One man turned nursing home design on its head when he created this stunning facility

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

This article details a recent remodel project undertaken by Studio McGee in Maryland, focusing on transforming a client's childhood home to better suit her young family. The project involved a comprehensive renovation of a Cape Cod-style house, aiming to synthesize the client's long-held dreams for the space with the design team's expertise. The scope of work included significant structural changes, such as moving interior walls, along with the installation of new finishes and the selection of furniture tailored to the client's unique aesthetic. The core challenge and opportunity lay in respecting the home's inherent character and 'good bones' while introducing modern functionality and style. The article emphasizes the collaborative process between the client, who brought a deep personal connection to the house, and the design team, who translated those sentiments into a cohesive design plan. It highlights the importance of balancing preservation with modernization in heritage remodels, ensuring that the updated space feels both fresh and deeply personal. The remodel aimed to create a home that not only accommodates the practical needs of a growing family but also resonates with the client's nostalgic attachment to the property. The project serves as an example of how thoughtful design can update a home for contemporary living while honoring its past. The successful integration of new design elements with existing architectural features demonstrates how interior design can evolve a space without erasing its history, offering valuable insights for individuals considering similar renovation projects. The transformation showcases how a well-executed remodel can breathe new life into a beloved family home, making it suitable for future generations while retaining its cherished heritage. The article implicitly suggests that such projects require careful planning, a deep understanding of the client's vision, and a creative approach to problem-solving, especially when dealing with pre-existing structures and personal attachments to a space. #HomeRemodel #InteriorDesign #HeritageHome #CapeCodStyle #FamilyHome #DesignProcess #ArchitecturalPreservation #Modernization #StudioMcGee

The article details the transformation of a “dark” Craftsman bungalow parlor into a brighter, more inviting space by stager Sarah Reed. The original parlor, typical of Craftsman-style homes, suffered from a lack of natural light due to its architectural design and placement. Reed's primary objective was to counteract this inherent dimness by strategically using color, furniture arrangement, and textiles to enhance the room's luminosity and perceived spaciousness. The initial state of the parlor presented challenges common to older homes, including limited light and potentially outdated decor that contributed to a heavy, dark atmosphere. Reed began the transformation by implementing a thoughtful color palette. Instead of relying on stark white, she chose soft, light neutral tones for the walls, which effectively reflected available light and created a sense of openness without making the room feel sterile. This choice was crucial in setting the foundation for a brighter environment. Furniture selection and placement played a significant role in the parlor's metamorphosis. Reed opted for pieces that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional in enhancing the room's brightness. The sofa was chosen in a light gray hue, contributing to the overall airy feel. Complementing the sofa, two accent chairs in white were introduced, further brightening the seating area. The arrangement of these pieces was carefully considered to maximize open floor space and light flow, avoiding clutter that could absorb light and make the room feel smaller. Textiles were another key element in Reed's staging strategy. A cozy rug, featuring a blend of white and gray, was selected. Reed emphasized the importance of rug size, noting that an 8’x10’ rug was appropriate for the room's dimensions, allowing both the sofa and accent chairs to rest comfortably with their front legs on it. This thoughtful detail helps to anchor the seating arrangement and prevent the space from feeling disjointed. Additionally, chunky light neutral textiles, such as throw pillows and blankets, were incorporated to add texture and warmth while maintaining the bright aesthetic. The combination of these design choices—light wall colors, carefully selected light-colored furniture, and coordinating textiles—resulted in a parlor that feels significantly lighter and more spacious than its original state. The transformation successfully addressed the challenge of inherent dimness in the Craftsman home, creating an appealing and comfortable living area. The article concludes by noting the effectiveness of Reed's staging, as the house went under contract shortly after being listed, indicating the positive impact of her design work on potential buyers. #HomeStaging #InteriorDesign #CraftsmanBungalow #RoomTransformation #BrighteningSpaces #NeutralDecor #HomeRenovation #RealEstateStaging

The article explores an often-neglected space in home design that interior designers consistently prioritize: the hallway. While homeowners typically focus design efforts on main rooms such as kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, a poll of 15 interior designers revealed that 10 experts identified the hallway as a crucial area that should not be overlooked. The hallway, frequently perceived as merely a transitional space, possesses significant untapped potential for enhancing a home's aesthetic and cohesive feel. Designers emphasize that investing creative energy in hallways can transform them into integral parts of the home's overall design narrative. Kelsey Matyas of Kelsey Deirdre Designs describes the hallway as "connective tissue — not just between rooms, but between design ideas." Sarah Beth Wood of Rigby Wood Interior Design highlights that passageways, especially those connecting key spaces, should be carefully considered, particularly in new construction. She suggests incorporating architectural millwork, faceted lighting, and wall coverings to elevate a basic hallway into a special journey. Homeowners often default to neutral paint and bare walls in hallways, neglecting proper lighting and architectural opportunities. This oversight results in a lack of personality in what could be a visually engaging area. Michelle Murphy, founder of Demi Ryan, states that small spaces like hallways can set the tone for the entire home, making it feel more inviting and personal. Yena Jung of By Yena Designs adds that these overlooked nooks and hallways can be transformed into memorable areas that draw attention. The article provides several practical suggestions from designers on how to elevate a hallway's design. Lighting is a key element, with recommendations for playful overhead fixtures like pendants or flush mounts, and decorative wall sconces to illuminate long corridors. Kristyn Harvey of Kristyn Harvey Interiors notes that repetition of light fixtures in longer hallways can create a strong statement. Architectural details, such as molding or wainscoting, are also highly recommended to add visual interest. Ellen Hatton, principal of BVA BarnesVanze Architects, suggests enhancing hallway openings with custom stained wood fretwork, arches, or pilasters instead of simple casing. Wall treatments offer another avenue for transformation, with designers advocating for bright paint colors, funky wallpaper (even on the ceiling), or textural paints like limewash or Venetian plaster, or a high-gloss finish. Ceiling design, often referred to as the "fifth wall," is presented as a significant opportunity to create impact in a small space. Hatton advises experimenting with bold ceiling treatments such as barrel or groin vaults, coffering, or eye-catching paint colors. The article also highlights the importance of mirrors and artwork, suggesting that large canvas prints or gallery walls can make a narrow corridor feel larger and add personal flair. Jung points out that a simple mirror in a corner or on a wall with a window can make a space feel more open and inviting. Runner rugs are recommended not only for protecting floors but also for introducing vintage styles or colorful patterns to transform the hallway's vibe. Interior designer Taniya Nayak suggests incorporating various prints through rugs, curtains, wall art, or even table books for a maximalist aesthetic. Finally, the article promotes the inclusion of tiny built-ins, even in small hallways, to serve functional purposes such as a homework area with a desk, a home bar, or a drop zone in an entry hall. Seth Ballad of DC Ballard & Mensua Architecture notes that even a simple niche bookshelf can add character to the space. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #HallwayDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #LightingDesign #WallTreatments #CeilingDesign #HomeStyling #SpaceUtilization

The article details the interior design process undertaken by Jason Martin of Martin & Brockett for three actors from the HBO series 'Veep': Tony Hale, Clea DuVall, and Timothy Simons. It highlights Martin's philosophy of creating living spaces that authentically reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their inhabitants, moving beyond a generic 'designer home' aesthetic. The connection between the actors and Martin & Brockett began through Martin's husband, Jon Brockett, who grew up with Tony Hale. When Tony and his wife, Martel Hale, moved to Los Angeles, their friendship with Brockett and Martin flourished, leading the Hales to entrust Martin with the design of their first home in Los Feliz. Tony Hale emphasizes Martin's attentiveness to their living habits and the specific use of each room, while Martel Hale notes Martin's commitment to ensuring both partners were equally satisfied with the outcome. This collaboration continued when the Hales purchased a second home in Studio City in 2019. For this residence, Martin blended Southern hospitality, East Coast beachy vibes, and L.A. contemporary elements, incorporating wide-plank flooring, mouldings, and a mix of antiques with comfortable, upholstered seating. Many of these upholstered pieces are from Martin & Brockett's own locally made line, which includes the tufted Anne chairs and the bright orange, nailhead-trimmed Hale dining chairs, named after the couple. These products, along with vintage finds and artisanal items, are available through the firm's website and their Mid-City showroom. Timothy Simons and his wife, Annie, also sought Martin's expertise after Simons joined the cast of 'Veep.' Martin notes that Timothy's personality is a stark contrast to his character Jonah Ryan. The Simons, who acquired their Silver Lake home in early 2020, desired a vibrant, family-friendly environment suitable for their active twin children. Timothy Simons expressed confidence in Martin, citing his high-quality work for the Hales, his trustworthiness, and his collaborative artistic approach. The Simons' home features electric colors and a prominent built-in plywood bookcase, designed by Jason Martin with a slanted shelf idea from Timothy, filled with books, reflecting their love for reading. Clea DuVall, who joined 'Veep' as Marjorie Palmiotti, and her wife, Mia Weier, also enlisted Martin's help when they bought a home in 2020 during the Los Angeles lockdown. Their property, located on a hillside in a leafy east-side enclave, offers scenic views and soft, diffused natural light. Martin drew inspiration from DuVall's preference for a 'partly cloudy' climate, akin to Point Reyes, to craft a soothing color palette dominated by muted blues and grays, evocative of late fall. Martin reiterates his design philosophy, stating that his goal is for a space to feel inherently connected to its occupants, as if they had designed it themselves, only executed with a superior level of refinement. The article underscores the personal and collaborative approach Martin takes, resulting in distinct yet deeply personal interiors for each client. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CelebrityHomes #VeepCast #MartinAndBrockett #LosAngelesDesign #PersonalizedDesign #EntertainmentIndustry