Layering history & whimsy in an E. B. Green-designed home

Eileen and her husband, Luke, undertook a comprehensive, room-by-room renovation of their 1930s home in Greenville over six years. The primary goal of this renovation was to restore the house to its original architectural integrity, which Eileen describes as stripping away extraneous details to allow the intrinsic charm and simplicity to re-emerge. The house, like many older properties, had undergone several prior renovations, many of which had detracted from its initial clean lines and simple design. Eileen's background, including an architecture degree, five years of experience in an interior design firm, and her current profession as an antique and vintage furniture dealer (operating under @eileenandco_ on Instagram), proved invaluable throughout the renovation process. The couple meticulously approached each room, ensuring that every modification was executed thoughtfully and correctly. A significant improvement involved addressing the home's bathroom situation. Originally having only one bathroom, Eileen and Luke collaborated with their friends, Chris and Lindsay of White Buffalo Homes, to add two more bathrooms, which was considered a transformative enhancement to the living space. Beyond structural changes, Eileen dedicated considerable effort to the home's aesthetics and decor, with a particular focus on creating an inviting and emotionally supportive atmosphere. She aimed for a feeling of 'belonging,' desiring that family and friends would feel 'seen and loved' within their home. This objective was achieved through deliberate design choices that fostered connection and comfort. Examples include arranging cozy couches to face each other, encouraging conversation, and designing a sitting room with four chairs centered around an ottoman, ideal for relaxing with a cup of coffee. Furthermore, a dining area in the kitchen was set up with upholstered benches, blankets, and pillows, creating a warm and intimate setting for meals and gatherings. Alongside their home renovation project, Eileen and Luke harbored a long-standing dream of living abroad. This dream materialized sooner than anticipated when Luke received a job assignment in central France, prompting their relocation three months prior to the article's publication. Despite their move, the couple maintains the comfort of knowing that their renovated home in Greenville remains a tangible connection to their past life, awaiting their eventual return, providing a sense of stability and a piece of 'home' even when they are thousands of miles away. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #1930sHome #AntiqueFurniture #GreenvilleSC #ArchitecturalRestoration #FamilyHome #ExpatLife #HomeTour

The author recounts an unsolicited design suggestion from a real estate agent regarding their newly purchased historic home in Grant Park. The agent, having been inside the house, commented on its layout and recommended "opening things up." The house, dating back to approximately 1905, is described as being narrow and long, with a distinct division: a long hallway on the right and a series of small rooms off to its left. This unique layout, alongside an inexplicable finished attic without stairs, gives the house a peculiar and somewhat awkward character when compared to modern, open-concept homes frequently showcased on home improvement television programs. Initially, the author and their husband considered following the common trend of knocking down walls to create a more open, airy living space, aiming to merge the two small front rooms. However, after receiving an prohibitively expensive quote from an architect for such modifications, they began to reconsider. This high cost prompted them to question the fundamental idea of extensively altering a 115-year-old home, pondering whether it would be more practical to purchase a different property or build a new one altogether if such significant changes were truly desired. They questioned the wisdom of treating their historic residence like an expensive Lego set, implying that such extensive renovations would strip it of its inherent character. Over time, as they settled into their new home, the couple's perspective shifted. They unpacked, observed the previous owner’s bearded irises bloom, got married, and hosted numerous gatherings, including Thanksgivings, cookouts, and overnight guests. Through daily living, they discovered the unique qualities and functions of each room, identifying which spaces were suitable for houseplants and which were ideal for leisurely activities like watching Netflix. They even addressed a practical issue by replacing a rickety attic ladder with more substantial stairs, although not the grand staircase they had once envisioned. Crucially, the idea of demolishing walls faded entirely. The author notes that they not only abandoned the plan but also developed a profound appreciation for the existing structure. They realized that the separate rooms provided a sense of order and distinct purpose that an open-concept layout, with its emphasis on light and spaciousness, could not offer. For instance, one room became a dedicated space for entertaining guests with cocktails, while another served as a cozy retreat for casual activities like Netflix binges and takeout meals, each possessing its own "distinctive personality and purpose." This division, initially perceived as a drawback, became a cherished feature. The author expresses gratitude for not having had the financial means to carry out the initial renovation plans, believing that such changes would have forced the "creaky, lovely old house" into an identity it was not meant to embody. They observe a common trend on real estate platforms like Zillow, where historic homes are often stripped of their original character to align with modern preferences for convenience and an apparent aversion to distinct rooms. The article concludes with a firm declaration that as long as they reside in the house, its walls will remain intact, honoring its century-long history. A practical solution to the awkward layout of a bedroom leading to the backyard, which might typically prompt remodeling, is also highlighted: simply making the bed before guests arrive proves to be a more straightforward and economical alternative. #HistoricHomes #GrantPark #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HouseLayout #ArchitecturalPreservation #OpenConcept #Homeownership

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

Color drenching, a design technique that involves bathing an entire room in a single color or color scheme, has been a prominent style in homes since the early 2000s. This method can create a monochromatic look or utilize similar hues within one color palette, with results varying from elegant to potentially overwhelming depending on the execution. Interior designer @houseofbrinson showcased a recent application of this trend in a historic home renovation, specifically in a bedroom setting. The designer used terracotta hues for the main bedroom, while an adjacent nook was painted in a muted green, creating a contrasting yet harmonious effect. This approach was described by one commenter as making the nook appear like 'a jewel sitting in the jewelry box.' Despite the initial surprise many might feel about using a pinkish-brown color in a historic home, the overall aesthetic of the room received significant positive feedback. Comments highlighted the unexpected beauty and masterful execution of the design, with users noting its 'gorgeous' and 'phenomenally executed' qualities, creating a space that is 'cozy yet elegant and fresh.' This particular project demonstrates that color drenching, when thoughtfully applied, can successfully blend modern design sensibilities with historical architecture, transcending conventional expectations for period homes. The enduring presence of color drenching in interior design suggests its timeless appeal, as evidenced by its historical roots and continuous adaptation to contemporary tastes. The introduction of modern elements, such as the contrasting green room in the showcased project, helps to maintain the trend's freshness and relevance. Furthermore, experts suggest that well-executed color drenching can potentially enhance a home's value. When considering implementing this trend, it is crucial to research expert advice on color selection and application to ensure a cohesive and appealing outcome. Personal anecdotes, such as painting a living room black and offsetting it with dark gray recliners, illustrate how individual preferences and specific spatial considerations can influence the trend's application. While largely praised, color drenching is not without its critics. Some individuals find the technique overwhelming for a space, or express concerns about color connectivity. However, the designer's response to such criticisms, emphasizing personal preference, underscores a fundamental principle of interior design: the ultimate satisfaction of the homeowner. As long as the residents appreciate the result, external opinions hold less weight. This reinforces the idea that design choices, especially those as bold as color drenching, are deeply personal and should prioritize the comfort and aesthetic enjoyment of those living in the space. #ColorDrenching #HistoricHomes #InteriorDesign #ModernUpdate #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #ColorPalette #TikTokDesign #HomeValue