This San Francisco Cottage Has Seriously Cool Outdoor Features

Maggie Griffin, an interior designer, found her charming 1940s cottage in Gainesville, Georgia, and immediately fell in love with its historic appeal. The house, with its original features, small rooms, and quirky ceilings, perfectly fit her design philosophy of mixing old and new. Maggie's passion for items with history is evident throughout her home, which is filled with inherited pieces like an antique secretary and settee, alongside modern elements such as lucite and parsons tables. Her approach creates a warm and welcoming environment that reflects her personal style. Upon moving into the Gainesville cottage, Maggie and her husband, David, made minimal cosmetic changes. They focused on refreshing the space with new paint, countertops, and a few faucets, maintaining the integrity of the home's original character. The previous homeowner, who shares a friendship with Maggie, had impeccable taste, which facilitated a smooth transition. The cottage's curb appeal, characterized by painted brick, a charming side addition, a gable roof over the front door, and single-pane windows, embodies the quintessential cottage style that Maggie admires. Inside, the original floors and slanted ceilings on the second floor further enhance the cozy, historic atmosphere. Maggie's keeping room, located off the kitchen and breakfast area, serves as the central hub of her home. This multi-purpose space is designed for family gatherings and features a mix of antique market finds and contemporary pieces. The Thibaut wallpaper adds a touch of happiness, and layered rugs provide depth. The breakfast table and server were sourced from Scott’s Antiques, while the chairs are from Serena & Lily. A settee, inherited from her maternal grandmother, has been re-covered in velvet, adding a layer of family history to the room. An acrylic coffee table from Amazon.com offers a practical, easy-to-clean surface, ideal for a home with a young child. The kitchen, though previously remodeled, received Maggie's personal touch. She painted the cabinets and island, incorporating a wooden countertop for warmth and swapping perimeter counters for granite. This blend of finishes and the natural light from a large window over the sink contribute to the kitchen's inviting ambiance. The exterior also received attention, with shutters painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Herbal Escape,” complementing the vibrant spring blooms of her ten bright pink peony bushes, which bring Maggie joy each summer. Outdoor living is a significant part of the Griffins' lifestyle. From April to October, all meals are enjoyed on their back porch, which is furnished with a comfortable sectional for watching football games and a farm table from Scott’s, paired with easy-to-clean metal chairs. This space is designed for entertaining, accommodating both adult dinner parties and neighborhood playdates, and even hosted over 150 guests for a Halloween gathering. The master bedroom showcases Maggie's affinity for blue and white, with the design originating from a remnant bolt of "La Grenade" fabric by Bailey & Griffin, used for the bed skirt. Nightstands, acquired from a friend’s mother, were painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Half Moon Crest.” A custom upholstered headboard, inspired by Bunny Williams, and a bench from Scott’s with a leopard-print cushion from Lewis & Sheron further personalize the space. The bedding combines elements from Pine Cone Hill and Serena & Lily, alongside a custom bolster. An upstairs sitting room features original pine paneling and flooring, creating a charming den for guests. A camelback sofa, inherited from her paternal grandmother, is recovered in navy velvet. A hand-me-down ottoman and bobbin chairs from Pier 1, re-covered in fabric from Scott’s, complete the seating arrangement. The room also includes an IKEA jute rug layered with an antique store find, and a gallery wall displaying a mix of collected art, personal creations, and pieces from artist friends. Her son Henry’s room, located off the breakfast room, features a sophisticated look with Schumacher linen on the headboard and elephant art by Erika Lackey. A dark-blue chest from Scott’s Antique Market, framed alphabet book pages, and discarded turtle shells decorate the space, reflecting a blend of whimsy and personal history. Henry's bathroom includes Schumacher wallpaper, gray-painted trim and vanity, a Target turtle shell, and antique silver canapé dishes with the New Orleans crest. Maggie's background in furnishings and interiors, influenced by her chic grandmothers and mother, led her to a career in design. Her early experiences at Heery’s Too!, a high-end home furnishings gift shop, allowed her to transition from assisting shoppers with small decorative tasks to managing larger design projects, establishing her career as an interior designer who cherishes history and mixes it with modern sensibilities to create unique, inviting homes. #HomeFeatures #InteriorDesign #CottageStyle #AntiqueDecor #HomeDecoration #GainesvilleGeorgia #MaggieGriffinDesign #OldMeetsNew #FamilyHome

This article details seven low-maintenance backyard ideas aimed at transforming an outdoor space into a stylish and relaxing oasis. The inspiration for these ideas comes from a California beach house yard renovation by landscape designer Molly Wood, who focused on maximizing relaxation with minimal upkeep for homeowners Lindsay and Scott Monroe. The original yard was uninviting, characterized by weeds, cracked walkways, and bare dirt, but was successfully transformed into a livable and aesthetically pleasing environment. One key design principle is the strategic mixing of high and low-cost materials. For instance, the backyard features a two-level design, incorporating a firepit lounge and dining area on the lower level, and a bocce court with a swinging chair on the upper level. Wood implemented a blend of affordable materials, such as poured concrete pavers and pea gravel ground cover, with select splurges like ipe wood for decking and banquettes. This approach created a sophisticated look within budget. The article highlights that pea gravel is particularly effective for establishing a desired ambiance due to its tactile quality. Comfort in seating is addressed through specific design choices for the wooden banquette, recommending a seat depth of at least 26 inches and the use of throw pillows for enhanced lower-back support. The design also emphasizes the importance of choosing low-water plants to reduce maintenance and conserve resources. Instead of relying on flowers, Wood utilized plants with intriguing foliage, such as ‘Blue Glow’ agave and blue chalksticks, for year-round color and textural contrast, eliminating the need for deadheading. Low-water groundcovers and succulents were also used to soften hard edges, while potted bright green plants provided vibrant accents, particularly complementing a white house and white pots. Incorporating elements for recreation, the backyard includes a bocce ball court, catering to the homeowners' desire for social activities and friendly competition. This area is defined by redwood edging and narrow plant borders, seamlessly integrating it into the overall design. The article also stresses the significance of 'fire and water' features in a garden design. Two gas-powered firepits are strategically placed—one near the banquette and another by the dining area—to provide warmth and ambiance. A small water fountain, set in a limestone trough, adds a visually cooling element and a soothing sound. For culinary needs, the outdoor cooking area is streamlined, leveraging the home's proximity to the kitchen. Instead of an elaborate setup, the design incorporates a grill and a small refrigerator, with a cohesive wood counter built around them. An outdoor shower, partially enclosed by ipe wood and natural foliage, offers a practical solution for rinsing off after beach activities, while also saving on construction costs. Finally, a large, mature rubber tree serves as a focal point, enhanced by a swinging chair and Serena & Lily woven lanterns that illuminate automatically at dusk, creating a magical atmosphere. Overall, the design principles applied in this backyard transformation emphasize functionality, aesthetic appeal, and sustainability. The use of durable materials, drought-tolerant plants, and thoughtful spatial arrangements contribute to a beautiful yet easy-to-maintain outdoor living space. The integration of various zones for dining, lounging, and recreation ensures the backyard caters to diverse needs, making it a true extension of the home and a place for constant relaxation and enjoyment. #LowMaintenanceBackyard #LandscapeDesign #OutdoorLiving #GardenDesign #DroughtTolerantPlants #BackyardRenovation #OutdoorDecor #SustainableLandscaping #HomeImprovement

Jill Elkins and her husband, Jerry, in Leesburg, decided to construct an in-law suite addition to their existing 6,513-square-foot home during the pandemic when Jerry's mother, Patsy Pfeifer, moved in with them. The goal was to provide Pfeifer with a private living area while ensuring she remained connected to the family. This addition, managed by Aaron McCleary of CaseCo Homes, transformed their "cookie-cutter Stanley Martin home" located in a golf course development. The 1,900-square-foot addition connects to the main residence through an outdoor, covered colonnade, which itself is a sophisticated entertaining space. McCleary emphasizes the high quality of this outdoor area, detailing its features including space heaters, ceiling heaters, a grand fireplace, and a gabled ceiling with stained tongue-and-groove paneling. The pool and patio utilize mosaic tile designed to resemble stone. Additionally, a large TV is installed above an outdoor fireplace, and retractable screens, which disappear into a beam, were custom-made, making it an ideal setting for outdoor entertaining. A full outdoor kitchen further enhances the functionality of this area. Inside the in-law suite, Sallie Lord of GreyHunt Interiors was tasked with designing a space that harmonized with the existing home's interior while catering to everyone's preferences, particularly Pfeifer's. Lord, known for her expertise in high-contrast schemes, opted for a softer approach in this project. She focused on integrating natural wood stains with creamy decor and finishes to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The design aimed to establish a juxtaposition between off-whites and rich wood tones, employing various textures and grays to achieve a cohesive and cozy feel throughout the space, ensuring continuity between the new addition and the original home. The design process involved collaborative decision-making among the homeowners, Pfeifer, and Lord. Elkins acknowledged that reaching a middle ground could be challenging at times, but Lord's logical approach facilitated common decisions. Both Elkins and her husband expressed great satisfaction with the outdoor area, particularly enjoying the heated space and the pool. Pfeifer also shared her contentment, stating that the new space feels like home, offering the perfect balance of privacy and proximity to her family. The project was featured in the February issue of Northern Virginia Magazine. #HomeDesign #InLawSuite #OutdoorLiving #LeesburgRealEstate #CustomHome #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #FamilyLiving

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, an architecture studio, designed a guesthouse as an extension to a private home situated on a secluded island in the Pacific Northwest. The main residence, constructed in 2012 by the same studio, is located on a 24-acre property on Henry Island, part of the San Juan Islands archipelago off the coast of northern Washington. The site is accessible by boat, with the main home nestled in a lush meadow overlooking a shallow bay. Upon acquiring the property in 2016, the new owners commissioned the studio to add structures that would complement the island's natural environment. The resulting guesthouse offers a flexible space for extended stays by family and friends. Its rectangular layout includes a main living area and two bedrooms, spanning 125 square meters. The design harmonizes with the architectural style and materials of the main home while maintaining its own distinct character. The guesthouse is positioned uphill from the main residence, ensuring both a connection and a degree of privacy. Its construction into a gentle slope allows for a partial cantilever, where one end is anchored into the earth and the other extends above ground. This design approach minimizes environmental disturbance and provides unique characteristics for each of the two bedrooms. Each bedroom offers a different view: one overlooks the bay, while the other provides intimate views of the surrounding forests, fostering a sense of coziness. The material palette for the guesthouse includes Douglas fir, cedar, glass, and steel. Large sliding glass doors, designed to pocket into the walls, open on two sides, creating an immersive experience that connects visitors with the island's sights, smells, and sounds. This feature allows the living room to function as a “covered porch,” establishing a serene yet protected indoor-outdoor environment. #GuesthouseDesign #PacificNorthwestArchitecture #BohlinCywinskiJackson #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #DouglasFir #HenryIsland #ArchitecturalInnovation

Architect Chad Dorsey's 3,000 sq ft home, dubbed the Surf Shack, located near White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas, blends Californian coastal aesthetics with timeless mid-century modern furniture and wabi-sabi finishes. Dorsey acquired the property after spotting a for-sale sign while working on a client’s home in the area. The existing single-story house was demolished to make way for a new construction, envisioned after Dorsey was inspired by the plot's circular driveway and overgrown trees, which reminded him of a beach path in California. The home is shared by Dorsey, his partner Kurt Bielawski, and their two dogs, Jackson and Lucy. The architectural design of the Surf Shack emphasizes an effortless and unassuming appearance. The main structure is clad in stained shingles, mimicking the Japanese shou sugi ban technique of charred cedar board, and features black corrugated metal roofs. The interior and exterior spaces are unified by a white-based and light-colored material palette, reflecting the sunny Californian coastal vibe. The driveway, paved with white gravel, seamlessly transitions into the concrete flooring of the living space, creating a cohesive visual flow. Inside, the design incorporates concrete flooring, bleached walnut millwork and doors, warm white surfaces, and linen drapery to introduce softness and a sense of aged comfort. This design philosophy aimed to create an environment that felt established and well-maintained, as if it had existed for many years. The furniture collection primarily consists of vintage and mid-century pieces that Dorsey has owned for a long time, alongside restored and reupholstered found items. Notable pieces include 30-year-old black leather and wood armchairs, a gift from his architect uncle, and a Herman Miller sideboard from his parents. A coffee table with a fractured timber top, purchased 15 years prior at a sample sale, is also a prominent feature. Dorsey's aesthetic focuses on using natural materials with simple, textural finishes. Examples include raw steel bookshelves in the living room, designed to appear floating, and cork wall panels that provide a soothing texture in the lounge area. Copper shelves in the kitchen complement artisanal copper accents in the backsplash, enriching the muted color palette which also features bleached walnut, marble, and concrete. Artworks, such as a mud-room graffiti wall by muralist Joe Skilz and Thomas Langley’s 'Buy Mum A House' piece, add personal touches. Custom elements include a marble top for the dining table by Kara Mann for Milling Road at Baker Furniture, and a steel bed frame in the master bedroom, also by Kara Mann, which contributes to the room's Zen ambiance with a low table and ikebana-style vase. The overall design embodies Dorsey’s concept of “relaxed luxury,” characterized by understated elegance and a focus on tactile experiences. This approach involves custom furnishings with handcrafted elements and meaningful objects, reflecting the personalities of the residents. The attention to detail, though sometimes subtle, is intended to be appreciated by those with discerning eyes, creating an approachable yet sophisticated living environment. #CalifornianCoastalVibe #MidCenturyModern #WabiSabiFinishes #HomeTour #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #RelaxedLuxury #NaturalMaterials #VintageFurniture