. She values items that patina over time, like antique Japanese Boro textiles, which display visible history and imperfections. Plants are also integral to her design, treated as sculptural art, with a preference for dynamic, 'suessical' floral arrangements from florists like Isa Isa Floral. Piscione encourages an investigative approach to design, seeking out pieces with unique geometries and shapes that spark conversation, such as a ceramic stool by Eny Lee Parker or a chair from Otherside Objects. She actively engages with emerging artists in the Los Angeles community and frequently connects with makers directly through platforms like Instagram to commission custom pieces. She also highlights Etsy as a valuable resource for unique finds, including Moroccan mats and Japanese textiles, often securing favorable deals by building personal relationships with sellers. During the pandemic, Piscione adapted her home to accommodate her growing business. She repurposed a kitchen nook into a functional workspace by enlisting a carpenter to create a custom cubby system for her fabric, wood, and stone samples, addressing the need for organized storage in a lived-in environment. She maintains a tangible reference library of design magazines like *Architectural Digest* and *Elle Decor*, viewing them as an offline version of Pinterest for inspiration on new projects. Her home also features inviting outdoor spaces, including a back patio with seating and planters, and a front patio transformed into an outdoor dining area with found chairs and a Heather Taylor Home tablecloth, fostering a lifestyle integrated with nature. #InteriorDesign #WabiSabi #HomeTour #LosAngelesInteriors #LaurenPiscione #LPCreative #ArtisticDecor #SustainableDesign #RentalDecor