Our 2019 Modern Style Showhouse is a dazzling reimagination of a 1980s architectural gem

The article discusses the resurgence of traditional, closed-floor plans in home design, moving away from the previously popular open-concept layouts that dominated the 1990s and 2000s. This shift is exemplified in the architectural design of the 2025 Idea House, located near Charlottesville, Virginia. The architects behind this project, Julie Kline Dixon and Keith Scott of Rosney Co. Architects, emphasize a return to distinct living, dining, and cooking spaces, rather than a single, large, undifferentiated area. Julie Kline Dixon explicitly states that the idea of an open concept is being laid to rest in their design. However, she clarifies that this does not mean the individual rooms are isolated; instead, they are designed with a sense of fluidity and connection that makes practical sense without being entirely open to one another. This approach serves two main purposes. Firstly, it draws inspiration from historical architectural precedents, reflecting a more traditional aesthetic. Secondly, it caters to a modern lifestyle that is increasingly active and less centered around television, suggesting a desire for more varied and purposeful spaces within the home. The design philosophy advocates for each room to possess its own unique personality and function. Specific examples from the 2025 Idea House illustrate this point. The "boot room," located at the back of the house, is designed as a hardworking entry area, serving a practical purpose for shedding outdoor gear. The library is designated as the sole space for a television, making it a dedicated area for activities like watching sports, which contrasts with the pervasive presence of screens in open-concept homes. Furthermore, a second-floor landing is reimagined as a relaxed communal hangout spot, providing a distinct area for residents and guests staying in the upstairs bedrooms to gather informally. The article extends an invitation to the public to tour the 2025 Idea House to experience this design approach firsthand. The tours are scheduled from August through December, operating Thursday through Sunday, with specific hours provided for each day. The house will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. This initiative aims to showcase how traditional design principles can be effectively integrated into contemporary living, offering a practical and aesthetically pleasing alternative to the open-concept trend. The piece encourages readers to consider the benefits of a home where each space has a clear identity and purpose, fostering a more engaging and functional living environment. #HomeDesign #Architecture #ClosedFloorPlan #TraditionalDesign #IdeaHouse #InteriorDesign #Charlottesville #ArchitecturalTrends

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

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

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