This Gabled Home Mixes Old-World Charm With a Modern Material Palette

This blog post explores the transformation of a historic colonial revival home dating back to 1895 in Newton Center, Massachusetts. The owners sought to update their property with a glamorous, sexy, and elegant aesthetic, while simultaneously restoring and enhancing its original architectural features. The project aimed to integrate sympathetic interior décor with a contemporary flair from the 2020s. Before addressing the design details, the primary challenge involved removing uncomplimentary architectural additions from the 1940s, 80s, and 90s, particularly a deteriorating 1980s kitchen. Designer Cecilia Casagrande was commissioned to address these challenges, focusing on enhancing the home's original architecture while adapting it for modern living. Her approach successfully blended original period details with quirky and glamorous contemporary touches. The kitchen redesign, for instance, drew inspiration from the client’s Turkish Iznik pottery collection and antique rugs, transforming a drab 1980s space into a bright, open area. The design incorporated a mix of midcentury, antique, and modern elements, evident in pairings like a midcentury side table with a modern bed frame, or a curved sofa with modern lamps. The breakfast nook features an antique pedestal table and vintage dining chairs, harmonizing with the updated kitchen. The cabinet colors, specifically Farrow & Ball’s Paean Black and Benjamin Moore’s Yorktowne Green, were inspired by the blue hues of the Turkish plate collection. The kitchen also boasts vintage rugs from Afghanistan, brass taps by Barber Wilson, and handmade tiles from Winchester Tile in England, along with green stone accents, contributing to a worldly and earthy feel. The living room, characterized by intricate wood detailing and an impressive bay window, features walls, trim, and ceiling painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue. This bold color choice maintains the modernity of the ornate trim while creating a cozy Victorian parlor ambiance. Natural walnut elements on doors and trim are highlighted with a clear poly finish. The room includes a midcentury vintage sofa upholstered in mohair blue velvet, complemented by a rounded Jonathan Adler Danner sofa and Kelly Wearstler lamps to create a “sexy vibe.” Midcentury furnishings, such as a reupholstered Thayer Coggin swivel chair and a new Thayer Coggin Roxy chair, along with a round midcentury pi-coffee table and Moroccan inlaid side tables, contribute to a global aesthetic through eclectic accessories sourced internationally. A vibrant artwork by Hunt Slonem in a gilt frame and a vintage carved sideboard add glamour to a corner of the living room. The dining room reflects the clients' vision with quirky contemporary elements like Cole & Son Leopard Walk wallpaper and a stag chandelier sourced from Germany. Iconic midcentury Saarinen chairs and a stunning Suzani tablecloth complete the eclectic and joyful space, which is described as Victorian modern. The upstairs landing serves as an inviting seating area, utilizing natural light from an original gothic-detailed 1895 window and featuring French-style armchairs and a chess set. The primary bedroom showcases pastel pinks, blending antique, vintage, and modern furnishings. Brass elements, such as Sarreid chests, an antique mirror, and an Alexa Hampton ceiling light, add character. Walls are painted in Farrow & Ball's Middleton Pink with trim in Dove Tail, while House of Hackney and Timorous Beasties pillows, a modern champagne velvet bed, and a faux sheepskin swivel chair balance the vintage pieces. The bathroom features a Penhaglion cast iron tub in unlacquered brass, a striking choice for the historic home, complemented by classic marble tiles, Timorous Beasties curtains, and brass accents, offering a modern twist on traditional design. The homeowners expressed satisfaction with the transformation, noting that each room was thoughtfully designed and inspired by their existing collections, making the renovation a collaborative effort from architectural restoration to fabric selection. The project successfully honored the home's original features while introducing contemporary humor and subtle updates. #HistoricHomeRenovation #ColonialRevival #InteriorDesign #BoldColorSchemes #VictorianModern #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDecor #BedroomIdeas #BathroomDesign

This article details the transformation of a previously bland and dated center hall colonial-style home in NYC into a cozy and stylish family residence, spearheaded by interior designer Tami Wassong. The homeowners sought to retain the home's good structural bones, including tall windows, 10-foot ceilings, and herringbone parquet floors, while desiring a complete aesthetic overhaul that would feel comfortable and layered. Tami Wassong's design philosophy for this project emphasized deep colors, textured wallcoverings, custom millwork, and strategic layouts, all while ensuring no room was off-limits to the children, promoting a non-static living environment. The redesign journey began with the dining room, where a shibori-style Holly Hunt wallpaper was unconventionally applied to the ceiling, creating a distinctive graphic element that complemented the subtle Venetian plaster walls. This space was further enhanced with a Room ceiling light, a custom solid walnut dining table designed by Tami Wassong in collaboration with Withers Studio, and Craft Associates dining chairs. The living room was conceived as a warm and moody retreat, featuring deep olive-toned walls, matching built-ins, and a cohesive ceiling treatment. A custom wool-silk rug, designed in collaboration with Fayette Studio, along with paprika-colored Larchmont lounge chairs (Tami Wassong designs) and muddy grey sofas from Lawson Fenning upholstered in Holly Hunt fabric, contributed to the room's inviting ambiance. The space, nicknamed the 'music room,' houses the family's art, music books, records, and turntable, and is illuminated by an Urban Electric ceiling light. For the kitchen, a sustainable approach was adopted, involving the refinishing of existing lower perimeter cabinets and the reconfiguration of a new island and upper cabinets. The addition of new hardware and Arabescato Vagli marble surfaces and backsplash, alongside striking Allied Maker pendant lights and Blueprint wall sconces, modernized the space. A practical eat-in kitchen area, featuring a custom Formica-topped table from Withers Studio and leather-seated oak dining chairs, was designed to maximize an elegant bay window with garden views. The powder room embraced a moody aesthetic with a richly patterned Bleu Cobalt's Athena wallcovering from Black Crow Studios, serving as a foundational color theme for the entire house. Luxurious details included an integrated sink made of Kenya Brown marble, Belgian bluestone herringbone floors, and antique brass fixtures. The entryway, though minimalist with white walls and pale flooring, subtly integrated key colors from the home through playful sconces and ceiling fixtures by Urban Electric, a textural stair runner by Scandécor, and Dora Somosi’s Tondo Art, aiming to create a refreshing and calm welcome. Upstairs, the children's bedrooms also featured distinctive wallcoverings: Zak + Fox’s Ntama paper in deep maroon for one teen, offering a warm yet sophisticated feel, and Aesthetics deep blue textural wallpaper for the other, creating a cozy look. The primary bedroom was designed as a serene sanctuary, employing layered soft whites and greys, Portola Paints limewash walls, and textural window drapes to foster relaxation. The adjoining bathroom maintained this serene mood with Dolomite floors, custom-cut stacked dolomite tiles, an oak vanity, and satin nickel fixtures, blending contemporary design with clean lines. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ColorfulInteriors #TexturedWallcoverings #CustomMillwork #LuxuryDesign #FamilyHome #NYCInteriorDesign #DiningRoomDesign #LivingRoomDecor

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

Lisa and Gary Mieran, owners of Akyrah Kitchens, designed and largely built their two-storey, industrial-style home with modernist influences in Gympie, Queensland. The house, completed in December 2019 after a two-stage construction, is situated on land historically owned by Lisa's family. The design draws inspiration from Heide II, a modernist icon in Melbourne, celebrating concrete, timber, abundant light, and earthy tones. Lisa envisioned a home that would rise organically from the earth, becoming an integral part of the landscape and improving with age. The structure features off-form concrete, walls of glass, and tactile timbers, with the lower storey clad in cedar and the upper storey in recycled hardwood. Steel balustrading, handcrafted by Gary, complements the exterior, which also includes a swimming pool with Andorra limestone pavers. The interior features a breezeway offering spectacular views and airflow, with ceilings made of Henley Oak Grove engineered timber. The foyer includes a BassamFellows 'Geometric' day bed and artworks by Steve Waller. Given their expertise with Akyrah Kitchens, the kitchen in their home is a highlight, featuring blackbutt veneer doors, Basaltina benchtops, Circa taps from Brodware, and Inax 'Ceravio G' tiles. The living areas include a guest sitting area with a B&B Italia 'Le Bambole' sofa and a living room with a Cheminées Philippe fireplace and Jardan furnishings. The home was built in two stages to accommodate their grown children, Taren and Kirra. The first stage was a self-contained flat, which served as their temporary residence during the main build and now functions as a guest wing. The main house and another guest wing are connected by glassed walkways, with the main bedroom suite located upstairs. This design allows for three self-contained bedrooms with ensuites, providing private quarters for everyone while centralizing communal living spaces. Practicality and functionality are key design principles, evident in the integrated laundry within the bathroom behind a blackbutt joinery feature wall, and the kitchen's two large islands designed for simplicity and ample storage. The materials used throughout the home emphasize natural elements. Recycled timber is used for the upper storey and blackbutt joinery adds warmth, while the seamless flow of concrete from exterior to interior reinforces the architectural aesthetic. The home is designed for climate control, with generous light for winter warmth and cross-breezes for summer cooling. Lisa also undertook the landscaping, incorporating native plants like Xanthorrhoea, pandanus, native grasses, and succulents. The furniture, much of it Australian-made from brands like Jardan, is chosen for its timeless appeal and durability, reflecting the couple's preference for classic design over fleeting trends. The house stands as a testament to the couple's comprehensive involvement and shared vision, combining their professional skills with personal passions to create a harmonious and functional living space. #ModernistArchitecture #IndustrialStyle #ConcreteDesign #TimberAccents #SustainableMaterials #HomeDesign #OwnerBuilt #QueenslandHome #InteriorDesign

Lauren and Jason Muir embarked on a significant renovation of their 1900-built Parkside home after returning to Adelaide from London and Sydney. The couple purchased the property in its original condition in late 2020, with renovation plans beginning almost immediately. However, due to pandemic-related delays and council approvals, construction didn't commence until two years later. Lauren, a strategy executive at Westpac, expressed the importance of honoring the home's 1900 heritage while integrating a modern aesthetic, a design philosophy inspired by Victorian homes in London's southwest. A key design objective was to create a seamless transition between the original structure and the new extension. This was achieved by extending the original timber floors throughout the house and meticulously matching architectural details like architraves. The couple also focused on cohesive styling, using art to introduce color and enhance flow between the old and new sections of the home. The front of the house retained its original character, while the rear extension was designed to complement it with a contemporary feel. The renovation project involved collaboration with The Building Company and Mavtect Designs, successfully navigating council requirements that mandated the extension not be visible from the street. Specific features desired by the couple included a wine cellar, which Jason envisioned as a space where one could walk down and be enveloped by wine. Lauren's primary desire for the living space was an abundance of natural light. While the front of the house, with its older structure and tree coverage, remained darker, the extension was designed to maximize light, leading to the creation of a seven-meter raked ceiling and a large wall of glass. This architectural choice not only floods the living area with light but also provides a view of the century-old hedge in the backyard, which offers significant privacy and a natural green wall effect. Outdoor spaces were also a crucial component of the renovation. With the help of Husk Projects and Evoke Outdoors for landscaping, Lauren and Jason created dedicated outdoor entertaining areas and a sauna area. The sauna was specifically inspired by Sequoia Lodge, aiming to replicate its serene garden setting where one could relax after using the sauna, creating a retreat-like atmosphere. The Parkside home became a labor of love, offering a convenient urban lifestyle, with easy access to parklands and local amenities. Despite their affection for the renovated Parkside home, the Muir family is now moving to Stirling in pursuit of more space for their young children. Their new 1920s home also requires renovation, signaling Lauren's continued preference for restoring older properties over new builds. The sale of the Parkside property, located at 9 Douglas Street, is being managed by Georgie Todd and Alexandra Green of Harris Real Estate, marking the end of one project and the beginning of another for the family. #HeritageHome #ParksideRenovation #ModernExtension #ArchitecturalDesign #LuxuryLiving #HomeRenovation #AdelaideRealEstate #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving

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

This article highlights an Atlanta home in the Buckhead neighborhood, designed by Lyndsy Woods, that masterfully blends traditional architectural elements with modern touches and antique furnishings. The home, a new construction with Georgian architectural influences, was designed to incorporate classical features on the interior while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere suitable for a family with two young children. Lyndsy Woods worked with the family from the building stage, allowing her to understand their daily life and tailor the home's design to their specific needs and how they would utilize each space. The design approach focused on creating a soft, neutral shell with muted wall colors like Benjamin Moore York Gray (tinted at 50% strength) and White Dove for trim. This neutral backdrop ensures that the layered fabrics and furnishings, including the family's collection of antique pieces, are highlighted rather than overwhelmed. Built-in elements are kept tone-on-tone to avoid distraction. Even in more formal areas such as the dining room and family room, the aim was to evoke warmth and welcome. A key aspect of Woods's design philosophy, as detailed in the article, is the successful integration of formal and informal items. She avoids the heavy, museum-like feel that can result from too many antiques by pairing them with cleaner, modern elements. This mixing of styles creates a collected and unique aesthetic, preventing the space from feeling overly structured or stuffy. An example cited is the use of modern print fabrics in the dining room alongside gilded antiques, with a light background to tie everything together. The designer prefers cooler wall tones to balance the warmer, often reddish undertones of antique woods, thus toning down golden hues and creating a fresher look. Her personal style leans towards clean lines but with soft, livable palettes and rich textures. Specific rooms are showcased, illustrating this blend: the living room features a custom light fixture by Solaria Lighting and a linen sofa from Lee Industries, chosen for its timeless silhouette and adaptability to new looks with different pillows. The classic white kitchen is equipped with Walker Zanger tiles, Visual Comfort lighting, and Ballard Designs barstools. A butler's pantry is adorned with antiqued-mirror walls and a small sink for convenience. The family room continues the theme with Benjamin Moore's York Gray walls, an Aidan Gray chandelier, and an antique table. The dining room boasts Schumacher fabric on window treatments and upholstered chairs, with a Hickory Chair table, and a touch of pink adds a modern accent to the antique setting. The master bedroom, designed to feel like an upscale hotel suite, is furnished with antiques and features walls painted in a tinted version of Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter. The master bathroom is elevated with luxurious Duralee fabric window treatments, soft green shades, an abstract painting, and custom his-and-her vanities. The powder room is enlivened with Farrow & Ball wallpaper. The article concludes by emphasizing the home's welcoming nature and its beauty as a family residence, crediting designer Lyndsy Woods for her award-winning work and Marc Mauldin for the photography. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #AntiqueModernMix #LuxuryHomes #AtlantaRealEstate #LyndsyWoodsDesign #HomeFeatures #BuckheadHomes

A 1970s-style Dallas ranch house underwent a significant transformation, moving away from its original closed-in and sprawling floorplan to embrace an open, light-filled modernist aesthetic with South American influences. The homeowners, with a background in Mexico and Brazil, sought to infuse their new US residence with the warmth and richness reminiscent of their time in South America, creating a vibrant backdrop for their art collection and modernist furniture. Interior designer Joshua Rice led the renovation, focusing on opening up the space, enhancing natural light, and establishing a cohesive flow throughout the home. The original house posed challenges due to its convoluted layout, characterized by a series of disconnected rooms. Joshua Rice addressed this by strategically removing walls, thereby creating a 150-foot visual connection spanning nearly the entire length of the house. This design choice not only improved navigability but also brought a sense of unity to the interior. The entryway now feels spacious and offers a clear view into the kitchen, fostering a connection with other areas of the home. Artworks by Pago Mann and Mr Brainwash, displayed on neutral walls, introduce color and a playful element. One notable design solution involved replacing a hazardous, zig-zagging three-step transition between two living rooms with a simple yet elegant stone half-height wall. This Pietra Grey stone box, with its precise detailing—waterfall edges and articulated reveals—effectively separates the upper and lower levels while maintaining a spatial connection. This intervention significantly improved both the safety and aesthetic appeal of the space, moving beyond the original architectural limitations. The renovation heavily emphasized the use of natural materials and a neutral color palette. In the eat-in kitchen, Faye Toogood's Roly Poly round table and dining chairs introduce a softening element to the otherwise defined lines of the main kitchen. The kitchen itself features cabinetry crafted from teak with bronze accent panels by Forms & Surfaces, paired with concrete engineered quartz countertops by Santamargherita. These elements collectively contribute warmth and a touch of midcentury modern style. White oak flooring extends throughout the main rooms, offering a durable and visually cohesive surface, while a custom vent hood combining teak and blackened steel adds a modernist touch. The living rooms showcase a curated selection of vintage South American midcentury modern pieces. The main living area features iconic Presidential armchairs and a vintage Oushak rug, complemented by a cast bronze table by Jojo Corväiá. The dining room is anchored by a 1959 Guanabara rosewood table by Jorge Zalszupin and illuminated by an RBW Palindrome light, with Fiona Weedon's "Tears and Flowers 1993" oil on canvas adorning Venetian plaster walls. The upper living room, centered around the Pietra grey stone fireplace, includes a Sideways sofa, vintage Alta lounge chair, and two 'Diz' chairs, alongside additional cast bronze and ceramic tables and a rare Brazilian sculpture. The home office incorporates Aim lamps by Flos, vintage swivel and lounge chairs, and a desk from Poltrona Frau, while the main bedroom offers a window alcove with seating and a blackened steel fireplace. The project successfully blends modernist principles with rich, textural materials, creating a luxurious and welcoming environment. The architect, Mark McCollum, noted that despite the original convoluted floorplan, the careful crafting of connections resulted in a grand and gracious home. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ModernistHome #DallasArchitecture #MidCenturyModern #SouthAmericanInfluence #VintageFurniture #OpenConceptLiving #NaturalMaterials

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

The article details the transformation of a 1959 mid-century home in Brentwood, California, initially a small kitchen renovation project, into a comprehensive redesign by French-born interior designer Victoria Gillet. The property belongs to model and presenter Shana Hiatt and film producer Todd Garner. The original structure, designed by Kenneth Lind, was 3,000 square feet and was expanded to 3,700 square feet with the addition of a guesthouse and an outdoor bar, both designed to seamlessly match the existing architecture. The house's original layout emphasized indoor-outdoor living, with doors opening directly to a Zen garden, a feature that Gillet further enhanced. Gillet's design philosophy for this project was to blend French elegance with Southern California energy, utilizing natural materials and bold accents. Her vision was significantly influenced by artists such as Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, and Alexander Calder, which led to the incorporation of vibrant colors like blue, pink, orange, and yellow throughout the home. These bold hues, combined with playful shapes, contribute to a joyful and lively atmosphere. The material palette is rich and varied, featuring walnut, cement tile, velvet, and brass. Gillet notes that velvet adds depth, warmth, and a luxurious, cozy feel, while brass introduces an element of opulence and a nostalgic charm. The renovation focused on maximizing the home's stunning views and promoting an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, achieved through numerous windows that invite the outside in. The outdoor spaces are designed for entertaining, boasting a pool and spa area, captivating canyon vistas, a bar, and a fireplace. The garden was completely redesigned to evoke a touch of Provence, France, complementing the Southern California setting. Key design elements and furnishings include a mobile by Jim Hunter from 1stdibs, an Anissa Kermiche vase on a custom walnut brass credenza at the entry, and a Revoar swing by Marta Manente near a fireplace, contributing to a relaxed ambiance. In the dining room, custom pink velvet chairs surround a custom dining table featuring vintage brass legs and a live-edge monkey pod wood top, all illuminated by a Circa Lighting chandelier. The living room showcases a custom colorful sofa and ottoman, resting on a blue silk rug and lit by an Eichholtz fixture. A commissioned artwork by Claire Desjardins adorns the back wall. The main bedroom includes a custom bed by Shine by S.H.O, a Circa Lighting pendant, and a Jonathan Adler nightstand. The family room is equipped with a custom solid walnut library, a custom sofa, a Jonathan Adler table lamp, an R&Y Augousti side table, a vintage 1970s chair, and an Arteriors coffee table. The outdoor area features a custom sofa with colorful Schumacher pillows, protected by Tuuci umbrellas, further emphasizing the home's focus on comfortable and stylish outdoor living. #SoCalHome #MidCenturyDesign #InteriorDesign #VictoriaGillet #BrentwoodCalifornia #ColorfulInteriors #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ResidentialDesign

Cottage-style homes, a trend that gained significant traction in 2020, continue to be a prominent interior design aesthetic, largely driven by a renewed emphasis on comfort, the popularity of antiquing, and cultural influences. This style embodies a cozy, comfortable, and homesteading aesthetic, characterized by rustic furnishings, antique wooden furniture, and abundant patterned wallpaper, often featuring a vibrant mix of colors. While frequently compared to farmhouse design, cottagecore distinguishes itself with roots in the European countryside rather than shabby-chic Americana. The most successful cottage-style interiors harmoniously blend modern design elements with vintage finds, creating a timeless appeal that avoids appearing anachronistic. Whether residing in a genuine countryside cottage or a modern urban dwelling, numerous strategies exist for incorporating cottage-style elements. The article outlines 20 design ideas to infuse a cozy country aesthetic into any home. One effective approach is decorating with antiques, as exemplified by designer Caitlin Wilson's use of antique dinnerware in lieu of traditional artwork. Enhancing the exterior with trellising not only adds warmth but also provides structural support for climbing vines, seamlessly integrating the home with its natural surroundings. Creating quaint symmetry in rooms, such as a children's bedroom with matching elements and rich, muted hues, adds visual interest. Embracing rural surroundings by incorporating elements that reflect the area's history, like an antique farmhouse sink in a mudroom, further personalizes the cottage aesthetic. Maximizing outdoor spaces for relaxation, especially in smaller cottages, extends living areas. Colored cabinetry, particularly in rich yet muted tones like pink with contrasting interiors, along with vintage-inspired wallpaper, is a hallmark of cottagecore kitchens. Introducing natural textures such as rattan and cane brings the outdoors in, balancing cooler paint tones and wallpapers. Utilizing wood paneling can lend a cozy, rustic feel to modern builds, especially when combined with neutral paint colors and natural wood finishes. Hanging accessories, particularly those with a wildflower-inspired palette, allows for displaying cherished trinkets without clutter. Preserving original fixtures, such as stained glass windows, imbues a home with unique character and warmth. Mixing various patterns within a single color palette, playing with upholstery textures like linen, velvet, and embroidery, and incorporating dramatic natural elements like branches instead of traditional houseplants, all contribute to a layered and inviting design. Accentuating small spaces by embracing their intimacy rather than trying to enlarge them, as seen with red-painted ceilings and coastal wallpaper in a powder room, adds charm. Texturing drywall with plaster or limewash creates additional character and coziness. Displaying every knickknack on surfaces like vintage coat racks encourages a collected, yet uncluttered, appearance. Opting for low-silhouette furniture can create an illusion of larger spaces and higher ceilings, especially when paired with light-colored walls. Finally, planting trailing ivy on the exterior adds instant character, making even new homes appear established, and showcasing antique pieces in unexpected areas, like kitchen corners, seamlessly integrates them into modern functionality. #CottageStyle #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #Antiques #RusticCharm #Cottagecore #VintageDecor #PatternMixing #NaturalElements

The article details the creation of a new 7,517-square-foot cottage in Cottagewood, aiming to blend modern construction techniques with the soulful character of an older, Old World European home. Builder Kyle Hunt of Kyle Hunt & Partners, alongside architect Jean Rehkamp Larson, collaborated to achieve this vision for owners Bari Kessler and Dave Marantz. The design emphasizes natural materials, including recycled-timber beams, stone countertops, and custom metalwork, to evoke an aged sensibility and combine rustic and refined elements. The homeowners, having moved from Minneapolis to Lake Minnetonka for a simpler life closer to nature, desired a new home that felt established and rich with history. Bari Kessler, an interior designer with a passion for antiques, sought to create a tranquil retreat for her family, including three boys and two dogs. Her favorite space, a cozy family den, exemplifies this aesthetic, filled with patterns, textures, colors, and a collection of art, objects, and books. South Carolina-based interior designer Alecia Stevens assisted in integrating the couple's existing antiques, rugs, chairs, and paintings into the new design, layering pieces to create a lived-in and loved atmosphere. Kyle Hunt & Partners, a 32-year-old Deephaven company, specializes in crafting artisanal homes tailored to client needs. For this project, Hunt assembled a team of skilled artisans, including a stucco professional, plaster painter, metal smith, and cabinet maker, all committed to achieving the desired aged aesthetic. This commitment is evident in the custom cabinetry by Joe Michalski of Rosemount Woods, which features inset wood, exposed hinges, cup-shaped drawer pulls, and brass name plates, giving newly built cupboards the appearance of antiques. Similarly, Otto Painting Design created a unique hand-troweled patina for the plaster walls, further contributing to the home's historic feel. The home was also designed with the family's three boys in mind, incorporating child-friendly spaces. A miniature study hall with built-in desks and bookcases is situated outside their bedrooms, providing a homework area. The attic was transformed into a treehouse-like space, complete with a dedicated room for Legos. Another nook houses the family's guinea pigs, and bunk beds accommodate sleepovers. These elements ensure the reimagined cottage offers inspiring environments for both adults and children to thrive. Ultimately, the residence successfully marries new construction with an old soul, embodying the nostalgic comforts of home and reflecting the values and identity of its inhabitants. #homeDesign #oldWorldCharm #customHome #naturalMaterials #interiorDesign #artisanalCraftsmanship #familyHome #Cottagewood #KyleHuntAndPartners

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

Lindsay Marcus, an interior designer, recently completed a project in the Little Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, transforming a 1940s Colonial Revival-style residence into a transitional family home. The client sought an elevated, refined, and chic living space that was also kid-friendly in certain areas, marking a stylistic departure from their previous neutral-toned mid-century modern home. Marcus’s design philosophy for this project centered on preserving the home’s original architectural features while integrating an eclectic, layered, and elevated aesthetic. The design approach emphasized allowing the traditional aspects of the architecture to guide the overall tone of the space. To achieve a layered and collected look, Marcus incorporated mid-century lighting and modern furniture silhouettes, aiming for a balance between old and new elements, as well as color and pattern. The project's success lies in its ability to blend contrasting styles and eras into a cohesive and timeless environment. The entryway exemplifies this design vision, with its elegant architecture, including a sweeping stone staircase and refined iron banister, serving as the foundational classic elements. The space is enriched with a thoughtful mix of eras through a clean-lined dresser, varied textures in vignettes, and a vintage rug, creating a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere. For the powder room, Marcus and her team selected a rich, cool blue paint for the paneling and a dramatic mural from Gracie, transforming the small space into a jewel box. Vintage Italian Pietro Chiesa sconces and a floral ceiling flush mount from Urban Electric further enhance the room's romantic ambiance. In the living room, existing furniture, such as a royal blue Nickey Kehoe sofa and a Roche Bobois loveseat, were integrated into the new design. The Nickey Kehoe sofa inspired the room’s color palette, and the Roche Bobois loveseat was reupholstered in a striped fabric from Howe. An antique Art Deco coffee table and a French giltwood mirror from 1stDibs introduced Old Hollywood glamour and served as focal points. Italian Murano glass and brass sconces, a marble bar, and Pierre Jeanneret chairs re-covered in hair-on-hide added to the room’s luxurious feel. The walls were finished with Portola Paint’s Tikal limewash, and contemporary oil paintings by Gideon Rubin and Hannah Brown contributed to a modern sophistication. The dining room features a contrast of a rustic farmhouse table paired with original Finn Juhl chairs, reupholstered in light brown mohair, under a modern plaster chandelier, creating a harmonious blend of styles. The main bedroom maintained its existing white paneling, complemented by a neutral grasscloth wallpaper from Gregorious Pineo and a Rosa Bernal fabric for drapery, creating depth and texture without overwhelming the vintage Persian rug. Custom white oak nightstands with Rojo Alicante marble tops and Victoria Morris pottery lamps in an oxblood glaze added refined touches, while a shearling-covered womb chair provided a cozy reading nook. The children's areas were designed with distinct personalities. The playroom features bold olive green walls and wainscoting, with Farrow & Ball’s Barrow Blue paint on the paneling and ceiling, paired with a checkered wallpaper. Mustard Togo chairs provide comfortable and playful seating. The boy's room adopted a masculine palette of blues, white, and subtle greens, anchored by a Lawson Fenning bed upholstered in McLaurin and Piercy fabric. Side chairs and poufs from Sabin LA offered youthful yet sophisticated shapes, and a Zak + Fox stripe wallpaper added subtle color and texture. The second child’s room embraced a whimsical, nautical theme with a marine ceiling flush mount and Cole and Son’s Melville wallpaper, complemented by a leather sconce from Lostine and a floral bedcover from Nickey Kehoe. Marcus expressed particular satisfaction with the living room, primary bedroom, and powder room, highlighting the use of patterned drapery fabrics throughout the home as a favorite element that made each space feel special and cohesive. The designer emphasized that the client’s willingness to take risks contributed significantly to the successful and elevated outcome of the project. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColonialRevival #TransitionalStyle #LuxuryHomes #HomeMakeover #DecoratingIdeas #ColorAndPattern

This article highlights the design of a new-build modern farmhouse in Tennessee, showcasing a blend of rustic, industrial, and contemporary styles. The project, led by interior designer Adam Hunter, aimed to combine raw, textured qualities with industrial elements while maintaining warmth and an inviting atmosphere. The 383-acre estate features an orchard, ponds, lakes, walking bridges, a private swimming hole, and extensive hiking and biking trails. The design philosophy emphasizes a seamless connection between the stunning natural landscape and purposeful interior design. The great room, a central feature of the home, boasts 38-foot vaulted ceilings that create a sense of grandeur. This space is anchored by a Holly Hunt sofa and a Jane Hallworth Aquila Constellation lighting fixture. Custom two-tone beveled metal fireplace surrounds by Amuneal add balance and warmth to the sitting and dining areas. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining space features a custom-designed table by Adam Hunter with a live edge and blue resin, complemented by Gregorius Pineo dining chairs and a Mehraban rug. Cerused white oak flooring in a grey wash is used throughout the home, connecting different areas. The kitchen is designed to be strong and impactful, with clear sightlines from the living and dining spaces. Calacatta Viola marble, sourced from KD Style & Co, is a focal point, used for the stylish floating extractor hood, a matching waterfall island, and countertops. Custom cabinetry by Amuneal in a Hunter Bronze finish, Mattaliano pendant lights from Holly Hunt, and Amtrend stools upholstered in a geometric Rosemary Hallgarten fabric contribute to the sophisticated aesthetic. A vibrant fire engine red Lacanche range, Rocky Mountain Hardware sinks, and Waterworks faucets complete the kitchen's luxurious feel. The home includes several distinct seating areas. A more intimate family room features custom leather walls from British purveyor Bill Amberg in a "Batman blue," accented with a bold metal grid trim by Amuneal. The rug in this space is the Zebois design by Adam Hunter for The Rug Company, along with a custom lighting fixture also designed by Hunter. A third living room offers a blend of traditional and contemporary inspirations, merging indoor and outdoor spaces to honor the natural surroundings. Ombré drapery, a Fortuny pendant light, a Blackman Cruz cocktail table, and a custom sofa define this area, while a Fromental Prunus in Pandora cherry blossom design wallcovering brings nature indoors, referencing the estate's 188-tree orchard. The stairway leading to the basement's tornado shelter and wine room showcases a playful design with Adam Hunter's "Smoke Sunset" rug runner, custom Amuneal metal handrailing, and a Lost in Space robot. The primary bedroom features a custom, hand-painted wallpaper by Janet Yonaty, overflowing onto the headboard, with sconces by Holly Hunt Design. A guest bedroom offers a soft, sunny ambiance with a modern mustard yellow bedframe custom designed by Adam Hunter, made by Bespoke Furniture with Citron Mohair Velvet by Cowtan and Tout, and tactile selenite bedside lamps from Thomas Lavin. Sheer white petal design drapery by Stout Textiles adds a romantic touch. The luxurious en-suite bathroom boasts generous proportions, with high ceilings wrapped in reflective silk wallpaper, Calacatta marble surfaces, and extensive marble detailing. Sconces by Alison Berger Glassworks and an impressive chandelier by John Pomp Studios enhance the opulent feel. The property also includes additional spaces for rest and retreat, such as a barn by the lake, a cozy cabin, stables, and a pool house, all designed to immerse inhabitants in the surrounding nature. #ContemporaryFarmhouse #InteriorDesign #RusticIndustrialStyle #LuxuryHome #TennesseeEstate #AdamHunterDesign #MarbleAccents #ModernFarmhouse