Kave Home offers charming pieces to celebrate new beginnings with style

The concept of updating home decor with the changing seasons, much like fashion, is explored. The article highlights that seasonal fabrics and styles are not exclusive to runways but can also influence home aesthetics. Betsy Chapin, a college professor, exemplifies this trend by changing decorative elements in her North Wilmington townhouse five times a year to achieve a fresh, seasonal look. She focuses on easily interchangeable items such as area rugs, accessories, table centerpieces, throw pillows, candles, and dried or silk flowers, considering it an inexpensive method to refresh her living environment and create a warm, welcoming, and comforting mood tailored to different times of the year. The historical precedent for this practice is noted with Henry Francis du Pont, who, as often as four times a year, would change curtains, rugs, and slipcovers in his Winterthur mansion to suit the seasons, sometimes even altering ceramics. Linda Eaton, curator of textiles for Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, explains that du Pont's changes were about balancing colors and adapting items for appropriateness in different seasons. For instance, in the Chinese Parlor, he used green satin drapes with white floral sprigs for winter, dark green damask with blue trim for spring, tamboured mulls with yellow taffeta valances for summer, and yellow taffeta valances and curtains for fall. The article details both the practical and decorative reasons behind seasonal home decor changes. Heavy drapes in winter help reduce drafts and create a cozier atmosphere, while lightweight curtains in warmer months allow for better airflow and natural light. Crisp, breathable fabrics are preferred for summer, and unadorned floors are cooler than heavy wool rugs. Additionally, rotating items seasonally can extend their lifespan, as noted by Meredith Graves, a stylist and co-owner of Found, a shop specializing in antiques and home accessories. Graves mentions that taking up rugs seasonally allows for thorough cleaning and maintenance. The cost-effectiveness of this approach is emphasized, with Chapin finding affordable decor items at craft stores like Michael’s, where she buys silk flowers and glass jars to fill with seasonal elements such as shells for summer or pine cones for fall. Graves suggests grouping accessories, like a gleaming mahogany box with paperweights and pheasant feathers for fall and winter, or sterling silver nut dishes near a seascape painting for summer. She also advises changing candle colors and sizes to match the season. Traditionally, seasonal decor changes involve textiles. Du Pont, for example, reportedly changed his drapes to complement the outdoor views. The article mentions the Port Royal Parlor, which had white cotton curtains with a purple print in summer, 18th-century yellow damask in fall, green-and-gold floral silk in January, and Regency yellow silk damask in spring. While full curtain and slipcover changes can be costly for most, the article suggests more accessible alternatives like inexpensive covers for dining chairs or using throw pillows and area rugs, as Chapin does, often sourcing them from stores like Kohl's. For fall, tapestry or needlepoint pillows are recommended, used sparingly. Cottons and stripes are suitable for summer, while mohair, wool, or cashmere throws add luxury and warmth for cooler nights. The concept extends to bathrooms, with seasonal towel changes, and bedrooms, where summer matelassé can be replaced with darker colors and silks for fall, along with storing and unfurling seasonal rugs. The goal is to make every room feel magical and inviting through these seasonal adjustments. Specific fall fashion tips for home decor are provided, including incorporating burnished oranges, rich reds, golds, and browns, or deeper hues of existing color schemes. Emphasis is placed on texture, favoring warm fabrics like brushed velvet, cashmere, and wool over summer cottons. Suggestions include exchanging a bowl of seashells for fruit, nuts, or pine cones, using more opulent placemats and napkins, and switching to thicker, heavier candles. Even kitchens can embrace the season with themed area rugs, mitts, and dish towels, allowing for a touch of whimsy with items like smiling pumpkins. Finally, changing door wreaths from summer grapevines to pine cones or autumn leaves for winter is recommended. #HomeDecor #SeasonalDecor #InteriorDesign #TextileDecor #HomeAccessories #DelawareHomes #WinterthurMuseum #FashionForwardHome #FallDecor

Interior designer Annie Anderson and her husband, Jeffery, acquired a house that held sentimental value for Annie, as it was where her baby shower for her eldest child was hosted. They purchased the home six years ago, viewing it as a perfect fit for their family of five, despite their desire to adapt it to their specific needs. The initial modifications focused on reconfiguring the upstairs space to better accommodate their children. Subsequently, their attention shifted to the downstairs areas. The living spaces at the front of the house are notable for their expansive windows, which allow an abundance of southern light to illuminate the rooms. The Andersons opted to maintain the original layout of these areas. White walls serve as a neutral backdrop, enhancing the visual impact of the rich colors and various textures present in the decor. A deliberate and balanced combination of patterns invigorates the space. Diverse materials such as gilt, bamboo, lacquer, and raffia are harmoniously integrated, alongside houseplants with variegated leaves, modern art, and photography. A formal sofa, distinguished by its fringe gracefully reaching the floor, contributes to the room's aesthetic. A pink lacquered ceiling adds a rosy luminosity from above, completing the elegant and lively atmosphere. The dining room pays homage to traditional decorating styles, featuring a textured sisal rug, painted fretwork chairs, classic curtains, and hand-painted wallpaper. Despite its formal appearance, the space is actively utilized by the family. Anderson notes that her children often complete their homework in the dining room and host friends there for casual meals. Paradoxically, when the Andersons entertain adult friends, gatherings typically gravitate towards the kitchen. The appeal of the dining room's chalky Napoleon III-style rope-twist chairs, upholstered in a leopard print, is suggested as a draw for the younger occupants. The kitchen, typical of older homes, presented an opportunity for remodeling to better suit the family's lifestyle. Anderson had a clear vision for this transformation, aiming to enhance natural light in the kitchen and butler's pantry and to create a more spacious mudroom. The kitchen is anchored by a La Cornue range, chosen not merely for its decorative appeal but also due to Jeffery Anderson's past as a professional chef. The design incorporates classic, timeless elements, blending seamlessly with the home's existing style. Marble countertops and a backsplash, paneled walls, and wood floors are selected to respect the age and character of the residence. Brass lattice insets in the cabinetry add an unexpected shimmer, while raffia chairs in the breakfast room introduce texture, balancing the inherent formality of the space. To maximize natural light, Anderson installed generous windows on either side of the range and repeated transom windows on both interior and exterior walls in the kitchen and breakfast areas. The breakfast room's update served as the catalyst for adding a new family room. In this new addition, vaulted ceilings, clad in wood paneling, are complemented by an antelope-patterned carpet, maintaining the home's sophisticated aesthetic while offering durability. Technological and structural updates were also integrated, including new wiring and geothermal energy systems. The family room is designed for both casual and social activities, featuring a card table with spider-backed chairs for games or snacks, and slipper chairs near the fireplace for relaxation or conversation. A state-of-the-art television above the fireplace can display decorative images when not in use, enabling large groups to watch sporting events. The primary suite, distinct from the communal areas, serves as a luxurious private retreat. Wall-to-wall carpeting and floor-to-ceiling curtains contribute to a quiet and serene environment. Custom closets with mirrored doors connect seamlessly to the primary bath, which boasts marble tiling and fixtures reminiscent of a high-end hotel. The overarching design philosophy prioritizes the family's practical needs and social interactions over purely decorative elements. Anderson emphasizes that the home's value lies in its ability to facilitate family gatherings and hospitality, where people feel comfortable and connected. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #KansasCity #DesignElements #CustomDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #InteriorStyling

The cottage chic style is an informal design approach that combines vintage pieces with contemporary elements, blending country and beach aesthetics suitable for any season. This style aims to create a comfortable, lived-in atmosphere, where items can be used without excessive worry about damage. Liz Wilson, an interior designer and owner of Liz at Home, highlights the suitability of cottage chic for integrating flea market finds and repurposing old items stored in attics. For instance, milk glass soup tureens can be creatively used as centerpieces by filling them with fresh produce like green apples, gourds, or artichokes. Key elements for achieving cottage chic decor include the use of beadboard for wainscoting or cabinet ends, particularly in kitchens. Cream-colored kitchen cabinets with a soft glaze also contribute to this aesthetic. In living or family rooms, slipcovers are recommended as they can be easily changed to suit different seasons—twill for warmer months and heavier fabrics like velvet for winter. Wilson also suggests innovative uses for everyday objects, such as placing a tray on an upholstered ottoman for drinks or repurposing old mirrors as decorative trays, noting that people often don't realize their original function. The essence of cottage chic encourages individuals to explore their own homes for potential decorative items. Wilson emphasizes that interior design doesn't require artistic expertise; a simplistic approach can yield beautiful results. An example provided is arranging candles of varying heights on a grandmother's platter, surrounded by whole coffee beans, which not only looks unique but also emits a pleasant scent. Donna Talley, a spokeswoman for Calico Corners, points out that a hallmark of cottage chic is the creative reuse of items. This can involve transforming a bench into a coffee table or using old garden gates as wall art. The style also provides an opportunity to refresh inherited furniture, such as reupholstering an aunt's chair with new cushions to give it a contemporary look while retaining its sentimental value. The modern interpretation of cottage chic prioritizes a clean, classic, and livable aesthetic over clutter. It emphasizes mixing rather than matching, with an overarching focus on softness and comfort. #CottageChic #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #VintageDecor #FleaMarketFinds #RepurposedFurniture #Slipcovers #HomeStyling

This blog post features a unique custom-built home located at 3482 Flamingo Ave. on Siesta Key, currently on the market for $5.8 million. Completed in 2019, the residence seamlessly blends Old World architectural elements with modern design aesthetics. The owner, Gary McDermott, who had no prior experience in architecture or home design, custom-built the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house with personal touches that also appeal to a broader market. McDermott is selling the home due to a relocation to Raleigh for work. The exterior of the home showcases more than 24 feet of hand-carved Cantera stone framing the double front doors, which are 10-foot-tall mahogany. These carvings include frangipani, his wife’s favorite flower, and a flamingo, a nod to the home's address. Wall-climbing vines and a water fountain contribute to a regal entrance, while wrought-iron balconies overlook a Roman-style pool. The property sits on an acre of land on the north end of Siesta Key and includes a three-car garage. Inside the 4,152 square-foot residence, the fusion of styles continues. An interior courtyard houses a 45-foot lap pool, surrounded by stone pillars. This five-foot-deep pool not only serves as a focal point but also functions to cool the house, reportedly lowering the temperature by 10-15 degrees and creating a natural draft. The pool area also offers views of a large backyard and canal access to Sarasota Bay. McDermott sourced the hand-carved stone from Mexico, emphasizing his preference for Old World styles while maintaining a clean, modern look. The interior features extensive tiling throughout, with traditional furniture pieces and light fixtures complementing updated bathroom and kitchen cabinetry. The kitchen boasts blue azul granite countertops, a material also used around the pool. The owner noted that delays in finding specific tiles provided ample time to refine their vision for the home. A notable amenity for contemporary living is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest house equipped with a full kitchen and a luxury office, catering to remote workers. Looking ahead, the roof was intended for further development, with plans for a greenhouse, a day bed, a putting green, and a bocce ball court, adorned with cacti and bromeliads. These future projects are now available for the next homeowner to undertake. Steve Abbe of the Abbe Ross Team with Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida is the contact for inquiries regarding the property. #SiestaKey #CustomHome #LuxuryRealEstate #MediterraneanArchitecture #OldWorldDesign #ModernDesign #SarasotaHomes #HomeForSale #ArchitecturalFeatures