This New Hampshire home feels like a throwback to summer camp

Designers Vivian Lee and James Macgillivray of LAMAS architectural studio undertook the renovation of Camp Kent in Kent, Connecticut, transforming a former summer camp into a winter-ready family home. The primary challenge was to winterize the structure while preserving its original character and nostalgic camp-like feel. The property, once a coed summer camp and a filming location for 'Friday the 13th Part 2', had been previously cobbled together into a summer house from several old cabins, a music room, an infirmary, and a boathouse after its closure in 1982. The renovation focused on integrating modern functionality with the existing rustic aesthetic. The design team drew inspiration from the original bunks, utilizing pale, knotted pine shiplap throughout the interior. This rough-sawn board cladding was crucial in retaining the authentic summer camp atmosphere. The interior's natural wood tones are complemented by an arboreal green trim used around the windows. Many of the windows in the house are original, but some, along with the two main doors, were custom-made by Norwood in Nova Scotia to ensure they were fully winterized. These newer additions have a slightly more industrial appearance but blend effectively with the older windows. The project also involved preserving original features such as a stone fireplace with a rough-hewn wooden mantel and porcelain sinks in the children's bathroom. A new dormer was added to create a dedicated children's area upstairs. In the master bathroom, Marrakech Design tiles were incorporated to create a distinctive shower space. The kitchen was a custom design by LAMAS, with significant input from local millworker Wayne Tobin, and features appliances from brands such as Miele, GE, LG, and Fisher & Paykel. Lighting throughout the home primarily comes from Schoolhouse Electric, with Minka ceiling fans providing additional functionality. Before addressing the structure itself, LAMAS focused on the surrounding landscape. The hilly terrain required regrading to install a winding driveway, making the property accessible during icy and snowy conditions. A small potting shed was relocated near the house and driveway, its weathered shingle exterior harmonizing with the red-brown pine cladding of the main house. This exterior cladding was faithfully matched to the original by contractor John W. Dinneen & Son, aiming for an appearance that suggests the modifications were always there, seamlessly integrated into the natural environment. The overall design successfully balances the need for a comfortable, warm family home with the preservation of the camp's historic and nostalgic identity. #CampKent #HouseRenovation #Winterization #RusticDesign #ArchitecturalPreservation #InteriorDesign #ConnecticutHome #LAMASArchitects #PineShiplap

The article details the transformation of a 19th-century YWCA summer camp in Mill Valley, California, into a family home for Mark and Blythe Harris, a Manhattan couple. Initially hesitant about the property's dysfunctional state—a primary building on stilts connected by outdoor staircases to smaller structures on a steep slope—Mark Harris later had a change of heart, convinced they needed to purchase it despite their established life in New York City. The Harrises, both with jobs allowing remote work, were drawn to the rustic camp aesthetic, reminiscent of their childhood experiences. To undertake the extensive renovation, they enlisted architect Gil Schafer, known for his work on patrician estates, and interior designer Rita Konig. The couple sought Konig after admiring her ability to create characterful interiors, a challenge given they were starting from scratch with minimal possessions. The renovation itself was a three-year endeavor. Schafer faced the architectural challenge of increasing livable space without expanding the original footprint. This was achieved by excavating the slope and raising ceilings, effectively stretching the main house vertically and making every seemingly old element new. Mark Harris took a hands-on approach, meticulously overseeing details like irregularly spaced salvaged floorboards and sourcing vintage materials such as butcher block and handblown windowpanes. Konig's role involved curating objects that would infuse the home with character and warmth. Unlike clients who might prioritize larger elements, the Harrises appreciated her selections of unique, sometimes whimsical, details like a ship in a bottle or a stuffed seagull, understanding that these small touches contribute significantly to a home's story. The project evolved into a collaborative effort between Mark and Blythe, whose individual creative styles merged to form a cohesive "family style." Blythe noted her lawyer husband's unexpected design ideas, leading to a synergistic process. The finished home is presented as a testament to embracing serendipity and the profound impact a thoughtfully created space can have on a family's life. The article highlights the importance of allowing for unexpected elements in design and recognizing the value in transforming unconventional properties into cherished homes. The Harrises' journey illustrates how a historical, challenging property can be reimagined to meet contemporary family needs while preserving a sense of history and fostering a unique narrative through its design. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #NorthernCalifornia #HistoricPreservation #EclecticStyle #ArchitecturalTransformation #RitaKonig #GilSchafer

In the mountainous region of Bavaria, Germany, a distinctive holiday home known as Haus P offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional chalet. Designed by Stuttgart-based Yonder — Architektur und Design, this 2,680-square-foot residence serves as a rural retreat for a family of seven from Hamburg. The architects, Benedikt Bosch and Katja Knaus, drew inspiration from classic Allgäu chalet-style homes, adapting the form into a modern, sculptural structure. The house is strategically positioned on a gentle slope in the German alpine region of Allgäu. Its exterior features charred wooden siding, which not only provides a natural, weathered appearance but also offers eco-friendly weather protection, contributing to a cool, dark-grey aesthetic. This charred wood contrasts effectively with core-insulated exposed concrete used for the foundations of the basement level, establishing a solid plinth for the timber structure above. The combination of these materials creates a two-toned facade that is both visually striking and functionally robust. The unique geometry of Haus P is a result of maximizing the property’s allowable building envelope. Bosch explains that the design conceptually originates from a classic chalet form with a shallow gabled roof and a full lower level, from which an oblique section was strategically removed along its central axis. This incision effectively divides a single building into two primary components: the main house and a separate storage shed, creating a protected courtyard in the intervening space for outdoor activities. Access to the main entrance is provided by cantilevering stairs along the slanted rear façade, leading to this courtyard. The interior spaces are characterized by their cool, lofty ambiance and an emphasis on pure and simple aesthetics. Wood, a prevalent building material in the region, is extensively used for the home's structural framework and interior finishes. The double-height ground level accommodates the open-plan communal areas, including the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. A large picture window in this area frames stunning views of the surrounding mountains, integrating the natural landscape into the living experience. A modern, minimalistic concrete fireplace is a focal point in the living area. The lower level, or garden basement, is functional and well-appointed, housing two guest rooms, a sauna, and a bathroom, offering practical amenities for a large family or guests. Stairs within the house beautifully blend with the wooden walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a cohesive design. A built-in bench along the stairs provides a quiet spot for reflection, while an upper-level loft serves as an idyllic space for reading or stargazing through its picture windows. The canted shape of the building contributes to these commodious interior spaces with high ceilings, enhancing the overall sense of openness and light within the home. #ChaletInspiredHome #ModernArchitecture #GermanAlps #CharredWoodSiding #ConcreteDesign #HolidayHome #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

The article explores how to recreate a summer camp decor aesthetic inspired by Jonathan Knight's "Farmhouse Fixer" show, focusing on budget-friendly methods. This design approach taps into childhood nostalgia, incorporating elements reminiscent of cabins, lodges, and lakeshores. The core idea is to achieve this whimsical look without extensive spending, utilizing a mix of nostalgic accessories, motifs, and specific design choices. Jonathan Knight's renovation project on "Farmhouse Fixer" serves as a primary example. The transformation of a tired cottage involved several key changes, starting with the exterior, which was updated from an unremarkable white to sun-bleached paint colors. Inside, the main living space was brightened by replacing old flooring with bold checkered tiles and removing a dropped ceiling to create a more open and illuminated area. The kitchen received layers of paint, and new furniture draped in cozy fabrics, alongside campy accessories, helped to unify the home's different sections. The bathroom was updated from pink porcelain to white fixtures, a tiled shower, and a soothing gray wall color, aligning with the overall camps-of-old theme. The finished product showcased a cohesive concept with a faded yet bright color palette extending throughout the indoors and outdoors. Key elements of the summer camp aesthetic highlighted in the article include retro Thermoses, buoys, and walls adorned with oars. Touchable fabrics, such as Hudson Bay-inspired blankets, calico patchwork shower curtains, and vintage sports jerseys, are emphasized as crucial for adding warmth and texture. These elements demonstrate how simple decorative items can significantly contribute to the theme. The article suggests that homeowners can adopt these tips for a cost-effective upgrade to their living spaces, using paint, inviting fabrics, and camp-inspired decor pieces. The summer camp flashback trend is characterized as a blend of rustic, vintage, and cabin vibes, distinguished by an intentional, slightly exaggerated sense of nostalgia and humor. For interiors, striped or plaid coverlets, throws, and plush cushions are recommended to transform beds or couches into style centerpieces, ideally pairing complementary patterns and colors. Wall decoration is presented as one of the easiest and most affordable ways to introduce this theme, with suggestions like maps, nature prints, pennants, and rough wood furniture or frames. Paint-by-number creations depicting wildlife or forested landscapes are also mentioned as nostalgic and visually appealing wall art. Unexpected decorative hangings like canoe paddles, badminton rackets, and first aid kits further enhance the ambiance. The article advises sourcing these items from garage sales, Goodwill, flea markets, and thrift stores for authentic vintage finds. For those with less time for physical treasure hunting, online platforms like Etsy are recommended for consistent supplies of vintage decor. Amazon is also cited as a budget-friendly source for items such as plaid blankets, faux-log pillows, and DIY paint-by-number kits, making the aesthetic accessible to a wider audience. This approach allows individuals to infuse their homes with a playful, nostalgic summer camp feel without a substantial financial investment. #FarmhouseFixer #SummerCampDecor #BudgetDecorating #WhimsicalHome #VintageHomeDesign #NostalgicAesthetic #DIYHomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeRenovation

This article showcases a lakeside vacation home in New Hampshire, designed by interior designer Nina Farmer for a Boston-based family of five. The property, spanning 1.6 acres, serves as a year-round retreat from their primary residence, approximately two hours away. The family, including three teenagers, is highly active, engaging in daily lake swims and mountain climbing, and the home's interior design reflects this relaxed and engaged lifestyle. The 5,400-square-foot main house, completed last year, was conceived by Cambridge-based architecture firm Charles R. Myer & Partners. Constructed from red cedar in a Shingle-Style, it features a screened-in wrap-around porch and offers picturesque lake views. The design intentionally blends with the local vernacular, avoiding the feel of a massive new construction and instead aiming for a cozy atmosphere. Farmer emphasizes that the interior design was carefully curated to extend this sense of belonging and comfort. Farmer’s design philosophy for the three-bedroom, three-bathroom property, which also includes a second-story bunk room and an additional full bathroom, began with selecting rugs as foundational elements. She typically incorporates a mix of new and vintage pieces; sofas are generally new additions, while accessories and side chairs are often vintage. This approach ensures that the home feels lived-in and functional rather than merely decorative. The great room, a central feature of the home, is designed around a custom rug by Farmer. It combines modern items, such as a 1960s French Pierre Chapo leather chair, with aesthetic movement stools and rustic pottery. Custom elements include a tufted sofa from Farmer’s studio, wall sconces from Jamb, and a Bogart cocktail table from Shoppe Amber Interiors. The room also boasts two monumental stone fireplaces, with the family personally selecting the stones. A long window seat in the great room provides a dedicated space for reading and relaxation, offering direct views of the lake. The dining room, designed to be less formal, accommodates ten guests at a custom table, complemented by aesthetic-style chairs upholstered in Jennifer Shorto fabric. A custom-designed rug by Farmer anchors this space, highlighting her focus on tactile materials that promote a simpler, disconnected lifestyle. Lighting fixtures in the dining room include parchment and iron pendants from Roman Thomas and a leather console from BDDW. The kitchen is functional and approachable, featuring a lower ceiling and cabinetry painted in Studio Green by Farrow & Ball. Moroccan Zellige tile clads the wall behind the sink, illuminated by handmade ceramic pendant lights from Natalie Page. The study is described as a cozy, boat-like room, designed to be enveloping and snug. It houses a Dmitriy & Co. sofa, chairs from Nickey Kehoe, a 1960 Guillerme et Chambron cocktail table, a vintage midcentury Swedish pendant by Erik Höglund, and a vintage Moroccan rug. Each of the primary bedrooms offers lake views, providing a tranquil retreat. Furnishings include a standing lamp by Jacques Adnet, a ceramic lamp by Danny Kaplan Studio, a bed from Shoppe Amber Interiors, and an oversize pillow in Zak+Fox fabric, with a Moroccan flat-weave rug on the floor. The primary bathroom features a freestanding bathtub and fixtures from Drummonds, a pendant light from Jamb, and a vintage flat-weave rug, reflecting a blend of elevation and simplicity. Another bathroom is characterized by its rustic charm, with yellow Moroccan tiles in the shower and on the walls, complemented by Jasper’s Corsica wallpaper. It includes a pedestal sink from Waterworks and a Double Bubble light fixture from Olampia. The children's bedrooms, though not overly large, incorporate Dutch doors to foster an indoor-outdoor connection. These rooms are furnished with Rose Tarlow beds, a vintage armchair upholstered in Jennifer Shorto fabric, window treatments from Lisa Fine Textiles, and vintage Kilim rugs. The bunk room, designed for hosting multiple guests, features single wrought-iron beds from Cottage Home Shoppe, Pendleton blankets, and a mix of 19th- and 20th-century dressers. The floor is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Indian Yellow, and all light fixtures are from Urban Archaeology. The expansive porch, a favorite space for the family year-round, epitomizes indoor-outdoor living with a custom-built porch swing, lighting from Urban Electric, and furnishings from Bielecky Brothers and Hollywood at Home. #InteriorDesign #LakeHouse #NewHampshire #NinaFarmer #VacationHome #ShingleStyle #CozyInteriors #VintageFurniture #HomeDecor

This blog post offers a tour of a four-bedroom detached property in Hampshire, owned by Gillian, who blogs at 'Tales From a Happy House.' Gillian and her family moved from Leeds in spring 2015 to be closer to relatives. The house, built in the 1960s, features characteristic elements such as an asymmetric chimney breast, large windows, and slanting, wood-clad ceilings. Despite its initial appeal due to a spacious garden and bright rooms, the property was in a state of disrepair upon purchase, with disconnected utilities, jarring wall patterns, a leaking patio door, and faulty boiler and electrics. The owners undertook significant renovations to transform the house into a light and bright home. They opted for white walls, wood floors, and incorporated printed fabrics and handmade items. A new woodburner became a central feature in the living room, which was their first major decorating project. They opened up a boxed-in fireplace, creating a focal point with the slope-sided chimney breast, and carefully selected a simple woodburner design to complement the room's clean lines. While the dark laminate flooring was not their original choice, its practicality and good condition led them to keep it. Throughout the home, neutral shades are used as a base, with bold colors introduced on feature walls, such as a vibrant green in the hallway. This vibrant entrance is intended to be inspiring. The hallway also showcases a display of floral prints and white frames. The dining area features furniture brought from their previous home in Leeds. They replaced their oversized dining table with a smaller circular G-Plan table, embracing a retro aesthetic, and paired it with replica Eames chairs. A 'family wall' in the dining area serves as a gallery for cherished items, including holiday finds and children's artwork, adding color and personalization and allowing for easy updates. The kitchen, though worn, is spacious and bright, with a neutral backdrop. While the owners plan to eventually redo it, they made temporary fixes to wobbly cabinets and applied a fresh coat of paint. The main bedroom features a deep-blue feature wall and yellow bed linen, adding a bold touch to an otherwise plain white room. A slim picture shelf provides a display area. In the child's bedroom, the walls remain pale and simple, allowing colorful bed linen, lighting, and accessories to provide visual interest. Under-bed storage and reversible bed linen are highlighted as practical features, along with bauble lights for a playful touch. The bathroom, like the kitchen, is an inherited space that the owners eventually intend to replace. For now, its neutral decor is enhanced by well-chosen accessories like blue towels. The owners have embraced the 1960s style of the house rather than attempting to conceal it, believing this approach has been successful. They also acknowledge the potential for future extensions to the kitchen and upstairs areas. The article demonstrates how thoughtful renovation and decorating choices can transform a neglected property into a personalized and comfortable family home, blending original architectural features with modern and retro design elements. #ChaletStyleHome #HampshireHome #TalesFromAHouse #HomeRenovation #1960sArchitecture #InteriorDesign #RetroVibe #FamilyHome #HomeDecor

The Rowan is the newest tiny house model introduced by the online marketplace, Tiny House Listings. This 34-foot-long (10-meter) tiny house distinguishes itself with a useful porch area and an expansive interior layout, uniquely arranged on a single floor. While its length is comparable to many North American tiny houses, its increased width of 10 feet (3 meters) — 1.5 feet wider than the standard 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) — contributes significantly to a more spacious and home-like feel inside. However, this extra width necessitates a permit for towing on public roads in the USA, making it less ideal for frequent relocation. The Rowan is constructed on a six-axle trailer, a notable feature that suggests a design choice to distribute weight effectively. The exterior is finished with engineered board and batten wood, complemented by a metal roof, ensuring durability and a contemporary aesthetic. The interior boasts drywall finishes, providing a clean and modern canvas for residents. Access to the home is through a 6-foot (1.8-meter) porch, which leads into the living room via double glass doors. The living area is well-lit with generous glazing and is designed to accommodate a sofa, a TV, and a cabinet, creating a comfortable space for relaxation. Adjacent to the living room is the kitchen, which is equipped with an induction stove and a sink. It offers ample cabinetry and designated space for additional appliances, catering to practical cooking needs. A breakfast bar with seating for two further enhances the kitchen's functionality, serving as a casual dining or workspace. Moving deeper into the tiny house, past the living and kitchen areas, is the bathroom. This facility includes a shower, a sink, a flushing toilet, and some storage, providing essential amenities within a compact footprint. One of the most significant design aspects of the Rowan is its single-floor layout, particularly evident in the bedroom. Unlike many tiny houses that feature loft bedrooms requiring occupants to crawl, the Rowan’s bedroom offers ample headroom, allowing residents to stand and move around comfortably. Located at the opposite end of the house from the entrance, the bedroom is designed to accommodate a queen-sized bed. It also includes a large built-in closet and washer/dryer hookups, maximizing convenience and storage within the limited space. The Rowan is currently available for purchase at US$92,000. This model aligns with Tiny House Listings' recent offerings, which include the larger duplex-style TinyPlex and the more budget-friendly Cortado, showcasing the marketplace's diverse range of tiny home solutions. The Rowan represents a practical yet comfortable option for individuals or couples seeking a tiny house experience with an emphasis on interior spaciousness and a semi-outdoor living component provided by its porch. #TinyHouses #TinyHouseDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #MobileHomes #AffordableHousing #CompactLiving #MinimalistLiving #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

Architect Gil Schafer, alongside interior designer Rita Konig, undertook the ambitious task of transforming a dilapidated former YWCA summer camp in Mill Valley, California, into a charming family home for Mark and Blythe Harris. The initial impression of the property was one of disarray, despite its sprawling size and numerous buildings scattered across a sloped hill. The owners themselves initially dismissed the property, but a nocturnal vision by Mark solidified their decision to purchase it. The primary challenge for Schafer was to infuse the property with a cohesive and charming 'cottage feel' while addressing its structural and layout issues. One significant hurdle was the property's pre-existing maximum expansion, which prevented adding space outward or upward. Schafer creatively solved this by utilizing the space beneath the house, which was built on stilts on a downhill slope. This ingenious approach allowed them to excavate and construct a large family room and a guest suite directly beneath the main structure. Similarly, the area beneath the stilted garage was repurposed to create a 'snug,' a cozy room inspired by British pub back rooms, offering a secluded retreat for the adults. Another major layout problem was the absence of an internal staircase connecting the two levels of the main house. The original design necessitated going outside onto a deck and down unstable steps to move between floors. Schafer reimagined this connecting space, designing it to evoke the feeling of an old porch that had later been glassed-in. This renovation resulted in a top landing bathed in natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors, leading to a larger patio and creating an airy, sun-filled transition zone. To preserve the desired cottage aesthetic and prevent the renovation from stripping away the property's inherent charm, Schafer focused on incorporating materials that felt established and authentic. Reclaimed flooring and vintage wood paneling, sourced from various locations including the Pacific Northwest, North Carolina, and Canada, were integral to this vision. The application of these materials served both aesthetic and functional purposes; vertical wide planks in the downstairs family room visually increased ceiling height, horizontal boards on the staircase mimicked an exterior look, and wainscoting was used in hallways for durability and ease of cleaning. A consistent color palette, featuring hunter green in the dining room and white floors elsewhere, unified the diverse elements and contributed to the home's comfortable, 'old shoe' ambiance. Schafer also addressed the scale of individual rooms, some of which were smaller despite the overall spaciousness of the original building. He opened up ceilings to expose beams throughout, creating a more expansive, lofty feel. A dormer was strategically added to the kitchen's roof to introduce a shaft of light, and doorways were enhanced with transom windows to foster a sense of airiness. The renovation paid meticulous attention to small details, such as incorporating a mix of French and Dutch doors to allow for airflow while keeping children and pets secure. Mark Harris's collection of antique hardware, including old lockboxes and vintage knobs, was integrated throughout the house. Mother-of-pearl push-button light switches replaced standard plastic ones, harmonizing with the oxidized metals. A particularly enchanting feature is a secret opening connecting the kids' rooms, adding a whimsical element reminiscent of childhood magic, ultimately fulfilling the goal of creating a truly special family home. #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #CottageStyle #AdaptiveReuse #VintageElements #SpaceMaximization

Marie Turner Carson of M. Elle Design and architect Bob White of Forest Studio collaborated to create a unique family getaway at Victory Ranch, near Deer Valley, Utah. The clients desired a "family camp" atmosphere, which was interpreted not as a rustic, traditional lodge, but as a luxurious yet comfortable design focusing on community, activities, and nature. The home's unconventional layout diverges from a typical lodge, featuring guest rooms designed as individual "cabins" to accommodate a multi-generational family and their guests. White's design emphasizes breaking down the traditional "big box" lodge into a compound of structures that integrate with the rolling landscape and are arranged around connecting courtyards. This innovative approach optimizes views while ensuring privacy and a continuous sense of discovery throughout the property. White conducted space planning on-site to frame views perfectly and envisioned the new build as a historic home that evolved over generations, bringing an authentic feel to the design. The collaboration with local builder Ivan Broman resulted in a structure that serves as an ideal backdrop for family gatherings, allowing everyone to feel at home with their own space, while also incorporating inventive and thoughtful details. The main entry of the house offers an intimate feel with a lower ceiling, providing a glimpse into a central courtyard rather than a dramatic, expansive entrance. This design choice encourages exploration and a gradual appreciation of the home's features. The living room, a central and open area, is anchored by a monumental plaster fireplace, which provides a visual anchor amidst painted boards. Steel elements like a sculptural wood wall and door casings balance the room. From the living room, residents can enjoy views of the river and a courtyard with a fire pit, creating a sense of connection to the outdoors. To enhance coziness, the living room features layered wool rugs and various textures in its furnishings, arranged in two sections for versatile seating. The dining room, notably dark and dramatic, is positioned on a cantilevered hallway that acts as a bridge connecting different areas of the house. This unique placement offers a slightly disorienting yet engaging experience, constantly relating to the exterior landscape. An outdoor dining area complements the interior, featuring a custom-made table large enough to seat at least 16 guests, mirroring the indoor dining capacity with flexible seating options. The kitchen is strategically located at the furthest point of the house to maximize views, offering a 180-degree panorama. Inspired by Edwin Lutyens' designs, it includes a round island and cabinetry that reinterpret Alpine style. Beyond the primary living spaces, the home includes a bar with reclaimed wine barrels and walnut panels for guests to carve their names, and a basement speakeasy, embracing a cozy, wood-clad Alpine aesthetic. The main bedroom offers serenity with a muted palette and stone walls that seamlessly blend the interior with the surrounding environment. For younger guests, there are tastefully designed bunkrooms, one with rush beds for girls and another with cot-like beds and canvas curtains for boys, evoking a summer camp feel. The design team meticulously sourced items like vintage trunks to complete the authentic, yet refined, camp aesthetic, ensuring every detail contributes to the overall theme of a luxurious and comfortable family retreat. #FamilyGetaway #LuxuryDesign #MountainHome #UtahArchitecture #MElleDesign #ForestStudio #CustomHome #InteriorDesign #AlpineStyle

The Wallis family, consisting of Jenna, an internationally acclaimed interior designer and owner of Jenna Wallis Interior Design, and her husband Ed, purchased a 1940s English cottage in the Hedgemoor neighborhood of Memphis with a vision to transform it into a serene and classic retreat for their family, including their two boys. Despite its charming exterior, the cottage required extensive renovation to accommodate a modern family while preserving its original character. After living in the house for about four years, the Wallises engaged Ryan Anderson of RKA Investments, a Memphis builder known for restoring older homes, and architect Charles Shipp to lead the renovation. Jenna's design philosophy centered on blending the old with the new, maintaining the home's classic charm while introducing contemporary elements. A significant challenge involved literally lifting the existing structure to create an open, airy space. The renovation team, including Ryan Anderson's business partner Chris Clark, worked collaboratively to achieve Jenna's vision, which included raising the living area's 9-foot ceilings to 11 feet to enhance natural light and spaciousness. Eight-foot windows were installed, flanking a custom fireplace, above which a vibrant painting by Atlanta artist Sally King Benedict became a focal point. Key areas of the home were meticulously redesigned. The kitchen was transformed with custom cabinetry extending to the ceiling for maximum storage, a beveled subway tile backsplash, and honed Carrara marble countertops. Jenna opted for unlacquered brass hardware, which develops a natural patina over time, to align with the home's original aesthetic. A breakfast nook, connecting the living area and kitchen, features sleek white walls, a streamlined banquette, and a rustic farmhouse table complemented by a brass globe chandelier. A framed 1966 Andy Warhol-designed Campbell's Soup dress, inherited from Ed's grandmother, adds a whimsical touch to this space. Throughout the living areas, white walls serve as a gallery for the Wallises' extensive art collection, which includes pieces by Memphis artist Megan Hurdle. In the parlor, a soft mint green ceiling, inspired by one of Hurdle's mixed-media works, adds a subtle color accent. Jenna's favorite space, her downstairs study, is distinguished by pale, high-gloss blue lacquered walls, a French pedestal desk, whimsical peacock figurines, and a modern brass starburst chandelier. Custom-built bookshelves by RKA Investments house the family's book collection, while art consultant Anna Wunderlich assisted in curating and displaying the family's diverse artwork, including a collection of oils and watercolors from Paris. The guest bedroom features a bold coral lattice wallpaper on an accent wall, framing an upholstered headboard, alongside French dressers and draperies made from Jim Thompson silk. The master bath was conceived as a spa-like retreat, with gray and white marble, built-in mirrors, millwork surrounding a white vanity, and elegant brass hardware. Antique light fixtures were incorporated to maintain the home's period charm. The renovation extended to the exterior, with Ryan Anderson and his team salvaging stone to create a cozy fireplace on a spacious, screened-in porch, which has become an ideal gathering spot for the Wallis family and friends. The project culminated in a home that perfectly blends classic charm with modern functionality, fulfilling Jenna's five-year vision. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #MemphisHomes #CottageRenovation #JennaWallisDesign #RKAInvestments #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection

The article discusses the growing trend of nature-themed decor in children's bedrooms, specifically focusing on a camping theme. It highlights the challenge of designing a child's room that can adapt as they grow, moving from a toddler's space to a 'big kid's' room without requiring a complete overhaul. The author proposes a strategy to achieve this by investing in key, durable pieces that form the foundation of the room's theme, while allowing for easy changes in smaller decor items to suit different age groups. The central idea revolves around a 'camping bedroom' concept. For younger children, the theme is presented with 'painfully cute' woodland decor, creating a whimsical and age-appropriate environment. As the child matures, the smaller, more juvenile elements can be replaced with items that reflect a 'vintage National Forest Service vibe,' transitioning the room into a more sophisticated yet still themed space. This approach ensures that the initial significant investment in a core piece, such as the bed, remains relevant and functional for an extended period, providing longevity and value. The article emphasizes the importance of selecting a versatile core aesthetic. By choosing a robust and timeless base, parents can avoid the continuous expense and effort of redecorating an entire room every few years. The camping theme serves as an excellent example because its broad appeal allows for diverse interpretations, ranging from playful and imaginative for toddlers to more adventurous and educational for older children. The adaptability of the theme means that while the fundamental structure of the room stays consistent, its character can evolve. This design philosophy offers practical advice for parents seeking to create engaging and enduring spaces for their children. It encourages thoughtful consideration of future needs during the initial design phase, promoting sustainability by reducing the frequency of major decor changes. The suggestion to update smaller, easily interchangeable items rather than large furniture pieces is a cost-effective and efficient way to refresh a room's look and feel, ensuring it continues to resonate with the child's developing interests and preferences. The article effectively demonstrates how a well-planned themed bedroom can seamlessly accommodate a child's developmental journey. #KidsBedroom #CampingTheme #HomeDecor #ChildrensRoomDesign #FlexibleDesign #ThemedDecor #WoodlandDecor

Mona Nerenberg, owner of the chic home-design shop Bloom in Sag Harbor, New York, and her partner Lisa Bynon, a landscape designer, transformed a dilapidated 19th-century cottage, known as Redbrook, in North Sea, Hamptons, into their summer home. Despite Nerenberg's shop embodying a perfect aesthetic, her personal home is described as more relaxed and filled with friends, family, and pets. The couple, who previously lived in a smaller two-bedroom home in Sag Harbor, sought more space and discovered the three-acre property online. They were immediately captivated by the picturesque, albeit overgrown, cottage, which Nerenberg affectionately called a “sleeping beauty covered in vines.” The cottage, originally owned by the Geers family who operated a fish market on the property, offered sweeping views and no immediate neighbors. The previous owners’ neglect meant the house featured run-down bathrooms and kitchen, and an attic infested with hundreds of bats. However, Nerenberg and Bynon were undeterred. They addressed the bat issue, refurbished the floors, and moved in with their two Bengal cats. Nerenberg, known for her minimalist taste, aimed for a renovation that would preserve the house’s original character while modernizing its functionality. Mark Cunningham, an ELLE DECOR A-List member and a close friend who also designed Bloom, collaborated on the home's interior. With Cunningham's assistance, the bathrooms were updated, retaining the original claw-foot tub but incorporating new fittings and penny-tile floors. The kitchen, once dark and uninviting, was revitalized with new windows, a beamed ceiling, and reclaimed paint-spattered wood planks from the attic, which had once served as an art studio. Cunningham also sourced many home accessories, art, and vintage furniture pieces from Nerenberg's shop, creating a cohesive aesthetic between the store and the home. The home features items such as an 18th-century Swedish table, vintage Pierre Jeanneret chairs, and a circa-1940 Marolles lamp. Bynon primarily focused on transforming the neglected gardens. She cleared overgrown trees and bushes, revealing manicured lawns, hedge-framed sections with ferns and flowers, a large vegetable garden, and a chicken coop. A new orchard of fruit trees is also underway. Despite Nerenberg's initial inclination against electric lighting, Cunningham convinced her to install elegant plaster chandeliers in the dining room, highlighting her appreciation for beautifully crafted, simple items. The interiors strike a balance between elegant and beachy, combining white linen upholstery, antiques, and natural elements like baskets and apple-matting rugs. Michael Dweck artworks and a Ralph Lauren Home sofa also feature in the home. Nerenberg acknowledged that the house remains a work in progress, aspiring for a modern style that still embraces its unique quirks. The home is consistently filled with family and friends, reinforcing its role as a vibrant living space rather than a showroom. This transformation, published in the July/August 2016 issue of ELLE DECOR, showcases a personalized and evolving design journey, emphasizing that a home, unlike a perfectly curated shop, is meant to be lived in and continuously evolve. #HamptonsDesign #SummerHouse #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LandscapeDesign #VintageFurniture #MonaNerenberg #LisaBynon #MarkCunningham

The summer camp aesthetic in home decor is gaining popularity due to its ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia, youth, and simpler times. Interior design experts, including Max Humphrey, author of "Lodge: An Indoorsy Tour Of America’s National Parks," Tereasa Surratt, co-owner of Camp Wandawega, and designer Leanne Ford, highlight the appeal of this style. They explain that the aesthetic connects generations through shared experiences of summer camp and is inspired by natural materials and settings, such as log cabins, stone fireplaces, and picturesque views. To incorporate the summer camp aesthetic into a home, designers suggest several strategies. One key element is to "bring the outdoors in." This can be achieved literally with natural elements like plants and wood furniture, or more figuratively with botanical-inspired wallpapers and fabrics. Leanne Ford recommends foraging for branches and rocks to use as decor, fostering a sense of being grounded in nature within the home. Another important aspect is allowing Mother Nature to dictate material choices. When renovating, opting for natural materials like Roman clay or limewash finishes for walls, or river rocks for a fireplace hearth, can help achieve this aesthetic. Starting with a neutral foundation using muted, natural tones is recommended. This monochromatic base then serves as a canvas for layering, allowing for the addition of rugs, lighting, blankets, art, and natural elements without overwhelming the space. Layering in camp-inspired colors such as forest greens, golds, reds, and browns can enhance the theme. These colors are instantly recognizable as part of the summer camp palette. Incorporating secondhand and vintage finds is crucial for authenticity, as items sourced from antique shops add character and a sense of history. Vintage photographs, especially antique summer camp albums, are particularly effective as they are "time transporters and conversation starters," connecting residents to childhood memories. Decorating walls with quirky accessories like oars, arts and crafts, wonky ceramics, twigs, rocks, and sails contributes to the camp vibe. These items can be functional, as demonstrated at Camp Wandawega where decorative oars are also used by visitors. Retro coolers, vintage thermoses, lanterns, and lunch boxes can serve as decorative case pieces and accessories. Stocking up on classic wool blankets, such as those from Pendleton and Faribault, is also recommended, as they are both functional and iconic representations of the camp aesthetic. Finally, embracing texture is essential. Mixing various textures like wood, concrete, tile, and brass creates a cozy, lived-in feel. The camp aesthetic thrives on a mix-and-match approach, incorporating diverse patterns and colors like plaid, gingham, and stripes to evoke childhood summers or cozy winter nights. Authenticity is emphasized; designers caution against buying new knockoffs and instead encourage seeking out vintage originals from places like Etsy and eBay. A touch of kitsch can also be integrated, as long as it adds silliness, magic, and joy without being overdone.

This article details the transformation of a new-build property into a characterful family home with a country-style charm, achieved through careful planning and a keen eye for design. The owners, who acquired the house as a blank canvas due to its practical benefits and ideal location near family, the countryside, and transport links, embarked on a decade-long journey to personalize their space. They focused on injecting personality into the neutral scheme, ensuring the home reflected their tastes while accommodating their growing family, including a new daughter and two dogs. The kitchen-diner, though small, was designed for both functionality and intimacy, facilitating family interaction during meal preparation and hosting cozy dinner parties. The owners introduced red and green accents to add character and warmth to the otherwise neutral palette. The red provided richness, while the green offered a calming, natural balance. To delineate the dining area, they installed wall paneling and added open shelving made from repurposed scaffolding planks, which not only offered practical storage but also served as a canvas for decorative displays, allowing for personal touches and regular aesthetic updates. The original kitchen lacked personality, prompting a renovation that aimed to blend contemporary style with classic country charm without a complete overhaul. This involved incorporating zellige tiles, replacing standard door fronts with traditional Shaker kitchen cupboard doors, and swapping a stainless-steel sink for a ceramic one. To conceal non-integrated large appliances, green linen curtains were used, contributing to a softer, less cluttered look. The chosen paint for the doors was Farrow & Ball's School House White Estate Eggshell, complemented by angled spotlights in Antique Brass to enhance the desired aesthetic. In the living room, the goal was to create a cozy, multi-functional space, as it was the most frequented area. Wall paneling was introduced to add texture, depth, and a cozier feel to the plain walls. The room was further enriched with layers of natural materials, varied textures, and warm, earthy tones, transforming it into a comfortable and inviting environment. The primary seating in this room is an Otto medium RHF chaise sofa in Taupe Brushed linen Cotton. The bedroom showcases a bolder approach to color, utilizing Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster for walls and wardrobes to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. A luxurious dark green velvet headboard was incorporated to add richness and elegance, making the bed a focal point without significant expense. The unexpected pairing of pink and green hues was a deliberate choice to infuse fresh energy and dynamism into the narrow space, reflecting the owner's personal style and achieving a boutique hotel aesthetic for a calm retreat. Practical elements like sheer linen curtains were chosen for affordability, softness, and diffused natural light. The home office was designed as a calm and creative space, featuring a soft color palette and a blend of different wood tones and grains. This approach aimed to add warmth, texture, and a balanced, natural feel, ensuring a conducive environment for work. For the compact bathroom, instead of a costly renovation, simple updates were made, including a bespoke curtain, vintage-framed artwork, mirrors, and soft towels to introduce color and texture, making the space more engaging. Thoughtful styling is evident throughout the home, particularly with organized living room shelves that display books and objets d’art. Books are often arranged with their spines hidden to maintain an artful and consistent look. Built-in cabinetry, combining Ikea units and MDF, provides both lower storage for children's toys and open shelving for decorative items, adding character and functionality to the room. The daughter's bedroom was designed to be adaptable as she grows, maintaining a neutral scheme with pops of color and playful touches, while incorporating functional and charming storage solutions like peg rails for coats and bags, encouraging tidiness and accessibility for toy storage. Overall, the home demonstrates how a new-build can be transformed into a deeply personalized and character-filled space through deliberate design choices and the strategic use of color, texture, and materials. #NewBuildDesign #CountryStyleHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #KitchenDinerIdeas #LivingRoomDecor #BedroomDesign #HomeOffice #FamilyHome

Stacey-Ann Blake, a self-taught interior stylist and designer, has transformed her Fayetteville, North Carolina home into a vibrant and unique space, where bold colors and unexpected patterns are the norm. Her approach to design is deeply influenced by her Jamaican heritage and a meticulous process of envisioning and sourcing quality pieces. Rather than conforming to traditional neutral palettes, Blake embraces a prismatic aesthetic, making hot pink and neon coral function as neutrals within her lively interior. Blake's passion for design blossomed while living in Italy and was further cultivated during her maternity leave in 2008, when she discovered the world of blogging. As a military wife, often alone during her husband Andre's deployments, she developed a keen interest in interior magazines, leading to frequent home makeovers. Her home became a creative laboratory, showcasing joyful DIY projects like a patchwork ottoman and whimsical light fixtures, eventually attracting partnerships with major brands such as Target and Universal Studios. In 2010, Blake took charge of designing her family's ranch-style home, prioritizing an open layout with cathedral ceilings and dormer windows to maximize light—essential for her extensive plant collection. This design facilitated easy supervision of her young children and fostered a bright, airy atmosphere. Her most prized plant, Glory, a fiddle-leaf fig tree, even gained its own social media following, reflecting Blake’s belief in the positive impact of plants on a home's vibe and overall health. Her green thumb also extends to a backyard garden, a nod to her Caribbean farming lineage. The children's spaces are designed to encourage self-expression. In her sons Zion and Ian’s bedroom, a world map mural serves as an educational tool and a way to connect with their deployed father, transforming bedtime routines into geographical lessons. An adjacent gallery wall proudly displays their artwork alongside pieces by renowned artists like Joan Miró and Ed Heck, fostering a sense of accomplishment. For Zion, who is autistic, Blake carefully selected calming paint shades, like the mellow blue now gracing their serene play zone. Throughout the house, Blake's bold paint choices serve as striking backdrops for her art collection. The hot pink foyer, for instance, features works by Jonathan Green and Erin Robinson, complemented by artifacts from Jamaica and Italy. The main bedroom boasts abstract art by Justina Blakeney and digital prints from EdB & Paprika, all inspired by Blake’s travels and diverse cultural experiences. Her living room’s expansive bookcase, adorned with a geometric orange overlay—her favorite hue—is a testament to her creative flair. This Technicolor library, filled with color-coded books and hidden toy cubbies, truly embodies the heart of their home. Blake consistently designs with her children in mind, ensuring uncluttered, safe, and flow-conscious spaces where every room is accessible and inviting. She emphasizes respect for furniture but also encourages playful activities like fort-building. This family-centric approach has instilled a love for design in her children, as evidenced by her son Zion's request for a bathroom renovation after seeing the main one completed. The article concludes with Blake’s recommendations for six books that promote social awareness in children, reflecting her role as a schoolteacher in an international system. #HomeDesign #InteriorStyling #ColorPalette #FamilyHome #KidsRooms #DesignInspiration #StaceyAnnBlake #NorthCarolina #DecoratingTips

Emily and Jason Porche embarked on a significant home renovation project to transform a 1972 split-level ranch in Marietta into their envisioned 'forever home' with a modern farmhouse aesthetic. This extensive renovation, which began immediately after purchasing the property in 2017, involved adding an extra story, a garage, and opening up the interior spaces to create a more functional and cohesive living environment for their family of four. The architectural design for the project was handled by David Doran of Classical Concepts, while Jason's father, Clark Porche, owner of Monogram Homes, oversaw the construction. The family's objective was to create a comfortable space conducive to making lasting memories. The finished home spans 4,500 square feet, featuring five bedrooms and six bathrooms, blending the original split-level structure with contemporary farmhouse elements. Key renovations included constructing a new garage with a bedroom above it, connected to the main house by a breezeway with wooden swings, which quickly became a favorite spot. The Porches also covered a raised patio next to the pool, incorporating skylights to maximize natural light, making the outdoor space more enjoyable year-round. Inside, the main floor was reconfigured to create an open-concept layout, connecting the kitchen to the living areas and providing unobstructed views of the pool and the adjacent Indian Hills Country Club golf course. The kitchen, a central gathering point, features a 13-foot island, white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances from Frigidaire Gallery Pro, and VIGO faucets. Lighting fixtures, such as pendants from Shades of Light and a Pottery Barn chandelier in the dining room, were chosen to enhance the modern farmhouse style. Emily Porche, a marketing professional who also blogs about interior design on theporcheplace.com, played a significant role in the interior design, maintaining a neutral palette with shades of white and cream, accented by brown tones in elements like the mantel, exposed beams, and leather armchairs. The girls' rooms are designed with a soft glow from Crystorama wall sconces from Build.com, and their shared bathrooms feature vanities and floor tile from Lowe's, mirrors from HomeGoods, and a PBteen chandelier. Practical upgrades included an expanded laundry room with Samsung appliances, a copper sink from Sinkology, and a Pottery Barn drying rack. The master bedroom features a tufted bed from Ballard Designs and a rug from Pottery Barn, further emphasizing the modern farmhouse aesthetic. Additional family-friendly spaces include a basement sunroom, which was adjusted to accommodate a flat-screen television and furnished with items from Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs. Jason Porche also custom-built a kegerator for the basement bar. The renovation extended to a creative play area for their daughters, transforming a Costco playhouse into a 'Porche City Market.' Throughout the project, the Porches prioritized creating a home that not only reflected their style but also served as a backdrop for their family life. #HomeRenovation #FarmhouseStyle #SplitLevelTransformation #InteriorDesign #CobbCountyHomes #MariettaRealEstate #FamilyHome #ModernFarmhouse #ArchitecturalDesign

This article details the transformation of a circa-1980 Ventura, California, beach house, purchased by an LA-based couple with two young children at the beginning of the pandemic. The homeowners enlisted designer Jess Diab, formerly a project manager for Sarah Sherman Samuel, to redesign the space. The house, which was the only oceanfront property available at the time, presented a unique design challenge due to its irregular shapes, compartmentalized social areas, and a 'clunky' three-floor layout. Diab's design philosophy centered on celebrating the home's existing geometry, particularly inspired by its swooping entry stairwell. The primary goal was to enhance the sense of flow throughout the three-story structure without undertaking major structural changes. The layout includes guest bedrooms on the lower, beach-level floor, living, dining, and cooking areas on the middle floor, and a partially open, lofted main bedroom. Diab aimed to create numerous "moments" and visual movement to counteract the feeling of simply navigating a series of staircases. Key design elements and strategies implemented by Diab included plastering the walls of a funky stairwell niche to create a soothing, textured aesthetic. This area was further adorned with a sculptural side table and a large decorative clamshell, designed to encourage a momentary pause before guests exit the home. In the guest bedrooms on the ground floor, Diab opted for a hotel-suite ambiance, incorporating simple nightstands and pendant lights. A notable design choice in these rooms involved custom cushioned panels framing the headboard, inspired by Drop It Modern fabric. A black side table, originally an inexpensive find, was spray-painted to elevate its appearance and complement the graphic patterns in the room. The lofted main bedroom initially suffered from a long, narrow configuration, resembling a 'bowling alley' where the bed could only be placed on one wall. To mitigate this awkward orientation, Diab introduced a custom channel-tufted headboard to visually expand the room with horizontal lines. In the kitchen, a new marble countertop and backsplash featuring dark green and gray veining were selected to evoke the Pacific Ocean. The slab yard meticulously book-matched the visible edges of shelves to create a continuous, swirling, watery effect. An upper shelf was strategically placed to keep essentials like coffee and mugs accessible for guests. Addressing storage concerns, Diab collaborated with professional organizer Julianna Strickland of Space Camp Organizing. Beyond stocking the house with the family's preferred snacks, the project involved building custom cabinets to accommodate surplus kitchen items. Given the homeowners' need to host up to 15 people, Strickland designed extra storage around the dining nook for pantry items and dishes. The curved theme was extended to these cupboards, which were finished with Park Studio hardware, a detail replicated in the bedroom closets. The collaboration with Strickland reportedly brought a sense of calm and order to the home's functional aspects. #HomeRenovation #BeachHouseDesign #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #SpacePlanning #CurvedArchitecture #VenturaCalifornia #JessDiabStudio #StorageSolutions