'It was one of those rare places that immediately sparked something. We saw its potential and felt the pull' – how this designer turned a home she bought for resale into the home she made her own

Interior designer Daniella Dolman embarked on a deeply personal renovation of her 1920s cottage in Hamilton, Ontario, transforming it from a small, charming property with limited space into a luminous, open, and colorful home suitable for her growing family. The project was initiated while Dolman was pregnant with her second child, underscoring the immediate need for increased functionality and living area, while also maintaining the original character of the house. Dolman's approach to the renovation was guided by a desire to blend haute couture design details with the practicalities of a family home. She aimed to create a space that was both elegant and inviting, drawing inspiration from her mother's graceful home and a childhood memory of her grandmother's rose-colored bathroom. This personal connection informed her design philosophy, emphasizing softness, femininity, and a sense of ease throughout the interiors. The design incorporated playful and whimsical elements, such as raw silk café curtains, slipcovered stools, and custom millwork with delicate curves, reminiscent of Art Deco aesthetics. Functionality for a busy family was a primary consideration. The original kitchen, measuring only eight by six feet and feeling isolated, was completely re-imagined. Walls were removed, and the former dining room was repurposed to create an expansive, light-filled kitchen that now serves as the central hub for cooking, socializing, and family activities. A custom-designed breakfast bar with a swooped edge became a key architectural feature, adding both grounding presence and gentle curves, a motif echoed elsewhere in the home. Large windows were installed to maximize natural light and connect the indoor spaces with the surrounding environment. The layout was reconfigured to ensure a seamless flow between rooms. The former dining room became the new kitchen, the old living room was transformed into a dining area, and a new living room was situated to open directly onto the garden. This intentional arrangement created a fluid sequence of spaces connected by light and a consistent soft aesthetic. The color palette throughout the home is notable for its tender yet daring combinations, including powdered blush, sun-washed marigold, and deep eggplant, applied in a way that feels both intimate and unexpected. For instance, the dining room features buttery yellow ceilings and bold black chairs, creating a dramatic contrast. A round dining table was chosen to foster conversation and intimacy. In the living room, a neutral base is enriched with varied textures, aiming for a balance between feminine whimsy and English drawing-room romance. This space was conceived for shared family moments like reading and listening to music. The primary bedroom features a deeper, more saturated color scheme for a grounding effect, offset by a pale pink custom headboard and soft bedding, maintaining the home's inviting style. The main bathroom showcases elegance through minimalist design, featuring a floating double vanity crafted from thick marble without visible hardware, evoking the sophisticated simplicity of a Parisian atelier apartment. Ultimately, Dolman's renovation successfully married curated design with everyday family life. The home reflects a joyful and whimsical spirit, using bold color combinations and personal touches that harmoniously blend nostalgia with modernity. It is a space composed not just of rooms but of colorful visions, inviting inhabitants to delight in small details and experience beauty and ease in equal measure. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CottageRemodel #FamilyHome #FeminineDesign #FunctionalLiving #ColorPalette #ArchitecturalRedesign

Interior designer Daniella Dolman embarked on a deeply personal renovation project, transforming her 1920s cottage in Hamilton, Ontario, into a functional and beautiful home for her growing family. Facing the challenge of adapting a small, character-filled property to meet modern family needs while preserving its original charm, Dolman focused on creating a space that balanced elegance with livability. The renovation expanded the cottage from one bathroom and a tiny kitchen to a three-bath, four-bedroom house, emphasizing light, openness, and soft colors. Dolman described the process as emotional, designing not just a house but a 'feeling' for her daughters. She aimed to carry forward her mother's legacy of a beautiful, orderly home, but through a softer, more personal approach. A key inspiration was a childhood memory of her grandmother's rose-colored bathroom, which evoked a sense of intimate, feminine warmth. The design incorporates playful and feminine elements, such as raw silk café curtains, slipcovered stools reminiscent of a bygone era, and custom millwork with delicate curves nodding to Art Deco femininity. Dolman emphasizes that the home is designed for delight in small things, inviting residents to eat cake, observe light on painted ceilings, and understand that elegance and joy can coexist. A major functional change involved reimagining the kitchen, which was originally small and disconnected. By opening walls and repurposing the former dining room, a larger, open-concept kitchen was created. This new kitchen became the emotional heart of the house, suitable for cooking, socializing, and working. A La Cornue range was a non-negotiable, along with quad doors connecting to the back studio, fostering indoor-outdoor living. A swooped-edge breakfast bar anchors the space, serving as a sculptural and practical gathering point. The kitchen's design prioritizes fluidity, connecting seamlessly with the reconfigured living and dining areas. The dining room features a bolder, buttery yellow color palette with black chairs for a dramatic contrast. An oversized pendant light acts as a sculptural focal point above a round marble dining table, chosen for its ability to foster intimate conversation. The ceiling, painted a joyful yellow, casts a golden glow, inspired by designer Rose Uniacke's restrained use of the color. The living room maintains a calm, neutral palette, with interest added through varied textures and layers, reflecting Dolman's vision of 'feminine whimsy and English drawing-room romance.' It's a space intended for family activities like reading and listening to music. The primary bedroom embraces depth and saturation with dark walls, softened by a pale pink custom headboard and Bella Notte linens to create an inviting atmosphere. The main bathroom features a floating double vanity carved from thick marble, with invisible hardware, aiming for an open, tonal, and intentional Parisian atelier aesthetic. Overall, the renovated home achieves a balance between curated design, functionality for family life, and a joyful, whimsical spirit. It combines bold color combinations and personal touches, blending nostalgia with modernity. The interior style is described as a 'quiet romance suspended between English charm and Parisian elegance,' utilizing a tender yet daring palette of powdered blush, sun-washed marigold, and deep eggplant. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CottageRemodel #FamilyHome #DesignInspiration #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDesign #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign

Emily Henson, a stylist and author, embarked on an extensive two-year renovation of a dilapidated bungalow in Margate, Kent, transforming it into her dream seaside home. Despite initially searching for Victorian townhouses, Henson was drawn to the bungalow due to its garden and ample natural light, even though it presented numerous challenges including dingy rooms, rotten windows, and asbestos-ridden floors. Her renovation approach was largely intuitive, making decisions such as lighting plans and wall colors on the spot, exemplified by her decision to keep the fresh plaster unpainted in some areas. The renovation process began in January 2022. Henson lived on-site throughout the extensive remodeling, which involved her builder dismantling walls and ceilings, and rebuilding the kitchen and bathroom. While she initially hoped to complete much of the work before moving in, the prolonged timeline necessitated living through the construction. Major challenges included replacing nearly everything in the house, from plumbing and electrics to insulation, as well as installing new flooring, a new bathroom, and a kitchen. Henson adopted a hands-on approach, undertaking many DIY projects herself, such as pouring the floors and stripping wallpaper, after initial difficulties with a builder. A significant personal project was refinishing the exterior and painting all the windows, which she documented on Instagram, noting how it transformed her perception of her home. Key design decisions included opening up the living room and kitchen by removing walls and an old fireplace, creating a double-height ceiling, and adding a mezzanine for a library/reading nook. This open-plan layout suited her lifestyle as a single resident and provided an ideal space for entertaining. She also reconfigured the bedroom area, adding an en-suite bathroom by knocking through a doorway from her bedroom and converting a separate WC and bathroom into one large space. Regarding expenses, the most significant splurge was the structural work involved in knocking through walls and ceilings. Conversely, her best bargains included a blue bath and a green sink. The sink was purchased for £100 from a salvage yard, and the bath was acquired for free from Facebook Marketplace after the seller grew impatient waiting for collection. Henson expressed her fondness for a ceramic ceiling light imported from Italy and a red Chinese cabinet that has traveled with her for over two decades. Her custom-made kitchen island, constructed from four antique chests of drawers fitted onto a wheeled birch ply base, serves as a central storage solution, eliminating the need for wall cabinets. For paint choices, Henson left the freshly plastered walls and vaulted ceiling in the main living area and kitchen unpainted, sealing them with Polyvine Decorators Varnish for protection. She applied a similar raw finish in two bedrooms, accentuating them with white borders. The rest of the house was painted with inexpensive basic white paint. Specific colors used include Dulux Tuscan Glade for the kitchen windowsill and pantry door, and June Bug by Valspar for the exterior windows. Henson noted that if she were to undertake the renovation again, she would invest more thought into the lighting plan, particularly regarding the placement of pendants and wall lights in the main bathroom and other rooms. #HomeRenovation #BungalowTransformation #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #KitchenIsland #HomeMakeover #SeasideHome #EmilyHenson #Kent

Amy Mitchell, a New Hampshire-based interior designer and owner of Home Glow Design, discusses her unconventional path into the design industry and her unique business approach centered around the concept of a 'forever home.' Initially pursuing a career as an opera singer, Mitchell transitioned through PR and marketing before discovering her passion for interior design, inspired by her childhood home's emphasis on quality and lasting design. Her parents, despite a blue-collar budget, invested in well-made furniture, instilling in her a belief that one's environment significantly impacts emotional well-being and that thoughtful purchases should endure. Mitchell's personal journey of decorating her own 'forever home' in New Hampshire highlighted a gap in the market: clients who desire quality and character in their interiors but aren't looking to spend exorbitant amounts or engage in frequent, trendy makeovers. She observed that many homeowners, particularly those in their 30s and 40s in her region, become disillusioned with disposable furniture as their families grow. These clients are ready to invest wisely but often lack the guidance to create cohesive, high-quality spaces. This realization led her to establish Home Glow Design, catering to this mid-priced market segment. Her services are designed to help clients make informed, long-term decisions about their homes. One notable offering is the 'Forever Home Road Map,' an online consultation service. This program helps clients align their personal style with their home's architectural style, especially when the two might seem disparate. It also addresses budget constraints by assisting clients in prioritizing spaces and creating a multi-year spending plan to achieve their design goals without feeling overwhelmed. This approach reflects Mitchell's own experience of renovating her home room by room over several years, guided by a clear vision. The Road Map aims to provide clients with a solid foundation and initial ideas for their priority spaces, enabling them to confidently tackle subsequent rooms. Mitchell also offers 'Forever Room Design Master Plans,' which she describes as a more personalized version of e-design, moving beyond the 'cookie-cutter' aesthetic often associated with such services. She emphasizes sourcing from a diverse range of suppliers, including trade brands and online resources, and provides detailed presentations and source lists. For clients who prefer hands-on project management, this service offers comprehensive guidance. For those seeking a fully managed experience, her 'Full-Service Design' option handles all aspects of a project. Operating in a rural New Hampshire setting presents unique challenges, such as limited access to design centers and manufacturer representatives. Mitchell compensates for this by relying on self-education, networking with metropolitan designers, and her blog, 'The Saturday Blog.' The blog, which she consistently updated for four years, has been instrumental in establishing her authority, sharing tips on investing in quality, and fostering a 'forever mentality' among readers. She uses it to address common homeowner dilemmas, such as updating knotty pine paneling without erasing a home's history, encouraging readers to balance personal style with architectural integrity. Mitchell also navigates the local 'Yankee frugality' mindset, where people often prioritize cost-saving over quality or aesthetic appeal. She combats this by emphasizing the long-term value of investing in durable, well-designed pieces and the positive impact a thoughtfully curated home has on emotional well-being. She advises clients to overcome 'money guilt' associated with discarding old, unloved items, viewing such decisions as sunk costs that free them to create a home they truly enjoy. Her pricing model, involving an hourly rate and a markup on products, is explained as a way to provide clients with high-quality results within their budget, while also covering the inherent risks and administrative efforts involved in sourcing and managing design elements. She reflects on her personal growth, prioritizing her family life and client satisfaction over an endless pursuit of more credentials or industry accolades, finding contentment in helping clients create homes they love. #InteriorDesign #HomeGlowDesign #ForeverHome #NewHampshireDesign #DesignBusiness #Edesign #HomeRenovation #YankeeFrugality

Interior designer Kate Marker initially planned to flip a 3,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, five-bathroom Cape Cod-style home in Barrington Village, a Chicago suburb, after downsizing from her 10,000-square-foot countryside estate. However, during the renovation process, she realized she was designing the home as if it were her own, incorporating finishes, materials, and accents she would personally love. The pivotal moment came when her contractor vaulted the kitchen ceilings, giving her a new perspective and solidifying her decision to make it her family's home. Marker embarked on ambitious renovations, including converting the existing garage into a primary suite and adding an upstairs lounge for her two teenage daughters, ultimately creating a beautiful, charming, and welcoming home for her family of four. The entryway of the home features checkered floors, wallpaper, and mustard walls, blending historical charm with a funky aesthetic. Custom millwork adorned with Little Greene Paint wallpaper in the insets leads into the living room, which showcases a mix of found treasures and pieces from Marker's own line, Kate Marker Home. The light and airy family room highlights a limestone mantel with an elegant fluted pattern. The formal sitting room leverages its low ceilings to create a cozy atmosphere. The kitchen, originally isolated, was transformed by removing a wall to seamlessly connect the dining and cooking areas. It now serves as a central walkthrough space. Marker designed the kitchen with a modern French bistro concept, incorporating lower white-oak cabinetry and upper cabinets painted in Oxford Stone by Farrow & Ball, accented with Armac Martin hardware. Honed Calacutta Fior marble and Tamazula Granite provide a subtle tone-on-tone aesthetic. Instead of a large island, a peninsula was chosen to maximize space, and vaulted ceilings, illuminated by Hudson Valley Lighting pendants, create an airy pathway into the family room. A standout Ilve range with Meoded plaster fabrication and a creative coffee bar featuring Kate Marker Home tile and a round window complete the kitchen. The dining area features a long Haven Dining Table, serving as a focal point and a wood accent piece, facilitating family gatherings. The primary suite, converted from the garage, boasts French doors that flood the room with natural light and extend to a private patio. The primary bathroom includes an arched doorway, a standalone tub by Allure, and a white-oak vanity, with a vintage rug adding texture to The Fine Line tile. For her teenage daughters, Marker created a reading nook with vertical paneled walls to enhance height in the low-ceilinged space, furnished with poufs, playful light fixtures, and decor from Kate Marker Home. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CapeCodStyle #KateMarkerHome #KitchenDesign #LivingRoom #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign #HomeDecor

Designer Tania Cassill embarked on a new chapter following her divorce, seeking a home that would serve as a personal sanctuary. With her two older children no longer living at home, she envisioned a fixer-upper where she could incorporate her favorite finishes and personal finds. After a two-year search, Cassill discovered a 1955 beach bungalow in Dana Point, California. The property met her criteria, including walkability, three bedrooms, a garage, and an original fireplace, and was in a condition that allowed for renovation without a complete demolition. The 840-square-foot bungalow required significant updates, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as an overhaul of its exterior appearance. Cassill's design goals were to create an inviting and comfortable space, filled with inherited and collected treasures, with a subtle French influence. She aimed to blend French design principles and practicality with the inherent style of a 1955 beach bungalow. While the entire house received updates, the kitchen was a focal point of the renovation. Cassill opted to retain the solid oak cabinet bases, which were in good condition, and commissioned new cabinet faces. She chose a deeper stain for the cabinets and invested in new appliances, plumbing, and hardware. The kitchen ultimately became her favorite room, characterized by its beauty and functionality. A prominent La Cornue range and striking Calacatta Monet marble countertops were key elements that contributed to her dream kitchen. Beyond the kitchen, the dining area and living room were refreshed with new paint and hardwood flooring. A significant challenge arose midway through the renovation when it was discovered that the cast iron pipe running the entire length of the house needed replacement, despite prior inspections. Cassill addressed this unforeseen issue by committing to a complete replacement of the cast iron piping to avoid future problems. The completed renovation resulted in a space that reflects Cassill's personal design aesthetic: laid-back, collected, and vintage. She found the experience of designing for herself more challenging than for clients, requiring extensive consideration for each decision to ensure long-term satisfaction. Ultimately, she expressed contentment with her choices and the final outcome of her redesigned home. #HomeRenovation #BeachBungalow #InteriorDesign #DanaPoint #KitchenRemodel #FrenchInfluence #SmallSpaceLiving #HomeTour #PostDivorce

This article details the transformation of a newly constructed Brooklyn townhouse into a warm, personalized, and comfortable family home with a mid-century modern aesthetic. The homeowners, who are lovers of the outdoors, sought to create an urban oasis that felt like an escape from the city, particularly benefiting from the property's quiet, tree-lined street and enclosed backyard. Interior designer Lucy Harris led the project, focusing on seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, incorporating super durable pieces suitable for a young child, and maintaining a light and bright color scheme. The entryway, designed to function as both an entrance and a mudroom, immediately sets an eclectic and welcoming tone with custom millwork for storage and a colorful tiled floor from Heath Ceramics, featuring bright blues and golds. Accessories such as a natural-feeling leather mail/key holder from Lostine and a simple half-moon mirror from Bower contribute to the unique character. In the kitchen, which was recently installed in the new-build, minor but impactful changes were made to integrate it into the home's overall aesthetic. Rattan counter stools from Stahl and Band introduced natural materials, while green pendants from In Common With tied in with the dining area's color scheme. The dining nook is highlighted as one of the most dramatic alterations, featuring custom banquette seating upholstered in a deep green wool boucle fabric from Tibor, complementing the leafy street view. A brass fixture from Apparatus adds texture, and a custom-sized solid wood table from Yucca Stuff, along with vintage-inspired Tre 3 chairs by Angelo Mangiarotti, complete the inviting space. The living room was conceived as a casual, peaceful, and fresh area, utilizing a serene palette with vibrant earthy accents. It showcases a colorful area rug by Christopher Farr, an original Bauhaus design, and a soft sofa from Poiat, contrasting with an organic-shaped coffee table in the style of Paul Frankl. An adjacent reading area in the living room features a leather Ojai chair from Lawson Fenning, reflecting the mid-century modern influence throughout the house. A Miniforms Soda glass side table adds material contrast, and custom millwork displays the homeowner’s vintage objects, infusing personality into the new construction. The connection between indoor and outdoor living is emphasized through large houseplants and green color palettes inside, and an inviting balcony dining space leading to a landscaped backyard, designed by Michael Cafiero. The outdoor area includes Fermob Luxembourg chairs and a customized Croft House dining table, suitable for the terrace. The family room introduces a different palette with deep blues and rich rusty oranges, creating an inviting atmosphere with mixed patterns. A custom rug collaboration between Lucy Harris and Carini, a wool and leather ottoman, and a comfortable Albarese sofa by DePadova define the space. A home gym adjacent to an outdoor terrace benefits from a leafy view. The primary bedroom combines pastel colors with vibrant accents for a serene yet interesting backdrop, featuring a walnut nightstand by Hedge House, a scalloped sconce by Nickey Kehoe, and a colorful quilt by Thompson Street Studio. Subtle patterned wallpaper by Rebecca Atwood and Caroline Z Hurley drapes add texture and quirkiness. For the nursery, a playful desert theme was chosen, reflecting the owners' love for hiking. Geometric patterns, a neutral cactus wallpaper, and terracotta accents, including a Kartell Componibili, create a vibrant yet sophisticated space. The guest bedroom on the fourth floor extends the natural beige, orange, and brown palette, with a second walnut nightstand from Hedge House and a rug from Nordic Knots, complemented by green and blue accents in the Room & Board bed and Rebecca Atwood drapery. This comprehensive redesign transforms the builder's spec townhouse into a soulful city oasis with distinctive character and style. #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #BrooklynTownhouse #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #OutdoorLiving #CustomDesign #ColorPalette #SustainableDesign

Chriselle Lim, creator of The Chriselle Factor blog, collaborated with designer Lucinda Pace of Laurel & Wolf to redesign her Los Angeles home, which is also her husband Allen's childhood residence. The objective was to infuse Chriselle's personal style into the home, transforming it into a luxurious and modern living space for herself, Allen, and their daughter, Chloé. The dining room was a primary focus of the renovation due to its outdated built-in cabinets and tendency to accumulate clutter. Chriselle envisioned a polished, contemporary, and mature aesthetic for this area. Lucinda Pace approached the dining room transformation by first selecting a chandelier and dining table, which then guided subsequent design choices. The design incorporated high-end fabrics and metallic accents, blending both commercially available and custom-designed furniture pieces. The existing built-in cabinets were revitalized by applying black lacquer paint, adding an antique mirror, and installing new brass hardware, thereby converting them into a sophisticated bar area. The designer described the outcome as "modern and fresh," creating an ideal setting for entertaining guests. Key elements in achieving the glamorous look included Jonathan Adler's Meurice Chandelier and Bond Dining Table. A more budget-friendly alternative for the chandelier, West Elm's Mobile Chandelier, was also suggested. The dining room's floor was adorned with a wool rug from Loloi Rug Company, and Lucinda custom-designed the dining chairs to accommodate Chriselle's young family and frequent visits from both sets of in-laws. The bar area was accessorized with items primarily from Z Gallerie, such as a gold Decanter Set. Chriselle's design philosophy balanced luxurious accent pieces, like Kelly Wearstler's Liason Ice Bucket, with more affordable decorative items from Z Gallerie, including the Filigree Jar and Agate Tealight. The dining table followed a similar decorating scheme, featuring gold-toned items such as Z Gallerie's Miami Vase. Chriselle expressed satisfaction with the renovation, noting that the transformed house reflects her personal style, which she characterizes as elegant, glamorous, yet cozy and rustic. The project successfully converted a family home with a history into a contemporary and sophisticated oasis tailored to the blogger's refined taste and lifestyle. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #DiningRoomMakeover #LuxuryDecor #GlamorousStyle #BeforeAndAfter #ChriselleLim #LaurelAndWolf #DesignerCollaboration

The article details the home renovation journey of Temi Johnson, a participant in BBC1's Interior Design Masters, who transformed her two-bedroom Victorian end-of-terrace house in Hertfordshire into a vibrant and personal space, ultimately leading her to pursue a full-time career in interior design. Temi and her husband initially fell in love with the house's location, which offered good links to London while feeling like it was in the countryside. They had previously lived on a narrowboat to save for a mortgage, and ironically, their new home was right next to a boatyard they frequented for repairs. Upon purchasing the house, Temi quickly realized it needed significant work beyond a cosmetic makeover, including extensive modernization and redecoration, especially the bathroom which had exposed old soil pipes. Despite these challenges, the house retained its original parquet flooring and had a small kitchen extension, providing a good foundation. The renovation began with ripping out the downstairs kitchen and old shower room, transforming it into a larger kitchen, laundry room, and downstairs toilet. This phase, initially planned for six weeks, stretched to nearly three months due to unexpected building issues, forcing them to wash dishes in the bathtub. Temi's vision for the kitchen was a decent-sized space for entertaining, reflecting her love for food. She describes the kitchen as the heart of the house, where they spend most of their time with friends and family. The design incorporated cabinetry with hidden storage and open shelving, cubbyholes for plates, and a built-in wine rack. For the worktops, she opted for durable quartz over more expensive and delicate marble, considering they have a three-year-old. The kitchen also features a country-style Butler sink and brass taps and handles, with the island housing the oven and hob. The living room was designed to feel larger and more inviting, using a bright orange eco-friendly lime-wash paint from Francesca’s Paints, as Temi expresses a dislike for wallpaper. The room is furnished with a mix of vintage finds, including an Ercol sofa and a brass coffee table from eBay, complemented by cherished artworks. Temi highlights her love for antiques and vintage items, emphasizing their character and charm, and describes her style as a blend of traditional and modern vintage with a strong emphasis on color. She mentions painting the fireplace black, a detail inspired by a previous boat renovation, and notes the polarizing reactions to her orange living room. Moving to the private spaces, the main bedroom features a birch bed from Ikea and a color scheme with Dulux’s Bright Skies on the walls and a Farrow & Ball Arsenic-matched paint for the door. A fitted wardrobe with curved door inserts and large circular brass handles, sourced from Pushka Home, was custom-built to fit an alcove. Her son's bedroom is designed for play and storage, featuring a raised Ikea bed to accommodate toys and a teepee that serves as a snug area. The bathroom, a surprising challenge during the renovation due to unseen damage and previous modifications for disability, was updated with a second-hand bath and sink from eBay, with all plumbing replaced. Temi concludes by advising against rushing home decoration, encouraging homeowners to take their time to find items they truly love, emphasizing that a home will come together authentically with patience. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #VictorianHouse #Hertfordshire #ColorfulDecor #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomIdeas #BedroomDecor #DIYHome

Architect and designer Kartik Desai, along with his husband Zane Philstrom, transformed an abandoned mobile home property in Southold, North Fork of Long Island, New York, into a modern, cost-effective family residence with breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound. The couple purchased the dilapidated property in 2012, initially using it as a campsite while they designed their dream home, emphasizing the stunning natural surroundings as the primary inspiration. The design philosophy centered on maximizing the Long Island Sound view, ensuring every room and the swimming pool faced the water. To achieve this vision while adhering to budget constraints, Desai implemented several clever cost-cutting solutions. For instance, in the living room, instead of an expensive custom sectional, they opted for an affordable IKEA sectional and customized it with removable, washable linen covers from Bemz, providing both a polished look and practical maintenance for a beach house environment. The living room also features a massive 12-foot hearth fireplace that doubles as a bench, and a clever panel concealing the television. The dining room, kitchen, and living area were designed as a cohesive communal space. A continuous bank of sliding doors along the ground floor was a key design element to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. To avoid the high cost of a custom 50-foot sliding door system, they utilized four standard-width bay units. These were then integrated seamlessly with natural oak finishes, extending to cabinetry and using cabinet face material to fill the gaps, making it appear as a single, custom system. Desai highlights this as an example of making standard-sized elements look bespoke. In the kitchen, budget-friendly material swaps were crucial. The original plan for concrete floors, countertops, and fireplace surround was deemed too expensive. Instead, large format tiles from Porcelanosa were used for the floor, and quartz for the countertops and fireplace surround. These alternatives provided a similar aesthetic to concrete but offered benefits such as durability, stain resistance, and low maintenance. The open kitchen design allows Philstrom, an avid cook, to engage with guests in the dining and living areas or by the pool. The bedrooms and bathrooms also maintain continuity with the home's overall aesthetic and practical design. Bedrooms offer serene views of the ocean, with furniture from brands like CB2, Blu Dot, Parachute, and IKEA. The bathroom similarly boasts sweeping views of the Long Island Sound, utilizing the same practical and durable materials as the main living areas, with fixtures from Kohler, mirrors from Rejuvenation, and tiles from Porcelanosa. This strategic approach to design and material selection enabled the couple to create a sophisticated, zen-like Hamptons home without exceeding their budget, transforming an uninhabitable structure into a modern sanctuary. #HomeDesign #CostSavingTips #HamptonsHome #ModernArchitecture #DIYDesign #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecor #OceanViewHome #SustainableLiving

Arne Jensen, an Emmy Award-winning art director from WBZ-TV, and his wife transitioned from a multi-story loft in Lowell to a 1,900-square-foot midcentury-style home in Walpole, specifically chosen for its architectural bones and convenient location. While Jensen's professional background was in set design, where aesthetics often supersede comfort, he applied his predilection for midcentury modern aesthetics to the redesign of his family's new home. This personal project ultimately led him to launch his own interior design and graphics firm. The exterior of the home was subtly updated to enhance its curb appeal and integrate it with the natural surroundings. Jensen painted the front door a spicy red and replaced the walkway with crisply cut granite pavers. He cultivated the front garden with a Japanese maple, azaleas, and a dwarf white pine, adding lush personality. The house features large, floor-to-ceiling glass expanses that foster an indoor-outdoor connection, a key attraction for the couple. To further emphasize this connection and integrate the interior with the exterior, Jensen stained the interior window frames dark brown, making them recede visually and allowing the eye to focus on the outside scenery. The interior walls, previously covered in dated, sharp stucco, were grounded, sanded, and repainted. The upper section of the highest wall, which separates the public spaces from the bedrooms, was painted a comforting mochaccino shade. This darker color choice was strategic, helping to visually knit the wood ceiling to the walls and reduce the vastness of the room, making it feel more intimate. The living space features a revitalized fireplace, which was originally clad in the same material as the home's front facade but deemed unsightly. Jensen transformed it by applying a Portola Paints’ lime wash to create a nuanced patina on the now-smooth stucco surface. He removed the raised hearth, installing a blackened steel plate flush with the floor, and incorporated a Stûv insert with a blackened steel surround, known for its heating efficiency. A pine mantel was added to link the fireplace with the existing wood ceiling, resulting in a streamlined yet cozy focal point. The fireplace is centered by a coffee table, flanked by leather sofas that exude a relaxed, midcentury sensibility. A reading nook was created in the remaining space, furnished with Barcelona-style chairs and adorned with black and white photography, along with Jensen's Emmy statuettes. The kitchen and dining areas underwent significant renovation to achieve a more open floor plan. Jensen removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen, replacing it with a breakfast bar. Upper cabinetry was eliminated in favor of maple base cabinets with deep drawers, valued for their practicality. Black granite countertops provide a grounding contrast to the light wood. The kitchen's focal point is a backsplash made of skinny, stacked olive tiles from Heath Ceramics, which Jensen chose due to his Bay Area roots. The varied green tones of these tiles harmonize with the outdoor view, drawing attention outwards. The deck, spanning the length of the house, was refurbished to include an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill and smoker, a Solo pellet stove for warmth, and a pergola with a louvered top for al fresco dining. Grapevines, replanted from an existing arbor, now trail over modern rails. Motivated by the desire for soothing sounds, Jensen also created a pond with lily pads and frogs. Additional outdoor features include an existing bocce court, which effectively separates the house from the lawn, and a vegetable enclosure built by Jensen, where he tends to raised beds of various produce. This multiyear renovation project, largely executed by Jensen himself, marked a significant career shift, leading him from television production to establishing Arne Jensen Design, an interior design and graphics firm, reflecting his enjoyment of the transformative process. #HomeRenovation #MidcenturyModern #InteriorDesign #LandscapeDesign #ArneJensenDesign #WalpoleHome #IndoorOutdoorLiving

The article details the renovation project of an interior designer, Steph Schlegelmilch of Studio Seva, who transformed a bland new-build home in Westport into a charming family residence. Despite the house being sold at teardown value in a foreclosure auction, Schlegelmilch recognized its potential, especially its English Tudor-style architecture, which was uncommon in the area dominated by modern farmhouses. The initial vision for the renovation was to create a comfortable, elevated, and timeless home with a strong European influence, achieved by selective changes and preserving original features. The renovation began with addressing the home's initially cold and uninspired interior, described as a "builder special." The existing lighting was seen as wasteful and bland, lacking soul. Significant landscaping work was also necessary, involving the removal of almost four hundred yards of ledge, which caused a three-month delay. The exterior transformation included a backyard retreat with a pool, multi-tiered patios, gardens, retaining walls, and mature landscaping, designed to enhance the property's European country home feel. In the kitchen, minimal structural changes were needed, but extensive upgrades for functionality were carried out. Outdated, undersized, and awkwardly configured appliances, such as a left-hinged fridge and freezer positioned side-by-side, were replaced. The original range was upgraded to a Lacanche, a new plaster hood was installed, and lighting was updated, featuring Matthew Cox island pendants from England as a key design element. The dining room was conceived as a dark and sultry space, leveraging its large size and high ceilings. Plaster was used on the walls to add warmth and align with the European style, and a darker finish was chosen to create a bold yet sensible ambiance. This darker tone was subtly echoed through accents in other rooms to maintain continuity, especially since the dining room is not immediately visible upon entering the house. The family room emerged as the designer's favorite space, serving as a daily gathering and unwinding area. It is strategically located adjacent to the kitchen but designed to feel distinct, avoiding the common issue of modern open-plan homes where dining and living areas blend too much. Special design details in this room include an arched niche with custom-stained oak millwork, the addition of symmetry around the fireplace, and the conversion of the fireplace to gas with a reclaimed beam mantel, enhancing its coziness. Throughout the home, Schlegelmilch emphasizes collecting unique items and incorporating pieces from favorite brands like Verellen to create a lived-in, comfortable, and soulful environment. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #WestportHome #EuropeanInfluence #TudorStyle #FamilyHome #KitchenDesign #DiningRoom #FamilyRoom #LandscapeDesign

The article details the transformation of a 2300-square-foot penthouse apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, from a clinical, industrial space into a whimsical and functional family home. Keren Richter, co-founder of interior design studio White Arrow, led the redesign, prioritizing the tastes and needs of the clients' three young children. The project focused on softening the apartment's original hard-edged and high-contrast finishes to create a more playful and inviting environment for the family. One of the most notable features of the redesign is the kitchen. Richter expressed her particular fondness for this space, highlighting the custom cabinetry crafted from bleached maple. This choice provides a light and natural base, which is then complemented by aluminum cast hardware from Australian designer Studio Henry Wilson. A striking element is the refreshing green Calacatta turquoise marble used for the countertops and backsplash, creating a vibrant contrast with the playful powder pink kitchen cabinets. The kitchen also incorporates whimsical decor, such as abstract modern bar stools by Jack Rabbit Studio, and existing artwork from the client, all contributing to a balanced and uplifting aesthetic. Despite adopting some minimalist principles, such as built-in storage to conceal clutter, the space retains warmth and visual interest through its material and color palette, demonstrating that extensive decoration is not always necessary when materials speak for themselves. Contrasting with the lower floors, the top floor of the duplex was designed with cooler tones and a more pared-back aesthetic. The dining room, for instance, features sleek wood surfaces and mid-century modern furniture. Abstract elements are woven throughout, from a uniquely based dining table to an abstract midcentury pendant light, maintaining a visually engaging yet minimally decorated space. The design incorporates materials like chrome, mirror, hand-blown glass, and bleached maple, alongside bold Calacatta turquoise marble and cast aluminum hardware, to create a sophisticated atmosphere. Playful touches, such as a pink console, wavy candleholders, and angular lighting, are strategically placed to echo the home's overall whimsical theme without overwhelming the refined design. The living room provides a plush and inviting atmosphere, featuring a large powder-blue sofa and quilted modern armchairs that blend contemporary style with family-friendly comfort and practicality. The careful use of pastel colors and a colorful abstract rug adds playfulness without being overwhelming, balanced by a sleek chrome coffee table. This space exemplifies the fusion of sophistication with accessibility for children. In the master bedroom, the concept of softness is particularly evident. A cloud-like wall mural creates an airy and relaxing ambiance, ideal for a sleep space. While pink dominates the color scheme, it is balanced by neutral decor, including a boucle bed frame and a warm-toned geometric rug, preventing the room from appearing overly saccharine. A delicate chandelier adds an extra layer of sophistication, complementing the room's soft elements. Subtle gold accents and art pieces contribute to a luxurious, retreat-like feel. Throughout the home, the designers incorporated a refreshing and calming palette, contemporary art, unique wallpapers, locally made design pieces, and a mix of reflective 70s Italian lighting and furniture, seamlessly integrating custom White Arrow-designed elements. Wood, specifically white oak, is used extensively throughout the home to provide a refined yet durable finish capable of withstanding years of family life. Custom white oak features include a primary closet, a connecting staircase with curved detailing, and refinished floors. The design also incorporated curves in architectural details like window wells and maximized storage solutions to accommodate the active family's needs. The children's rooms on the lower floors feature more saturated colors and patterns, including an immersive scenic mural, hand-drawn wallpapers, and graphic rugs and window coverings, creating playful and intricate spaces that are balanced by abstract colorful rugs and curved wood furniture. The nursery, for example, combines a wood cot, a blue rug, an armchair, and polka-dot wallpaper with framed prints, reflecting a thoughtful blend of functional design and cheerful aesthetics suitable for young occupants. #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #BrooklynApartment #HomeRenovation #WhimsicalDecor #ModernDesign #ColorPalette #CustomCabinetry #SpacePlanning

This article details the transformation of a raw, 4,300-square-foot apartment in Philadelphia into a tranquil sanctuary from the bustling city, envisioned by its owner, a media executive. Interior designer Alexii Friedman of Studio Friedman collaborated with Mark Sanderson and Harris Ford of the architectural firm DIGSAU to achieve this vision. The apartment, initially a blank canvas with only stud walls, offered a unique opportunity for a design deeply rooted in craftsmanship and local artisan collaboration. The design process began with a significant piece the owner had already acquired: a custom walnut dining table by George Nakashima Woodworkers, which celebrates the natural beauty of wood. This selection set the tone for the entire project, emphasizing quality materials and the work of skilled makers. The owner's request for a peaceful retreat from the vibrant urban environment, despite the building housing a busy restaurant on its ground floor, guided every design choice. Key to the apartment's aesthetic is the extensive use of local craftsmanship. Renowned blacksmith Warren Holzman was commissioned by the architects to create several custom elements, including blackened steel doors and exquisite bronze louvered shutters. These shutters not only add a touch of sophistication but also provide privacy for the nine-foot-high windows, which face the city. Holzman also fabricated the home bar in the living area and metal shelves in the entryway, contributing to the apartment's refined, art-gallery-like atmosphere. Travertine plinths display sculptures, further enhancing this curated feel. To address the apartment's limited natural light, with windows on only two facades, a wall of reeded glass was incorporated behind the entryway shelves. This design solution effectively draws natural light deeper into the home's core. The walls throughout the apartment are finished with textured lime plaster, a testament to exceptional local artistry. Mark Sanderson explains that these walls were treated not merely as surfaces for art, but as artful elements themselves, complementing the owner's Impressionist and contemporary art collection. The striking fireplace, designed to blur the line between sculpture and structure, also features this unique plaster finish, anchoring the public spaces. The kitchen, a central element of the home, was meticulously designed after consulting with a New York chef. Its innovative layout includes a change in floor height, allowing the monolithic quartzite island to serve as both a standard work surface and a dining-height table. Adjacent to the kitchen is the apartment's most distinctive feature: a loggia. This space is equipped with custom retractable windows that can be fully opened, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living and creating a seamless connection with the leafy square below. The design intentionally echoes the park's natural elements through choices like the grass-seated dining chairs and a branching chandelier in the dining room. The owner's existing art collection was reframed and integrated with new contemporary pieces sourced by Alexii, ensuring a harmonious dialogue between all artworks. The project's success is attributed to the strong collaborative spirit among the homeowner, designer, and architects, highlighting a meticulous attention to detail, even down to the decision to forego doorknobs in some areas. This collaborative approach resulted in a cohesive and personalized living space that perfectly embodies the owner's desire for a calm and reflective home within an urban setting. #InteriorDesign #LuxuryApartment #PhiladelphiaHomes #CustomCraftsmanship #ArtisanCollaboration #UrbanSanctuary #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign

Located in Highland Park, Dallas, this home, curated by Ashby Collective, showcases a blend of eclecticism and modern luxury, transforming a blank canvas into a space with a distinctive identity. The design approach, termed "Highland Park Eclectic," reflects the neighborhood's luxurious charm and the homeowner's sophisticated yet playful style, according to Annie Bacon, senior designer at Ashby Collective. The homeowner, originally from the UK, sought to infuse the modern architectural base with timeless personality and a collected, refined yet inviting feel. The client provided inspiration combining vintage rugs layered under modern classic furniture, playful silhouettes, and rich textures. The primary living room exemplifies this fusion, featuring vintage elements like a traditional woven rug alongside mid-century leather furniture and luxurious marble, further enhanced by a Santa & Cole Tekio Circular Chandelier. The dining room continues the theme of contrasting styles, pairing classic furnishings with contemporary pieces. A large-scale Persian-style rug introduces warmth and intricate patterns, while modern dining chairs in a bold red provide a striking contrast. An abstract pendant light adds a modern edge and luxury, complementing the 18th-century hewn oak dining table and art pieces. The designers emphasized the use of rich tones and layered textures, meticulously curating furnishings and decor, blending classic modern furniture with organic lines to achieve effortless elegance and a timeless aesthetic. The second living area features vibrant colors, with yellow velvet armchairs and striking wall art. The space feels both elevated and uplifting, with a patterned rug adding warmth against the yellows and pale wood. The artfully arranged bookshelf displays meaningful decor, contributing to the room's accomplished design. Various forms of wood, including an abstract coffee table, introduce a modern organic touch. The designers sourced unique pieces globally, including quirky artifacts, bold artwork, and beautiful books, to create a home with soul, sparking curiosity and conversation. The kitchen, designed in a chic sage green (Benjamin Moore's Cabin Fever), balances luxury finishes with warmth. A quartzite counter and backsplash tie into the home's sophisticated grandeur. Wooden elements, such as midcentury modern bar stools and rustic chopping boards, add patina and warmth, while contemporary lighting by Holly Hunt integrates old and new seamlessly. The guest bedroom, with its warm color scheme of yellows, soft oranges, and warm browns, offers comfort and luxury. It features rich textures, including a velvet-upholstered bed, drapes, plush cushions, and soft carpet, balanced by a dramatic ebonized dresser. Annie Bacon noted her favorite space as the primary suite, describing it as a moody sanctuary. The bedroom is enveloped in woven chambray-colored grasscloth wallpaper, creating depth and softness. A custom 14-foot-wide walnut bed with integrated nightstands anchors the room, balancing the vaulted ceiling. A silk-patterned rug and pink velvet loveseat introduce whimsy and romance, resulting in a glamorous, organic, and intimate space. The en-suite bathroom, a complete reimagination, features pale pink limewash walls, striking blue marble tiles, and a fusion quartzite countertop. Custom-stained oak cabinetry, dark plaster walls, exposed polished nickel plumbing, and Belgian bluestone floors create a luxurious retreat. The media room is a vibrant, monochromatic pink space, painted in Benjamin Moore's Roman Shade, showcasing the client's openness to bold choices. The music room blends contemporary design with vintage inspiration, featuring a classic Eames lounge chair and ottoman, a 1970s-inspired geometric rug, and brass accents, evoking a luxurious, retro ambiance. The overall design by Ashby Collective is an eclectic work of art, merging vintage furniture and angular shapes with soft materials and luxurious finishes, embodying a "loud luxury" trend that is fun, luxurious, and comfortable. #HomeDesign #EclecticInteriors #LuxuryLiving #TransitionalDesign #VintageDecor #ModernFurniture #DallasHomes #InteriorDesign #AshbyCollective

The author, an ELLE DECOR A-List designer, details her recent experience renovating and extending her London apartment. She notes that while designers' own homes often turn out to be their best work due to the absence of client-imposed visual compromises, designing for oneself can present its own set of challenges. Initially exciting, the project often gets pushed aside in favor of client work, leading to the 'cobbler-with-no-shoes' phenomenon. The collaboration aspect, crucial in client projects, is largely missing when working on one's own space, sometimes leading to a sense of loneliness as the only push-and-pull comes from one's own team, who may be reluctant to offer contradictory opinions. Despite these challenges, the author appreciated the flexibility and speed with which decisions could be made and adjusted. Design changes could be implemented swiftly, or even reversed, without the need for multiple client meetings, presentations, or extensive persuasion. This freedom allowed for bold choices that might be difficult to sell to a client, such as applying tobacco linen to north-facing sitting room walls or painting window frames and trim in a unique 'Toad' green. These bold design elements, while adding to the expense and timeline, ultimately created a high-impact, calming atmosphere, evoking a country feel for guests. She draws a parallel to Albert Hadley, who famously used his own apartment as a design laboratory, experimenting with unique elements like lacquered chocolate-syrup-colored walls and ceilings. This illustrates how designers' personal spaces become arenas for unconstrained creativity and experimentation, free from the pressure of client approval. When making daring design choices for her own home, the author experiences less anxiety about the outcome, knowing she can live with and adjust the results if necessary. This contrasts with client projects, where bold decisions carry significant financial implications or risk a loss of trust if initial iterations don't meet expectations, potentially stifling creativity. The article also touches on the differing nature of budgets when designing for oneself versus for clients. While client budgets always have boundaries, personal projects offer a different spirit of allocation. The author found value in things that might be considered extravagant for a client, such as a four-poster bed requiring 90 yards of fabric, which she expresses no regret for, despite it being a budget-buster. This highlights the personal satisfaction derived from investing in specific design elements for one's own enjoyment. Ultimately, the author concludes that the process of designing her own home, despite its inherent 'pain,' was a rewarding experience, allowing for a level of creative freedom and personal expression that is often tempered in client-focused work. The outcomes, particularly the bold and distinctive design choices, have brought significant personal satisfaction and validation, reaffirming the unique benefits and challenges of being one's own design client. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignerLife #LondonApartment #CreativeFreedom #BudgetManagement #PersonalStyle #DesignChallenges