Full of handmade quilts and vintage finds, this home offers the warmest welcome

This article highlights the design philosophy and personal home of Katie Kath, an interior designer and partner at Jkath Design Build + Reinvent. Kath embarked on building her dream home with her husband, Jesse, on a double-wide lot along Minnehaha Creek, aiming to create a space that prioritizes timeless interiors, exceptional quality, and impeccable craftsmanship, moving away from a standard builder-grade aesthetic. The vision for their 4,000-square-foot home was to incorporate customized features tailored to their family of five, ensuring every detail was intentional and thoughtfully chosen. The construction of the home, which commenced during the pandemic, was completed in a swift eight months. Despite the rapid timeline, design decisions were meticulously made, with Katie acting as both the manager and client. This dual role necessitated careful attention to both major and minor details to ensure the home's enduring appeal. Key design elements on the main floor include reclaimed wood beams from Manomin Resawn Timbers and alder accents in the cabinetry, island, and built-in banquette, which together create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cast stone fireplace surround, matching the kitchen cabinetry, serves as a contemporary focal point in the living room, with white oak flooring extending up to its base for a seamless look. The home's modern design is enhanced by black-frame windows, which are balanced with gold tones to maintain a comfortable and clean feel. The baseboards and millwork are intentionally taller than standard, adding a traditional touch. Unlacquered brass cabinet hardware from Armac Martin in London provides a desired contrast in the kitchen. Beyond the physical design, the article emphasizes that the true essence of Kath's home lies in the traditions she shares with her family, especially during the holiday season. These traditions transform the house into a cozy, safe, warm, and inviting home, fulfilling her original vision of a timeless, traditional abode with festive flair. Kath also shares practical tips for incorporating seasonal spirit into home decor without overwhelming the space or compromising on timelessness. She advises decorating for the season rather than specific holidays to allow decor to remain relevant for longer periods. Sticking to neutral earth tones for the main color scheme, with bright accents, is another recommendation. Kath suggests focusing decorating efforts on main entertaining areas, like the ground floor, and involving family in the decorating process to make it an enjoyable event. Finally, she advocates for investing in high-quality, reusable decor pieces, such as garland, and taking advantage of end-of-season sales to build a collection of timeless decorations that can be cherished year after year. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #TimelessInteriors #HolidayDecor #CustomHome #JkathDesignBuild #Renovation #FamilyHome #SeasonalDecor

Vintage quilts serve as tangible connections to the past, embodying a rich history through their diverse patterns and the human touch involved in their creation. In an era of rapid-fire decor trends, quilts stand out as products of meticulous handcraftsmanship, often born from necessity and a vivid imagination, designed to provide both warmth and aesthetic appeal to a living space. The history of quilting in America is deeply intertwined with social narratives, emerging as a democratic art form brought from England. Largely practiced by women, quilting transformed leftover fabrics from clothing and household items into functional and expressive pieces. Kate Owen, a textile artist from Colorado, notes that quilting has long been a medium for art, self-expression, and enterprise, often documenting a family's history through fabric scraps used for warmth or as gifts. The American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) highlights the ancient origins of quilting, dating back thousands of years. Early American quilts, known as “wholecloth” pieces, were considered luxury items in the 18th century when textiles were scarce. With increased fabric availability in the 19th century, pieced quilts became common, featuring classic designs like Flying Geese and Lemoyne Star, which are preserved in the museum's collection. Experts like Christopher Wilson-Tate, an antique quilt dealer, emphasize that older quilts tell stories of migration, community bonds, and resourcefulness, with every stitch conveying intention and forming a visual diary. American quilters adapted regional patterns using available materials, resulting in textiles that reflect local styles and domestic life. AFAM’s exhibition, ‘The Ecology of Quilts,’ positions quilts as more than decorative objects, describing them as “amazing storytellers and amazing survivors” whose histories are shaped by evolving materials, global textile trade, and numerous makers. Understanding these material histories reveals the deeper contexts behind design elements, such as botanical motifs rooted in quilters' interactions with local flora. Vintage quilts possess unique qualities that only time and use can impart, distinguishing them from contemporary creations. Christopher Wilson-Tate points to the “alchemy that happens only with time,” where colors mellow, cottons soften, and seams develop a subtle texture that new fabrics cannot replicate. These changes are not imperfections but rather integral to a quilt’s character and desirability. Ali Mahon, a designer and antique dealer, notes that 19th-century quilts, made from natural, homespun cottons, wools, and feed sacks, exhibit a “perfectly imperfect” quality. Their durability stems from natural fibers and handwork, allowing them to age gracefully and develop a rich patina. AFAM curators add that vintage quilts also hold ecological histories, offering insights into labor-intensive processes of fiber cultivation and dyeing before modern synthetic materials. For many designers, vintage quilts align with a renewed appreciation for heirlooms and handmade items. Laura Evans and Karie Reinertson of Mother Studio source vintage quilts and commission new ones with the intent that they, too, will become cherished vintage pieces, each tear or stain marking a family’s history. Hospitality brands, like Ash Hotels, also embrace vintage quilt aesthetics, with creative director Xavier Donnelly commissioning custom quilts inspired by historical designs, noting that antique patchwork adds texture, color, and a joyful, unstuffy feel to a room. The practice of repairing antique quilts, as done by Kate Owen, further reveals their evolving nature, sometimes uncovering older quilts used as batting within newer ones, illustrating their continuous life across generations. Vintage quilts are intended for practical use and are an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate vintage decor without worrying about fragility. Kate Owen advises homeowners to display quilts draped over furniture, spread across beds, or hung as wall art to honor the makers' hard work. Styling can range from subtle to expressive; Mother Studio uses quilts seasonally to add depth and softness. For smaller quilts, they suggest adding a sleeve and hanging them on walls, a method also favored by Ali Mahon who recommends mounting them on stretcher bars for gallery-style groupings. Christopher Wilson-Tate views quilts as combining “texture and narrative,” making them suitable for open shelving or as a focal point above a bed. Tori Jones Studio provides further inspiration for displaying quilts in lived-in spaces. The article concludes that vintage quilts impart a profound sense of depth to interiors, grounding a room with authentic material history and reminding us that the most engaging homes are built through layers of objects that have experienced lives before becoming part of our own. When sourcing a vintage quilt, the focus should be on character rather than flawlessness. Christopher Wilson-Tate suggests looking for minor fading, softening, and small repairs, as these details contribute to a quilt's narrative, while avoiding extensive damage. Natural fibers like cotton and linen tend to age best, and hand-quilted pieces are identifiable by the way their stitching interacts with light. Pattern preferences vary among collectors; Ali Mahon favors jewel tones, Double Wedding Ring, and Crazy Quilt designs, while Christopher Wilson-Tate observes renewed interest in chintz medallions, Amish geometrics, log cabins, and star motifs, all of which complement contemporary interiors. AFAM encourages buyers to consider the material provenance beyond just the pattern, asking about the origin of the fabric to deepen the quilt’s story. Vintage quilts can be found on online platforms such as eBay, Etsy, Chairish, and 1stDibs, with reputable textile dealers ensuring accurate information on fiber content, age, and condition. Additionally, estate sales, antique fairs like Brimfield or Round Top, and second-hand shops are excellent sources for unique pieces and even entire collections. #VintageQuilts #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TextileArt #QuiltingHistory #HeirloomDecor #SustainableDesign #CollectingAntiques #AmericanFolkArt

Molly Mahon, a pattern designer, has transformed her English country cottage into a vibrant and highly personalized home, showcasing her unique block-printed designs throughout. The cottage, which dates back to the 1600s in its oldest parts, underwent significant renovations a decade ago, including moving the staircase to improve flow and lowering ceilings to accommodate her tall husband. During this period, Mahon and her family lived in tents in the garden for eight months, an experience she now humorously reflects on as a time of simplified living. Mahon's design philosophy centers on layering her own colorful fabrics and wall coverings, which she block-prints herself. She aimed to use her own creations, making the decorating process feel more intuitive. A prominent feature of her home's aesthetic is the extensive use of pink, specifically Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground paint. Despite the cottage's forest location, which could make it feel dark, Mahon strategically applied pink in multiple rooms, noting its warm and comforting glow. She even admits that if she had her way, the entire house would be pink. Her home is filled with accumulated furniture and objects from previous residences. Mahon actively engages in DIY projects, such as creating needlework cushions backed with fabrics from her studio. The fireplace mantel is adorned with paintwork inspired by the nearby Charleston estate, a historical gathering place for the Bloomsbury Group. In the kitchen, plain shelves are given an inexpensive yet distinctive touch with block-printed paper edges cut into scallops, demonstrating her resourcefulness with scrap materials. The unstructured "skirt" lampshades found throughout the house are another example of her DIY approach, a design she loved so much that she began selling them. Mahon challenges the notion of craft being "granny-ish," emphasizing its transformative impact on her life. She also advocates for the use of bold patterns in tight spaces, such as hallways or staircases, to create a sense of depth and openness. Her own "ridiculously narrow" landing features oak leaf wallpaper, block-printed by her on-site, which effectively expands the visual space. The primary bedroom embodies a maximalist approach with clashing prints. Mahon, disliking white rooms, used a large swath of fabric behind the headboard as an alternative to a four-poster bed or framed artwork, providing a safe and stylish solution. Simple slatted-wood bedside tables with glass tops are strategically placed to incorporate more soft furnishings. The children's bedrooms, designed with her own upholstered fabrics, are intended to be timeless, accommodating their growth through teenage years. Guest accommodations are flexible, with Lani's room, for instance, featuring two movable single beds to facilitate sleepovers. Each room is designed to have its own character while remaining comfortable for anyone, aligning with Mahon's overarching aim of creating an inviting and personal living space. #HomeTour #TextileDesign #BlockPrinting #EnglishCottage #DIYHomeDecor #MaximalistDecor #PinkInteriors #PatternDesign

The quilter’s cottage in The 1820s Landscape at Beamish Museum showcases one of the many cottage industries prevalent in the 1800s, specifically quilting. This exhibit highlights the remarkable story of Joseph Hedley, a quilter whose distinctive work, featuring a border pattern known as “Old Joe’s Chain,” gained international recognition, with pieces reportedly sent as far as America. Hedley’s life, particularly the tragic circumstances of his murder in 1826, which became a nationally shocking event, is unusually well-documented for an ‘ordinary’ person from the Georgian era, providing a rich source of historical information. The museum's exhibit allows visitors to delve into the history of cottage industries, learn about the craft of quilting, and explore aspects of 19th-century crime and punishment. Additionally, the cottage features a period-appropriate garden with vegetables and a chicken coop, offering a glimpse into daily life. Joseph Hedley was born in 1750 and was believed to have been married to a woman 25 years his senior. He initially trained as a tailor before dedicating himself to quilting. Despite his considerable skill and widespread popularity as a quilt maker, he was considered to be a man of modest means. The Beamish Museum is fortunate to possess one of only three known surviving quilts attributed to Hedley, making it a significant part of their collection. Beamish Museum undertook the ambitious project of recreating Joe Hedley’s cottage, as the original structure was demolished in 1872. The reconstruction process was aided significantly by a drawing on a postcard produced after Hedley’s murder, which offered crucial details about the original home's appearance. Even a distinctive crack in the front wall, clearly visible in the 1820s drawing, was meticulously reproduced in the replica. An archaeological excavation conducted by Beamish staff and community volunteers in September 2015 at the original cottage site in Warden, near Hexham, yielded substantial findings. Within three days, the team uncovered the first stone blocks. The dig revealed extensive remains of the building, including the lowest courses of three of the four walls, a fireplace, an internal partition wall, and a section of the flagstone floor. Artifacts such as animal bone buttons, a horseshoe, and numerous iron nails were also discovered, providing further insights into Hedley's life and the cottage's construction. The recreation of the cottage at Beamish employed traditional techniques and skills, utilizing locally sourced materials. Approximately 1,400 bales of sustainably harvested heather from near Rothbury, Northumberland, were used for the thatched roof. A master thacher provided training to museum staff and volunteers, ensuring authenticity. Stone dating back over 200 years and 23 tonnes of oak for the roof frame were also sourced from Northumberland, close to the original cottage's location. The project involved active participation from local community members, including Richard Young, who lives near the original site. He contributed to various stages, from the archaeological dig and heather gathering to the stone laying ceremony, timber splitting, and preparing historical objects for display. The quilter’s cottage was the inaugural exhibit completed in July 2018 as part of the significant £20 million Remaking Beamish project. #QuiltersCottage #BeamishMuseum #JosephHedley #CottageIndustries #HistoricalReconstruction #GeorgianEra #ArchaeologicalDiscovery #TraditionalCraftsmanship

The article explores the resurgence of quilts in contemporary home decor, moving beyond their traditional use as bed coverlets. Once considered a humble, grandmother-approved item, quilts, with their varied pieced and patchwork motifs, are now influencing fashion runways, appearing in boutiques, and inspiring modern country homes on social media platforms. Designers are actively repurposing these heirloom textiles into diverse decorative and functional pieces, transforming spaces with a homespun aesthetic. One significant application discussed is reupholstering furniture. While older quilts may not withstand heavy use as well as modern fabrics, they are suitable for accent pieces like window benches. Designer Erick Espinoza suggests using quilt tops, which are more economical and upholstery-friendly. Another prominent use is as wall art, where large quilts can be hung like tapestries to create a high-impact graphic statement, with specialized products available to facilitate hanging. For those with more tattered quilts, stitching pillows offers an easy repurposing solution. The article provides a step-by-step guide for creating a quilted bolster pillow, detailing measurements and assembly instructions. An innovative idea for small spaces is crafting a room divider from quilts. This DIY project involves attaching quilted panels to plywood screens with hinges, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical division of areas. For seasonal decor, quilts can be fashioned into autumnal pumpkins by wrapping batting in circular quilt pieces and adding a real pumpkin stem. Quilts are also being used to create custom cushions for seating, as demonstrated by designer Emily Henderson who incorporated them into stool seating and a built-in banquette in an art barn. Covering lampshades with salvaged quilt sections provides a custom touch to lighting fixtures, with instructions provided for measuring, cutting, and adhering the fabric to a drum shade. For a more dramatic effect, quilts can serve as wallcovering, mimicking the patterned appearance of wallpaper and adding unique texture to a room. Sections of heavily worn quilts can be salvaged and mounted on canvases to create graphic wall art. Alternatively, smaller sections can be framed to form a gallery wall, offering a country-chic display. The article details how to remove glass from a picture frame to use as a template for cutting quilt blocks, ensuring a clean presentation. Finally, quilts can be utilized as table skirts, adding a graphic element to console tables, with a DIY method involving cutting the quilt in half, stapling it to the tabletop, and covering the staples with a stained wood piece. Another creative use is hanging a quilt as a headboard, by draping it over a drapery rod and securing it to create a pocket, offering an alternative to traditional wooden headboards. These diverse applications highlight the versatility of vintage quilts, transforming them from simple bedding into multifaceted elements of home design, adding character, texture, and a sense of history to various living spaces. The emphasis is on utilizing both well-preserved and “cutter” quilts, ensuring that these cherished textiles find new life in modern interiors. #VintageQuilts #HomeDecor #DIYProjects #InteriorDesign #TextileRepurposing #CountryLiving #DecoratingIdeas #HeirloomTextiles #CreativeReuse

This article details the transformation of a newly built holiday home on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, designed to offer a tranquil escape for a busy family. The property, acquired during the Covid period, replaced an old fibro shack with a modern structure by InForm and Pleysier Perkins, featuring interiors curated by Bree Banfield. While the exterior of the house incorporates Japanese design influences with moody, geometric black charred screens, the interior design prioritizes a lighthearted, low-key, and family-friendly atmosphere, emphasizing comfort and serenity. The homeowner was actively involved in the design process, providing a detailed vision, which was then refined and elevated by interior designer Bree Banfield. Banfield praised the client's thoroughness, using the moodboards as a foundation for sourcing artwork and soft furnishings, in addition to advising on finishes. A core element of the interior scheme was the color palette, which began with Dulux Earth Warming on the pantry joinery. This established a foundation of warm, clay-based tones with peach hues, deliberately avoiding a purely Scandinavian aesthetic. Soft oranges and tints of green were layered throughout to enhance a summery feel and contribute to the overall earthy ambience. Upon entering through a Zen courtyard, visitors are greeted by a double-height, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area. This expansive space is made cozy in cooler months by a fireplace. Located behind the living room is the children's wing, which includes a secondary living room, the main bathroom, and three bedrooms, one of which has an ensuite. The design team focused on creating a comfortable and durable environment, selecting high-quality, hard-wearing pieces, including solid timber furniture, to withstand the rigors of family life without appearing overly precious or pristine. Imperfections are embraced through textured materials and the deliberate avoidance of stark white surfaces. An L-shaped outdoor area complements the home’s interior, featuring an entertaining deck that connects to a dedicated health studio. This studio is equipped with an infrared sauna, an ice bath, and a Pilates reformer bed, catering to the family’s commitment to health and wellness. The initial plan for a single-level home was revised due to the irregular plot shape, leading to the addition of an upper floor. This second level houses the main suite, a cinema room, and a parents' retreat, offering private spaces within the larger home. The owner highlights that despite the house's size, careful design has created cozy and inviting spaces, fostering a sense of being on holiday and promoting a slower pace of life, leading them to consider making it their permanent residence. Banfield's primary challenge was to soften the modern architectural lines, which she achieved through strategic material choices. She introduced textural elements like a Tigmi rug to contrast with the existing terrazzo and used sconces, shapely lamps, and a custom crochet pendant by Hamimi to add warmth and character, moving beyond standard ceiling lights. Pattern was integrated through an armchair in the lounge and khaki-print wallpaper in a guest room, while textile artworks by various artists further enrich the walls. The overall design successfully fosters a calming environment that encourages relaxation and quality family time, fulfilling the owners’ desire for a peaceful retreat away from city life. #HolidayHomeDesign #ZenInspiredInteriors #MorningtonPeninsula #WabiSabiStyle #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #FamilyFriendlyHome #ArchitecturalDesign #OutdoorLiving

The Gee’s Bend textile artists, including Loretta Pettway, Delia Bennett, Annie E. Pettway, Magdalene Wilson, and Mary Lee Bendolph, have inspired a new furniture collection. Their renowned kaleidoscopic quilt patterns are being translated into a vibrant home furnishing line by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Cloth & Company, a Chicago-based firm. This collaboration marks a fresh approach to bringing the celebrated artwork of these Alabama artists into people’s homes, following various other reproductions like puzzles, notecards, and scarves. The Gee’s Bend quilts gained international recognition through an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in 2002. The current furniture collection is a direct outgrowth of the "Souls Grown Deep: Artists of the African American South" exhibition, which was hosted by the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 2019. Christine Kostyrka, the director of retail at the Philadelphia museum, was deeply inspired by the quilts during this exhibition and recognized their potential for furniture reproductions. Kostyrka initiated the collaboration by contacting Meganne Wecker, founder of Cloth & Company. Wecker embraced the concept, leading to engagement with the artists and their estates. The project also involved Dilys Blum, senior curator of costume and textiles at the museum, to ensure the quilters' narratives and the integrity of their handiwork were respected and accurately represented. The goal was to tell the quilters' stories and honor their traditional craft through this new medium. The collection comprises sixteen upholstered furniture and décor items, such as chairs, headboards, pillows, and ottomans. Each piece is adorned with reproductions of five specific quilts from the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s permanent collection. The nature of the quilt patterns lends itself particularly well to furniture upholstery, with the reproductions meticulously capturing the visual texture, including wrinkles and patinas, that characterize the original hand-stitched works. This attention to detail makes the furniture appear as if it is upholstered with the actual quilts. These exclusive pieces are retailed solely through the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s retail store. The store provides comprehensive biographies of the featured artists and historical context for each quilt design, enriching the consumer's understanding and appreciation of the art. Each furniture item is made to order by Cloth & Company in Chicago and typically delivered within three weeks of purchase. A significant aspect of this initiative is that every sale generates royalties for the artists, providing a direct benefit to the Gee's Bend community and acknowledging their invaluable artistic contributions. This collaboration not only celebrates the work of these talented women but also offers a unique way for individuals to incorporate these iconic designs and their rich cultural legacy into their living spaces. #GeeBendQuilts #FurnitureCollection #TextileArt #HomeDecor #PhiladelphiaMuseumOfArt #ClothAndCompany #AfricanAmericanArt #CulturalHeritage #HandcraftedDesign

This article explores a curated selection of 24 products designed to help individuals embrace the Cottagecore aesthetic in their home interiors. The Cottagecore style emphasizes a romanticized interpretation of rural life, often incorporating natural elements, vintage-inspired designs, and a sense of coziness and tranquility. The featured items range from bedding and decorative accents to functional kitchenware and craft supplies, all aligning with the core principles of Cottagecore design. The article begins with a botanical-themed duvet and sham set made of 100% breathable cotton, ideal for creating a fresh and natural bedroom ambiance. Craft enthusiasts can find inspiration in a comprehensive wax seal stamp kit and a full-blown calligraphy set, enabling the creation of handwritten letters and personalized touches reminiscent of a bygone era. For dining and entertaining, exquisite floral scalloped crystal teaspoons add a whimsical touch to tea sessions, enhancing the overall charming atmosphere. Decorative elements are plentiful, including a pack of colorful dried flowers for various crafting projects and a macramé hanging shelf, offering an elegant solution for displaying plants and curios without the need for heavy furniture. To infuse walls with natural beauty, a collection of 100 postcards from the New York Botanical Garden archives features rare portraits of exotic flora, providing a unique option for wall decor. Handmade items such as a clay wall hanging, adorned with botanical details and muted tones, are presented to bring positive vibes into living spaces. For lighting, a realistic 3D printed moon lamp offers adjustable colors and wireless functionality, creating a celestial glow. An antique-inspired mirror, lightweight and easy to install, merges Victorian elegance with shabby chic charm. The article also suggests a country life-themed toile peel-and-stick wallpaper, a versatile option for decorating walls or even furniture. To introduce a playful dance of light, a crystal suncatcher generates psychedelic rainbows across rooms. An artificial ivy garland provides an effortless way to transform white walls into a lush, foliage-filled backdrop, adding a touch of nature indoors. Kitchen essentials are represented by a hammered-copper pan set, suitable for various culinary creations, marrying functionality with rustic appeal. Art pieces like a forest-themed collage, crafted from real foliage, and a galvanized-metal pitcher for floral arrangements or artificial wildflowers contribute to the natural aesthetic. Smaller, impactful details include a floral light switch plate, handmade with resin, dried flowers, and gold leaf, and a cute plant mister that serves both practical and decorative purposes. To introduce a touch of classical elegance, a Diana The Huntress bust can act as a sophisticated art piece. Functional yet stylish, a trio of bulb vases is perfect for plant propagation or as decorative accents. A moon phase garland with hammered gold elements offers celestial charm, while a loopy gold vanity provides a glamorous space for personal care items. Finally, a 15-piece rose and gold tea set, complete with a gold holder, encourages hosting elegant tea parties, completing the idyllic Cottagecore experience. Each product is presented with positive reviewer feedback, highlighting their quality, aesthetic appeal, and contribution to the Cottagecore interior design style. #Cottagecore #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #BotanicalDecor #VintageStyle #HandmadeItems #NaturalElements #CozyHome #ShoppingGuide

This article showcases a Maryland home designed by Mona Hajj, emphasizing a global-inspired aesthetic that blends multicultural elements with comfort for a young family. Hajj's design philosophy integrates antiques and textiles sourced from various parts of the world, creating a cohesive and inviting living space. The article provides a room-by-room tour, detailing the design choices and key pieces that define each area. The living room's design is centered around a 19th-century Persian Tabriz rug, which dictates the room's color palette. Two distinct conversation areas are established, featuring a skirted sofa by Gérard and a wooden-legged sofa from A. Rudin. An armchair by Dessin Fournir and an antique Regency walnut table from a Parisian flea market further enhance the room's global and timeless appeal, showcasing a mix of historical and international influences. The dining room is highlighted by a custom walnut table with rosewood banding, designed to extend and accommodate up to 16 guests, indicating a focus on both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality for entertaining. This piece reflects a blend of craftsmanship and scale suitable for family gatherings. In the family room, a linen velour sectional by Verellen serves as the central furniture piece, offering comfort and anchoring the space. A cocktail table by Kerry Joyce complements the seating arrangement, while curtains in Ralph Lauren Home linen contribute to the room's refined yet relaxed atmosphere. The walls of the family room feature a faux finish, with trim painted in Benjamin Moore's Soot, adding depth and a sophisticated backdrop to the decor. An Arne Jacobsen Egg chair, upholstered in Moore & Giles leather, is illuminated by a 1960s Italian floor lamp, introducing an element of classic modern design. The daughter's bedroom is designed with a regal canopy, adding a whimsical touch, while glass nesting tables from Donghia provide a sleek, contemporary contrast. Nevis curtains by Lady Ann Fabrics, adorned with a Samuel & Sons pom-pom fringe, further contribute to the room's decorative layers. Throughout the home, the design seamlessly merges diverse cultural influences with functional and stylish elements, creating a uniquely personalized and family-friendly environment. The overall design narrative emphasizes comfort, global aesthetics, and thoughtful integration of various design periods and origins. #GlobalStyle #InteriorDesign #MonaHajj #MarylandHome #AntiquesAndTextiles #FamilyHome #EclecticDecor #DesignInspiration

The holiday season provides an opportunity to enhance the coziness, warmth, and aesthetic appeal of one's home. This guide offers a curated selection of thoughtful home gifts, catering to various preferences, whether for a meticulous decorator, an avid host, or an individual who values quiet evenings at home. The featured items range from luxurious quilts and elegant decorative pieces to essential kitchenware that seamlessly blends visual appeal with practical utility. Each product has been chosen for its ability to introduce comfort, style, and a festive touch to any living space, making them suitable for personal use or as gifts. The selection includes the 'Into The Forest Candle' by Living Good Candle Co., a beeswax candle infused with essential oils like pine, eucalyptus, patchouli, and cedarwood, designed to create a calming, forest-like aroma. It is notable for its non-toxic composition, being free from phthalates, sulfates, and parabens. The 'Laluz Diffuser' from doTerra offers an ultrasonic method to disperse essential oil mists, featuring three independent ambient light settings to customize the atmosphere. Pottery Barn's 'Joshua Handcrafted Ceramic Vases' are presented as versatile decorative pieces, characterized by their smooth, hand-finished design and neutral color palette, suitable for various decor styles. The '3-in-1 Glass Bloom Vase' by etuHome provides flexibility with three interchangeable metal trays in white, denim, and navy, allowing for seasonal or mood-based customization for floral arrangements. For kitchen enthusiasts, the 'Cuisinart Coffee Maker, Custom Grind and Brew Single' is highlighted for its integrated burr grinder, adjustable strength and cup size settings, and an 'over ice' option. The 'Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Bakeware Set' is an 11-piece collection made with a ceramic coating that is non-toxic and free from PTFE, PFOA, and heavy metals, emphasizing ease of use and cleaning. The 'Viking 3-Ply 11 Piece Black and Copper Cookware Set' combines professional performance with a stylish aesthetic, featuring a stainless steel interior and aluminum core for even heat distribution, compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F. The 'Short Order Precision Sear Griddle' by Lotus is recommended for its powerful, even heating from cast aluminum and a PFAS-free nonstick surface, ideal for preparing large meals. The 'Highland Cutting Board' from Sonder LA, crafted from sustainably sourced teak wood, includes a deep juice groove and built-in handles, serving as both a functional and decorative kitchen item. The 'HENCKELS 3-Piece Chef Knife Starter Set' offers high-carbon German stainless steel knives (chef's, utility, and paring) for precision and durability. For bedroom comfort, the 'Saatva Aero Quilt' provides breathable warmth with its cotton-viscose gauze weave and hypoallergenic poly batting, suitable for year-round use. The 'Nantucket Matchbox Print' from Coastal Ave Designs adds a coastal aesthetic with its vintage style. The 'Pearl L1 Plus Nugget Ice Maker' by Euhomy produces chewable nugget ice, perfect for various beverages and entertaining. Lastly, the 'NEBULA Capsule 3 Laser' portable projector is suggested for creating a cinematic experience, offering crisp visuals and sound in a compact design. 'Steve's Starter Bundle' includes plant-based cleaning essentials for maintaining a fresh home environment, and 'Lit Birch Trees' from Pottery Barn are offered as decorative elements to create a festive and cozy ambiance with their natural bark and subtle lighting. #HomeDecor #HolidayGifts #HomeGoods #KitchenEssentials #CozyLiving #InteriorDesign #Bakeware #Cookware #HomeEntertainment #CleaningSupplies

The Cochran family, including parents Sheryl and David, and sons Luke and Matt (with wife Courtney), shares a distinct interior design aesthetic characterized by a blend of modern, vintage, and quirky elements. This aesthetic has evolved through their shared love for music, art, and eclectic pieces, with the parents' curated home inspiring their sons' living spaces. David Cochran, an artist, contributes significantly to their art collections, and family painting sessions further enrich their homes' decor. The siblings' individual design choices also influence each other, with new finds by one often sparking ideas for the other. Courtney and Matt Cochran’s historic home in the Fan District, built in 1909, exemplifies this shared style. They meticulously preserved the home's original charm, refinishing floors and retaining existing chandeliers to maintain its inherent grandeur. Their approach to furnishing involved a slow and deliberate process of acquiring pieces from estate sales, antique markets, and local stores like Class and Trash. The entryway features an original crystal chandelier juxtaposed with an industrial console table and an African elephant mask, showcasing their ability to blend diverse styles. The dining and living area combines a West Elm dining table with midcentury modern chairs and a velvet sofa, illuminated by vintage stained-glass panels. The use of subtle color notes and carefully chosen art and decor creates a harmonious space that seamlessly merges new and old. Luke Cochran's South Side Richmond home also reflects the family's aesthetic, with his mother, Sheryl, providing design guidance. Renovations in Luke's home were minimal, primarily focusing on removing walls to create a more open layout, thereby preserving its original character. His design philosophy centers around unique pieces, such as an antique carved wooden cabinet sourced from Circa in Charlottesville, which is contrasted with contemporary gold lamps. The dining room features deep blue walls and modern cabinets, softened by a wooden pantry door from Caravati’s in Ashland. A retrofuturistic Sputnik-inspired light fixture bridges modern features with warm wooden elements, resulting in a refined yet comfortable atmosphere. Across both homes, a consistent theme emerges: the juxtaposition of furniture with eclectic art collections and luxurious mirrors. This common stylistic thread connects the generations, illustrating how a shared passion for design can manifest uniquely in different living spaces while still retaining a familial signature. Each home, while reflecting the individual tastes and travel experiences of its occupants, maintains an inviting ambiance where art, music, and creativity are central to the living experience. This intergenerational influence and the conscious curation of diverse elements define the Cochran family's interior design approach. #homes #interiorDesign #homeDecor #families #antiques #vintageStyle #artCollections #eclecticDecor

This article discusses the appeal of thrift store shopping for home decor, particularly for bedrooms, highlighting how vintage finds can add character and a cozy, inviting feel to any space. It notes that thrifting aligns with the popular eclectic interior design trend, which embraces unique and older items. Designers interviewed for the article emphasize that the bedroom is an ideal starting point for those new to thrifting, as vintage touches can complement various interior design styles, not just traditional vintage-style bedrooms. The article suggests starting with small decorative items like trinkets or opting for larger pieces such as quilts. It then details six specific thrift store finds recommended by designers. The first recommendation is throw pillows. Thrift stores offer a variety of second-hand soft furnishings. While pre-loved bedding might not appeal to everyone, vintage throw pillows can enhance a bed's aesthetic with grandeur and timeless elegance. The article shares an example of a designer who transformed a vintage kaftan into a chic pillowcase, suggesting that unique vintage fabrics, whether repurposed or already sewn, can instantly add character to a bedding arrangement. The second item on the list is vintage quilts or throws. These are frequently found in thrift stores, often in an endless selection. The article mentions that chintzy and ditsy prints are currently in style for vintage trends. It advises shoppers to keep an eye out for these items, even if they are folded and less conspicuous. It also suggests that lengths of vintage fabric, once finished at the edges, can serve as charming and cozy bed throws. Thirdly, the article highlights vintage prints and art. Decorating with art is presented as an easy and impactful way to personalize a guest bedroom or add meaning to one's own space. Thrift stores are noted as excellent sources for old prints and paintings, allowing for the creation of an aged, characterful look at an affordable price. An example is provided of a vintage-lover who filled her bedroom with second-hand art, including embroidered Chinese silk pictures, to create a captivating display. The article emphasizes that contrasting art styles can work well together, showcasing a collector's taste. Antique furniture is the fourth recommendation. Thrift stores can be a source for vintage and antique furniture at bargain prices. While some pieces may require minor restoration or 'TLC,' many can be upcycled. A designer shared her experience of finding a rattan lounge chair in good condition and repurposing it for her studio bedroom, alongside a thrifted artwork. This demonstrates how thrifted furniture can add unique charm and functionality to a room. Decorative knick-knacks are the fifth suggestion. Thrift stores typically offer a wide and varied assortment of decorative items. The article encourages shoppers to look beyond the cluttered shelves to find one-of-a-kind treasures for their bedroom. Common finds include trinket bowls, jewelry dishes, and bud vases, which can elevate surfaces like nightstands, dressers, or mantelpieces with whimsical charm. Old pottery, such as vintage vases or pitchers, can be used for flowers, and pre-loved china teacups can double as jewelry dishes. The advice is to choose items that resonate personally, as quirky and unexpected pieces contribute significantly to a bedroom's personality. Finally, antique lighting is recommended. Thrift stores often carry vintage lighting fixtures. A designer example is given where a pair of vintage blue and white ceramic lamp bases were found and updated with new shades, demonstrating how such finds can bring grandeur and patina to a room. The article concludes by reiterating that thrift stores offer a budget-friendly way to make a bedroom unique, regardless of whether one is seeking large furniture pieces or small accent decor. It also mentions the availability of online platforms for vintage and antique shopping. #ThriftStoreFinds #BedroomDecor #VintageHome #InteriorDesign #AntiqueFurniture #HomeStyling #SustainableDecor #EclecticInterior #DIYDecor

The article details the creation of a new 7,517-square-foot cottage in Cottagewood, aiming to blend modern construction techniques with the soulful character of an older, Old World European home. Builder Kyle Hunt of Kyle Hunt & Partners, alongside architect Jean Rehkamp Larson, collaborated to achieve this vision for owners Bari Kessler and Dave Marantz. The design emphasizes natural materials, including recycled-timber beams, stone countertops, and custom metalwork, to evoke an aged sensibility and combine rustic and refined elements. The homeowners, having moved from Minneapolis to Lake Minnetonka for a simpler life closer to nature, desired a new home that felt established and rich with history. Bari Kessler, an interior designer with a passion for antiques, sought to create a tranquil retreat for her family, including three boys and two dogs. Her favorite space, a cozy family den, exemplifies this aesthetic, filled with patterns, textures, colors, and a collection of art, objects, and books. South Carolina-based interior designer Alecia Stevens assisted in integrating the couple's existing antiques, rugs, chairs, and paintings into the new design, layering pieces to create a lived-in and loved atmosphere. Kyle Hunt & Partners, a 32-year-old Deephaven company, specializes in crafting artisanal homes tailored to client needs. For this project, Hunt assembled a team of skilled artisans, including a stucco professional, plaster painter, metal smith, and cabinet maker, all committed to achieving the desired aged aesthetic. This commitment is evident in the custom cabinetry by Joe Michalski of Rosemount Woods, which features inset wood, exposed hinges, cup-shaped drawer pulls, and brass name plates, giving newly built cupboards the appearance of antiques. Similarly, Otto Painting Design created a unique hand-troweled patina for the plaster walls, further contributing to the home's historic feel. The home was also designed with the family's three boys in mind, incorporating child-friendly spaces. A miniature study hall with built-in desks and bookcases is situated outside their bedrooms, providing a homework area. The attic was transformed into a treehouse-like space, complete with a dedicated room for Legos. Another nook houses the family's guinea pigs, and bunk beds accommodate sleepovers. These elements ensure the reimagined cottage offers inspiring environments for both adults and children to thrive. Ultimately, the residence successfully marries new construction with an old soul, embodying the nostalgic comforts of home and reflecting the values and identity of its inhabitants. #homeDesign #oldWorldCharm #customHome #naturalMaterials #interiorDesign #artisanalCraftsmanship #familyHome #Cottagewood #KyleHuntAndPartners

The cottagecore aesthetic, a trend emphasizing comfort, nature-inspired elements, and vintage touches, is well-suited for creating a relaxing bedroom environment. This trend involves using textured materials, serene color palettes, and preloved items. Key elements include embracing maximalism with a mix of patterns, textures, and colors, rather than minimalist styles. Amanda Castle, Marketing Manager at Hypnos, highlights the bedroom's natural fit for this aesthetic, allowing for the incorporation of rural elements through textiles, soft colors, and natural materials. One approach to cottagecore design is to use a pale pink color scheme. Kate Palmer, Creative Director at The Painted Furniture Company, suggests that pale pink furniture can add delicate charm and whimsy. This color aligns with rustic country cottage decor, evoking vintage appeal and tranquility. The gentle hue contributes warmth and femininity, complementing natural wood accents and floral patterns. Pale pink can be paired with soft neutrals like ivory, cream, or sage green. Alternatively, a soft, neutral color palette can be chosen as a base for bolder patterns and color accents. Melissa Denham, Interior Design Expert at Hammonds Furniture, notes that cottagecore typically uses muted, neutral shades. Inspiration should be drawn from natural colors, such as creams, greens, soft blues, yellows, and chocolate browns. Suzi Samaddar, Room Styling Expert at furn.com, advises against overdoing colors and prints to avoid a cluttered or overwhelming look, aiming for a warm and cozy effect reminiscent of a meadow. Another core aspect is the focus on natural finishes and materials to bring nature indoors. When selecting furniture, options like wood, rattan, wicker, and wrought iron contribute to an authentic cottage-style feel. Johanna Constantinou, Interior Trends Expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors, explains that these materials convey craftsmanship. Incorporating vintage and preloved furniture is also crucial, offering a sustainable way to add unique pieces while potentially saving money. Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice, suggests highlighting inherited or found distressed wood bureaus or antique-style bedside tables. Catharina Björkman, Interiors Expert at Contura, advises against uniformity, encouraging an eclectic mix of pieces achievable through secondhand shopping. Headboards can serve as a focal point for the cottagecore aesthetic. Plain headboards can be reupholstered in floral, striped, gingham, or nature-inspired prints. Rattan or wrought iron headboards are also suitable options. Marie Goodwin, Head Designer at Prestigious Textiles, states that a headboard can effectively set the tone for a cottagecore room. Furthermore, mixing materials and textiles creates a cozy atmosphere. Gareth Coxall, Creative Director at Terrys, recommends combining natural fabrics like fresh white cotton, waffle bedding, woollen throws, and sheer curtains for an airy, pastoral quality. Layering these textures enhances coziness and provides an inviting space. For those interested in crafting, handmade items such as crocheted throws, knitted cushions, and needlepoints can further enhance the cottagecore feel. Lighting should be soft to complement the aesthetic. Tapered candles in ornate holders, lanterns, vintage-style lamps, and fairy lights contribute to a soft and cozy ambiance. Catharina Björkman emphasizes that multiple soft lighting options create natural light, warmth, and texture. Finally, wallpaper can make a significant statement. James Mellan-Matulewicz, CEO and Creative Director at Bobbi Beck, explains that wallpaper is pivotal in cottagecore interiors. Jamie Robinson, Installation Manager at Value Doors, recommends simple repeated patterns for a balance between minimalism and maximalism, suggesting vintage-inspired floral patterns and pastoral scenes. Although there are no strict rules, avoiding synthetics and bright, bold colors in favor of vintage botanical and floral patterns is recommended. Cottagecore remains a strong trend, with its enduring appeal rooted in timeless and sustainable qualities, suggesting it will continue to be a cherished interior aesthetic, according to Jeannette Hudson, Sofa Expert at Online Sofa Shop. #Cottagecore #BedroomDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeStyling #NaturalMaterials #VintageFurniture #CozyAtmosphere #ColorPalette #TextileLayering

Laura Collins, a designer with For Porter, transformed her 1958 rental bungalow in Calgary into a vibrant, English-inspired family home, largely by incorporating cherished heirlooms from her Grandmother Audey and embracing a bold pink color palette. Despite the property being a rental, Collins was determined to infuse it with character, drawing inspiration from its existing features like pink terrazzo floors in the primary bathroom and unique fluted glass in the entry. The home's layout, while somewhat unconventional with its chopped-up rooms, offered a kid-friendly environment, a significant improvement from their previous multi-level Victorian. Collins's design approach was deeply influenced by her grandmother's timeless taste, ensuring that even with modern updates, the pieces retained their original charm. She integrated a 100-year-old pine hutch into the dining room and a floral Laura Ashley sofa into her studio, items that once graced her grandmother's home. The designer’s love for color became evident as she navigated the landlord's only two painting restrictions: no purple or black. This led her to a pink-centric scheme, starting with the primary bathroom where she used Benjamin Moore’s Rosedale for the wall paneling and a lighter hue, Soulmate, above the molding. This bold decision marked a shift from years of muted interiors, as Collins decided to wholeheartedly embrace painting her house pink. Beyond the bathroom, Collins extended her colorful vision to other areas. The sunken den was painted in Benjamin Moore’s Amaryllis, while the library bookcases, custom-built by her father-in-law, received a coating of Savannah Clay. This terracotta-tinged shade was also applied to the adjacent sitting room after an initial attempt with a 'bubblegum' pink proved too sweet. Collins describes her aesthetic as walking a fine line between a colorful home and a 'funhouse,' but ultimately, the playful environment is designed for her children, reflecting this particular stage of their lives. She envisions a more muted aesthetic for a future era. Textiles play a significant role in Collins’s design, influenced by her background in fashion design and marketing. She frequently circulates a collection of pillows throughout the house and involves her children in the process. She is a proponent of finding deals on furnishings, like the $150 Parsons chairs in the den, which allows her to invest in fresh upholstery. This practice aligns with her admiration for English aesthetics, where furniture pieces are continually reupholstered and passed down through generations. The kitchen, however, presented a challenge, forcing Collins to minimize her belongings due to limited cabinet space, leading her to appreciate a more minimalist approach to kitchen essentials. The rental also features intriguing architectural details, such as clever built-in nooks and crannies, including a shoe cubby leading to the basement, suggesting the original homeowner was a millworker. Collins embraced these elements, even tackling a DIY painting project in the mudroom with Farrow & Ball’s Citron, an undertaking completed between nap times. The overall design emphasizes a personalized and joyful living space, demonstrating how a designer can transform a rental into a deeply personal home using inherited items, strategic color choices, and a focus on family life. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #RentalDecor #PinkInteriors #VintageFurniture #FamilyHome #DesignInspiration #ColorPalette #HeirloomFurniture

Ragan Wesson, a Birmingham-based interior expert, emphasizes the importance of a home telling a unique story, and her own renovated 1950s ranch-style home exemplifies this philosophy. She champions the integration of sentimental and meaningful items to create spaces that are both distinct and affordable. Wesson's design approach begins with a clean, neutral canvas, allowing for the layering of personalized pieces. Many of the items in her home are inherited or sourced from thrift stores and antique malls, each carrying a personal history that contributes to the home's narrative. Upon purchasing their Homewood ranch home, Wesson and her husband focused on superficial yet impactful renovations. They refreshed the interiors with new paint, removed popcorn ceilings, and updated light fixtures, all while preserving the original character of the house. The home's generous room sizes and functional layout meant that extensive structural changes were unnecessary, allowing them to concentrate on decorative enhancements. For furnishings, Wesson drew from her extensive collection of cherished items, amassed over many years, demonstrating how curated pieces can elevate a space. One example of her approach is the dining room, which serves as a versatile space for family gatherings and a workstation. Here, an antique desk, discovered by a local antique hunter, complements the existing decor. Wesson advocates for repurposing sentimental items, explaining that they introduce a historical dimension to modern settings. This concept is evident throughout her home: a great-grandfather's buffet now functions as an entertainment console in the main living area, her childhood twin beds are in her older daughter’s room, and a cabinet from her great-great-grandfather is featured in her youngest daughter’s room. The breakfast area centers around a family heirloom table, refinished and paired with contemporary chairs, and various small finds from antique malls and thrifting trips are strategically placed throughout the house. Custom upholstery and locally sourced rugs provide the finishing touches, contributing to a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. The home features a formal living room with bookshelves filled with personal items, including books and a collection of blue and white pieces, which Wesson suggests is an effective way for clients to infuse their own stories into their homes. The original fireplace in this room adds character without appearing dated. In her older daughter's room, Ragan used drapery behind her childhood twin beds to create the illusion of larger windows and soften the design, a DIY project supported by her mother, who owns Brock Custom Interiors. The nursery includes an iron crib, a China cabinet from her great-great-grandfather, and a rocking horse from a local thrift store, Sozo Trading Co. Wesson also shares her thrifting prowess, recounting how she found a side table for her master bedroom on the side of the road, which seamlessly integrated into her decor without needing any alterations. She advises staying consistent with a color scheme or theme when collecting pieces. Wesson aims to demystify interior design, emphasizing transparency in project timelines and budgets for her clients. Lacking formal training, she offers a unique perspective on the industry, allowing her personal and family history to anchor her designs. This personal journey has refined her design process, which she now applies to help other homeowners create spaces that tell their own stories. #HomewoodHome #RanchHomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SentimentalDecor #AffordableDesign #FamilyHeirlooms #ThriftStoreFinds #HomeStorytelling #BirminghamInteriors