Porter’s Paints Capsule Collection works its magic at Victorian country home

Antoinette Allande Interiors, a luxury residential design studio based in Hoboken, executed a significant home renovation in Montclair, New Jersey. The project involved transforming a 19th-century house, built in 1902 and located at 191 Christopher Street, into a modern yet traditional living space for a young family. The property spans 3,174 square feet and originally featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The clients, Amy and Tristan Morel L’Horset, are a family with three young boys and a history of international travel. Amy works as a registered dietitian and nutrition professor, while Tristan is a senior managing director at a global service and consulting company. Their brief to Antoinette Allande was to update their traditional home with a fresh perspective, prioritizing beautiful aesthetics alongside practical, comfortable living. They required durable furnishings that were not overly delicate and could seamlessly integrate with their existing collection of French antiques. The home's original formal and ornate exterior and interior architecture necessitated a design approach that respected its historical integrity. Antoinette Allande's design philosophy for this project was coined "Eclectic Traditional with a touch of Whimsy." This approach allowed her to blend modern furnishings with the historical architectural details, incorporating elements of the clients' whimsical preferences. Key design choices included a large, comfortable family room sectional, intended for family time and movie nights. The dining area features vintage pieces—a table, chairs, and a chandelier—acquired by the clients while living in France. These ornate, classical French furnishings were complemented by rich jewel-toned textiles, contrasting with lighter architectural finishes. A contemporary hand-knotted rug from Rejuvenation and antique French chairs re-upholstered in sapphire blue velvet further enhance the eclectic mix. The home's walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine 0C-56, while trim and other white areas utilize Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65. The entry hall is designed to make a strong first impression, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the clients' personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. This space features a commissioned Moroccan carpet, a family tree display, a Mokum by Katherine Martin wallpaper from Holly Hunt New York, an antique British Colonial entry table, an Indian block-printed tablecloth by Roberta Roller Rabbit, a Kelly Wearstler light fixture from Circa Lighting, a CB2 cabinet, and an Arteriors Home table lamp, all contributing to a playful and youthful aesthetic. In the living and dining areas, original built-in cabinetry and millwork were preserved and enhanced by whitewashing dark beams, the fireplace, and paneling. This technique was employed to create a lighter, airier feel, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century designer Elsie de Wolf, known for transforming dark interiors with white and light colors. The project remained within budget and on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The property itself is a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, recognized for its ornate period details, symmetrical design, Ionic columns, white painted exterior, dormer windows with curved head sash detail, and black shutters, situated in Montclair's historic Marlboro Park area. Collaborators on the project included Franklin Nunez for painting, Orlando Silva of Golden Wallpaper for wallpaper installation, Ryan M. Brown Photography for documentation, and Brett Fixes for home improvements. Antoinette Allande Interiors operates from Hoboken, offering various design services including renovations, decorating, and art consulting, known for combining vintage and modern elements with contemporary art to achieve relaxed, layered, and eclectic interiors. #MontclairHomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AntoinetteAllandeInteriors #EclecticTraditional #LuxuryResidentialDesign #DutchColonialRevival #VintageModernMix #HistoricalPreservation

This article highlights the design philosophy and personal home of Katie Kath, an interior designer and partner at Jkath Design Build + Reinvent. Kath embarked on building her dream home with her husband, Jesse, on a double-wide lot along Minnehaha Creek, aiming to create a space that prioritizes timeless interiors, exceptional quality, and impeccable craftsmanship, moving away from a standard builder-grade aesthetic. The vision for their 4,000-square-foot home was to incorporate customized features tailored to their family of five, ensuring every detail was intentional and thoughtfully chosen. The construction of the home, which commenced during the pandemic, was completed in a swift eight months. Despite the rapid timeline, design decisions were meticulously made, with Katie acting as both the manager and client. This dual role necessitated careful attention to both major and minor details to ensure the home's enduring appeal. Key design elements on the main floor include reclaimed wood beams from Manomin Resawn Timbers and alder accents in the cabinetry, island, and built-in banquette, which together create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cast stone fireplace surround, matching the kitchen cabinetry, serves as a contemporary focal point in the living room, with white oak flooring extending up to its base for a seamless look. The home's modern design is enhanced by black-frame windows, which are balanced with gold tones to maintain a comfortable and clean feel. The baseboards and millwork are intentionally taller than standard, adding a traditional touch. Unlacquered brass cabinet hardware from Armac Martin in London provides a desired contrast in the kitchen. Beyond the physical design, the article emphasizes that the true essence of Kath's home lies in the traditions she shares with her family, especially during the holiday season. These traditions transform the house into a cozy, safe, warm, and inviting home, fulfilling her original vision of a timeless, traditional abode with festive flair. Kath also shares practical tips for incorporating seasonal spirit into home decor without overwhelming the space or compromising on timelessness. She advises decorating for the season rather than specific holidays to allow decor to remain relevant for longer periods. Sticking to neutral earth tones for the main color scheme, with bright accents, is another recommendation. Kath suggests focusing decorating efforts on main entertaining areas, like the ground floor, and involving family in the decorating process to make it an enjoyable event. Finally, she advocates for investing in high-quality, reusable decor pieces, such as garland, and taking advantage of end-of-season sales to build a collection of timeless decorations that can be cherished year after year. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #TimelessInteriors #HolidayDecor #CustomHome #JkathDesignBuild #Renovation #FamilyHome #SeasonalDecor

The Cochran family, including parents Sheryl and David, and sons Luke and Matt (with wife Courtney), shares a distinct interior design aesthetic characterized by a blend of modern, vintage, and quirky elements. This aesthetic has evolved through their shared love for music, art, and eclectic pieces, with the parents' curated home inspiring their sons' living spaces. David Cochran, an artist, contributes significantly to their art collections, and family painting sessions further enrich their homes' decor. The siblings' individual design choices also influence each other, with new finds by one often sparking ideas for the other. Courtney and Matt Cochran’s historic home in the Fan District, built in 1909, exemplifies this shared style. They meticulously preserved the home's original charm, refinishing floors and retaining existing chandeliers to maintain its inherent grandeur. Their approach to furnishing involved a slow and deliberate process of acquiring pieces from estate sales, antique markets, and local stores like Class and Trash. The entryway features an original crystal chandelier juxtaposed with an industrial console table and an African elephant mask, showcasing their ability to blend diverse styles. The dining and living area combines a West Elm dining table with midcentury modern chairs and a velvet sofa, illuminated by vintage stained-glass panels. The use of subtle color notes and carefully chosen art and decor creates a harmonious space that seamlessly merges new and old. Luke Cochran's South Side Richmond home also reflects the family's aesthetic, with his mother, Sheryl, providing design guidance. Renovations in Luke's home were minimal, primarily focusing on removing walls to create a more open layout, thereby preserving its original character. His design philosophy centers around unique pieces, such as an antique carved wooden cabinet sourced from Circa in Charlottesville, which is contrasted with contemporary gold lamps. The dining room features deep blue walls and modern cabinets, softened by a wooden pantry door from Caravati’s in Ashland. A retrofuturistic Sputnik-inspired light fixture bridges modern features with warm wooden elements, resulting in a refined yet comfortable atmosphere. Across both homes, a consistent theme emerges: the juxtaposition of furniture with eclectic art collections and luxurious mirrors. This common stylistic thread connects the generations, illustrating how a shared passion for design can manifest uniquely in different living spaces while still retaining a familial signature. Each home, while reflecting the individual tastes and travel experiences of its occupants, maintains an inviting ambiance where art, music, and creativity are central to the living experience. This intergenerational influence and the conscious curation of diverse elements define the Cochran family's interior design approach. #homes #interiorDesign #homeDecor #families #antiques #vintageStyle #artCollections #eclecticDecor

This article offers a glimpse into the home of Joa Studholme, the colour curator for Farrow & Ball, located in a 19th-century converted schoolhouse in Somerset. Studholme, responsible for many of Farrow & Ball's popular paint colours and their whimsical names, discusses how her home serves as both a personal canvas and an inspiration for new shades. The house, which she shares with her husband and their dog, Tufnell, features distinctive elements such as huge arched windows overlooking rolling hills. Studholme details the colour choices throughout her home, starting with the entrance hall painted in 'Bancha,' a Japanese green tea-inspired hue she created to extend the feeling of the garden indoors and evoke protection. Her journey with Farrow & Ball began in 1996, and she is slated to appear in a TV show about the company's 75-year history. The hall transitions into a library area with bookshelves painted in 'Railings' to create a cozy atmosphere, contrasting with the main living area's vaulted double-height ceilings, a former classroom, which is painted in 'School House White,' a soft white created by Studholme to harmonize with exposed limestone and reflect light. She explains her creative process for developing colours and names, noting that sometimes the colour comes first, as with 'Bancha,' and other times the name, like 'Stiffkey Blue,' inspired by childhood memories, or 'Cromarty,' derived from a shipping forecast. 'Nancy’s Blushes' was named after her daughter’s teething cheeks. The article highlights unique features of the schoolhouse, such as an elevated floor in the living area, originally designed to prevent children from looking out windows during lessons. Studholme and her husband frequently debate whether to lower this floor for more space, weighing it against losing the views. Practicality also influences her choices, as seen in the floor of the living area, which she painted in 'Mouse’s Back,' an earthy, forgiving shade chosen for its ability to merge with garden mud and create warmth. Studholme advocates for painting walls, ceilings, and woodwork in the same colour, arguing that white ceilings do not necessarily make spaces appear larger and that painting window frames the same colour as walls directs focus to the view rather than the frame. The sitting room features concealed up-lighting that highlights the rafters and Tom Dixon silver globes for a contemporary touch. The home's decor emphasizes sustainability, with furniture sourced from previous homes, family inheritances, antique fairs, and flea markets. Studholme describes her approach as 'not overthinking things.' The kitchen incorporates a 'Babouche' yellow accent around a window reveal, chosen simply for fun, and features colourful bistro chairs as recent additions. The interior of the floor-to-ceiling kitchen cupboards is adorned with Farrow & Ball wallpaper samples, a lockdown project she suggests for those hesitant to use bold colours. She also mentions 'Jitney,' a colour she created to mark the end of 'grey mania,' inspired by a bus from the TV show Gossip Girl. Studholme observes a growing preference for earthy colours due to increased connection with nature during lockdown. The article concludes with her clever decor tips, including painting a stained lampshade, using wallpaper samples in an apothecary cabinet, and creating an illusion of light in a narrow corridor with a two-tone paint scheme. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #FarrowAndBall #ColourCurator #ConvertedSchoolhouse #PaintChoices #SustainableDecor #HomeRenovation #JoaStudholme

Robert Highsmith and Stefanie Brechbuehler, the husband-and-wife founders of the design firm Workstead, have curated their living room with a collection of "unexpected heirlooms." Mr. Highsmith, 43, is described by Ms. Brechbuehler as the couple's lead collector, whose passion has filled their home with objects reflecting his thoughts, loves, and curiosities. Ms. Brechbuehler, 47, finds inspiration in being surrounded by these meaningful pieces, which range from ancient urns to midcentury modern furniture. The couple relocated from a farmhouse in Salisbury, Conn., to Charleston, S.C., and strategically displayed their favorite finds in their living room for daily enjoyment. The article highlights three key items that contribute to the unique ambiance of their living room. The first is an "Easy Upgrade" item: a weeping fig tree priced at $395 from Hyams Garden and Accent Store. The couple emphasizes the technique of using a large-scale plant or branches that touch the ceiling to create a lively and enveloping atmosphere. This “scale trick” is consistently applied in their designs, providing an unexpected visual element that pulls a room together. They purchased a nine-foot-tall weeping fig tree shortly after moving to Charleston, illustrating their commitment to this design principle. The second featured item is a "Splurge": a 19th-century boat bench priced at $2,800 from Obsolete. Mr. Highsmith has admired Obsolete in Los Angeles since his student days, finding inspiration in its curated vignettes. After establishing Workstead, he acquired this storage bench, salvaged from a boat and made of chestnut. Its wave and scroll forms, along with its practical utility—featuring doors to contain clutter—appealed to him. The bench currently serves as storage for family board games and a seating area with a view of a park, demonstrating its multifaceted functionality and whimsical quality. The third unique item is an "One of a Kind" antique weather vane from Eldred’s auction house. Mr. Highsmith’s collection includes objects chosen for their essential geometric shapes, which have influenced his light fixture designs at Workstead. Among these pieces are a rusted metal cone, a spherical iron form for casting glass floats, and a marble cylinder used as a pedestal. The timeworn weather vane from Nantucket, crafted from cedar shakes with a galvanized steel nose cone, is a particular favorite. Mr. Highsmith appreciates its beauty as a sculpture and its past functionality, noting how its new context in his living room brings delight to both the couple and their guests. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Workstead #CollectingArt #AntiqueFurniture #HomeStyling #RealEstate #CharlestonLiving

This article offers a glimpse into the Melbourne home of photographer and author Robyn Lea, showcasing her unique approach to interior design. The residence is a two-storey Victorian home with five bedrooms located in Melbourne's inner-eastern suburbs, where Robyn resides with her husband Tim Hunt, their two children, Isabella and Freddie, and their Beagalier puppy, Magnolia. The family undertook an extensive renovation of the home approximately 12 years prior to the publication of this article, subsequently enlisting Penelope Scott Interiors for window furnishings. Robyn Lea's office is highlighted as her favorite room, described as an evolving space filled with inspiring books, artworks, and various objects. This includes Italian-made plates by La DoubleJ, artworks by Charles Pollock, Nathalie Lété, and John Benn, and four distinct wallpapers, reflecting a constantly changing installation. The sitting room features a mural by Russian artist Ekaterina Panikanova, complemented by chairs from Early Settler and a table from Family Love Tree. The home's collection also includes numerous paintings by artist John Benn, a family friend. The neighborhood where the home is situated is characterized as small, with local cafes, shops, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Robyn expresses her ongoing intention to continuously evolve the interior homescape, viewing it as a natural extension of her visual storytelling through photography and writing about artists. Her advice for decorating is to personalize the space, stating, "Decorate to please yourself – it’s your nest, after all. If you love it, it will love you right back." A significant detail mentioned is Robyn's initial attraction to the home, which was influenced by a majestic magnolia tree in the back garden, reminding her of 'The Magic Faraway Tree.' #EclecticHome #InteriorDesign #MelbourneHomes #PhotographersHome #VictorianArchitecture #ArtisticInteriors #HomeRenovation #PersonalizedDecor

Tom Cox, co-founder of HÁM Interiors, offers a tour of his London home, showcasing the design principles that define his family-run studio. HÁM Interiors, established in 2011 by Nick, Pamela, and Tom Cox, is recognized for its blend of timeless and contemporary design, focusing on creating comfortable and high-quality spaces for busy family lives. This article provides insights into Cox's personal design choices and the renovation process of his Victorian mansion block apartment. The property, a Victorian mansion block, was chosen for its location between two parks and its strong architecture, offering great views and abundant natural light. Despite being run down, it possessed salvageable features. The renovation involved a complete makeover, with a key modification being the introduction of a large, glazed partition between the kitchen and living room to open up the space. The apartment now includes two bathrooms and two bedrooms, with one bedroom repurposed as a dressing room, maximizing functionality within the existing structure. Cox's design approach emphasizes a bold color palette, leveraging the apartment's ample natural light. The living room features Farrow & Ball's 'Pigeon,' while the bedroom adopts a lighter but similarly toned 'Hardwick White.' The kitchen uses Dulux's 'Brilliant White' for walls, complemented by darker greens like Farrow & Ball's 'Card Room Green' for cabinetry, and an antique dresser to unify the aesthetic. This strategic use of color creates a distinct atmosphere in each area while maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the apartment. The kitchen, a central element of HÁM Interiors' business, was personally designed and installed by Cox's in-house team. A notable feature is the antique drapers table serving as an island, customized with antique castors for added height and a custom unlacquered brass sheet inlay for practicality and an edgy look. Lighting above the island was sourced from an antiques fair, and the tiles have a simple matte glazed finish. Cox expresses a preference for Liebherr fridges for their utilitarian design, Lacanche cookers for their colors and metal finishes, and Waterworks for kitchen taps, specifically the RW Atlas range. For china, Miranda Berrow mugs and Laguiole cutlery are highlighted. Artwork plays a significant role in Cox's home. He is an avid collector, sourcing pieces during his travels and through his design work, often frequenting antique shops and flea markets. HÁM Interiors also launched an online store for curated artwork. Sidney Teodoruk's early work is a personal favorite. Cox emphasizes the importance of framing, using a mix of antique and contemporary styles to create an eclectic feel. Picture lights and ceiling-mounted directional spotlights are strategically used to illuminate and enhance the details and colors of the paintings. The living room's design incorporates reclaimed glazed panels from a shop front, adapted and hand-painted in a distressed finish to preserve their character and create a sense of expanded space. The ceiling light is from Circa Lighting, available through HÁM Interiors' online store. The dining table combines a custom-made, painted base with an old farmhouse top. Furnishings include an antique armoire, serving as a bookcase and whisky cabinet, and an antique chest of drawers from Brownrigg. Fabric choices for the sofa are William Yeoward, while the window seat uses Christopher Farr fabric, and Fermoie cushions add varied textures and patterns. The bedroom and en suite bathroom are designed as a cool, calm, and connected space. High ceilings allowed for a three-quarter height wall between the two areas, incorporating an open archway instead of a door. This design choice maximizes light and space in the small bathroom and allows views of the reclaimed vanity and antique mirror from the bedroom. Tongue and groove detailing adds subtle texture in the bathroom, with a striking contrast between the shower tiles and the marble sink with reclaimed vanity. The bed from Soho Home features ticking fabric, reflecting a core element of HÁM Interiors' aesthetic. Lighting includes two globe lanterns from JAMB. Artworks in the bedroom include a large painting by British artist Maurice Cockerill, a trumpet piece by David Shrigley, and a reclaimed sign from Somerset. In the dressing room, joinery extends to the ceiling with integrated skirting details, painted in the same color as the walls, windows, and ceiling to create a unified and spacious feel. This room also serves as a display area for Cox's growing art collection, reflecting the studio's philosophy of incorporating art seamlessly into interior design. The article concludes by inviting readers to explore Studio HÁM's online shop and HÁM Interiors' studio for further design inspiration and services. #InteriorDesign #HomeTour #VictorianArchitecture #ColorPalette #KitchenDesign #ArtCollection #LivingRoom #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign #HÁMInteriors

The "Gingerbread House" in Larchmont, a historic summer cottage built in 1872 near Manor Beach, underwent a comprehensive interior redesign to suit an active young family with three daughters. Designer Laurie Scovotti was tasked with lightening the home's interiors while preserving its unique character, which includes rich millwork and whimsical architectural details. The primary directive was to create a brighter, more youthful, and modern feel within the Victorian Gothic structure. Scovotti achieved this by juxtaposing the home's original architecture with relaxed, clean-lined furnishings and a vibrant palette of colors and patterns. Blue tones were established as a grounding hue, reflecting the family's passion for sailing and the home's coastal proximity, complemented by accents of pinks, greens, and floral motifs. The exterior also received a fresh update, with a classic white complemented by light blue trim, following a collaboration with color consultant Debra Kling. The large living room was cleverly divided into two distinct areas. One section was designed for intimate conversations around the fireplace, featuring deep-blue velvet chairs and an airier feel created by a lighter-colored stone mantel surround. The homeowners' existing art pieces, including watery prints and a colorful painting, were integrated into the decor. The other side of the living room, bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, evokes a summery ambiance with light blues and pinks, anchored by a large blue coffee table and softened by subtly patterned drapes. Dark crown molding in several rooms was painted to reduce visual weight, though a prominent wood beam in the living room ceiling was retained. In the dining room, a dramatic "Inisfree" wallpaper by Carrier and Company for Lee Jofa served as the foundational design element. The low ceiling was visually elevated by painting it in Benjamin Moore Smoke, a shade also applied to the millwork around the mantel, which itself received a fresh coat of white paint. The space was kept calm and neutral with a wool-and-jute rug, a delicate glass chandelier, and refined dining chairs, with rounded doorways providing elegant transitions. The former passthrough area was transformed into a functional bar room, blending traditional elements, such as the homeowners' rug, with mid-century pieces like a rattan bar cabinet and leather chairs. The walls, painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Jamestown Blue,” contribute to a relaxed lounging atmosphere. The husband's office was designed to balance wood-paneled walls with a bright blue ceiling, and heavy curtains were replaced with unlined woven shades. A metal-and-glass desk adds a modern touch, and built-in shelves display personal items like sailing trophies and books. A hallway connecting bedrooms was updated into a vibrant lounge space, featuring durable vinyl grass cloth on the walls, a cleverly concealed electrical panel behind artwork, and an array of pillows in various prints and textures to add brightness and energy. Each of the daughters' rooms was personalized according to their preferred color themes, with Scovotti expanding on these palettes. For instance, the oldest daughter's room incorporated softened primary colors around a floral "Carly" wallpaper, providing a fun and adaptable space. Another girl's bedroom balanced dark window trim with modern furniture and bold patterns, utilizing blue-and-green fabrics and mint-green walls to create a peaceful yet youthful environment. The primary bedroom, a serene retreat for the couple, heavily features blues. The decor is light and bright, with dark blue accents on the bed frame and a Greek-key pattern on the drapes. A four-poster bed from Maiden Home is strategically placed to maximize the water view, and a comfortable armchair was reupholstered in a vintage Schumacher print. The wife's dressing room, located at the top of a spiral staircase, functions as an office with an impressive view. Drapes in a blue-and-white Schumacher fabric frame a circular window, and a burlwood desk lightens the room's darker wood elements. A nautical compass inlay on the floor adds a decorative touch. Scovotti also provides advice for incorporating color into a home, suggesting starting with impactful but not overwhelming additions like large artwork or upholstered chairs, rather than painting entire rooms, and encouraging individuals to trust their intuition regarding color choices. #HistoricHomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FamilyFriendlyDesign #LarchmontHome #LaurieScovotti #ColorPalette #ModernVictorian #CoastalDecor #HomeRedecoration

ELLE Decoration has partnered with Crown Paints to launch its inaugural paint collection, 'ELLE Decoration by Crown'. This collaboration stems from ELLE Decoration's deep-seated passion for color and its significant role in interior design, a theme consistently explored across the magazine's international house features, inspirational photoshoots, interior design profiles, decorating articles, and trend analyses. The editor of ELLE Decoration, Ben Spriggs, had long envisioned creating a paint collection that would embody the magazine's aesthetic and influence future design trends. This dream has now materialized into a premium matt flat emulsion range, comprising 60 distinct shades. The collection is meticulously organized into six diverse color stories, each drawing inspiration from unique sources and designed to challenge contemporary perceptions of color. The partnership with Crown Paints was a natural fit, given the British paint manufacturer's extensive heritage, dating back over 200 years to its first store opening in Lancashire in 1777. Crown Paints' profound expertise in paint formulation combined with ELLE Decoration's sophisticated design sensibilities created a synergy aimed at shaping and defining, rather than merely following, design trends. The editor expressed enthusiasm for the extensive range, highlighting personal favorites such as the deep blue-black 'Black Glass', the vibrant 'Botanical Noir' green, and the earthy 'Hand Crafted' plaster tones. The collection aims to provide readers and design enthusiasts with a curated palette that reflects the magazine's editorial vision and allows them to incorporate these shades into their own homes. The paints are accessible to the public through various retail channels, including Homebase, Crown Decorating Centres, independent retailers, and online at crownpaints.co.uk. Prices for the 'ELLE Decoration by Crown' paints start from £35 for a 2.5-liter can. Further details about the collection can be found on the dedicated website, elledecoration-crownpaints.com/gb. This article initially appeared in the April 2020 issue of ELLE Decoration. The collaboration marks a significant step for ELLE Decoration in extending its influence beyond editorial content into tangible home design products, offering a curated selection of colors that blend historical craftsmanship with modern design trends. #InteriorDesign #PaintCollection #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #DesignCollaboration #BritishManufacturing #CrownPaints #ELLEDecoration #HomeRenovation

This article details the renovation of a 1901 Tudor Revival home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, helmed by designer Betsy Wentz. The project aimed to infuse a vibrant, colorful aesthetic into the historic structure while preserving its inherent sophistication. The clients provided minimal directives to Wentz, primarily requesting 'no round, opaque lighting and no powder blue,' granting her considerable artistic freedom. This freedom allowed Wentz to push the boundaries of her clients' style, blending a spectrum of jewel tones with the home’s original mahogany woodwork. The house, originally owned by a varnish company proprietor, features elaborate varnished millwork crafted by a team of Italian woodworkers, posing a significant design challenge: balancing historical preservation with modernization and the introduction of lighter, more vibrant colors. While the kitchen and bar underwent extensive renovations, the project was primarily focused on aesthetic updates. Wentz's approach began by incorporating the homeowners' existing artwork and then meticulously selecting wallpapers and fabrics, arranging them like puzzle pieces until the perfect fit was achieved. The tour of the home begins with the living room, where muddy pastels are used to beautifully offset the historic details. A custom carpet by Rug & Kilim, designed by Wentz, features a light color and graphic pattern chosen to complement the existing wood paneling. The tea room, which was the first space to be completed and serves as the aesthetic springboard for the entire home, features purple botanical wallpaper on the ceiling and eggplant grasscloth on the walls. The initial inspiration for this room was an Osborne & Little ceiling wallpaper selected by the homeowners. Original millwork in the entryway is highlighted by a custom ombré stair runner from Stark, which visually unites all the colors used throughout the house. The dining room pays homage to the family's Puerto Rican heritage through its artwork, including ceramic discs by artist Cassie Ryalls Butcher and a mask from Puerto Rico. The bar, formerly a butler's pantry, has been transformed with a vibrant blue-violet paint by Benjamin Moore, successfully bridging old and new elements, with mirrored tiles and cobalt cabinetry alongside original stained-glass windows and Chez Shea wallpaper. The kitchen continues the bold blue-violet cabinetry, complemented by yellow stool legs, demonstrating Wentz's thoughtful use of the color wheel. In the primary bedroom, a Designers Guild floral wallpaper creates a subtle ombré effect, visually lifting the ceilings and adding multiple colors to balance the space. The daughter's bedroom is designed as a playful and exploratory space, featuring Eijffinger wallpaper and fabric-covered floor-to-ceiling pinboards—a signature design element by Wentz for children's rooms. The daughter's bathroom showcases a vibrant floral wallpaper by York Wallcoverings paired with Aegean Teal paint by Benjamin Moore for the cabinetry. The closet serves as a calming retreat, painted in Benjamin Moore's Smoky Green, a silvery-blue hue that drenches the entire dressing room, including custom built-in storage, and is topped with a quartz countertop for durability. Betsy Wentz, a Pittsburgh-based designer, founded Betsy Wentz Interior Design in 2011 and opened Studio B, a design showroom, in 2016. She published her first book, "Design Happy," in 2023, reflecting her approach to creating personalized and vibrant interiors. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #TudorRevival #ColorfulInteriors #HistoricPreservation #PittsburghHomes #BetsyWentz #WallpaperDesign #CustomMillwork

A French family, upon relocating from the U.S. to the U.K., acquired a traditional Victorian townhouse in London’s Kensington neighborhood. They engaged the multidisciplinary firm OWN London for renovation. A key challenge in the design process was the prominent placement of a 65-inch television screen in the main lounge, which became immediately visible upon entering the narrow entryway. The clients expressed a desire for the television to be less conspicuous. Alícia Meireles, OWN’s head of interior design, aimed to integrate the TV discreetly, drawing on her experience from Soho House where she regularly disguised television sets to create a more atmospheric environment. Meireles initially considered using a vintage tapestry to cover the television, intending to split it into two panels. However, the 65-inch width of the television screen proved problematic, as most vintage tapestries, woven on older looms, typically measured around 30 inches, making them too small for the required coverage. This size constraint led to a decision to commission a custom art piece. Meireles turned to artisans in her native Portugal and found Cristina Santos, an embroiderer known for traditional techniques applied to contemporary designs. The design brief emphasized a sense of freshness and ease, ensuring the artwork would not dominate the room despite its central location. Santos created a pair of abstract works on painted linen, incorporating 17 different types of stitching using colorful wool. The creation of these embroidered panels took approximately five weeks. Upon completion, the embroidered fabric was brought to London, where a local upholsterer meticulously wrapped it around two padded panels, ensuring precise alignment. These finished pieces were then framed in a wooden surround, designed with generous sides to allow for easy handling when opening the panels. The entire system was integrated into a custom unit that also included open shelving, providing space for family photographs and collected objects, thereby enhancing the unit's functional and aesthetic purpose. A millworker devised an invisible mechanism for the panels, featuring a wheel that slides along the top of the shelf, allowing the panels to separate in tandem. A stopper was incorporated to control the opening extent, and a soft-close function was added for smooth operation. The resulting design is robust, highly functional, and has garnered admiration from visitors, creating a notable "wow effect" when the television is revealed. This bespoke solution effectively hides the television, transforming it into an artistic feature when not in use. #InteriorDesign #HiddenTV #VictorianTownhouse #CustomArtwork #FiberArt #LondonLivingRoom #HomeRenovation #DesignSolution #LuxuryHome

This blog post offers a tour of the 900-square-foot rental apartment of interior designer Martha Roark, her husband Daniel (an artist), and their golden retriever, Murphy, located in Portland, Oregon. Before moving in, Martha described the apartment as a "builder-grade apartment with beautiful, large windows, and a great canvas with neutral walls," highlighting its potential despite its initial lack of character. The couple has successfully transformed the space into a cozy, collected, and intentional home that reflects their diverse interests and artistic flair. The apartment features two bedrooms and is notable for its abundance of natural light, especially given its corner unit location. This natural light is beneficial not only for the living spaces but also for Daniel's art studio, which is integrated into their home environment. Martha's design philosophy revolves around mixing old and new elements, incorporating items collected from travels, thrifting, and fine art pieces, including her husband's creations and even Star Wars art. This eclectic approach results in a unique and personalized aesthetic. Key areas of the apartment are highlighted, starting with the hallway, which Martha identifies as her favorite room due to its character. The hallway serves as a vibrant gallery space, showcasing art collected from their travels to France, Spain, and various parts of the U.S., alongside Daniel's original artwork, including paintings of storm clouds and robotic figures. The hallway is furnished with a rug from the Chris Loves Julia Loloi Line, an IKEA cart, and a lamp sourced from Facebook Marketplace, demonstrating a blend of accessible and unique finds. The living room is designed for comfort and style, featuring a sofa from Interior Define, a coffee table, a counter-height table, and chairs acquired from Facebook Marketplace, and a Momeni rug. Martha's personal touch is evident in the self-made zig-zag art that adorns this space. The kitchen is characterized by wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a black countertop, with a sentimental touch added by copper molds inherited from Martha's grandmother. The bedroom continues the artistic theme, with all the art created by Daniel. The bedding is from Amazon, and the white pillow covers were a gift. Martha also mentions crafting their headboard using materials from Joann's and Lowe's, with a custom bed skirt made by a seamstress friend. Martha's decorating advice emphasizes buying what one loves and finding creative ways to display it, encouraging homeowners to integrate their passions, such as a love for Star Wars, through tasteful art. The tour provides a glimpse into a home that is a true reflection of its inhabitants, blending functionality with a rich tapestry of personal expression and treasured items. The article concludes by inviting readers to engage in further discussion about the tour and offers resources for creating an interior design mood board and other related content. #PortlandApartment #InteriorDesign #EclecticStyle #VintageDecor #ArtCollection #HomeTour #SmallSpaceLiving #DIYDecor #DesignerHome

Erik Wyckoff, a professional woodcarver operating out of Minneapolis for 28 years, specializes in creating bespoke wooden elements that add unique character and timelessness to homes. His interest in wood carving began in childhood, inspired by the intricate details of historic homes like the James J. Hill House. Wyckoff's parents encouraged his passion for traditional craftsmanship, leading him to pursue formal training. He honed his skills under the tutelage of master carver Konstantinos Papadakis, who passed down artistic, historical, and practical knowledge, including tool handling, carving efficiency, and the fundamental decorative styles. Papadakis's instruction covered various motifs such as birds, flowers, grapes, and the scrolling acanthus leaf, which forms the basis for numerous historical carving styles. This comprehensive training has enabled Wyckoff to undertake a diverse range of projects, from Italian-style wine cellar doors and French mantels to Black Forest-style mantels for rustic cabins. Wyckoff's portfolio includes notable projects such as a Renaissance-Revival-style carved paneled study featuring hidden loons, deer, and beavers, inspired by the Minnesota State Capitol. He also replicated missing wood carvings for the restoration of the Donaldson Mansion in Minneapolis and created a French-style relief carving over a door in Medina, incorporating the owner’s industrial symbols. Wyckoff places significant emphasis on research, drawing inspiration from historic decorative arts ranging from medieval churches to French tapestries, ensuring historical accuracy and a sense of permanence in his creations. Among his favorite projects are the doors and panels for a Maplewood home's wine cellar, which were inspired by France's Château de Chambord, designed to immerse the owner in a French aesthetic. This project also included a unique bar top under glass, carved with mythical beasts and foliage, conceived as a conversation-starting "cabinet of curiosities." Another deeply sentimental piece involved a carved panel with vines and a pair of cardinals for an older couple, symbolizing their lifelong partnership. Wyckoff collaborates frequently with design professionals, integrating his custom carvings, which often feature Old World decorative art motifs like animals, flowers, and scrollwork, seamlessly into the overall architecture and interior design. He ensures historical accuracy and tasteful integration, often being part of a larger design team to achieve the client's vision. Clients like Steve and Susan Rudolph of Orono attest to Wyckoff's ability to create custom pieces that perfectly match existing architectural details, as demonstrated by the eight unique willow corbels he carved for their Spanish Revival home's entry gallery. These corbels not only highlighted the groin vault ceiling but also subtly incorporated the initials of each family member, adding a personal touch while maintaining historical consistency. Wyckoff expresses profound satisfaction in knowing his work brings joy and lasting beauty to clients' homes. #Woodcarving #BespokeDesign #InteriorDesign #CustomCraftsmanship #HomeDecor #ArtisticWoodwork #HistoricalAccuracy #Renovation #ArchitecturalDetails

The Forager’s Cottage, a 1930s Australian weatherboard bungalow, is home to Helen May Petschel, a retired French homewares dealer. The cottage, steeped in history, showcases a deep appreciation for the past, with original features meticulously preserved by Helen over four decades. Golden autumn sunlight illuminates the interiors at 6 AM, highlighting the seasonal arrangements made from berries and foliage gathered from the garden. Helen expresses her preference for antique and vintage items, particularly European and rural primitive decor, over modern living, emphasizing that everything she acquires is from a bygone era. Her philosophy centers on authenticity, rustic charm, and utility, filling every space with pieces that hold a lifetime of memories. The kitchen is described as the most enchanting space, featuring an old enamel sink, original to the cottage, with a wooden draining board and a green pressed tin splashback that adds period charm. It is filled with well-worn pots and pans, chopping boards, and colorful jars of bottled fruits. Instead of a fitted kitchen, Helen opted for freestanding antique furniture when she and her late husband, Steve, purchased the property. This choice allowed for flexible arrangements over the years with minimal cost. A 1930 original larder remains intact, serving as storage for Helen’s utensils and food. Each item in the cottage carries personal significance, such as an antique dresser in the kitchen, a Christmas gift from Steve, which Helen connects to Beatrix Potter books. This dresser displays her collection of old wares, butter molds, breadboards, earthenware jugs, and bowls, all sourced from Europe. Helen, the second generation to live in the cottage, shares a profound connection to her modest home, which has provided solace through significant personal losses. In 2001, she and Steve lost their 19-year-old son, Phil, to a brain aneurysm, and in 2021, Steve, her husband of 41 years, passed away. Born in England, Helen experienced a transient childhood, frequently moving and never truly having a stable home. A brief, joyful period with her grandfather in Broad Chalke, Wiltshire, ignited her passion for English cottage decor, as the Australian bungalow reminded her of his Tudor cottage. The cottage’s original features contribute to its ethereal atmosphere. Helen recalls her first encounter with the property as stepping into a "time capsule," with everything preserved from 1930, including an old wood stove, a claw-foot bathtub, an old wooden draining board with an enamel sink, and a lead splashback, all of which remain today. In the dining room, an old seamstress’s worktable is repurposed as a dining table, set against Dulux’s ‘Vintage Green’ walls. The living room also features Dulux’s ‘Antique Green,’ enhancing its heritage ambiance. Helen finds joy in simple routines, like collecting pinecones for the evening fire, and appreciates the scent of pine and the sound of wind in the trees during this season. Her interiors, though unpolished, possess a raw charm, showcasing a lifetime of collected treasures that reflect her love for authentic vintage design. Despite its cracks and original paint, Helen chooses not to modernize the cottage, viewing it as a comforting refuge that has supported her through life’s tragedies and heartaches. #EnglishCountryLiving #VintageDecor #AntiqueFurniture #CottageInteriors #PreservedHistory #RusticCharm #HeirloomTreasures #Homemaking #InteriorDesign

The article showcases Liz Tew's favorite room, highlighting her approach to creating a relaxing and inviting living space. The design centers on a serene color palette, utilizing Benjamin Moore's Pale Oak for the walls, which sets a calming foundation for the room's aesthetic. This choice of wall color contributes significantly to the overall tranquil ambiance of the living area. Several key design elements are incorporated to enhance the room's visual appeal and comfort. Woven raffia wall hangings are prominently featured, adding texture and a natural, organic touch to the space. These hangings are noted as a growing trend in home decor, indicating a contemporary design sensibility. The integration of art pieces is another significant aspect of the room's design, with a collection from artists Annie Howell, Katie Hinshelwood, Grace Pouch, and Whitney Stoddard creating a cohesive and visually stimulating grouping. This curated selection of art reflects a thoughtful approach to personalizing the space. Natural elements are strategically used to introduce warmth and visual interest. A wooden circular mirror serves as a natural texture element, providing a contrast to the cooler tones in the room and adding a sense of organic elegance. Furthermore, a tall fiddle leaf fig tree is positioned in a corner, adding height and bringing a touch of nature indoors, which contributes to the room's freshness and vitality. Textiles play a crucial role in enhancing the comfort and style of the living space. The couch features throw pillows by artist Laura Park, which introduce patterns and colors that complement the overall design. These pillows are paired with thick banded curtains, creating a harmonious and polished look. The attention to detail extends to smaller accents, such as a beaded decoration on a vintage door knob, illustrating how minor elements can contribute to the room's character and charm. A particularly notable art piece in the room is "ÒLarry LlamaÓ" by local artist Marian Pouch. This painting not only serves as a focal point but also connects the interior space to the local art scene, as a larger version of the piece adorns the Camperdown Plaza in downtown Greenville. This inclusion underscores a blend of personal taste with an appreciation for local culture. Overall, Liz Tew's favorite room is characterized by a carefully balanced combination of calming colors, natural textures, curated art, and thoughtful decorative details. The design emphasizes creating an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment through a harmonious selection of furnishings and decor, reflecting a contemporary yet timeless approach to interior design. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #LivingRoom #PaintColors #HomeStyling #ArtCollection #NaturalElements #TextileDesign #GreenvilleHomes