'Every Room Tells Part of the Family’s Story, It’s Filled With Decades of Memories' – See How Sims Hilditch Transformed This Old London Villa From Family Heirloom to Family Home

A Falls Church family embarked on a comprehensive gut remodel between 2022 and 2023, converting their 1950s-era, 1,522-square-foot, three-bedroom rambler into a 3,052-square-foot, five-bedroom, two-story residence. The motivation for this extensive renovation was the need for expanded living space and increased storage to accommodate their growing children, coupled with their strong attachment to their existing neighborhood. Batu Homes + Remodeling, a design-build firm, was responsible for the architectural planning, while Juli Brocato, founder and principal designer of Brocato Design + Co., oversaw the interior design aspects, including material and finish selections, custom feature designs, and ultimately, the furnishing of the home. The homeowner's primary objective was a cohesive and functional living space for the entire family, characterized by a unique style and personality. The remodel included replacing the original single bathroom with multiple en suite bathrooms. The rear of the house was reconfigured to prioritize a large kitchen, pantry, and mudroom, with the dining and family rooms designed to be open to the kitchen, fulfilling the family's desire for an expansive kitchen and pantry area suitable for communal cooking and ample storage. The design incorporated a quiet autumnal color palette, featuring greens and warm wood tones, with a specific midcentury-modern aesthetic in mind. In the kitchen, the design team opted for clean-lined inset cabinetry in green, complemented by a contrasting black-and-white tiled wall. A custom white oak island, providing significant storage, was paired with white oak herringbone flooring. The island's textured granite countertop contrasts with the quartzite used for the peripheral countertops. To soften the rectilinear nature of the kitchen, Brocato incorporated curved plush counter stools and repeated arched motifs in the backsplash tiles. This arch motif is consistently applied throughout the home, appearing in four custom-designed bookcases in the adjacent family room and in other furnishings. Wallpaper is utilized extensively, with a watercolor-style covering on the upper landing and a moody botanical pattern adorning the ceiling of the wife's home office, adding a feminine touch that balances the more masculine lines of the midcentury-modern furniture. Each space was tailored to the family's specific needs, exemplified by the mudroom's individualized cabinets and baskets for each family member, including their dog, alongside a command center for organization. The family room's custom bookcases include lower storage for games, crafts, and puzzles, and a durable concrete dining table was chosen for its suitability for children's projects, reflecting a preference for practical, unfussy elements. Most furniture pieces are low-profile and clean-lined, upholstered in performance fabrics such as boucle and plush velvets. Tan leather, seen in the dining room chairs and a family room ottoman, also features prominently. A custom-designed fireplace wall and hearth, with a gas fireplace and a chunky white oak mantle, anchors the family room. Area rugs and light fixtures are strategically used to define distinct zones within the open floor plan. The color scheme leans into shades of green, with metallic accents like brassy gold and wrought iron, and varying wood tones contributing to the overall aesthetic. The front staircase wall showcases slatted wood, adding texture and warmth while ingeniously concealing a shoe storage drawer, highlighting the blend of function and design. This slatted wood motif extends to the main bedroom's tray ceiling and even appears in the bathroom, where a faux tile mimics a wooden look within the shower and on the vanity wall. A variegated tile wall behind the floating bathtub incorporates the favored green hues, and polished brass fittings enhance the home's restrained luxurious feel. The homeowner expressed satisfaction with the house's stylish yet functional design, crediting the builder for the floor plan optimization and the designer for injecting the midcentury-modern flair into the fixtures, furnishings, and décor. This transformation effectively met the family's evolving needs while maintaining a desired aesthetic. #HomeRemodel #FallsChurchHome #MidcenturyModern #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #CustomCabinetry #KitchenDesign #FunctionalDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation

Derek and Cliona Hosty embarked on a nearly decade-long journey to transform a modest 1930s two-bedroom Dublin home into a spacious dwelling suitable for their family of seven. The initial phase of their ambitious renovation project faced an unexpected obstacle when their first redesign proposal was rejected. Upon submitting an alternative plan, planning permission was further delayed due to objections from Irish Water regarding the relocation of a water pipe in their back garden. Despite adjacent properties receiving approval for similar alterations, Irish Water insisted on a six-meter access on both sides of the pipe, a requirement that could not be met due to space constraints. Cliona took direct action by visiting Irish Water's offices without an appointment. During an impromptu meeting with the officials handling their case, she presented their plans and explained their desire to divert the pipe along the back garden. This direct engagement proved successful, leading to Irish Water's agreement and the subsequent approval of their planning permission. This challenge with Irish Water was one of many encountered by the couple over three years from purchasing the house to finally moving in. However, their determination to create an ideal home for their family remained unwavering. Their commitment eventually paid off, culminating in a home three times the size of the original, earning them a spot in the top three of the "Home of the Year" final. The house is meticulously designed to cater to their family's needs, featuring abundant natural light, expansive living areas, smart storage solutions, and innovative design elements. This achievement is particularly notable given the turbulent Irish property market they navigated and their experiences living abroad in Norway. In Norway, Derek worked for Telenor, and the family appreciated the country's work-life balance and affordable childcare, which cost less than €300 per month. They observed a more equitable distribution of parental duties, with many fathers actively involved in school pickups. A memorable experience in Norway was the birth of their fifth child, Seimi, where hospital stays were remarkably affordable. Despite the advantages, the social integration with Norwegians proved challenging, and the harsh climate, with snow from October to May, eventually prompted their return to Ireland in January 2018. Back in Ireland, they secured a mortgage by leveraging Derek’s employment history to avoid probation issues. They soon found a two-bedroom house in Ballinteer, an area they admired for its amenities and walkability, which they saw as a blank canvas for their renovation aspirations. Initially, their plans were deemed "overbearing" by planners, necessitating a reduction of 25 square meters from their proposed floor plan. This setback prompted them to rethink their design, focusing on creating a kitchen island large enough for seven people and incorporating ample storage and sleeping arrangements for their growing family and occasional guests. They also decided to lower the ground floor level to achieve higher ceilings. While awaiting final planning approval, they proactively undertook demolition work, removing the old kitchen and bathroom extensions, and stripping the house of its ceilings and floors. The renovation journey was financially demanding, as they simultaneously paid rent on their temporary accommodation and a mortgage on the house undergoing renovation. This led them to temporarily relocate to Galway, staying with Derek’s parents, until construction commenced in December 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic further disrupted the project, halting construction in March 2020. Once work resumed, Cliona and Derek personally managed the build, traveling frequently between Galway and Dublin to oversee progress while juggling work and childcare responsibilities. They finally moved into their dream home in July 2021, three years after its purchase. The old house underwent a complete overhaul, with replastering, insulation, underfloor heating, and full redecoration. Significant structural changes included relocating the front door to the side of the house and replacing the original entrance with a window, creating two living rooms downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. The new extension features a large open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area with a spacious island, innovative lighting, and customized features like symmetrically placed ovens. The house also includes a new downstairs bathroom and an upstairs en-suite bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe. Another bedroom boasts a unique sleeping unit accessible by a ladder, designed to accommodate multiple children or guests. Cliona's minimalist aesthetic, influenced by her time in Norway, is evident throughout the decor. Her passion for interior design, sparked by decorating one of her children's bedrooms, led her to develop a significant social media following. She meticulously researched suppliers, opting for cost-effective solutions like laminate flooring from Tipperary and concrete lights from New Style Lights. The couple views their challenging three-year renovation as worthwhile, having resulted in a family-centric, practical, and aesthetically pleasing home filled with fun and unique touches. #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #InteriorDesign #DublinProperty #DIYRenovation #HomeOfTheYear #IrishWater #NorwayLiving

Jay Deputy embarked on a journey to update his late parents' home in Seaford, Delaware, transforming it into a personal retreat while preserving its inherent character. The single-story, red brick Colonial-style house, built in 1968, held significant sentimental value, having been purchased by his parents, John and Lillian, in 1970. Deputy, who describes himself as a lifelong collector of homes and furnishings, ranging from a 13,000-square-foot mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, to a New York City loft and a centuries-old farmhouse in North Wilmington, viewed the Seaford property as an ideal downstate getaway. He appreciated its "human-scaled" rooms, conducive to intimate gatherings of six to eight people. Upon inheriting the house after his mother's passing in 2009, Deputy's initial focus was on structural stability. This involved addressing termite damage, installing a new heating and air conditioning system, and restoring the front porch columns. He then furnished the porch with rockers and casual seating, allowing for enjoyment of the hydrangeas. Simultaneously, he simplified the yard and garden to better suit a second home, acknowledging it as an ongoing project despite removing several trees. Inside, Deputy concentrated his decorative efforts on the entertaining areas: the formal living room, library, dining room, and sunroom, along with the master and guest bedrooms. Notably, he left the kitchen largely untouched, preserving its original Corian countertops, plank cabinets, and wrought-iron hinges, deeming it "still a very serviceable kitchen." The library, which served as a family room during his childhood, underwent a significant transformation. Deputy removed dark paneling, painting the walls and fireplace a soft celadon green, a color inspired by a floral needlepoint rug inherited from his grandmother. He sourced matching Baker settees, reupholstering them in a claret-and-ivory toile fabric by Brunschwig & Fils, featuring pheasants, hunting dogs, and woodland flora. Accents of black, including a painted tole tray, silk chandelier shades, and a cocktail table, complement the room's color scheme. A 19th-century Empire-inspired mahogany bookcase displays antique volumes and Chinese porcelains, subtly reflecting the room's palette, flanked by 18th-century Chippendale chairs. Deputy's decorating style, while more formal, shares a common appreciation for Chippendale furniture with his mother, who preferred a country aesthetic. He describes the mahogany sideboard in the dining room as an artful reproduction, adorned with vintage Waterford crystal and heirloom decanters holding a collection of rare Scotches. The full restoration of his St. Paul mansion, which took a decade, provided him with valuable hands-on experience in plastering and carpentry. For the Seaford project, he hired out much of the work but personally handled tasks he enjoyed, such as painting, often accompanied by Bach on his iPod. The formal dining room features a bold blue-and-white Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper depicting birds and vines. Chippendale-style dining chairs by Maison Jansen and mid-century reproductions of a dining table and breakfront by Henredon, inherited from his aunt, complete the space. An antique Chinese rug from his grandmother and 18th-century gilt-wood sconces with their original mirrors add historical depth. In the sunroom, Deputy refreshed his mother's whitewashed wicker furniture with black paint and claret-and-cream toile cushions. Unmatched Asian-influenced chandeliers were unified with a glossy crimson enamel, and lemon trees and leafy plants contribute to a tropical atmosphere. The formal living room showcases his grandmother’s camelback sofa, upholstered in its original shimmering gold silk, complemented by cream walls, coral wing chairs, and an Oriental carpet. The room also features a 1740 partner's desk, a mahogany desk with flame finials crafted in Delaware, and 18th-century commodes serving as end tables. A magnificent, thinly cut stone screen from China behind the sofa underscores his passion for collecting. Deputy emphasizes the sentiment behind these items, stating, "Things we find, things that have age, things we collect have a certain weightedness," and cherishes the stories embedded within them. #HomeRenovation #InheritedHome #InteriorDesign #SeafordDelaware #FamilyHeirlooms #ChippendaleStyle #HistoricHomes #HomeDecor #PersonalizedSpace

Jim and Jennifer Wissing, residents of a three-bedroom, 2 ½-bath ranch home in the North Shore area, have meticulously transformed their 1963 house into a Victorian-era abode, reflecting their shared passion for the period's aesthetics and history. The couple, who acquired the house in 1977, initially decorated it in a traditional style. However, about two decades ago, after their children moved out, they began collecting antiques, progressively upgrading their pieces over time. Their collection is not merely an assortment of old items; the Wissings specifically seek out pieces with a historical connection to Milwaukee. For instance, they own three documented artifacts from the Schandein mansion, which once stood at 24th Street and Wisconsin Avenue. These include a large wood carving of a court jester, a newel piece shaped like a lady, and two carved wood panels that extend their crown molding. These particular items were acquired from the Alpine Village restaurant when it was sold. Another notable acquisition is a wrought-iron lunette by Cyril Kolnik, originally an archway piece from the Blatz Hotel on North Water Street, also sourced from the Alpine Village sale. Their collection further includes a chandelier from the Josiah Noonan House and hand-carved wood statues from the Brumder mansion. Beyond purchasing antiques, Jim Wissing contributes significantly to the home's Victorian ambiance by crafting furniture that aligns with the era's style. He constructed the three-piece bedroom set in their master bedroom, designed by Jennifer, as well as bookcases in the office, a decorative block front chest in the living room, and wall paneling in the family room. When asked about their choice of a ranch house over a period home, Jennifer explained that while they considered Victorian homes in areas like Concordia, they ultimately prioritized their preferred neighborhood, close to their parents. They have adapted the ranch structure to better suit their Victorian decorating style by installing new six-panel oak doors with gold leaf corner blocks and adding thick molding and trim throughout the house. A primary challenge has been fitting large Victorian pieces into the ranch's smaller spaces, necessitating creative solutions such as using a smaller gaming table from the 1880s or 90s in the kitchen and shortening chandeliers to accommodate lower ceilings. The home’s interior colors are all Victorian-inspired, with Jennifer drawing inspiration for the living room from “Victorian America, Classic Romanticism Through Decorating” by Wendell Garrett. The kitchen underwent a significant transformation, with Jennifer designing custom cabinets with raised panels and a hutch, built by Jim. They also incorporated stained glass windows from a house on Brady and Prospect Avenue, black granite countertops with bronze flecks, and hardware chosen to match the bronze accents. The couple collects epergnes, decorative glass pieces for dining room tables. The family room features a French hunting cabinet from around 1850, two 1870s newel post figures, and a three-piece parlor set. The living room is furnished with mahogany pieces, reupholstered in teal sculpted velvet, and includes high-back chairs from an Atlanta courthouse. The guest bedroom showcases an R.J. Horner & Co. three-piece set from the 1880s, with a bedspread made from reproduction fabric from St. James Place castle in England. The dining room boasts an antique oval table that extends to 11 feet, with six chairs upholstered in sculptured velvet damask, and custom-made window treatments. Large gasoliers, typical of Victorian mansions, are present in most rooms, including a piece by Cornelius & Baker in the dining room. Their future plans include transforming the basement into an old beer hall. The exterior complements the interior with an English garden, chosen for Jennifer’s love of roses and its suitability for the light-colored brick exterior of their home. #VictorianDesign #HomeRenovation #AntiqueCollection #MilwaukeeHistory #InteriorDecorating #RanchHomeTransformation #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalSalvage #PeriodStyle

This blog post features a unique custom-built home located at 3482 Flamingo Ave. on Siesta Key, currently on the market for $5.8 million. Completed in 2019, the residence seamlessly blends Old World architectural elements with modern design aesthetics. The owner, Gary McDermott, who had no prior experience in architecture or home design, custom-built the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house with personal touches that also appeal to a broader market. McDermott is selling the home due to a relocation to Raleigh for work. The exterior of the home showcases more than 24 feet of hand-carved Cantera stone framing the double front doors, which are 10-foot-tall mahogany. These carvings include frangipani, his wife’s favorite flower, and a flamingo, a nod to the home's address. Wall-climbing vines and a water fountain contribute to a regal entrance, while wrought-iron balconies overlook a Roman-style pool. The property sits on an acre of land on the north end of Siesta Key and includes a three-car garage. Inside the 4,152 square-foot residence, the fusion of styles continues. An interior courtyard houses a 45-foot lap pool, surrounded by stone pillars. This five-foot-deep pool not only serves as a focal point but also functions to cool the house, reportedly lowering the temperature by 10-15 degrees and creating a natural draft. The pool area also offers views of a large backyard and canal access to Sarasota Bay. McDermott sourced the hand-carved stone from Mexico, emphasizing his preference for Old World styles while maintaining a clean, modern look. The interior features extensive tiling throughout, with traditional furniture pieces and light fixtures complementing updated bathroom and kitchen cabinetry. The kitchen boasts blue azul granite countertops, a material also used around the pool. The owner noted that delays in finding specific tiles provided ample time to refine their vision for the home. A notable amenity for contemporary living is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest house equipped with a full kitchen and a luxury office, catering to remote workers. Looking ahead, the roof was intended for further development, with plans for a greenhouse, a day bed, a putting green, and a bocce ball court, adorned with cacti and bromeliads. These future projects are now available for the next homeowner to undertake. Steve Abbe of the Abbe Ross Team with Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida is the contact for inquiries regarding the property. #SiestaKey #CustomHome #LuxuryRealEstate #MediterraneanArchitecture #OldWorldDesign #ModernDesign #SarasotaHomes #HomeForSale #ArchitecturalFeatures