Hilltop Estate Project: Living And Dining

This article focuses on the design of the kitchen and pantry in the Hilltop Estate project, which is part of a five-week series exploring the various spaces within the home. The kitchen's design emphasizes consistency with the entry and formal dining area by extending the vaulted, wood-stained ceilings, fostering a natural flow throughout the residence. To achieve a contemporary aesthetic, the design incorporates a mix of raised and flat cabinetry, complemented by substantial brass hardware. A key feature is the stunning Calacatta marble countertop, which extends up the backsplash, creating a visually impactful focal point. A corresponding webisode further details Shea McGee's design decisions for these areas. Several luxury elements and unique choices distinguish the kitchen. These include steel windows precisely notched into the marble for a seamless profile, a detail highlighted by Shea McGee. Another custom feature is the marble drip edge on the apron-front farmhouse sink, an elevated version of the more commonly seen wood designs. Additional notable elements mentioned are a vintage pocket pantry door and a distinctive stove. These specific details contribute to a one-of-a-kind kitchen design. The pantry, however, deviates from the main kitchen's aesthetic through its use of color. A vintage pocket door with glass panels reveals a moodier interior, characterized by a charcoal gray with blue undertones, specifically Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams. This color choice creates a deliberate contrast, ensuring that not all spaces share the same palette. The pantry's design is further enhanced by a patterned paint tile backsplash and a veined soapstone countertop. A design tip suggests replacing narrow, cramped cabinets in a pantry with floating shelves to display decorative cookware, optimizing space and utility. Overall, the article provides an in-depth look at the thoughtful design choices and bespoke elements that define the Hilltop Estate's kitchen and pantry. It highlights the blend of contemporary and classic styles, the use of high-quality materials, and the creation of both functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. The emphasis on unique details, such as the marble features and the distinct pantry color, showcases a personalized approach to interior design, aiming to make each area feel organic and cohesive while maintaining individual character. #HilltopEstate #KitchenDesign #PantryDesign #InteriorDesign #CalacattaMarble #SherwinWilliams #HomeDecor #CustomCabinetry #LuxuryDesign

This article presents the fourth installment of a five-week webisode series showcasing the Hilltop Estate Project, with this particular episode focusing on the home's outdoor spaces. The design emphasizes relaxed alfresco living and dining areas, complemented by a detached pool house intended for guests and entertaining. A key design element highlighted is the inclusion of oversized sliding glass doors, which facilitate a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor environments. This feature is particularly relevant given Southern California's climate, allowing for year-round enjoyment of the outdoor areas. Shea McGee, the designer, emphasizes that the entire home's layout and design are centered around the backyard space, with the pool serving as the primary focal point. The aesthetic incorporates black steel windows, which are intentionally used to connect with the dark siding of the pool house. This creates a visual contrast while maintaining a cohesive link between the main residence and the ancillary structures. The outdoor design also integrates mature olive trees, which were specifically chosen to evoke a Napa-inspired atmosphere, fulfilling a request from the clients. The webisode invites viewers to explore these open-air amenities, providing insights into how functional and aesthetic considerations were balanced to create a luxurious and connected outdoor living experience. The description emphasizes the careful planning that went into creating an outdoor environment that is both visually appealing and highly functional for relaxation and social gatherings, reflecting a modern approach to integrating living spaces with natural surroundings. #HilltopEstate #OutdoorLiving #PoolHouse #AlfrescoDining #NapaInspired #SheaMcGee #ProjectTours #HomeDesign #Webisode

The increasing popularity of second homes has led many Nashville residents to seek serene retreats outside the bustling city. One couple discovered Overton Retreat, an exclusive gated community in McMinnville, Tennessee, situated on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, near a lake and forest. This upscale mountaintop community on Long Mountain is less than two hours from Nashville, offering proximity to the Caney Fork River and Fall Creek Falls. This particular home, designed by Interior Anthology, exemplifies a fusion of rustic cabin charm and modern sophistication. The craftsman-style residence spans over 7,000 square feet, featuring five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Its interior design prominently embraces the biophilic trend, evident in details like woven rhododendron handrails and a grand stone fireplace. The home's soaring ceilings and natural aesthetic draw inspiration from Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful Inn. Jennefer Guthrie, owner of Interior Anthology, explained that the design consistently maintained its initial rustic mountain home concept, with some elements evolving during the process. An interior elevator with a hidden access door highlights the home's blend of remote tranquility with advanced amenities, underscoring its thoughtfully curated features and subtle design details. Guthrie dedicated years to sourcing decor, art, and accessories, often finding unique pieces during trips to Asheville with the intention of incorporating them into the mountain house. Her involvement extended to selecting everything from the exterior stone to the doorknobs, demonstrating extensive procurement for the project. In the kitchen, custom stools with a branch and twig motif complement a curved island, designed to enhance elbow room for guests. A unique artistic backsplash, custom-made by a pottery collective in Philadelphia, serves as a prominent focal point upon entering the home, creatively addressing the lack of space for traditional wall art. The dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows, maximizing natural light, and smaller rectangular windows that pay homage to the craftsman style. A custom chandelier, recreated by an artisan after the client discovered a vintage piece, boasts wire and crystal globes. The owner's bedroom, the largest in the home, provides ample space and a sunset view. Its en-suite bathroom includes a curved shower and birch tree-adorned wallpaper, designed to evoke the feeling of being immersed in nature. The grand entryway features an overhead catwalk leading to an expansive great room dominated by a Tennessee fieldstone fireplace. Notable details include columns with bark inlay and rhododendron railings, both sourced from Asheville, NC. The fireplace mantel is a reclaimed wood piece from Littlebranch Farm, and the local stone for the fireplace was sourced from a nearby quarry. An art piece by Emily Leonard above the fireplace adds warmth and depth. The great room is further enhanced by a striking, six-by-six-foot handmade light fixture from Wish Designs. The catwalk, adorned with rhododendron branch railings from Mountain Laurel Handrail, connects different sections of the upstairs. Reclaimed barn wood creates an inset on the hickory floor leading to the great room. The front entry features an ornate antique bench, personally acquired by Guthrie and now a prominent design element. Thoughtfully curated collections, such as a hall table with a mirror and twig sconces, create engaging vignettes throughout the house. Guest accommodations include a serene “Couple’s Suite” with moody blue walls, a birch bed from La Lune Collection, and a sophisticated chandelier from Troy Lighting. A Navajo-inspired rug by Ralph Lauren adds texture, while an original oil painting by Jason A. Saunders provides a touch of color. Upstairs amenities also include a wine and snack bar, an exercise area, and a billiard room for entertainment. The home also boasts approximately 2,200 square feet of decking, encompassing a sunporch and a master suite deck, offering impressive views. Other guest rooms include a bunk room with custom-made bunks from La Lune Collection and a faux antler light fixture. Its adjacent bathroom features whimsical stag wallpaper from Kravet and a mirror from Pottery Barn Kids. An office space, deemed essential by the semi-retired client, provides a handsome and productive oasis. The powder room is considered one of the most unique spaces, featuring a tree trunk vanity base from Littlebranch Farms, handmade birch panels from Arden Creek, and custom floor tiles from Karen Amies of MacMillan Amies Studio, which incorporate acorns and other natural motifs. A screened-in porch with a fireplace and a custom porch swing from La Lune Collection offers a cozy spot to enjoy the views year-round, even after reupholstering the original furniture. This custom-designed home provides a luxurious, nature-inspired retreat, meticulously crafted for comfort and aesthetic appeal. #ElevatedRusticDesign #OvertonRetreat #CustomHome #InteriorDesign #BiophilicDesign #LuxuryHomes #TennesseeArchitecture #MountainHome #SecondHome

This article presents a comprehensive guide to 40 mountain house plans, emphasizing the appeal of mountain vacation homes characterized by picturesque views, natural aesthetics, and a sense of serenity. The Southern states offer charming mountain towns with vibrant seasonal changes and clean air, making them ideal locations for such retreats. The featured house plans incorporate elements like natural timber, stone accents, and cozy covered porches, designed to foster a tranquil living experience. The selection begins with the 'Fairview Ridge' plan, boasting 2,097 square feet with three bedrooms and four baths, featuring rustic charm through stone, wood-shake siding, and a wraparound porch with a double fireplace. The 'Davidson Gap' plan, at 3,323 square feet with three bedrooms and four baths, is highlighted for its eco-friendly design that maintains a traditional aesthetic, capable of accommodating up to 12 people. 'Blue Ridge' offers 2,433 square feet with three bedrooms and four baths, showcasing a rugged exterior with high gabled roofs, natural stone, and cedar, creating a welcoming second home. The 'Ramble Farmhouse,' a 2020 Southern Living Idea House, provides 3,643 square feet with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths, featuring a large kitchen, generous outdoor living spaces, and stone fireplaces. The 'Wolf Laurel' plan, with 2,396 square feet, three bedrooms, and three baths, is noted for its unique side entry leading to a second-floor porch, complemented by a screened porch and stone accents. 'White Plains' presents a more modern mountain home at 2,942 square feet, four bedrooms, and five baths, blending folk-style design with a corrugated metal roof and ample windows. Smaller options include 'Whisper Creek,' a 1,555-square-foot, two-bedroom, three-bath home ideal for weekend escapes, and 'New Bunkhouse,' a compact 1,031-square-foot design with two bedrooms and two baths, featuring a screened front porch. 'Lake Haven,' at 915 square feet with two bedrooms and one bath, is depicted as a cozy cabin suitable for couples or guest accommodation. 'Sun River' is an even smaller option at 360 square feet, offering a true log cabin experience with a wood stove and loft bedroom. Larger plans cater to extended families or entertaining, such as 'Elkhorn' (3,595 sq ft, 3 beds, 4 baths) with its spacious family areas and deck, and 'Smoky Mountain Retreat' (4,990 sq ft, 3 beds, 5 baths) with a walk-out basement and play loft. 'Mountain Star,' the largest at 7,450 square feet with five bedrooms and six baths, is designed for multi-generational vacationing, including a media room and wine cellar. Other designs like 'Colony Park,' 'Cashiers Cove,' and 'Hemlock Springs' emphasize maximizing views and outdoor living with various porch and deck configurations. Several plans feature Craftsman-style influences, such as 'Allegheny' and 'Mountain Laurel,' utilizing mixed materials like timber and stone, and emphasizing abundant living spaces. Unique features across the plans include fireplaces on covered porches for year-round outdoor enjoyment, flexible floor plans like 'The Sage House,' and designs optimized for specific terrains like 'Hearthstone' for hillsides. The article concludes by encouraging readers to explore these plans to realize their dream mountain home, whether for full-time residence or a peaceful getaway, highlighting the regional architectural styles and natural integration. #MountainHousePlans #VacationHomes #HomeDesign #RusticArchitecture #SouthernLiving #CraftsmanStyle #CabinDesigns #OutdoorLiving #HousePlans