Inside an Aussie home designed with stunning French provincial interiors

This article details the transformation of a 100-year-old American Craftsman home in the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains by the design firm Salvesen Graham. The project was initiated when a young couple, one American and one British, relocated from California and sought a home that blended their cultural traditions, offering both relaxation and elegance without being overly formal. The designers, Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, aimed to create a comfortable yet sophisticated living space. The house, part of a community of heritage homes dating back to the early 20th century, presented a unique opportunity for Salvesen Graham, a firm more accustomed to working with buildings over 100 years old in the UK. The designers meticulously preserved and enhanced the home's period features, such as its brick and shiplap exterior and expansive veranda. Their approach balanced respect for the original architecture with a desire to update it for modern living, rather than creating a "living museum" of a 1900s mining town house. In the entryway, a small-scale patterned wallpaper contributes to a Victorian aesthetic, complemented by an Arts and Crafts lantern. The designers made a conscious decision to paint some of the original pine woodwork a sage green to neutralize its overwhelming orange tones, allowing the unpainted sections of craftsmanship to be appreciated more easily. This thoughtful intervention highlights the delicate balance between preservation and contemporary adaptation. The drawing room was designed as a sophisticated space for entertaining, with the clients actively participating in sourcing art, including an abstract floral piece. The living room, in contrast, serves as a more casual gathering area. The project was significantly impacted by the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to initial client-designer interactions via Zoom. This period also amplified the British client's desire to infuse English design elements into the American architectural style. A central pass-through space in the house was transformed into a hallway-cum-library, offering an intentional quiet zone that connects different rooms. The kitchen, designed in a Shaker style, bridges functional utilitarianism with English charm. Its formal layout was maintained, rejecting the trend of open-plan spaces, and features fitted units and a large island painted in various shades of blue. The dining room, referred to as the "hearth room," provides an informal dining experience with windows on three sides, creating a sense of dining among treetops. The space incorporates a striped floral fabric for curtains and Roman shades, aligning with painted tongue-and-groove paneling on the ceiling. Upholstered dining chairs, vintage rattan chairs, and a vibrant green built-in window seat contribute to a layered aesthetic. The bedrooms, particularly the master suite, are characterized by a rich interplay of color and pattern, featuring florals, stripes, paisleys, and soft geometrics in a cheerful palette of pinks and greens. Salvesen Graham, founded in London in 2013 by Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, is known for its layered aesthetic and timeless approach, aiming to create warm and soft interiors inspired by Georgian England and 18th- and 19th-century Indian textiles, while bringing an edge to quintessential British charm. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #AmericanCraftsman #BritishCharm #SalvesenGraham #ColoradoHomes #HistoricRenovation #TraditionalModern #LayeredAesthetic

The article details the design process and outcome of a custom-built home in Dallas for Chris and Lynsey Synek, whose personal style, particularly Lynsey's "couture" fashion, heavily influenced the interior design. Faced with a limited real estate market offering homes that were either too old or too small, the Syneks decided to purchase a lot and embark on a custom build. They engaged designer Philip Thomas Vanderford of Studio Thomas James, Janson Luter Architects, and builder Faulkner Perrin to create their ideal home. The design aesthetic for the house was directly inspired by Lynsey Synek's curated and edgy fashion sense, characterized by precise editing and a specific color palette. This influence translated into the home's selection of deep charcoals, dusty whites, spicy mustards, eggplant, and sophisticated pinks, some enhanced with high-gloss finishes. These colors were balanced with natural elements like oak beams, flooring, and cabinetry, extending even to the office ceiling. Vanderford's approach focused on holistic design, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal mobility between spaces. The couple's preference for having all main living areas on the first floor guided the layout. A central feature of the home is the living room, designed as the nexus for family and guests, and considered one of the Syneks' favorite areas. To prevent the large room from feeling either overcrowded or empty, Vanderford implemented a "rule of two," using pairs of significant furniture pieces such as 85-inch settees, midcentury modern chairs, and coffee tables. This strategy aimed to improve circulation and flow, making the room feel both inviting and functional without appearing cartoonish, a common pitfall in oversized Texas rooms. The article also provides a room-by-room breakdown, highlighting specific design choices and sourced items. The entryway features an inky, textural wallcovering from National Solutions and custom black-and-white tile, complemented by a custom Riloh chandelier and a St. James Lighting lantern. The living room includes pieces from Paul Matter and Baker-McGuire, with a Stark rug. The family room, serving as a more informal entertaining space, contains chairs by Julian Chichester, a Visual Comfort & Co lamp, and a coffee table from Theodore Alexander. The kitchen is characterized by a wall of windows, warm oak cabinetry, and Bianco Superiore quartzite, furnished with vintage stools in Élitisfabric and Riloh pendants. Further sections detail the butler's pantry with Hapny hardware, a breakfast nook featuring a custom banquette and a Riloh chandelier, and a dining room painted in high-gloss Benjamin Moore Ciao Bella, accented with Carlucci draperies and a Jonathan Browning Studios chandelier. The wet bar, located opposite the living room, is equipped with Fyrn barstools. The powder room showcases terrazzo tile from Ann Sacks, Visual Comfort & Co sconces, and Phylrich fixtures. The primary bedroom features a supersized custom headboard and a pitched ceiling, with a Visual Comfort & Co chandelier and Thibaut wallcovering. The main level owners' suite and an outdoor cabana are also mentioned, completing the comprehensive tour of this custom-tailored Dallas residence. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #CustomBuild #DallasRealEstate #InteriorArchitecture #ColorPalette #FurnitureArrangement #PhilipThomasVanderford

Julee Wray, founder and lead designer at Denver-based Truss Interiors, shares insights into the renovation and design process of her 1941 French Modern Hilltop home. Upon purchasing the house, Wray was captivated by its classic French Modern exterior, characterized by sharp symmetry, steep rooflines, and arched doorways. However, she found the interior to be a stark contrast, featuring a contemporary design with elements like frameless kitchen cabinets, steel stair railings, and all-white walls, which did not align with the elegant facade. Due to budget constraints, a full gut renovation was not feasible, prompting Wray to devise a strategy to integrate the existing contemporary elements with her preference for more traditional charm and a softer, more feminine aesthetic. Wray discusses the challenges of designing for oneself, acknowledging the endless choices and the pressure to achieve perfection, despite facing the same budget and decision-making limitations as any other client. She recounts the complexities encountered during the renovation of the older home, particularly with electrical work. The house, built in the 1940s with glass, plaster, and brick, required significant modifications to accommodate modern electrical wiring, leading to added expenses for framing, drywall, and paint, such as thickening walls to install LED can lights. Additionally, the removal of multiple layers of old wallpaper necessitated extensive stripping, prepping, and re-papering of the walls. To achieve her vision of a soft-maximalist space, Wray focused on blending styles by warming up the home’s contemporary finishes. In the kitchen, she replaced flat-panel frameless cabinetry with real wood tambour cabinets to introduce curves and texture. The dining room ceiling was enhanced with reclaimed beams from an old Veterans of Foreign Wars post, adding character and dimension. Wray highlights several locally made elements integrated into the design, including maple tambour cabinets crafted by Black Hound Design Company in Arvada, and cast limestone features for the basement and bedroom fireplaces by Cast Limestone Creations in Lakewood. All City Floors was responsible for transforming the wood floors from black to white, a decision that, despite initial skepticism, added to the home's unique story. The outdoor spaces also underwent significant transformation. The front yard was redesigned with curved beds featuring more florals than grasses, a curved walkway with brick trim, and lighting, along with the addition of a porch to enhance its traditional appeal. In the backyard, Wray created a garden as a tribute to her father-in-law, a former president of the Houston Rose Society, and expanded the deck to include an outdoor kitchen and additional decking around the pool. She describes the backyard as a cherished family space where she tends to her garden, and her husband enjoys grilling. For her daughter's room, Wray aimed for a whimsical yet adaptable design, choosing a birds and flowers theme with a colorful, large-print wallpaper that is playful but not juvenile, allowing it to grow with her child. Wray reveals that the primary bedroom is one of her favorite rooms, attributing its calming, cocoon-like effect to the textured grasscloth wall covering that accommodates the room’s unique ceiling lines. The dining room/office is another favorite, featuring a blueish sage color from Benjamin Moore, chosen to complement a family heirloom painting from France. She advises homeowners renovating older homes to hire professionals with expertise in historical properties and project management, and to embrace the home's original era and architecture rather than creating a stark contrast between the interior and exterior. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FrenchModern #HilltopHome #TrussInteriors #JuleeWray #HomeDecor #DesignChallenges #OutdoorLiving

Country style interior design has been a consistently popular aesthetic, continuously evolving from its less refined 1990s iteration, characterized by a blue and yellow palette, frilly curtains, and ubiquitous checkered fabric. The modern interpretation of country interiors embraces bold, bright hues in fabrics, moving away from outdated floral prints. Alternatively, contemporary country design can forgo color and pattern entirely, focusing on rich layers of earthy textures, such as linen and rustic timbers, often within all-white interiors. This contemporary approach demonstrates the versatility of modern country style, adapting to various aesthetic preferences while retaining its core essence. While all-white interiors remain a favored choice for modern country farmhouses and cottages, some homes distinguish themselves through the use of darker, moodier shades, providing a contemporary contrast. Despite these variations in color and texture, the fundamental principles of country style remain constant, drawing inspiration from both Shaker and French-provincial design movements. Essential to a quintessential country home are antique and handcrafted furniture pieces, prioritizing unique, quality items over mass-produced goods. These spaces are inherently designed to be cozy, practical, and filled with cherished, sentimental ornaments, fostering an inviting and personal atmosphere. Examples illustrate this evolution, showcasing a range of modern country applications. A coastal farmhouse features an all-white mudroom accented with navy blue cabinetry and a traditional farmhouse sink, proving that practicality can be stylish. Melissa Penfold's French provincial kitchen, centered around a black wood-burning stove, exemplifies how a single focal point can elevate traditional finishes. A luxe country home, comprising two distinct barn-like structures, uses exposed reclaimed timber trusses and a recycled brick fireplace to create an expansive yet rustic feel, harmonizing with its beachside location. Greg Natale’s redesign of a horse stud homestead includes a dramatic powder room with a leather saddle, subtly echoing the country setting. A restored South Australian homestead blends industrial elements like concrete and steel with country touches such as clay herringbone flooring and timber shelving in its mudroom, creating an edgy yet welcoming family space. In a modern country farmhouse in rural Brisbane, even the laundry room is transformed into a functional and aesthetically pleasing area with a ceramic farmhouse sink and duck-egg blue custom cabinetry. Heritage homesteads like Como by Design integrate modern elements, such as ultra-violet rugs and vibrant botanical wallpaper, to infuse new energy while respecting historical integrity. Monochromatic palettes are common in contemporary country homes, as seen in Louise Keats’ modern farmhouse in the NSW Southern Highlands, where subdued interiors allow the natural landscape to dominate. Coastal homes, such as one in Copacabana, achieve a trendy country vibe with stainless steel benches and black plywood cabinetry. An extension to a mid-19th-century cottage in Mudgee incorporates rammed earth, glass, and polycarbonate, enhancing its texture-rich dining room with a traditional farmhouse table and concrete flooring. Chyka Keebaugh’s Mornington Peninsula weekender embodies country charm, despite its proximity to both farms and the beach. Renovated farmhouses, such as one on Madstone Farm, blend traditional elements like subway tiling with contemporary features for a modern country kitchen. A family home in rural Victoria designed by Deb and Stuart Higgins features a double-sided fireplace, central to its design that maximizes views and accommodates family life. Finally, a farmhouse in Brook Downs, designed with the help of an interior-designer son, reinterprets the traditional farmhouse look with matte black surfaces, timber, steel cathedral ceilings, and a stone fireplace. Terragong, a bed and breakfast, masterfully combines botanical prints, geometric tiles, and indoor greenery, embodying modern country style on the NSW South Coast. Palisa Anderson's farmhouse kitchen in Byron Bay's hinterland employs a moody color scheme and auction finds to create a fresh, eclectic look. These examples collectively demonstrate the diverse and evolving nature of modern country interior design. #ModernCountryStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FarmhouseDesign #Renovation #TexturedInteriors #ShakerStyle #FrenchProvincial #HomeTours

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

This article highlights the renovation of a five-bedroom family home in Sydney’s east, masterminded by interior designer Jemma Brender in collaboration with architectural firm Place Studio. The owners, a young family, sought to blend sophisticated design with practical liveability, particularly with a toddler and a newborn. The house, purchased in 2016, captivated them with its harbor views, classic architecture, and Spanish-influenced facade, particularly the grand staircase in the entry and a wood-fired pizza oven. However, the existing layout was dated, with a peachy exterior and reddish timber interior, and suffered from disconnected, dark communal areas located on the south side, away from desirable views. The renovation aimed to reorient the floor plan to leverage the northern aspect and harbor vistas. A key objective was to create an airy, open-plan living space with a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, while meticulously preserving the home’s heritage character. The owners desired a design that was traditional enough to complement the exterior but also fresh and contemporary. Jemma Brender, drawing inspiration from French interior designer Christian Liaigre, focused on natural hues, layered textures, clean lines, and meticulous attention to detail. This approach allowed for a 'tone-on-tone' style that effectively modernized the traditional elements of the home. Significant changes on the ground floor included converting a northern corner bedroom into a new kitchen, with its former ensuite and walk-in closet repurposed for casual dining and living areas. The formal dining room, designed to seat ten, was relocated to where the main living zone previously existed, a more logical placement for evening use. A bedroom and family room on the south side were retained without significant changes. The material palette for the interiors emphasized relaxed yet durable furnishings suitable for a family with young children. Linens, outdoor fabrics adapted for indoor use, and oak joinery were chosen for their robustness and earthy, stain-camouflaging tones. Carrara marble was utilized for benchtops in the kitchen and vanities in bathrooms, with specific tapware and lighting fixtures chosen to enhance the overall aesthetic. Illustrations throughout the article showcase the transformed spaces, featuring custom-designed sofas by Jemma Brender, Cadrys rugs, Orient House side tables, and lighting from Fred International and The General Trading Company. Artworks from Art2Muse Gallery and accessories from various high-end brands contribute to the sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance. The bedroom features custom bedheads and joinery, with textiles from Ondene and Maison et Jardin, and sconces from Bloomingdales Lighting. Bathrooms display custom joinery and marble surfaces, alongside fixtures from Candana and Brodware. The owner expressed satisfaction with the outcome, appreciating Jemma's aesthetic that successfully married contemporary elements with the home’s traditional foundation, creating a harmonious and calming environment for family life. #FrenchInfluence #NeutralPalette #FamilyHome #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SydneyHome #OpenPlanLiving #HeritageCharacter #ContemporaryStyle

This article offers a glimpse into the Melbourne home of photographer and author Robyn Lea, showcasing her unique approach to interior design. The residence is a two-storey Victorian home with five bedrooms located in Melbourne's inner-eastern suburbs, where Robyn resides with her husband Tim Hunt, their two children, Isabella and Freddie, and their Beagalier puppy, Magnolia. The family undertook an extensive renovation of the home approximately 12 years prior to the publication of this article, subsequently enlisting Penelope Scott Interiors for window furnishings. Robyn Lea's office is highlighted as her favorite room, described as an evolving space filled with inspiring books, artworks, and various objects. This includes Italian-made plates by La DoubleJ, artworks by Charles Pollock, Nathalie Lété, and John Benn, and four distinct wallpapers, reflecting a constantly changing installation. The sitting room features a mural by Russian artist Ekaterina Panikanova, complemented by chairs from Early Settler and a table from Family Love Tree. The home's collection also includes numerous paintings by artist John Benn, a family friend. The neighborhood where the home is situated is characterized as small, with local cafes, shops, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Robyn expresses her ongoing intention to continuously evolve the interior homescape, viewing it as a natural extension of her visual storytelling through photography and writing about artists. Her advice for decorating is to personalize the space, stating, "Decorate to please yourself – it’s your nest, after all. If you love it, it will love you right back." A significant detail mentioned is Robyn's initial attraction to the home, which was influenced by a majestic magnolia tree in the back garden, reminding her of 'The Magic Faraway Tree.' #EclecticHome #InteriorDesign #MelbourneHomes #PhotographersHome #VictorianArchitecture #ArtisticInteriors #HomeRenovation #PersonalizedDecor

This blog post offers an exclusive tour of Dallas-based interior designer Erin Sander's custom-built home in University Park, highlighting her unique design philosophy of 'relaxed, refined luxury' and 'Belgian farmhouse' aesthetic. The 5,000-square-foot estate, featuring four bedrooms and five baths, was constructed from the ground up on a quarter-acre lot, with Sander herself drawing the floor and architectural plans. The design emphasizes natural light and understated yet impactful details, drawing inspiration from her travels and other design projects. The home’s architectural features include a long hallway terminating in a window, with steps leading to the second floor, designed to create visually appealing focal points. Custom light fixtures and detailed wood flooring were also designed by Sander. The living room, a space optimized for practicality for her young children, features performance fabrics, a custom grasscloth-covered coffee table, and artwork by Katrine Hildebrandt. An annex, originally Sander's home office, now serves as a family study. This vaulted, story-and-a-half space offers ample storage and privacy. The kitchen is a central highlight, showcasing rift-sawn white oak flooring and hand-hewn Douglas fir beams. A striking pale blue Lacanche oven range, chosen early in the design process due to its year-long procurement time, sets the tone for other blue accents in the space. Other notable kitchen elements include an unlacquered brass faucet by Waterstone and a backsplash by Clé Tile. Over the eye-catching island, custom-made fixtures from Urban Electric Company in a hand-hewn brass finish are suspended. Scandinavian-designed stools provide practical seating, and decorative bowls, including a vintage piece from Sander’s grandmother and ceramics by Sara Kersten, add personal touches. The honed marble countertops were intentionally chosen to observe their wear and tear over time, informing her client recommendations. Café curtains made from hand-blocked fabric by Galbraith & Paul add another layer of detail. The dining room combines vintage McGuire chairs, re-covered in Peter Dunham fabric, with contemporary art by Addie Chapin. Exposed brick and a light fixture from Currey & Company contribute to a modern yet cozy atmosphere. A collection of pewter dishes, including pieces from her mother and finds from the vendor Unrefined, adds dark contrast and personal history to the dining area. A custom coffee station, a testament to the family’s love for coffee, features a La Spaziale espresso machine with walnut panels, open shelving, and an Ann Sacks’ Savoy series backsplash. This functional space is equipped with refrigerator drawers for coffee essentials. The primary bedroom boasts a whimsical Oly Studio light fixture depicting a flock of birds, vintage cabinets from Juxtaposition Home, custom lamps, and quadrille bedding. The master bathroom includes custom white oak vanities and hand-cut limestone floors laid in a unique pattern, accented with tiny blue celeste marble mosaics. The home's exterior features a mix of materials like lime-washed brick and cedar shake, surrounded by live oaks and potted olive trees, creating an approachable street view. A custom wood bench from David Sutherland is nestled among Savannah holly trees in the backyard. The article provides a comprehensive look into an interior designer's personal residence, showcasing a blend of functionality, luxury, and personal style. #InteriorDesign #CustomHome #DallasHomes #HomeFeatures #LuxuryInteriors #BelgianFarmhouse #DesignerHome #HomeDecor #ErinSanderDesign

Designer Rebecca Philipson undertook a significant remodel of a 1990s-built, 5,300-square-foot home in Aurora, Ohio, focusing on transforming the kitchen, great room, and lounge into more open and inviting spaces. The homeowners sought to infuse warmth and an open concept into their residence, a vision Philipson brought to life through a blend of traditional and rustic elements, with distinct French Country influences. Central to the design is the incorporation of Amish hand-hewn ceiling beams and elaborate stonework, which serve as prominent features, particularly in the lounge. This area, designed for relaxation and entertaining, includes a wet bar, a built-in refrigerator, and custom alder cabinetry. The adjacent sunroom houses a pool table, creating a seamless flow for social gatherings and post-dinner interactions. The overall layout was reimagined to foster a sense of togetherness, allowing family and guests to interact comfortably across the connected rooms. Philipson achieved this open concept by strategically removing the wall between the great room and kitchen, then linking the kitchen to the lounge. Archways were introduced to formalize these open transitions. The kitchen underwent the most substantial transformation. Previously walled off, it featured an angled peninsula, an irregularly shaped island, and low-hanging soffits. Philipson replaced these with faux beams to maintain the rustic aesthetic and installed a central island with seating for three. The homeowners' desire for warmth and intricate details was met through design elements such as decorative island legs. Attention to detail extends throughout the kitchen, with intricate touches found in the baseboards, legs, valances, and along the bottom of the island cabinetry. The refrigerator was artfully concealed with cabinet panels and mirrored glass, designed to resemble an armoire rather than an appliance, fulfilling the client's wish for cabinetry that emulated furniture. A built-in coffee maker contributed to a decluttered countertop space. The great room further showcases the sophisticated stonework, with cream-colored stone extending from floor to ceiling around the fireplace. This central feature is flanked by built-in cabinets that mirror the design of the kitchen's concealed refrigerator. Oversized iron hardware on the cabinetry adds a dramatic flair, complementing the multi-tiered iron chandelier, which serves as a focal point. Recessed lighting supplements the chandelier, with all lighting choices made to enhance the room's warm ambiance. The remodel successfully integrated rustic charm with French Country elegance, creating a cohesive and welcoming environment across the main living areas. #HomeRemodel #AuroraHome #FrenchCountryStyle #RusticDesign #KitchenRenovation #GreatRoomDesign #LoungeArea #InteriorDesign #OpenConcept

This article presents 14 bedroom design ideas from Australian interior designers and architects, emphasizing the creation of personal, stylish, and sanctuary-like spaces. It highlights various approaches to bedroom aesthetics and functionality, showcasing diverse design elements and inspirations from different homes. The first example features a master bedroom in a modern Mediterranean-inspired coastal home, characterized by sheer white curtains framing views and a custom curved bedhead by CM Studio, contributing to a serene atmosphere. Another design re-imagines a sleeping area in a warehouse apartment, providing privacy with a floor-to-ceiling curtain and integrating vast recessed bedside storage below built-in wardrobes, designed by architect Rob Kennon. These examples illustrate how both expansive and compact spaces can be optimized for comfort and practicality. An elegant home in Sydney's eastern suburbs features an upstairs bedroom with a unique pink carpet and custom waxed-pink stucco walls by Porter's Paints, demonstrating a bold yet sophisticated color choice by interior architect Phoebe Nicol. Another sophisticated bedroom in a penthouse apartment, designed by Felicity King, showcases a bedhead wall covered with leather from Pelle Leathers and earthy tones, creating a luxurious and refined ambiance. Interior designers Kathryn Robson and Chris Rak of Robson Rak created a beautiful bedroom that incorporates a modern touch with a Moooi ‘Random’ pendant light from Space in a Victorian estate. In a glamorous heritage terrace in Sydney, the owners undertook extensive restoration before furnishing it with lavish pieces, including a custom bedhead by Thomas Hamel & Associates and ‘Acanthus’ bedside lamps from Domus Textiles. Architect Rob Mills transformed a former factory into his family home, featuring a master bedroom with rendered walls treated with stucco for a velvety finish, contrasted by precision brass door frames. A stately French-inspired country home includes a master bedroom with a ‘Machinto’ four-poster bed, 18th-century Chinese-style mounted canvas screens, and French antiques, reflecting Melissa Penfold’s ‘Living Well by Design’ philosophy. A family home reinvented with a classic contemporary style includes a main bedroom with a custom bedhead by Hecker Guthrie in Andrew Martin ‘Hoffman’ quilted fabric. Another main bedroom in a Palm Beach villa, inspired by the owner's Italian upbringing, features Iosis velvet cushions in grey and Harmony linen cushions in white from Francalia. A Melbourne home with a European sensibility, curated by Christian Lyon, has a main bedroom with ‘Prometheus 1+11’ pendant lights by Christopher Boots and a custom-designed bed in Dedar velvet. A historic home revamp includes a master bedroom with a custom velvet bedhead and curtains in Boyac linen, embodying ease and generosity. A sensitive update to a heritage house for a family of six showcases a master bedroom anchored by a rug brought back from the US. Finally, an elegant heritage home in Sydney's eastern suburbs features a main bedroom with a custom bedhead in fluted olive leather, smoked oak joinery, linen drapes from Simple Studio, and Society bed linen from Ondene. Collectively, these examples demonstrate a range of design aesthetics, material choices, and spatial solutions that contribute to creating personalized and inviting bedroom environments. #BedroomDesign #InteriorDesign #AustralianHomes #LuxuryBedrooms #HomeDecor #CoastalStyle #HeritageHomes #ModernBedrooms

Bev Adam and Craig Shearn, residents of an 1800s double-fronted miner's cottage in Melbourne's inner north, undertook a significant renovation of their home with the help of designer David Flack of Flack Studio. The exterior of the cottage was painted in a dramatic, heritage 'Oxblood' by Porter’s Paints, a choice that garnered attention and conversation from neighbors, suggesting a potential trendsetting move. The homeowners, both involved in the property industry, sought a professional's expertise for their 'last and biggest hurrah' in renovating, aiming to create a space tailored solely for their enjoyment, rather than focusing on resale value. The renovation involved stripping the residence back to its bare bones and implementing a new scheme and footprint. The brief included establishing a new master wing with a wet area and walk-in wardrobe, a guest bedroom, a den, a powder room, and a spacious new extension. This redesign transformed four period bedrooms into two, prioritizing personal comfort and luxury over the original layout. The interior design showcases a blend of vintage and contemporary elements with a vibrant mix of hues and textures. A key feature of the updated home is the oversized open-plan kitchen, centered around a custom island bench with a honed white Arabescato stone top, mild black steel legs, and brass feet. An adjoining bar, backed by glossy green stone, complements the kitchen. David Flack also designed a cozy nook with a custom leather banquette, a Cassina armchair, a vintage Bonacina side table, and a cowhide, which he describes as a 'crazy little maximalist corner' filled with objects and art. This area, along with the bar, has become a popular spot for guests, fulfilling the homeowners' desire for a space that encourages regular entertaining. The furniture selection combines pieces accumulated by the couple over the years with newly sourced items, including vintage Italian, Danish, and contemporary Australian pieces. These are thoughtfully arranged, particularly under the cathedral ceiling at the rear of the house, overlooking a large fireplace and plunge pool. The main bedroom features walls painted in Porter’s Paints ‘Donkey Grey’ and copper linen curtains. Dulux’s ‘Royal Battle’, a rich Prussian blue, is used in the walk-in wardrobe and to accent the hand-glazed Spanish shower tiles in the ensuite, which David discovered locally. Throughout the renovation, Flack Studio emphasized a methodology of 'testing and sculpting on site' to capture nuances and adapt designs, aiming for a project executed with integrity. The use of varied materials such as American oak timber veneer, polished plaster, steel frames, and Elba stone tiles further contributes to the home's unique character. The project successfully transformed an historic miner's cottage into a vibrant, personalized, and luxurious home that reflects the homeowners' desire for comfort, color, and a distinctive aesthetic. #FlackStudio #MelbourneCottage #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColourfulHome #VintageContemporaryMix #CustomDesign #LuxuryHome

This article details the transformation of a 100-year-old, long-abandoned home into a sophisticated and comfortable spec home, spearheaded by designer Joan Enger of J. PATRYCE DESIGN. The renovation project, undertaken with her developer husband, spanned 17 months and aimed to create a custom house appealing to a broad range of tastes through a subtle palette and a restrained aesthetic. The initial state of the house was dire, featuring graffiti on the front door and a car-sized hole in the roof, highlighting the extensive nature of the undertaking. The kitchen, a central focus of the home, features custom cerused oak cabinetry with brass detailing, complemented by natural light. Circular pendant lights from Lambert & Fils provide visual contrast and highlight the black streaks in the marble countertops and backsplash sourced from Marble America. Appliances are by Wolf, and stools are from CB2. A custom oak ladder with brass hardware, a design risk taken by Enger, adds warmth to the cool neutral tones of the kitchen. Ten-foot tall telescoping doors from Marvin contribute to space conservation, and a desk chair originally from Bungalow 5 was reupholstered in Claremont Furnishing Fabrics Company velvet. In the living room, an eleven-foot ceiling allowed for the display of large-scale artworks by Tim Leffens. The console beneath the paintings is from Restoration Hardware, and the overhead light fixture is also from Lambert & Fils. Enger designed a custom limestone mantle and had a vintage coffee table repainted. A speckled gray sofa from CB2 is paired with vintage lounge chairs, reupholstered in Holly Hunt fabric. The parlor windows were restored to their original floor-to-ceiling height. Though Enger initially envisioned a modern aesthetic, the discovery of restorable original stair railings led to a blend of classic and contemporary elements throughout the space. The dining room boasts custom millwork and features lights over the bookcases from Visual Comfort. Vintage chairs were reupholstered in linen from Rogers & Goffigon, while the sisal rug is from AllModern, and a vintage table was refinished. Artwork by Jed Miner is displayed, available through J. PATRYCE DESIGN. A custom banquette with a cushion from Holland & Sherry and pillows from Williams-Sonoma Home creates a cozy nook, with a stool, rug, and sconces from Williams-Sonoma Home, Bungalow 5, and Cedar and Moss, respectively. The powder room showcases ash gray tile from Marble America, a custom rift oak vanity, and hardware from Crosswater London. The mirror is from Restoration Hardware, and the sconce is by Visual Comfort. The entryway is defined by rich black doors and a matching stair railing. The master bedroom incorporates vintage pieces, including an accent table, striped linen-reupholstered chairs, and chenille-reupholstered benches. The cocoa-colored dresser and bed are from AllModern, while the mirror is from Anthropologie. Bedside tables from Bungalow 5 are adorned with vintage lamps and custom lampshades, and a textured rug from AllModern completes the room. The master bath features neutral-toned travertine tile on the floor and walls, a custom-designed cerused oak vanity, and a matte lacquer shelving unit. The tub is by Victoria + Albert, fixtures are by Kallista, and a vintage bench is included. In the guest bedroom, a subtle CB2 bed, AllModern nightstand, and artful AllModern mirror are combined with vintage stools reupholstered in blue linen and a vintage Adrian Pearsall lounge chair in Rogers & Goffigon fabric. The painting is also vintage. The girl's bedroom adopts a playful style with vintage artwork, including cast aluminum antlers, a vintage Milo Baughman side chair reupholstered in Rogers & Goffigon fabric, a CB2 chest, and West Elm accent table and floor pillow. The laundry room features porcelain mosaic tile and Caesarstone counters from Marble America, with custom millwork. Organization is maintained with West Elm baskets, Container Store glass jars and laundry basket, and a woven towel from ABC Carpet & Home. A bathroom features an accent wall of Ann Sacks tile, with other tiles and countertops from Marble America. Medicine cabinets are from Restoration Hardware, a vintage Eero Saarinen stool is reupholstered in Maharam vinyl, sink hardware is from Crosswater London, and the sconce is from Visual Comfort. For the outdoor area, three distinct spaces were created: a firepit and seating area, a turf-covered section, and a semi-covered lounging, dining, and outdoor cooking area near the sliding doors. A modern IPE and cable wire staircase provides access to the outdoor kitchen. The firepit is from Restoration Hardware with a customized IPE base, and chairs are from AllModern. The overall renovation demonstrates how a once dilapidated property can be transformed into a stylish, custom home with an understated yet elegant aesthetic, making it appealing to a broad market. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #UnderstatedElegance #SpecHome #SubtlePalette #CustomCabinetry #VintageFurniture #LuxuryFinishes #ArchitecturalTransformation

The "Inside Her Home" series offers a glimpse into the residences of everyday women, detailing their renting or homeownership experiences. This installment features Lauren Li, a 45-year-old interior designer residing in Ivanhoe East, Melbourne. She lives with her husband and three children in a three-bedroom, two-storey home with an additional granny flat, which they rent for $3,910 per month. Lauren describes her home as a mid-century modern dwelling, built in 1961, retaining much of its original architecture. She emphasizes a deep connection to the house, feeling it "chose her" and that she and her family are deeply content living there. Lauren’s home is situated approximately 10km north-east of Melbourne's Central Business District. She highlights the fair price for the rental and expresses a strong belief that renters invest significant care and effort into making their houses feel like home. She and her family have occupied the property for three years, and her appreciation for the space has only grown. The house holds historical significance, having been the former residence of Victoria's first female Supreme Court judge, the Honourable Rosemary Balmford, who lived there since 1963. Lauren attributes the home's positive atmosphere and abundant built-in bookshelves to its previous owner, noting Balmford’s pioneering role as the first female lecturer in the University of Melbourne’s law faculty. The layout of the home is particularly appealing to Lauren, featuring a spacious living room with a fireplace, which provides ample room for the family while maintaining a sense of togetherness. The property also offers lovely views of trees, a beneficial feature for Lauren and her husband, who both work from home. The kitchen retains its original 1960s charm, which Lauren appreciates. The house includes an elevated deck that has been the setting for numerous family gatherings and summer dinners, contributing to its cherished feel. Their 12-year-old daughter enjoys a room with an impressive view of the Yarra River, while her 11-year-old sister and three-year-old brother share the other bedroom. Lauren explains that their move to this particular house was almost serendipitous. When their previous apartment was put up for sale, they needed to find new accommodation swiftly. A friend connected them with a real estate agent, and upon seeing the Ivanhoe East property, Lauren immediately felt a strong desire to live there. Her attachment to the house is so profound that she declares she is "never going to leave," underscoring her long-term commitment to the home. The article concludes with an invitation for other individuals to submit their homes for inclusion in the "Inside Her Home" series, encouraging [email protected] to be contacted for submissions. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #RentalProperty #MelbourneHomes #FamilyLiving #RealLifeStories #HomeTour

Irene Gunter's inaugural large-scale project involved the interior architectural redesign of a family home in southwest London, a property that, despite its period-style facade, was only constructed in 2021. The design brief from the clients emphasized creating a home that was simultaneously family-friendly, comfortable, elegant, luxurious, fun, and informal. A key requirement was stylistic harmony throughout the residence, ensuring a cohesive flow between rooms while incorporating vibrancy and unexpected color in specific areas. The interior was intended to be uplifting and engaging, moving away from a bland, neutral aesthetic. Irene Gunter's approach centered on a carefully curated color palette predominantly featuring blues and greens, augmented by warmer tones. She stressed the importance of layering these colors to ensure they supported each other and maintained compatibility. Comfort was a paramount consideration, leading to meticulous selection and testing of furniture, such as dining chairs, to guarantee their suitability and durability. The designer collaborated with trusted craftsmen for custom pieces like sofas, relying on their proven track record. Among the standout spaces in the home is the formal sitting room, which features extensive paneling painted in a 'seductive light pink.' This choice was strategic, as the room is north-facing, and a simple white would have appeared flat. The pink hue was selected to imbue the space with warmth and comfort, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and elegant. The use of curved sofas and a rounded ottoman in this room not only enhances circulation but also addresses practical concerns related to young children, eliminating sharp corners. In contrast to the serene sitting room, the kitchen introduces a bold punch of navy blue, adding a dramatic element to the design. The high ceilings of the house were leveraged to create a sense of grandeur while simultaneously making the expansive space feel intimate and cozy. The design incorporated a blend of materials, including stone, tiles, and wood, to introduce texture and visual interest. A robust quartz was chosen for the work surfaces, complemented by a wood finish on the island and larder unit. Kit kat tiles on the splashback were used to introduce a Japanese aesthetic, further enriching the material palette. Olive green bar stools were strategically placed to connect the interior with the garden views, maintaining the theme of harmony. Pale wood was used to link the island and the larder unit, which was designed to resemble a free-standing piece. Reeded details on the larder unit and island echoed the pattern of the tiles, creating subtle connections throughout the space. The overall effect is a home that is inviting and warm, achieved through layered textures, playful colors, and a distinct personality, reflecting the designer's vibrant, colorful, and sophisticated style. #InteriorDesign #HouseDesign #LondonHome #NewBuild #ColorPalette #InteriorArchitecture #CustomFurniture #FamilyHome #ElegantInteriors

This article highlights a vibrant renovation of a French Eclectic luxury home in Preston Hollow, challenging the contemporary trend of all-white interiors. The residence, originally built by Hawkins-Welwood, underwent a comprehensive interior makeover driven by the owner's desire to create a 'happy house' for her three daughters. Instead of conforming to minimalist color schemes, the owner embraced bold and diverse colors throughout the 6,967-square-foot property, aiming to evoke joy and happiness from the moment one enters. Compass Real Estate listing agent Julie Provenzano emphasizes that every design decision was made to spark joy. The owner remained steadfast in her vision, believing that the bold colors passionately defined the home's character, even when preparing to sell. Provenzano notes the practicality of this approach, stating that colors can be easily changed by a potential buyer, and even a dramatic hot pink kitchen backsplash is simply paint covered with an acrylic material, making it reversible. The renovation included significant structural changes, such as moving walls and dramatically vaulting the ceiling in the family area. Custom features, like a mantle with hidden storage, were incorporated to enhance functionality, especially for a mother of three. Throughout the home, spectacular light fixtures and high-end finishes complement the vibrant color palette, which is presented as the primary focal point of the design. A standout example of this fearless use of color is observed in the formal dining room, where a unique paint application is compared to a 'Razor Fade haircut,' suggesting its innovative and striking nature. The residence features six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a powder bath, each offering unique design elements. The master bedroom, for instance, is painted in hues reminiscent of rich chocolate and a perfect latte. The master bath, while incorporating white, includes a practical, sensible bathtub, diverging from the often impractical vessel tubs. The playroom showcases a custom bookcase with a bright, almost school bus yellow interior, providing a clever pop of color against a neutral gray room with white walls. This intentional splash of color is designed to captivate children, while also being easily modifiable for future owners, though the article encourages its preservation. Provenzano describes the property as a "happy house" and a unique opportunity for buyers seeking a distinct aesthetic. Listed by Provenzano at $2.5 million, the home at 6446 Glendora Avenue is presented as a space where imaginative dreams can come to fruition. The article underscores how the renovation celebrates individuality and a joyful approach to home design, moving beyond conventional trends to create a truly personalized and uplifting living environment. #FrenchEclectic #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BoldColors #LuxuryHome #DallasRealEstate #PrestonHollow #HappyHome

Artist Stephanie Dillon and her husband, Reilly, were captivated by a model home in Eden Prairie, which boasted a blend of whitewashed shiplap and shakes on its exterior, creating a timeless and airy aesthetic. The interior featured light-filled communal spaces, each with a distinct character, moving away from conventional floorplans. The color scheme ranged from calming charcoals and pale neutrals to deep greens and rich terra-cotta, evoking a European atmosphere. Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang, owner of West Bay Homes and the designer behind the model, drew inspiration from her travels to Paris, characterizing the style as French contemporary farmhouse. She envisioned the kitchen as a French pastry shop, integrating multiple layers of meticulously detailed materials throughout the 5,000-square-foot residence. The kitchen's design incorporates three types of glazed tiles for the backsplashes, with a small hexagonal tile chosen for its light-reflecting properties, contributing to an elevated visual experience. Dillon, an acrylic and mixed-media artist known for painting her emotions, found a kindred spirit in Vogelgesang, whose design philosophy also prioritized passion and feeling. Dillon retained Vogelgesang to complete the interior design of their new home. The designer expressed enthusiasm for incorporating Dillon's extensive rug collection. Elements like shiplap and painted charcoal, seen on the exterior, were repeated inside on the basement's fireplace wall and the vaulted ceiling of a lounge area adjacent to the kitchen, along with charcoal-colored square tiles extending from counter to ceiling in the kitchen backsplash. This repetition of color ensures cohesiveness and a holistic progression throughout the home, where all environmental elements relate to one another. Vogelgesang skillfully managed the abundance of materials, preventing a busy or cluttered appearance, much like Dillon blends colors on her canvases. Some design choices stand out, others recede, and some shimmer, collectively defining the mood of each space. The materials coalesce into a balanced and proportionate composition, resulting in a home tailored for an artist. Vogelgesang aims to create spaces that are timeless and elegant without being overly delicate or cost-prohibitive. The lower-level bar area features charcoal shiplap around the fireplace, painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Dorian Gray, and steps down into a sunken media room, showcasing the designer’s preferred brass and gray combination. Brass hardware also adorns the front entry doors. Light fixtures, including those from Mitzi on the library ladder, were strategically chosen. The unexpected entry leads to a "dining hall" that functions as a grand foyer, as described by Vogelgesang. This space features nine-inch-wide-plank white oak floors laid in a herringbone pattern, with ceiling beams bisecting its soaring height, allowing ample natural light. The built-in bar features a backsplash of alternating light and dark neutral tiles, custom cabinetry with dental molding, and a marble sink skirt. Open shelving in the kitchen displays two sizes of backsplash tiles from The Tile Shop, with custom alder wood cabinetry finished with a clear whitewashed stain and brass hardware for an enhanced shimmer. The kitchen, inspired by Parisian pastry shops, includes two islands for ease of navigation, with only one housing a sink to allow for uninterrupted dining on the other. The mudroom boasts large-format heated tiles combined with white oak cabinetry, finished in a whitewash stain, offering an industrial concrete look harmonized with French country cabinetry. A basement guest bath incorporates vibrant color through whimsical floral tiles from The Tile Shop on one wall and Sherwin-Williams’s Perfect Periwinkle on the adjacent wall. The library features a bold mix of Sherwin-Williams paints: Canyon Clay on the walls and Gauntlet Gray in a high-gloss enamel finish on the moldings and doors, complemented by chartreuse chairs. A wide-plank whitewashed cedar wall on the rear deck provides privacy. The prep kitchen off the mudroom embraces color with Waverly Classics wallpaper by York, cabinets painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Green Onyx, and a hammered copper sink, showcasing how personal touches can enhance practical areas. The powder room dazzles with an antiqued mirrored glass tile wall from The Tile Shop, a custom white oak vanity with a marble shelf, and Savoy House sconces. The floors throughout the home incorporate patterned ceramic tiles from The Tile Shop. The home's floor plan, while a traditional rambler, diverges into an unconventional layout where the front entry opens into a vaulted foyer and dining room, serving as a pass-through to the kitchen and great room. #HomeStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeTours #FrenchContemporaryFarmhouse #CustomCabinetry #TileDesign #ArtisticHome #ArchitecturalDetails #EuropeanInfluence