Explore a house in the city that was designed with the country in mind – the result is a homage rather than a pastiche

Building a new home offers the advantage of creating a bespoke space free from the constraints of old floor plans or previous owners' preferences. However, a significant challenge in new construction is the absence of inherent history, original features, or quirky characteristics that often define older properties. This article details how designers Annabel Hickton and Samantha Liu of Untold Interiors tackled this challenge in a 2024 project: transforming a contemporary new build into a home imbued with a sense of history and character without resorting to pastiche. The clients desired a family home that was practical, comfortable, light, and airy, while also feeling stylish and sophisticated. They needed spaces for daily family life, like breakfast areas for children, and more formal, tranquil areas for entertaining and evening relaxation. Crucially, they wanted to avoid the generic feel often associated with new builds, prompting a focus on unique detailing and finishes. For instance, the limestone floor was chosen with a tumbled edge and rustic grout to achieve an aged appearance, deliberately eschewing mass-produced, overly straight elements. Untold Interiors collaborated with architects Concept Eight from the project's inception, allowing them to influence the interior architecture and design every space to suit the clients' lifestyle. The property, located in the Hertfordshire countryside, replaced an existing bungalow. The designers emphasized the importance of early involvement to tailor the layout and specific room functions. They meticulously considered the shape, proportion, and purpose of each room, integrating distinctive design elements to enhance character. In the double-height entryway, fluted wall paneling and high stone skirting were incorporated, details that are unconventional but create a significant visual impact upon entry. An arched entrance with a pocket door was chosen to introduce softness and a welcoming ambiance, contrasting with a standard rectangular opening. Decorative panels and curved black anodized steel spindles accentuate the hallway's proportions, complemented by wall sconces from Allied Maker and a dark-stained wooden handrail. A 19th-century French bleached walnut gueridon and two aged-brown oak console tables further add historical charm. The designers paid particular attention to ceilings, introducing oversized coving in the family living room, a tongue and groove ceiling in the dark blue media room, and decorative wall beading in the formal dining and lounge. These elements were crucial in making the ceilings feel less generic, adding layers of interest throughout the house. Material selection was also key to grounding the interior and providing warmth, with choices like honed limestone flooring, limewash paint for depth, and antique bronze metal accents. The emphasis was on materials that develop a patina, conveying authenticity and timelessness. The color scheme was primarily neutral but carefully curated to offer depth and interest through natural materials such as oak and limestone flooring, and limewash walls. The designers also incorporated varied textures, patinas, and color tones. This calm background serves to highlight carefully chosen furniture and art, curated by Art Consultancy, Hollandridge, and allows the natural beauty of the garden and surrounding countryside to become a focal point. The kitchen, designed as the heart of the home, is integrated into an L-shaped family living space. Flush wall cabinets and a subtly enclosed extraction fan were chosen to make the kitchen feel like a natural extension of the room, rather than a distinct, bulky area. Additional kitchen storage, a second dishwasher, and a wine store are discreetly placed in a pantry, allowing for a clutter-free main kitchen, especially when entertaining. Notable kitchen features include a four-meter semi-honed Taj Mahal quartzite island, in-frame solid oak cabinets with a sand gray stain, and dovetailed drawers. Bar stools were custom-made. The kitchen collaboration with 202 Design involved bespoke solid oak shaker cabinets with a unique sand gray stain and a hand-decorated finish, alongside Gaggenau appliances and aged brass hardware. In the family living space, oversized seamless coving extends from the walls, accentuating height and echoing the home's curved elements. The home bar, a focal point for entertaining, was inspired by classic hotel bars but designed with a softer, more inviting feel. It features a curved timber arch, a rounded stone countertop, bespoke wall detailing, and decorative bobbin beadwork paneling. Caned chairs and a Porta Romana side table complete the sophisticated setup, which also includes open shelving, beverage refrigeration, and discreet drawers. The master bedroom, with its high ceilings and awkward angles, presented a challenge. Thoughtful design, including high skirting that adapted to the windows and a custom-made door frame, created a serene and intentional space. Sixty percent of the home's elements, including all sofas, were custom-made, requiring careful coordination and testing to ensure perfect proportions. Even functional spaces like bathrooms received meticulous attention, with marble slopes replacing standard shower niches for ease of cleaning and improved aesthetics. The entire project took three years, resulting in a home that feels natural, modern, and understated, yet elegant and timeless, successfully blending traditional country details with contemporary interpretations. #HouseDesign #NewBuild #InteriorDesign #CountryCharm #HistoricFeel #CustomDetails #TimelessDesign #FamilyHome #LuxuryInteriors

Interior designer Andrew Howard discusses his approach to creating a Florida home that reflects his family's cherished memories and personal tastes. The four-bedroom new build, completed in 2020 for his wife Katie and their two sons, is the second home he has designed for them. Howard aimed to infuse the new construction with personality, drawing inspiration from their vacations in Martha's Vineyard to give the facade a New England period charm, despite its Florida location. Howard's design philosophy for this home prioritized a "collected family-friendly look" over a strictly cohesive aesthetic. He describes his preference for each room to offer a unique "adventure," emphasizing the use of color and playful patterns to create energetic spaces. Blue, which he considers his neutral, serves as a recurring motif throughout the house, but each room maintains its distinct character. The open-plan kitchen, living area, and breakfast room, for example, use blue and striped wallpaper to add vibrancy, with a gingham design in the breakfast nook. To maximize light in the windowless kitchen, a shiny ceiling and shimmering splashback were incorporated. Practicality was a key consideration in the design, particularly for a family-friendly home. Howard notes that most surfaces, except in the sitting room, feature durable materials like vinyl wallpaper or custom-made scuff-resistant wallpaper, and many fabrics are outdoor-grade. This intentional choice ensures the home is resilient to daily wear and tear. The designer also focused on creating spaces that resonate deeply with his family members. He drew inspiration from a TV special about Elvis Presley's jungle room for the media room, and a photograph of the Brooklyn Bridge, their favorite city, is prominently displayed. The home also features dedicated spaces tailored to specific family memories. A guest house serves as an adults-only hangout, inspired by Howard’s experience playing in a band's green room. The formal dining room boasts a custom mural depicting scenes from a special family trip to Martha's Vineyard, including a boat, lighthouse, and dune walk, with the children even integrated into the artwork. This personalized detail ensures the family feels a strong connection to their surroundings. The sitting room, a child-free retreat for Andrew and his wife, is described as the "pièce de résistance." Howard chose a flamboyant crewelwork fabric for this space, embracing a full spectrum of colors to make a bold statement. He highlights his "more is more" approach to color in this room, reflecting his desire to create an impactful visual experience. In addition to the home tour, the article provides five rules for using decorative wallpaper, as advised by Andrew Howard. These include using wallpaper as a starting point for a decorating scheme, using flamboyant large-scale wallpapers in entertaining spaces like sitting rooms and powder rooms, being creative by papering ceilings or creating feature walls, designing custom wallpapers for a personalized touch, and adding wallpaper to the insides of glazed cupboards for extra interest. These guidelines offer practical advice for incorporating patterned wallpapers to achieve dynamic and personalized interior designs. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FamilyHome #PersonalizedDesign #WallpaperTrends #ColorSchemes #FloridaHome #NewBuild

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

This article details the transformation of a nearly 9,000-square-foot Twin Cities estate, initially characterized by a Western-style aesthetic, into an authentic, European-inspired countryside manse. The project, spearheaded by interior designer Bruce Kading of Bruce Kading Interior Design, involved a comprehensive remodel rather than a complete teardown of the existing structure. Kading's design process is highlighted, emphasizing his reliance on hand-drawn sketches to visualize and communicate intricate design details, a method he believes conveys more integrity and emotion than computer renderings. The renovation began with shedding the original home's "gutsy, masculine aesthetic," which featured dark woodwork, outdated glazes, and chamois-colored textured walls and ceilings. Key modifications included painting the woodwork, adding French-inspired trim to plinth blocks, replacing all wood floors with aged-looking alternatives, and swapping out the stair railing for a more elaborate design. Walls were treated with a subtle glaze to emulate hand-patted plaster seen in Europe, and ceiling beams were refurbished by Jennifer Raskob Kranz to mimic vintage European timbers, demonstrating meticulous attention to aging and texturing to achieve a natural appearance. The great room, located to the right of the entryway, serves as an introduction to the home's European interiors. It features one of six custom fireplaces, patterned pillows, decorative furnishings, and velvety, tufted furniture with red accents, incorporated at the homeowner's request. This space seamlessly transitions into the open dining and kitchen area, where a revamped cooking center immediately draws attention. The kitchen boasts new flooring, cabinetry, a pewter-topped island, an inky black La Cornue range, an antique fire back, and a hand-carved French Rococo-style fireplace mantel, crafted by expert woodcarver Erik Wyckoff. Wyckoff also created a significant "trophy carving" on the wooden refrigerator door, which, in classic 18th-century French style, incorporates emblems reflecting the owners' interests rather than traditional hunting, royalty, or military themes. The upper level of the home features a British pub and a temperature-controlled wine attic. The wine attic's floor is made of Jerusalem-sourced stone, complemented by a worn wood countertop slab, a leaded glass window, traditional lath, commissioned metalwork, and custom shelving for the wine collection. The pub includes a replica London pub sign, whimsical tiled elements, and ample seating for guests. Downstairs, two guest rooms and a romantic primary suite await. The primary suite includes a sitting room with artisan-made bronze fireplace doors, a spacious bath with mosaic floor tiles and a pewter- and porcelain-crafted tub, and a large walk-in closet featuring mirror-paneled doors, a washer and dryer, a safe room, and a Carrara marble-topped island. The design in the primary suite and other areas is guided by the scenic outdoor views, utilizing a material palette of subdued tones to reflect the peaceful environment. The library, a favorite room of Kading's, features custom embroidered draperies, black walnut-stained paneling and bookshelves, a rolling ladder, antique lighting, and a nickel fireplace, creating an updated yet historically relevant ambiance. The overall project culminates in a globally influenced home that exhibits a high degree of provenance, pedigree, and patina, all traceable back to Kading’s initial hand-drawn concept sketches. #EuropeanInspired #HomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #BruceKading #LuxuryRenovation #CustomWoodwork #ArchitecturalRemodeling #CountrysideEstate #TraditionalInteriors

This article details the design and aesthetic of a newly built modern homestead in regional New South Wales, crafted by interior design studio Arent&Pyke; and landscaper Paul Bangay. The home, intended as a weekender and holiday retreat for an extended family, was designed to evoke a different mood from the owners' contemporary Sydney residence, emphasizing a sense of unhurried country living. The building's traditional homestead-style lines, wide verandahs, and placement on a slight rise overlooking a lake give it a timeless appearance despite its new construction. The design process involved a close collaboration between the owners and designers, allowing for increasingly bold and imaginative schemes as the project progressed. This collaboration led to a departure from initial plans, such as the kitchen's color scheme, which was originally intended to be white but evolved into a greeny-black hue using Dulux 'Briar' paint for the cabinetry. The interior design prioritizes comfort and sophistication, accommodating frequent guests with generous proportions and thoughtful layouts. The five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home features a linear layout surrounded by verandahs, with most spaces on a single level, except for an elevated section housing two additional bedrooms. This expansive design, spanning over 15 hectares with no visible neighbors, offers a profound sense of peace and connection to nature. Despite the open layout, the interior design aimed to create a feeling of "cocooning" indoors, acknowledging the region's harsher and colder climate. While French doors in each room provide access to the verandahs, the emphasis was on establishing a distinct indoor-outdoor relationship through visual connections to the garden from every vantage point. A key aspect of the interior styling is the blend of old and new elements, creating an accumulated-over-time aesthetic. Iconic pieces like the Ercol 'Easy' chairs are mixed with vintage finds from auction houses and bespoke contemporary furnishings. This eclectic approach, according to Sarah-Jane Pyke, prevents the interior from feeling too "stitched up and perfect," allowing for flexibility and future additions. Art collection, a long-standing passion for the owners, plays a significant role in defining the spaces, with pieces like Lucy Culliton's "Tristan Honey and Denise" in the entry and a substantial Ben Quilty work in the dining room, for which a custom wall was built. The master bedroom suite exemplifies the bold use of color, driven by the selection of de Gournay 'L’Eden' wallpaper as a starting point. A deep blue from the wallpaper's palette was chosen for the room's remaining walls, creating a dramatic yet calming atmosphere. The suite also includes a cozy sitting area, a stone fireplace, and a bathtub set into a bay window, highlighting the luxury of leisure time in the country setting. Playful elements, such as tartan and checkerboard tiling in the bathrooms, add a unique spin on classic country tropes, reinforcing the home's joyful spirit and fulfilling the owner's request for a timeless country home that beautifully integrates sunlight and landscape views. Overall, the project successfully merges traditional homestead architecture with contemporary interior design principles, resulting in a residence that is both visually striking and deeply comfortable. The thoughtful integration of art, furniture, and color, along with a strong connection to the surrounding natural environment, defines this modern country home as a serene and sophisticated retreat. #ModernHomestead #CountryDesign #InteriorDesign #ArentPyke #PaulBangay #RegionalNSW #LuxuryHome #EclecticDecor #ColorPalette

Tamsin Saunders, founder of the design studio Home & Found, has transformed a 1930s cottage in south-west London into a deeply personal home. Initially drawn to the property for its generous, albeit unloved, garden rather than its architecture, Saunders envisioned creating something beautiful. The house, a modest red-brick building, overlooked an open meadow and, despite its unremarkable exterior, presented an opportunity for transformation. Upon moving in, Saunders initially focused on essential structural updates and decoration. However, as her three children grew, the need for more flexible living and entertaining spaces prompted a comprehensive reconfiguration and expansion. A significant addition was an airy rear extension on the ground floor, meticulously designed to integrate a kitchen, dining area, a garden-view seating area, a study, and a laundry room within a relatively small footprint, all while maintaining the cottage’s graceful proportions. Wide French windows in this space frame views of mature trees and lush planting, creating a seamless flow between the interior and the garden. The design emphasizes simplicity, utilizing thoughtful joinery and furniture placement to define distinct areas without creating a sense of separation. The home's design reflects cherished memories and an intuitive approach to beauty. For instance, the wood paneling in the extension was inspired by a tiny outbuilding Saunders admired at a friend's house. Similarly, a sofa was created by reupholstering and reshaping a chaise found in a market, demonstrating her love for improvisation and unique pieces. A separate study provides Saunders with a workspace, offering views of nature and housing a collection of botanical drawings found by chance, adding a layer of serendipity to the decor. The former front living room was converted into a cozy snug, a family favorite during winter. The room features deep, glossy chocolate brown walls, which cleverly dissolve its edges and create an intimate atmosphere. This rich background highlights a mix of textures, materials, and objects, such as a sofa upholstered in Dutch linen with an old blanket and another covered in a rejected Bennison fabric, showcasing Saunders' ability to find beauty in unexpected places. Upstairs, each bedroom reflects the occupant's personality. Freya's room features a headboard upholstered in Svenskt Tenn's 'Mirakel' linen, with Chinese watercolors echoing its vibrant palette. Freya, who founded Black Lion Workshops, also painted various details in her room, giving new life to old lamps and decor elements. Tamsin’s own bedroom, located in the attic extension, is sparsely decorated with soft off-white walls with green undertones, allowing the windows to act as dynamic artworks framing the natural views. The tranquil shed at the end of the garden, built from reclaimed wood and hidden by trees, further exemplifies the home’s organic evolution. Its interior, adorned with patterns painted by Freya, draws inspiration from natural forms and historical motifs. Ultimately, the cottage embodies an approach where every element is brought together instinctively, rooted in memory and emotion, creating a natural and evolving home experience. #HomeDesign #CottageRenovation #InteriorDesign #GardenLiving #PersonalizedDecor #SustainableDesign #LondonHome #FamilyLiving #IntuitiveDesign

The world is home to an incredible array of diverse buildings, with some standing out for their vibrant hues. This article explores 38 of the most colourful homes across the globe, showcasing how cultural, architectural, and social circumstances contribute to their striking appearances. From candy-striped huts in Portugal to hillside neighbourhoods in Mexico transformed with murals, these properties demonstrate that personality can be expressed boldly on the exterior of a home, not just within its interiors. Key examples include Zhengbin Fishing Port in Keelung, Taiwan, where 16 vibrantly-hued houses line the river bank, and Rainbow Row in Oklahoma City, USA, featuring six three-storey, candy-coloured homes designed by architect Sam Day. Indonesia's Kalisari Rainbow Village, or Kampung Pelangi, received a government-funded glow-up in 2017 to attract tourists, transforming buildings and bridges into multi-coloured murals. In New York, USA, artist Katwise and her partner transformed a rundown farm into a psychedelic wonderland with every colour imaginable, funding their renovations by making patchwork coats from old sweaters. The Bo-Kaap neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa, is known for its brightly painted houses, a tradition that began when freed enslaved people painted their homes in celebration after being allowed to purchase them. Jodhpur, India, is nicknamed the 'Blue City' due to its many blue homes, a colour believed to help keep interiors cool and deter termites. Italy’s Cinque Terre region features vividly decorated houses cascading down steep hillsides, where fishermen reportedly painted their homes in bright tones to spot them from sea. Las Palmitas in Pachuca, Mexico, saw a community project by the 'German Crew' transform a downtrodden area into a living art mural with rainbow-hued homes. Yves Saint Laurent’s Villa Oasis in Marrakesh, Morocco, is a vivid celebration of colour, Art Deco, and Moorish design. Poznań, Poland’s Old Market Square boasts Renaissance-style merchant houses, each unique with mismatched colours and patterns, rebuilt after World War II. Venezuela features old, traditional houses resembling abstract paintings, with strong colour pairings and bold lines. In Pattaya, Thailand, the Xanadu Beach Resort showcases elaborately painted accommodations. Burano, Italy, one of Venice's islands, is known for its rainbow-painted homes, a tradition thought to help fishermen locate their houses in the fog. Valparaíso, Chile, has houses painted with leftover ship paints, creating a vibrant, colourful town. Vienna, Austria, features the Hundertwasserhaus, an unusual apartment building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, with an art-like quality and colourful exterior. Portland, Oregon’s Nob Hill neighbourhood is filled with historic Victorian and Craftsman homes painted in pretty hues. Singapore's Little India district is home to many bold structures, including a multicoloured, century-old Chinese villa. Ilulissat, Greenland, features brightly painted buildings where colours historically indicated function, and now serve as decoration. Guatapé, Colombia, is dubbed the world's most colourful town, with everything from doorways to balconies painted in eye-catching colours. London’s Primrose Hill and Notting Hill boast pastel-hued and brightly coloured terraced houses, respectively, with trends starting in the 1960s. Muizenberg, South Africa, has colourful bathing boxes along its beach. Caminito in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a street museum revitalized by artist Benito Quinquela Martín, featuring brightly hued houses. Varanasi, India, has chaotically structured, radiant houses on the Ganges, with colours reflecting Hindu symbolism. Tenerife, Spain, shows coastal houses painted in bold colours, likely to help fishermen see them from afar. Bristol, UK, is known for its vibrant buildings, with theories ranging from sailors' navigation aids to a mayor's influence. Innsbruck, Austria, features buildings painted in every imaginable shade against its mountain scenery. Stockholm, Sweden’s Stortorget public square showcases Renaissance-style buildings with uniquely painted façades. Getsemani in Cartagena, Colombia, highlights colourful colonial homes, reflecting its diverse cultural history. Diessenhofen, Switzerland, has adorable painted houses in its main street, thought to welcome visitors. Stykkisholmur, Iceland, and St. John's, Canada, feature unique, bright structures, with traditions rooted in individual expression and making homes visible in fog, respectively. Lüderitz, Namibia, displays colourful Art Nouveau buildings in a Bavarian style, a relic of its German colonial past. Finally, Istanbul, Turkey’s Balat district is recognized for its vibrant, historic wooden homes, and Costa Nova, Portugal, is famous for its candy-striped huts, originally built to shelter fishermen and later painted to attract tourists. #ColorfulHomes #Architecture #GlobalDesign #HomeExterior #TravelInspiration #CulturalHeritage #UrbanArt #VibrantCities #CoastalHomes

The October issue of Architectural Digest, themed 'City Living,' delves into urban dwellings that emphasize historical character and original detail, challenging the conventional notion of city residences dominated by skyscrapers and uniform apartments. The global editorial director introduces a curated selection of homes across various global cities, including Toronto, Paris, London, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, each showcasing a unique approach to sophisticated urban living. The feature highlights the diversity of city homes, moving beyond the perception of dense, high-rise environments to explore spaces rich in personal history and bespoke design. The cover story centers on a historic Toronto house, one of the city's oldest, meticulously updated by Giancarlo Valle and Jane Keltner de Valle of the newly re-christened AD100 firm, Studio Valle de Valle. The couple, known for their collaborative work on their own homes and their gallery, Casa Valle, have formalized their partnership, bringing their distinct storytelling approaches to one of New York City's burgeoning design firms. Their project exemplifies how historical structures can be thoughtfully modernized while retaining their intrinsic charm and character, illustrating a blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics. Further into the issue, readers are transported to New York City to explore the recently refurbished loft of tastemaker Amanda Brooks, located in the Lower East Side. Brooks has skillfully adapted her signature sophisticated country style, typically associated with her Cotswolds farm, to create a unique city sanctuary. This feature showcases the versatility of design, demonstrating how personal style can transcend geographical boundaries and be seamlessly integrated into diverse urban settings. Her ability to infuse rustic elegance into a gritty city environment provides inspiration for blending seemingly disparate design elements. The journey continues to Brooklyn, where the home of chef Melia Marden and artist Frank Sisti Jr. is presented as a vibrant and unconventional space, reflecting their creative personalities. This residence challenges traditional design norms, offering a glimpse into a dwelling that embraces individuality and artistic expression. Following this, the article moves across the Atlantic to London, featuring the charming and updated Victorian house of actor Michelle Dockery. Her home offers a look into how historical European architecture can be revitalized with modern sensibilities while preserving its inherent charm and elegance. The global tour concludes in Paris, at the exceptionally chic and feminine pied-à-terre of New York-based AD100 designer Sara Story. Story describes her Parisian apartment as an opportunity to embrace a more decorative style than she typically employs in the United States, highlighting the influence of location on design choices. This Parisian residence embodies a sophisticated elegance, reflecting Story’s creative interpretation of classic French design. The issue collectively emphasizes that city living is not a monolithic experience but a diverse tapestry of styles, histories, and personal expressions, demonstrating how designers and homeowners alike can create unique and character-rich urban spaces. The editorial director concludes by noting the ongoing pursuit of innovative design while building upon established successful elements, akin to refining a recipe with new spices and sauces, allowing for both adherence to and breaking of conventional design rules. #CityLiving #ArchitecturalDigest #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #UrbanHomes #DesignInspiration #GlobalDesign #HistoricalHomes #ContemporaryDesign

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 discussion revolves around the architectural design of country houses, specifically contrasting traditional and contemporary styles, and considering their longevity, environmental impact, and relationship with nature. George Saumarez Smith, an architect specializing in traditional-style houses for over two decades, advocates for the enduring appeal and sustainability of traditional architecture. He highlights that while interior decorations can be altered, the fundamental structure of a house remains for decades, making durable and aesthetically pleasing construction crucial. Smith asserts that traditional houses, when built with natural, local materials, integrate harmoniously with their landscape. He emphasizes that traditional design should not merely replicate past structures but adapt to modern needs while maintaining a familiar architectural language. Innovation, including green technology, should be seamlessly incorporated to reduce energy demands, but without compromising the timeless design. For Smith, country houses are built for the long term, serving not just current but future generations, and embodying responsible stewardship of the countryside. He argues against prioritizing architectural style as a luxury in the face of climate change, given the environmental cost of demolishing and replacing structures built in the last 70 years that are no longer fit for purpose. In contrast, Níall McLaughlin approaches house design from a more personal and intuitive perspective, viewing a house as a representation of identity and a connection to surroundings. He suggests that the choice between classical and modern styles reflects a broader worldview. McLaughlin traces the origin of classical country houses to Renaissance Italy, where landowners adopted pedimented loggias and porticos to signify their status, authority, and governance within their communities, asserting dominance over the landscape. Modern country houses, however, are characterized by their minimalist aesthetic, large glass windows, and an open interior that blurs the boundaries between the house and its natural environment. This design philosophy indicates a desire for a transcendent relationship with nature, where inhabitants become immersed in the landscape rather than controlling it. McLaughlin encourages prospective homeowners to pay close attention to their intuitions when building a house, treating the design process as a form of self-reflection. He likens pictures of houses to mirrors, prompting questions about how one wishes to be perceived, their genuine connection to their environment, and where they envision happiness for themselves and their loved ones. Both architects offer distinct yet compelling philosophies on the creation of country homes, underscoring different values and aspirations in architectural design. #CountryHouseArchitecture #TraditionalArchitecture #ContemporaryArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalPhilosophy #HomeDesign #EnvironmentalConsciousness #IdentityInArchitecture

This article details the transformation of a dated, “cookie-cutter” tract house in Moorpark, California, into a charming and character-filled home. The property, a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom residence, was initially lacking in personality despite its promising layout and abundant natural light. Madison Lussier of Madison Nicole Design spearheaded a comprehensive renovation to bring the homeowners' vision of a serene, timeless, and comfortable space to life. The clients, who primarily reside in Chicago and intended this as a second home for extended family, sought a design that balanced refinement with comfort. Their aesthetic preferences leaned towards warm natural materials, a soft, neutral palette, and an overall elegant yet lived-in feel. The goal was to create a home that felt collected, approachable, and easy to live in, with thoughtful details integrated throughout. The renovation encompassed every surface of the house, introducing new flooring, updated lighting, and custom millwork to enhance the architectural detailing. A significant part of the project involved redesigning the kitchen, which was previously disjointed. The new layout improved functionality and openness, incorporating custom cabinetry and an added walk-in pantry. Similarly, the two main living areas benefited from new custom cabinetry, serving both functional storage needs and providing focal points that grounded each room. The primary bathroom was transformed into a tranquil retreat, featuring organic textures and soft finishes, while bedrooms were imbued with a sense of warmth and coziness. One unique and favored detail of the renovation is a custom dog wash installed in the backyard. Reflecting the homeowners' love for animals, this feature utilized leftover zellige tiles and unlacquered brass fixtures, blending style with utility. This small yet significant addition highlights the personalized approach taken throughout the design process. The renovation successfully moved the house beyond its initial generic state, creating a peaceful, personal, and beautifully layered environment that the owners find welcoming and well-loved, making the entire process rewarding for the design team. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #TractHouseMakeover #CustomCabinetry #MoorparkHome #MadisonNicoleDesign #HomeDecor #FunctionalDesign #TimelessDesign

The article presents a curated collection of 20 modern country houses, emphasizing their diverse approaches to achieving rest and relaxation through design. These homes, characterized by rustic charm, natural light, indoor-outdoor living, and exposed wood beams, blend traditional accents with contemporary aesthetics. The selection highlights various architectural styles and regional influences, ranging from a transformed English-style manor in Connecticut to a Brazilian modular home nestled in nature, and a minimalist guesthouse in Sonoma Valley, California. Each featured property showcases unique design solutions tailored to its environment and the homeowners' preferences. Key examples include a Connecticut manor updated by Sanchez+Coleman Studio with a sophisticated black, white, and green palette, and a Brittany-style château in Westchester, New York, renovated by Amy Courtney Design to incorporate Japandi aesthetics and Scandinavian minimalism while preserving its 1930s craftsmanship. Rodrigo Ohtake's Brazilian modular home demonstrates an innovative use of steel prisms arranged around a central open-plan living space, connecting seamlessly with the surrounding forest. In Aspen, Rowland+Broughton reimagined a 1990s stone-and-glass retreat, enhancing views and integrating contemporary furnishings with existing oak millwork. Studio Arthur Casas designed a recreational complex for a horse farm in Brazil, featuring indoor and outdoor spaces for entertainment and accommodation, while Olson Kundig and Erica Colpitts Interior Design transformed a mid-century home in North Vancouver, British Columbia, drawing inspiration from the peaceful landscape and British aesthetic. Further explorations include Richard Shemtov’s Southampton retreat designed by Sawyer|Berson, modeled after traditional gable-roof barns with a rigorously pared-down style. Amalia Graziani's Hudson Valley farm restoration honors the property's past, focusing on preserving its natural beauty. In Jackson, Wyoming, Messana O’Rorke and Ankeny Architecture and Design created a mountain retreat blending the American West's past and present through stained cedar and stone volumes connected by glass-enclosed bridges. Aidlin Darling Design crafted a single-story modern country house with hilltop views in Northern California, prioritizing efficiency and accessibility. Other notable designs include Jan Henrik Jansen's unconventional round house in Denmark, SPG Architects' modern update of a Cape Cod residence, and Andreas Martin-Löf's playful weekend home near Stockholm featuring an infinity pool as a reflective element. The compilation also showcases a Michigan lake house by Desai Chia Architecture, noted for its glassy pavilion design that interacts with a cherry orchard and a bluff. Atelier Carvalho Araújo's minimalist yet rustic home in Portugal effectively masters a tricky site with a meandering stream. Nathanael Dorent and Lily Jencks conceived a stone-clad modern rustic country house in Scotland, known for its unexpected design. Nani Marquina's Costa Brava retreat serves as a collector’s paradise, with a whitewashed simplicity providing a backdrop for various collected ephemera. Architect Mathias Klotz designed a pair of cottages in Chile, characterized by clean-lined modernism and archetypal forms. Mork Ulnes Architects and Office of Charles de Lisle created a minimalist guesthouse in Sonoma Valley, California, comprising three stepped volumes. Finally, Hawk & Co., in collaboration with Brandon Architects, designed an indoor-outdoor oasis along the California Coast, blending rustic charm with industrial edge and naturalistic materials. The article provides a comprehensive overview of how modern country houses leverage design to offer tranquil and inspiring escapes. #ModernCountryHouses #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #RusticCharm #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #WeekendRetreats #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeRenovation

Christina Roughan of Roughan Interiors embarked on an exciting redesign of a historic New York country house, built in 1900 by Charles Wetmore, a prominent NYC architect. This grand English-style manor, set on 20 acres with original horse stables converted into a barn, presented a rewarding project. The clients, knowledgeable in design, art, and furniture, sought a warm, inviting, and child-friendly home that honored its elegance and history, reflecting their family's lifestyle. The entry was designed to make a strong first impression. Christina incorporated the clients’ favorite color, blue, through a focal point artwork, a patterned rug, and antique blue and white jars. Warmth was introduced with a walnut table and camel leather stools, exemplifying happiness within a blue environment. The living room, described as a ballroom, features a custom Venetian plaster ceiling that adds emotional significance and grandeur. With a semi-domed 22-foot-high ceiling and four sets of French doors overlooking the gardens, it evokes a relaxed yet opulent atmosphere. Design details include a custom bookcase with spine colors incorporating the blue, soft gray, and ivory palette, and a year-in-the-making carpet echoing these tones with hints of silver. A flexible seating arrangement around the fireplace, comprising a sofa, armchairs, and a chaise, ensures elegance and comfort. The kitchen's design prioritized timelessness, featuring a classic country style with Carrera marble countertops and a large stainless steel range cooker for a modern twist. A dining area was integrated into the kitchen, serving as a central space for family gatherings, with mid-century Laverne T Chairs in whisky leather and walnut Michael Smith head chairs adding texture against the marble and pale walls. For the dining room, the goal was to create a light-filled space. The room underwent a full renovation, including new millwork, a fireplace surround, and gloss paint. Modern traditional furnishings introduced color with lavender and moss green accents complementing off-white and soft gray schemes. The family room, originally the dining room, was strategically relocated near the kitchen for convenience with young children. It combines oak bookcases with pops of color, fun art, and modern lighting, maintaining an elevated feel suitable for entertaining. The main bedroom balances masculine and feminine elements with a palette of camel, sage, and brown tones, wool sateen drapery, and rattan chairs for added texture. Guest bedrooms were designed to be distinct and inviting; one twin bed guestroom features rose rattan walnut burl headboards, which maximize space while adding texture and depth. The white bathroom offers a light and fresh scheme with a practical, elegant period-style double basin vanity. The extensive project, which included a guest house and pool house, took approximately two years. The pool house renovation was designed to complement the main house and guest house, ensuring a seamless flow throughout the property. The overall interior design, executed by Roughan Interiors and photographed by Jane Beiles, successfully transformed the historic New York country house into a refined yet comfortable family home. #HistoricHome #CountryHouse #InteriorDesign #NewYorkRealEstate #RoughanInteriors #TimelessDesign #LuxuryHomes #HomeRenovation #FamilyLiving

Jules O’Carroll, co-founder of Parker & Jules, showcases her Edwardian terraced home in West London, which she affectionately calls a 'Cottage in the City.' The house, shared with her husband Dero, reflects the brand's signature use of printed textiles and wallpapers, blending timeless patterns with modern colors to create an alluring, maximalist, country-style interior. When they first purchased the property, Jules was drawn to its period charm and original features, despite its predominantly white interior. Having previously owned a very modern country house, Jules was keen to work with the architectural character of this Edwardian home to create a unique and quirky aesthetic. Rather than undertaking extensive structural renovations, Jules and Dero opted for a 'decorative overhaul.' They maintained the existing layout, focusing on enhancing the home's aesthetic appeal. Major updates included replacing the bathrooms, installing air-conditioning in the main bedrooms and sitting room, and constructing a combined pantry and utility area. A significant decorative change involved replacing the 1980s black and white hall tiles with bold, patterned tiles to better suit the property's character and inject color. The kitchen floor was hand-painted with a diamond pattern, contributing to a more unified and connected feel within the space. Jules, whose work revolves around color and pattern, felt confident in her design choices, aiming to create an environment that resonated with her personal style. The downstairs rooms feature biscuit-hued walls, serving as a warm backdrop for the vibrant color palette. Jules's design philosophy centers on mixing 'ugly and pretty colors,' incorporating a recurring palette of khaki green, lilac, and a 'granny reddy-pink' to unify the interior. The kitchen exemplifies this approach with its green cabinetry, diamond-painted floor, emerald zellige tiles, a rich brown banquette, and striking red kitchen chairs. Jules describes this space as her 'laboratory,' where she experimented with unexpected color combinations. The utility area, located in the side return, features dark purple cupboards and Parker & Jules' Strawberry Fields wallpaper and curtain fabric, creating a playful, colorful, and fun atmosphere. In the sitting room, Jules created a more sophisticated and mature space, utilizing lime paint for depth on the walls and ceiling, complemented by earthy khaki and saffron tones. A specific fabric, Claremont Tree of Life, was a key element in this design. As one moves from the larger main room to the cozier TV area, the design transitions to a more intimate 'jewel box' aesthetic. The main bedroom upstairs maintains a cozy and eclectic feel, featuring pink painted wardrobes, a Parker & Jules wallpaper, and a gold fabric by Jennifer Shorto used in reverse on the headboard. Mid-century furniture pieces are integrated to introduce a modern touch, preventing the space from feeling overly traditional. Throughout the house, a maximalist aesthetic is achieved through extensive layering of fabrics, artwork, and rugs. Jules emphasizes that this layering is crucial for making the house feel like a home, blending charming and unexpected elements with moments of grown-up sophistication. This approach ensures that the home offers elements of surprise and visual interest in every corner. Jules reflects on her design process, noting that the house allowed her to expand her color palette and incorporate beloved fabrics. She identifies her biggest indulgence as the bathroom, her greatest success as the kitchen transformation, and the patterned hall floor tiles as a small change with a big impact. Her go-to color is a 'light bronze green,' which she considers an 'ugly color' that works effectively against prettier hues. Jules defines her style as colorful, layered, and confident, and she finds inspiration in a secret address, Nushka, known for vintage textiles. #CottageDecor #MaximalistInterior #LondonHome #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #PatternMixing #EdwardianHouse #ParkerAndJules #HomeRenovation

The article details a renovation project of a 1930s Colonial home in which the homeowners, Tom and Mary, transitioned from a family-focused aesthetic to a warmer, more relaxed design as empty-nesters. Interior designer Heather Peterson led the transformation, aiming to honor the traditional architecture while introducing casual charm and unexpected details. The project emphasizes the idea that a home renovation can effectively mark a new chapter in life without requiring relocation. The design process began with the selection of a vintage-style sunflower chandelier for the dining room, which served as the foundational piece for balancing old and new elements throughout the house. This approach set the tone for the entire renovation, blending traditional forms with playful and casual touches. Heather Peterson's design philosophy is evident in the bedrooms, where thoughtful color choices create dramatic yet inviting spaces. The primary bedroom features chocolate brown walls, creating a cocoon-like and on-trend vintage atmosphere. The guest room, designed with twin beds and vintage-style decor, maintains the home's original symmetry while incorporating soft textures for a relaxed feel. Antique furniture pieces were integrated to add character and practical storage solutions. The kitchen, described as transitional, showcases a clear balance between old and new. Initially, a blue island was considered, but Peterson proposed a deep red hue from Farrow & Ball to align with the Colonial roots of the home and introduce warmth. This decision resulted in an unexpected but highly effective color choice, with blue elements subtly incorporated elsewhere in the home as a compromise. The pantry wall is a highlight, featuring hidden storage and a coffee bar behind retractable doors. A notable detail is the use of an antique mirrored backsplash, which enhances light and dimension. The glass-front kitchen cabinets are cleverly designed with shirred fabric, specifically a delicate block print by GP & J Baker, to conceal clutter while adding softness, movement, and a nostalgic touch to the otherwise clean-lined space. This innovative cabinet treatment offers both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. In the living areas, the blend of traditional and informal styles continues, creating a soulful ambiance. The snug room, for instance, is furnished with a tufted olive green ottoman and a plaid corner sofa, promoting a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The overall design achieved a relaxed elegance by combining high-end and accessible pieces, as well as vintage and contemporary elements. The renovation successfully transformed the formal Colonial house into a personalized, character-filled home that reflects the homeowners' evolving lifestyle and preferences, enabling them to embrace their future within their existing property. The project serves as an example of how a well-executed design can update a historic home while preserving its essence. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColonialHome #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #VintageStyle #TransitionalKitchen #ColorPalette #CustomCabinetry

Emma Sims Hilditch, a renowned interior designer, specializes in blending rural luxury with urban sleekness, a style she terms 'rurban.' Her firm handles a diverse range of projects, from city and beach houses to country estates and cottages, consistently aiming to integrate function and form. Sims Hilditch emphasizes meticulous attention to detail, considering interior architecture as vital as decoration, focusing on practical elements like shower head height or device charging stations alongside wall colors and fabric layers. Sims Hilditch finds restoring listed or historic buildings particularly rewarding, highlighting a 15th-century Dorset manor house project where interiors were modernized for contemporary family living. Space planning is crucial in these older homes, which were not originally designed for modern usage patterns. A key achievement in this project was creating an open-plan living-kitchen-dining area suitable for a large family. In collaboration with Neptune, her husband's interiors company, Sims Hilditch developed a paint range designed to complement both contemporary and traditional homes. The collection features muted yet fresh blues and greens, specifically chosen to suit the British climate. Sims Hilditch draws significant inspiration from European travel, particularly Italy, admiring its diverse design from Venetian Palladian buildings to Tuscan farmhouses. She also appreciates the design philosophies of hotel designers like Olga Polizzi and American designers such as Amber Interiors and Bungalow Classic, as well as various fabric companies. Her design process always begins with the property's intrinsic characteristics—its architecture, context, and history. The design must also align with the client's lifestyle and needs, necessitating a thorough understanding of how each room will be utilized. For smaller spaces, she recommends utilizing vertical height with floating shelves instead of wall units to enhance openness and functionality. In large, open-plan areas, she advises creating distinct zones for different activities like cooking, eating, and relaxing, and embraces asymmetry for a more dynamic feel. Organization is a core principle, leading to the design of bespoke fitted joinery that dramatically impacts a room, especially when painted in contrasting colors. Sims Hilditch particularly values functional spaces like boot rooms, designing solutions such as individual baskets and hooks for a client with nine children to keep belongings organized. When it comes to kitchens, she stresses investing in well-made, solid timber cabinetry for durability and longevity, as these can be repainted and have hardware changed for a fresh look. For appliances, she notes that integrated units do not need to be top-of-the-range. Limestone is a preferred flooring choice for its durability and ease of maintenance, and for worktops, natural stone is favored, though independent stonemasons can provide more affordable quartz options. The approach to color schemes is artistic, drawing inspiration from art and nature to create harmonious palettes that complement the home's exterior and interior narrative. While there are no strict rules for color, greens and off-whites are recommended for kitchens to align with natural ingredients. Sims Hilditch often encourages clients to incorporate oversized elements, like large lanterns over a kitchen island, to add drama. Mixing prints, combining small scales with larger block prints, is also a favored technique, as demonstrated in her collaboration with GP & J Baker. The firm blends antiques and rustic pieces with bespoke furniture for both city and country properties, with country homes often featuring more defining, strong pieces, while city properties allow for a more edgy, contemporary aesthetic. Strategic investment in lighting, well-made furniture, and artwork is advised, with emphasis on furnishing living spaces and bedrooms first. Sims Hilditch underscores the importance of varied lighting, combining ambient and feature lighting, and considering room orientation due to natural light's impact on color. She warns against a single light source and advocates for professional lighting designers to avoid costly errors. #InteriorDesign #CountryStyle #RurbanAesthetic #HistoricRenovation #SpacePlanning #BespokeJoinery #KitchenDesign #ColorSchemes #LightingDesign