House Plan 2003 Is The Most Charming Cottage We Ever Did See

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

The Wallis family, consisting of Jenna, an internationally acclaimed interior designer and owner of Jenna Wallis Interior Design, and her husband Ed, purchased a 1940s English cottage in the Hedgemoor neighborhood of Memphis with a vision to transform it into a serene and classic retreat for their family, including their two boys. Despite its charming exterior, the cottage required extensive renovation to accommodate a modern family while preserving its original character. After living in the house for about four years, the Wallises engaged Ryan Anderson of RKA Investments, a Memphis builder known for restoring older homes, and architect Charles Shipp to lead the renovation. Jenna's design philosophy centered on blending the old with the new, maintaining the home's classic charm while introducing contemporary elements. A significant challenge involved literally lifting the existing structure to create an open, airy space. The renovation team, including Ryan Anderson's business partner Chris Clark, worked collaboratively to achieve Jenna's vision, which included raising the living area's 9-foot ceilings to 11 feet to enhance natural light and spaciousness. Eight-foot windows were installed, flanking a custom fireplace, above which a vibrant painting by Atlanta artist Sally King Benedict became a focal point. Key areas of the home were meticulously redesigned. The kitchen was transformed with custom cabinetry extending to the ceiling for maximum storage, a beveled subway tile backsplash, and honed Carrara marble countertops. Jenna opted for unlacquered brass hardware, which develops a natural patina over time, to align with the home's original aesthetic. A breakfast nook, connecting the living area and kitchen, features sleek white walls, a streamlined banquette, and a rustic farmhouse table complemented by a brass globe chandelier. A framed 1966 Andy Warhol-designed Campbell's Soup dress, inherited from Ed's grandmother, adds a whimsical touch to this space. Throughout the living areas, white walls serve as a gallery for the Wallises' extensive art collection, which includes pieces by Memphis artist Megan Hurdle. In the parlor, a soft mint green ceiling, inspired by one of Hurdle's mixed-media works, adds a subtle color accent. Jenna's favorite space, her downstairs study, is distinguished by pale, high-gloss blue lacquered walls, a French pedestal desk, whimsical peacock figurines, and a modern brass starburst chandelier. Custom-built bookshelves by RKA Investments house the family's book collection, while art consultant Anna Wunderlich assisted in curating and displaying the family's diverse artwork, including a collection of oils and watercolors from Paris. The guest bedroom features a bold coral lattice wallpaper on an accent wall, framing an upholstered headboard, alongside French dressers and draperies made from Jim Thompson silk. The master bath was conceived as a spa-like retreat, with gray and white marble, built-in mirrors, millwork surrounding a white vanity, and elegant brass hardware. Antique light fixtures were incorporated to maintain the home's period charm. The renovation extended to the exterior, with Ryan Anderson and his team salvaging stone to create a cozy fireplace on a spacious, screened-in porch, which has become an ideal gathering spot for the Wallis family and friends. The project culminated in a home that perfectly blends classic charm with modern functionality, fulfilling Jenna's five-year vision. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #MemphisHomes #CottageRenovation #JennaWallisDesign #RKAInvestments #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection

This article showcases the renovation of a 15th-floor apartment in Singapore, designed by Elizabeth Hay. The project is a collaboration of cultural and geographical influences, resulting in a richly layered and dynamic aesthetic. The apartment's owners, a Malay-British and German couple with a young daughter, desired a relaxed, layered yet crisp and clean design. Elizabeth Hay, trained under Colefax and Fowler and Veere Grenney, brought her international expertise to realize this vision. The initial phase of the renovation focused on addressing the apartment's structural limitations. Built in the 1980s, the apartment featured high ceilings but a kitchen that was small and lacked natural light, located at the 'back of house.' The design team reconfigured the kitchen, enlarging its footprint by incorporating space from the laundry and living rooms. Arched, black metal-framed internal windows were installed to introduce more light into the newly expanded kitchen. The main bathroom was also increased in size, and a third bedroom was converted into a study, complete with a hidden book-lined door leading to a storage closet. Once the structural changes were complete, the focus shifted to adding informal layers to the interiors. The design aimed for a cozy and fun atmosphere rather than an overly designed look. Elizabeth Hay achieved this through a blend of textures, textiles, and a slightly more restrained color palette than her usual schemes. Key design elements include pared-back joinery combined with botanical artwork, the integration of cane and bamboo with teak, and the use of vivid wall murals alongside terracotta floors. The kitchen, now significantly larger, features rich teal cabinetry juxtaposed with striking marble surfaces. Throughout the apartment, a mix-and-match approach is evident. Examples include a teak four-poster bed complemented by relaxed cane furniture, and a classic lamp placed atop a bamboo console. Playful motifs are incorporated, such as built-in bunk beds with pink trim in the daughter’s room and scaled-up Chinoiserie wallpaper in the powder room. Other details, like fabric-backed cabinets in the main bedroom and a pale green bath, add touches of sophisticated glamour. The clients' Anglo-Indian artifacts, including a large armoire in the bathroom, are seamlessly integrated into the decor. The apartment embodies a melting pot of cultural references, with elements such as lush green fronds, block-printed fabrics, a chair in linen ticking, a dense Berber rug, and encaustic tiles alongside a bone inlay vanity unit. The daughter's bedroom features an elaborate mural for a painterly backdrop and built-in loft beds with a desk area, designed to adapt as she grows. Ample storage is provided through a four-door closet and open shelving. The cohesive feel is maintained through a consistent color palette, notably soft green and coral tones. This renovation successfully created a collection of welcoming rooms that cater to a growing family with an international sensibility, highlighting the harmonious integration of diverse design influences. #ApartmentDesign #InteriorRenovation #ElizabethHayDesign #SingaporeApartment #CulturalInfluences #LayeredDesign #KitchenRemodel #TextileDecor #GlobalInspiredHome

Binh and Thomas Allen, a couple with no prior property development experience, embarked on an ambitious three-year renovation of an untouched Victorian terrace in West Dulwich, South London. They discovered a property built in the early 1900s with many original features still intact, a rarity in today's market, and were captivated by its inherent charm. Their vision for the home was to blend its historical Victorian elements with modern mid-century furniture and contemporary furnishings, a reflection of their diverse backgrounds—Binh from Vietnam and Thomas from Switzerland. The renovation was not without significant challenges. The couple chose to live in the house throughout the process, even enduring a period where their roof was removed for a loft conversion. This meant sharing their living space with builders six days a week and contending with constant dust and exposure to the elements, including birds flying into their bedroom through the open roof. Despite these difficulties, their belief in their dream home never wavered. They meticulously managed the project themselves, from sourcing all materials and furnishings to keeping a strict handle on the budget, a task at which Thomas excelled with his detailed spreadsheets. A key motivation for purchasing a "doer-upper" was to maximize their investment. They began with essential upgrades, such as installing a new boiler and removing outdated carpeting. The renovation was phased over three years due to budget constraints. In the second year, they tackled bathroom renovations, and by the third year, they undertook the two most significant projects: the loft conversion and the kitchen remodeling. They gathered ideas by attending local open house sales, which also helped them understand the precedents for loft conversions and extensions in their area, aiding in the planning permission process. For the loft conversion, they hired a builder with the understanding that they would procure all materials themselves. This hands-on approach resulted in a 20 percent saving on the overall cost, and they learned to negotiate prices effectively. Although the work fell under permitted development, they enlisted an architect specializing in period properties to creatively maximize the space and ensure a premium finish. The architect designed a master suite without compromising ceiling height by strengthening existing joists and adding new ones, avoiding the need for steel beams that would have reduced headroom. They also used the opportunity of scaffolding to repaint windows, repoint, install solar panels, and repair exterior damage. The kitchen renovation involved removing a chimney breast to create space for units, taking out the back wall, and installing Crittall doors. They opted for long and wide timber floorboards to enhance the sense of space and a Shaker-style kitchen with brass details for an urban country aesthetic. Cost savings were achieved by selecting a marble-inspired matte worktop made from natural, recyclable materials, with an offcut used to create a feature shelf. Their patio design was inspired by travertine tiles seen on holiday in Israel, chosen for their creamy, warm appearance and minimalist, Mediterranean feel. They also installed a home office/cinema room in the garden, a multifunctional retreat surrounded by greenery. Inside, they maintained a consistent blue and white color palette, restored original Victorian cornices and ceiling roses, and chose a mix of modern and antique furnishings to create a unique character without being overly traditional. The entrance hall's original Victorian tiles were preserved, with broken ones replaced by matching imitation tiles, and the front door's frosted glass was replaced with stained glass inspired by the floor tiles. The bathroom features reclaimed period tiles from Spain, contrasted with white wall tiles and paint, accommodating a large shower and freestanding bath. #VictorianHome #HomeRenovation #LoftConversion #KitchenRemodel #InteriorDesign #DIYProject #PeriodProperty #HomeImprovement #LondonRealEstate

Textile designer John Robshaw's Connecticut country house in Litchfield Hills offers a vibrant counterpoint to the region's traditional New England aesthetic. His early-19th-century cottage on eight acres, shared with photographer Rachel Schwarz, is a 2,000-square-foot explosion of color and pattern that reflects his global sensibilities and extensive travels. Robshaw, known for his lush, worldly designs, embraces a "collage" approach where diverse elements coexist, often defying conventional design rules. Robshaw's design journey began as a painter, leading him to India in the 1990s where he immersed himself in creating indigo-washed textiles and block prints. This experience proved pivotal, shifting his focus to fabric design and eventually leading to the creation of a vast empire over 16 years. His brand now encompasses bedding, fabrics, and accessories sold through his website and exclusive collections for major retailers like Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue. He is recognized for pioneering the trend of brightly hued interiors that blend Asian and tribal geometrics with contemporary styles, collaborating with artisans worldwide from Zimbabwe to Laos. The home's interior showcases Robshaw's daring palette and audacious approach to proportion. For instance, the kitchen features midnight-blue cabinets paired with bright pinkish-orange paneling, a combination that highlights the historic American architecture while infusing a modern, unexpected twist. A guest bedroom is painted chartreuse, and an original mantel is lavender, demonstrating a fearless use of color. Despite the low ceilings typical of the era, Robshaw intentionally uses large carved sculptures and architectural details, such as Sri Lankan temple panels flanking the living room doorway and a five-foot antique Durga near the dining table, all custom-made in India to his specifications. Robshaw's most striking design element is his unbridled use of pattern. The living room alone features more than half a dozen of his signature stripes in various colorways, widths, and materials. In the dining room, three layers of textiles adorn a wall, including a mat crafted from abaca fiber by a Filipina artisan. He disregards traditional rules about balancing vivid furniture with subdued art, often pairing intensely colored textiles with bold artworks, such as a large Doug Wada painting of a lime-green perfume bottle above a pink-and-purple bench. He admits to his extreme impulses, leading him to occasionally seek the advice of decorator Sara Bengur, a long-time collaborator, to introduce "negative space" and prevent endless layering. Bengur's influence is evident in areas like the unadorned stairwell, featuring a striking pendant light by Harry Allen against neutral walls, which intentionally magnifies the impact of the vibrant patterns elsewhere. The side entryway also embraces white walls to draw attention to a custom-made coral settee with a whimsical Byzantine-shaped back and cushions in a violet-and-rose stripe. The overall effect creates an exotic and immersive environment, so much so that the presence of Turkey Bird He Bites Me, Robshaw's parrot, feels perfectly natural, evoking the sensation of being in a tropical forest. #JohnRobshaw #ConnecticutCountryHouse #TextileDesign #VibrantInteriors #PatternMixing #GlobalInspiredDecor #ColorPalette #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign

Interior designer Daniella Dolman embarked on a deeply personal renovation project, transforming her 1920s cottage in Hamilton, Ontario, into a functional and beautiful home for her growing family. Facing the challenge of adapting a small, character-filled property to meet modern family needs while preserving its original charm, Dolman focused on creating a space that balanced elegance with livability. The renovation expanded the cottage from one bathroom and a tiny kitchen to a three-bath, four-bedroom house, emphasizing light, openness, and soft colors. Dolman described the process as emotional, designing not just a house but a 'feeling' for her daughters. She aimed to carry forward her mother's legacy of a beautiful, orderly home, but through a softer, more personal approach. A key inspiration was a childhood memory of her grandmother's rose-colored bathroom, which evoked a sense of intimate, feminine warmth. The design incorporates playful and feminine elements, such as raw silk café curtains, slipcovered stools reminiscent of a bygone era, and custom millwork with delicate curves nodding to Art Deco femininity. Dolman emphasizes that the home is designed for delight in small things, inviting residents to eat cake, observe light on painted ceilings, and understand that elegance and joy can coexist. A major functional change involved reimagining the kitchen, which was originally small and disconnected. By opening walls and repurposing the former dining room, a larger, open-concept kitchen was created. This new kitchen became the emotional heart of the house, suitable for cooking, socializing, and working. A La Cornue range was a non-negotiable, along with quad doors connecting to the back studio, fostering indoor-outdoor living. A swooped-edge breakfast bar anchors the space, serving as a sculptural and practical gathering point. The kitchen's design prioritizes fluidity, connecting seamlessly with the reconfigured living and dining areas. The dining room features a bolder, buttery yellow color palette with black chairs for a dramatic contrast. An oversized pendant light acts as a sculptural focal point above a round marble dining table, chosen for its ability to foster intimate conversation. The ceiling, painted a joyful yellow, casts a golden glow, inspired by designer Rose Uniacke's restrained use of the color. The living room maintains a calm, neutral palette, with interest added through varied textures and layers, reflecting Dolman's vision of 'feminine whimsy and English drawing-room romance.' It's a space intended for family activities like reading and listening to music. The primary bedroom embraces depth and saturation with dark walls, softened by a pale pink custom headboard and Bella Notte linens to create an inviting atmosphere. The main bathroom features a floating double vanity carved from thick marble, with invisible hardware, aiming for an open, tonal, and intentional Parisian atelier aesthetic. Overall, the renovated home achieves a balance between curated design, functionality for family life, and a joyful, whimsical spirit. It combines bold color combinations and personal touches, blending nostalgia with modernity. The interior style is described as a 'quiet romance suspended between English charm and Parisian elegance,' utilizing a tender yet daring palette of powdered blush, sun-washed marigold, and deep eggplant. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CottageRemodel #FamilyHome #DesignInspiration #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDesign #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign

This article explores the rising trend of modern cottage house plans as a potential successor to the popular modern farmhouse style. The author, Aurora Zeledon, suggests that builders and clients looking for a blend of charm and contemporary design might find modern cottage plans appealing. The article highlights a specific modern cottage plan, showcasing its unique features and functional layout. The exterior of the featured house plan is characterized by a stone-covered arch that leads to the front porch, with the garage strategically tucked away to maintain aesthetic appeal and prevent it from dominating the facade. This design choice aims to create a welcoming and visually pleasing entrance. Inside, the house plan emphasizes a single-level living experience, excluding a bonus room located above the garage, making it accessible and convenient. The interior design incorporates decorative ceiling treatments in the entry and formal dining room, drawing attention upward and adding a touch of elegance. A cathedral ceiling in the great room enhances the sense of spaciousness and airiness within the main living area. The kitchen is designed with a fresh and modern layout, catering to contemporary tastes and functional needs. Adjacent to the kitchen, a well-organized mudroom provides practical amenities, including a bench, lockers, a powder bath, and a laundry room. A notable and smart design detail is the direct access from the laundry room to the main suite's bathroom, streamlining the process of doing laundry, particularly for towels. Beyond the main suite, the house plan includes three secondary bedrooms, each featuring a walk-in closet, offering ample storage space. One of these secondary bedrooms is equipped with a private bath, making it an ideal option for accommodating guests or providing an older child with their own private space. This thoughtful consideration for privacy and functionality adds to the versatility of the house plan. The article encourages readers to explore more modern cottage home designs, positioning this style as a fresh and innovative option for new home construction. The author, Aurora Zeledon, brings her expertise as the Director of e-Commerce Marketing, Merchandising, and Content for Zonda House Plans, ensuring that the featured plan is both interesting and marketable within the pre-drawn plan industry. #ModernCottage #HousePlans #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeBuilding #DesignTrends #FloorPlans #ResidentialDesign #CurbAppeal

Interior designer Daniella Dolman embarked on a deeply personal renovation of her 1920s cottage in Hamilton, Ontario, transforming it from a small, charming property with limited space into a luminous, open, and colorful home suitable for her growing family. The project was initiated while Dolman was pregnant with her second child, underscoring the immediate need for increased functionality and living area, while also maintaining the original character of the house. Dolman's approach to the renovation was guided by a desire to blend haute couture design details with the practicalities of a family home. She aimed to create a space that was both elegant and inviting, drawing inspiration from her mother's graceful home and a childhood memory of her grandmother's rose-colored bathroom. This personal connection informed her design philosophy, emphasizing softness, femininity, and a sense of ease throughout the interiors. The design incorporated playful and whimsical elements, such as raw silk café curtains, slipcovered stools, and custom millwork with delicate curves, reminiscent of Art Deco aesthetics. Functionality for a busy family was a primary consideration. The original kitchen, measuring only eight by six feet and feeling isolated, was completely re-imagined. Walls were removed, and the former dining room was repurposed to create an expansive, light-filled kitchen that now serves as the central hub for cooking, socializing, and family activities. A custom-designed breakfast bar with a swooped edge became a key architectural feature, adding both grounding presence and gentle curves, a motif echoed elsewhere in the home. Large windows were installed to maximize natural light and connect the indoor spaces with the surrounding environment. The layout was reconfigured to ensure a seamless flow between rooms. The former dining room became the new kitchen, the old living room was transformed into a dining area, and a new living room was situated to open directly onto the garden. This intentional arrangement created a fluid sequence of spaces connected by light and a consistent soft aesthetic. The color palette throughout the home is notable for its tender yet daring combinations, including powdered blush, sun-washed marigold, and deep eggplant, applied in a way that feels both intimate and unexpected. For instance, the dining room features buttery yellow ceilings and bold black chairs, creating a dramatic contrast. A round dining table was chosen to foster conversation and intimacy. In the living room, a neutral base is enriched with varied textures, aiming for a balance between feminine whimsy and English drawing-room romance. This space was conceived for shared family moments like reading and listening to music. The primary bedroom features a deeper, more saturated color scheme for a grounding effect, offset by a pale pink custom headboard and soft bedding, maintaining the home's inviting style. The main bathroom showcases elegance through minimalist design, featuring a floating double vanity crafted from thick marble without visible hardware, evoking the sophisticated simplicity of a Parisian atelier apartment. Ultimately, Dolman's renovation successfully married curated design with everyday family life. The home reflects a joyful and whimsical spirit, using bold color combinations and personal touches that harmoniously blend nostalgia with modernity. It is a space composed not just of rooms but of colorful visions, inviting inhabitants to delight in small details and experience beauty and ease in equal measure. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CottageRemodel #FamilyHome #FeminineDesign #FunctionalLiving #ColorPalette #ArchitecturalRedesign

Shane Stratton, owner of Stratton Exteriors and Urban Properties in Nashville, undertook the renovation of a 1930s bungalow-style duplex, transforming it into a 3,100-square-foot single-family home. The project began in late 2013 with the intention for Shane and his fiancée, Paige, to live there after their wedding. Collaborating with architect David Baird of Building Ideas, they developed an open floor plan suitable for entertaining, which involved significantly altering the internal architecture while preserving the front exterior and stone siding. The original 1,800-square-foot duplex was expanded, reflecting a meticulous and unhurried approach to design and construction. A key element of the renovation is the kitchen, which features an island painted in Stratton Blue by Benjamin Moore, a color originally considered for the exterior. This vivid blue island serves as a focal point, complemented by rustic wooden beams salvaged from an old warehouse. The design seamlessly blends a cook's kitchen aesthetic with an open and relaxing atmosphere, offering a view of the fireplace. The couple's collaboration involved Paige directing the floor plan post-marriage, while Shane focused on integrating details that honored the home's history, such as salvaging much of the original flooring. This approach successfully fused traditional elements with modern features like wainscoting and a contemporary fireplace design, keeping the home fresh and updated. After completing the renovation, Shane and Paige decided to sell the home, despite their emotional connection to the project. Shortly after listing, Michael Lohmann, director of photography for ABC’s "Nashville," discovered the property. He was immediately drawn to its exterior, open-living floor plan, large windows, and the kitchen's rustic beams. Lohmann recognized that these features created a unique look that aligned with the personality of the show and its character, Gunnar Scott, a young, successful musician. The home's suitability for filming was further enhanced by its "great depth in every direction," ample spaces, and the newly added garage, which was converted into a recording studio for the show. The renovated home now serves as Gunnar Scott's residence in the third season of "Nashville." Lohmann emphasized that the home's aesthetic fit the character by presenting a realistic aspiration for a successful musician, noting its unique look. The article highlights how the renovation successfully balanced contemporary design with traditional elements, integrating reclaimed materials like original flooring and wooden beams to add rustic charm, while modern features ensured functionality and style. The interior spaces are characterized by natural light, open layouts, and a harmonious blend of textures and colors. Additional details of the renovation include an updated farmhouse look in the bathroom, featuring six-foot tile pieces mimicking barn wood and granite countertops. The first-floor master bedroom is spacious with rich hardwood floors and abundant natural light. The second floor also benefits from an open layout, maximizing living and entertaining areas. The exterior additions increased the home to over 3,000 square feet, offering four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and an outdoor patio space. Resources for mimicking the home's style are provided, including specific brands and paint colors, alongside design tips from Shane Stratton emphasizing the blending of old and new elements, and the strategic placement of architectural details like accent walls, beams, or posts to create eclectic appeal. #HomeRenovation #BungalowStyle #NashvilleRealEstate #InteriorDesign #OpenFloorPlan #KitchenDesign #RusticModern #ArchitecturalSalvage #TelevisionSetDesign

This article details the creation of a unique resort-style home in Bali for Alexander Jovanovic, designed by the A2Kreasitama (A2K) team. The project addressed the challenge of an irregularly shaped plot of land, which ultimately inspired the central octagonal foyer, serving as a functional meeting point and a symbolic compass for the house. The design aimed to merge the characteristics of a resort villa, emphasizing natural airflow, with the functionality of a traditional home where spaces could be fully enclosed. To achieve this dual functionality, the A2K team incorporated aluminum glass doors that can be fully opened to allow natural ventilation while also being tightly sealed to prevent insect intrusion. Strategic placement and height of the house were crucial in maximizing natural airflow, effectively eliminating the need for air conditioning. The home's location in Dreamland – Pecatu, Bali, allowed for the integration of Balinese contemporary design elements, starting with intricate wooden carvings at the main entrance. The octagonal foyer, inspired by Taoist cosmology, was intended to bring balance and stability to the irregular landform. The interior of the foyer features white granite tile floors, a sleek console table with a painting, and a contemporary chandelier above a central round table. From the foyer, access is provided to two bedrooms through oversized solid wood doors, and a glass door opens to the swimming pool. The guest bedroom is situated to the left, adjacent to a staircase leading to the upper floors, while the master bedroom on the right offers direct access to a green-stone swimming pool and a private wooden parquet patio. The master suite includes a walk-in closet connecting to a Balinese semi-outdoor bathroom, which features a freestanding bathtub, a solid wall finish, and a stonescape garden, enhancing the private resort-like ambiance. An outdoor whirlpool is located between the master bedroom and the main pool. The guest bedroom also has an open terrace for entertaining or enjoying sunsets, and its bathroom is equipped with a glass wall shower and a small garden leading to the swimming pool. All bedrooms are finished with wooden parquet floors and adorned with solid wood and natural stone accents. An eye-catching contemporary staircase, constructed from steel and solid wood with frameless glass railings, leads to the upper levels. A high synthetic rattan ceiling above the staircase not only serves as an aesthetic feature but also demonstrates a clever use of local materials. The living and dining areas are uniquely positioned on the upper floor to offer magnificent views during daily activities, cultivating a recreational, resort, and tropical atmosphere. The living room, encased by transparent glass doors and solid wood columns, is a focal point of the house. It includes a solid wood dining table with an integrated teppanyaki-style stove for entertaining. Above the dining room, an attic serves as a relaxing space and provides access to a rooftop with panoramic views of Jimbaran Bay and the airport runway, ideal for social gatherings. The lower ground level accommodates a service area, laundry room, and a spacious garage with a carport that can function as a versatile multi-purpose space. Given the owner's background in the hospitality business, the A2K team meticulously designed the home to offer luxurious comfort and a distinct resort feel. The public and private areas are clearly delineated, and the designer used scale effectively to maximize space and apply hospitality industry standards to a private residence. For example, the octagonal foyer's atrium was designed to be larger than typical for a home of its size. The innovative design on the 505 sqm plot successfully integrated various functions to cater to the owner's lifestyle, resulting in a truly unique resort-style home. #ArchitectureInterior #ResortStyleHome #BaliDesign #A2Kreasitama #SustainableDesign #BalineseContemporary #LuxuryLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

Lisa and Mark Hellman undertook a comprehensive, year-long renovation to transform a 106-year-old abandoned house in upstate New York into a pastoral family retreat. The 6,000-square-foot building, previously converted into six apartments, had been vacant for 25 years when the Hellmans, new parents at the time, discovered it on a former chicken farm near Jeffersonville. The exterior of the house was initially covered in yellow asbestos shingles, beneath which the couple found well-preserved clapboard. They restored the exterior by painting it with Benjamin Moore's Flat White and replaced the roof and all 57 windows. The existing porch was torn down and rebuilt. The interior underwent a complete gut renovation, requiring the removal of all plaster and debris, highlighting the extensive work involved in stripping the house down to its studs and rebuilding it. In the kitchen, a side entrance was sealed to accommodate a new Viking stove and slate-tile backsplash. Custom cabinets with antique glass panes and Restoration Hardware light fixtures were installed, along with a built-to-order island designed with an extended countertop for comfortable seating. Lisa Hellman aimed for a classic farmhouse style, simple and clean, which is reflected in her vintage yellowware collection displayed in the dining room on a 100-year-old pine hutch, holding fresh produce and antlers found on the property. For 14 months, the Hellmans resided in nearby motels while overseeing the construction. The living room features new custom sofas and a vintage trunk serving as a coffee table. The entire stairwell was restored, and beneath grimy linoleum, gorgeous pine floors were uncovered. Instead of replacing planks with plumbing holes from the house's apartment conversion, the Hellmans cleverly plugged the openings with stoppers made from branches found on their property, adding a unique personal touch. The stairway walls are adorned with landscape paintings, each costing under $100 and featuring a house, collected from flea markets. The dining room's beyond-repair tin ceiling was replaced with a plaster version, and beadboard was installed on the lower walls. Family heirlooms, including an antique table, chairs, and a rug, furnish the room, complemented by a custom-made wrought-iron chandelier. The renovation also included converting a former studio apartment into a luxurious master suite, featuring a master bath with a Kallista claw-foot tub and a glass-walled shower, in addition to three and a half other bathrooms and six bedrooms. A guest room was furnished with an antique headboard and Country Curtains' shades and matching toile shams. The Hellmans strategically amassed furniture during the construction phase to secure bargains. The guest bathroom is decorated with flea-market paintings and vintage apothecary jars. The renovation successfully transformed a dilapidated, abandoned structure into a charming and functional family home while preserving its historical character. #HomeRenovation #FarmhouseStyle #BeforeAndAfter #UpstateNewYork #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #DIYProjects #FamilyHome #HomeMakeover

This article details the comprehensive renovation and interior design of a 1970s ranch home in Brentwood, TN, undertaken by its second owner, Tyler Pennington. Having admired the house since childhood, Tyler purchased it from the original owners and embarked on a transformation project to update it for his family of five while preserving its original architectural charm, which he describes as reminiscent of the New England coast. The renovation involved reconfiguring the internal space, adding a second story, and selecting finishes and furnishings to suit a modern lifestyle with young children, without sacrificing its classic aesthetic. Tyler, who owns White Pines Building Group, managed much of the construction work himself. He collaborated with architect Champ Webb of C.W. Design and Andrew King of AK Designs for the second-story addition and exterior elements. For the interior design, he enlisted Sara Ray Interior Design, aiming for a contemporary look that avoided excessive modernity or trendiness. Sara Ray focused on creating a design that blended classic, traditional elements with clean lines and modern touches, prioritizing durable fabrics for furnishings and incorporating vintage rugs to withstand daily wear and tear from three young children. The design also balanced masculine and feminine touches, with a deliberate emphasis on timeless pieces that would retain their appeal over decades. Throughout the renovation, Tyler made efforts to integrate natural and historically relevant materials. While the interior was largely gutted, original materials were reused, and aspects of the original design were recreated. For instance, new poplar molding was installed in the entryway and dining room, hardwood floors were milled locally in Leiper’s Fork, and windows were designed to replicate the original grid pattern. A significant part of the project involved relocating the original fireplace, with its salvaged limestone being repurposed to create a new, two-story focal point in the central living area. The main floor features an open layout with a living area, dining area, and kitchen. The living space, characterized by a wall of doors and a double-story ceiling, displays a masculine-meets-modern aesthetic with warm accent colors against a white backdrop. The renovated kitchen prioritizes brightness, featuring a large center island, a tile backsplash, a polished limestone hood, and light fixtures with brass shades. The dining room, located off the main entry, showcases a reclaimed wood table with an industrial base, brass-foot chairs, and upholstered end chairs, all illuminated by a modern light fixture. Other rooms, such as the powder room, continue the theme of simple design with character. The children's bedrooms were designed with personalized touches. The oldest daughter's room is colorful, while the youngest daughter's features pinks and frills. The middle child's room incorporates antelope wallpaper and a vintage brass deer head, reflecting his interest in hunting. Bathrooms feature muted color schemes, penny tile flooring, and unique fixtures. The second floor accommodates a guest bedroom, children's bedrooms, a playroom, and a study area, while the third floor includes a sleeping nook with bunk-style beds and another playroom with a slide connecting to the second floor. The exterior of the house largely maintains its original appearance, with subtle updates such as a cedar roof, copper gas lanterns, updated stonework, and custom corbels. The transformation successfully merges the home's historic essence with modern family living, ensuring its continued admiration. #HomeRenovation #RanchHome #InteriorDesign #ClassicModern #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalPreservation #SustainableDesign #SaraRayInteriors #NashvilleHomes

This blog post offers an exclusive tour of Dallas-based interior designer Erin Sander's custom-built home in University Park, highlighting her unique design philosophy of 'relaxed, refined luxury' and 'Belgian farmhouse' aesthetic. The 5,000-square-foot estate, featuring four bedrooms and five baths, was constructed from the ground up on a quarter-acre lot, with Sander herself drawing the floor and architectural plans. The design emphasizes natural light and understated yet impactful details, drawing inspiration from her travels and other design projects. The home’s architectural features include a long hallway terminating in a window, with steps leading to the second floor, designed to create visually appealing focal points. Custom light fixtures and detailed wood flooring were also designed by Sander. The living room, a space optimized for practicality for her young children, features performance fabrics, a custom grasscloth-covered coffee table, and artwork by Katrine Hildebrandt. An annex, originally Sander's home office, now serves as a family study. This vaulted, story-and-a-half space offers ample storage and privacy. The kitchen is a central highlight, showcasing rift-sawn white oak flooring and hand-hewn Douglas fir beams. A striking pale blue Lacanche oven range, chosen early in the design process due to its year-long procurement time, sets the tone for other blue accents in the space. Other notable kitchen elements include an unlacquered brass faucet by Waterstone and a backsplash by Clé Tile. Over the eye-catching island, custom-made fixtures from Urban Electric Company in a hand-hewn brass finish are suspended. Scandinavian-designed stools provide practical seating, and decorative bowls, including a vintage piece from Sander’s grandmother and ceramics by Sara Kersten, add personal touches. The honed marble countertops were intentionally chosen to observe their wear and tear over time, informing her client recommendations. Café curtains made from hand-blocked fabric by Galbraith & Paul add another layer of detail. The dining room combines vintage McGuire chairs, re-covered in Peter Dunham fabric, with contemporary art by Addie Chapin. Exposed brick and a light fixture from Currey & Company contribute to a modern yet cozy atmosphere. A collection of pewter dishes, including pieces from her mother and finds from the vendor Unrefined, adds dark contrast and personal history to the dining area. A custom coffee station, a testament to the family’s love for coffee, features a La Spaziale espresso machine with walnut panels, open shelving, and an Ann Sacks’ Savoy series backsplash. This functional space is equipped with refrigerator drawers for coffee essentials. The primary bedroom boasts a whimsical Oly Studio light fixture depicting a flock of birds, vintage cabinets from Juxtaposition Home, custom lamps, and quadrille bedding. The master bathroom includes custom white oak vanities and hand-cut limestone floors laid in a unique pattern, accented with tiny blue celeste marble mosaics. The home's exterior features a mix of materials like lime-washed brick and cedar shake, surrounded by live oaks and potted olive trees, creating an approachable street view. A custom wood bench from David Sutherland is nestled among Savannah holly trees in the backyard. The article provides a comprehensive look into an interior designer's personal residence, showcasing a blend of functionality, luxury, and personal style. #InteriorDesign #CustomHome #DallasHomes #HomeFeatures #LuxuryInteriors #BelgianFarmhouse #DesignerHome #HomeDecor #ErinSanderDesign

Interior designer Bee Osborn shares the story and design choices behind her idyllic country cottage in the Cotswolds, a home that became a permanent family residence during the pandemic. The article details the extensive, yet thoughtful, renovations undertaken to transform a tired three-bedroom property into a warm, stylish, and functional living space. Osborn emphasizes the use of texture, natural materials, and practical space-saving solutions throughout the house. The renovation began with the property itself, which had been in the same family for years and was in need of updating. Osborn, initially looking for a rental, stumbled upon the cottage and felt an immediate connection, likening it to her childhood home. She purchased and moved into the cottage with her builders, who started gutting and rewiring the property immediately. The transformation of the kitchen is highlighted, where a tiny original kitchen was expanded by integrating an accessible barn. Osborn decided to maintain the barn's original sunken level and natural walls, creating a unique feature. Reclaimed materials were extensively used, including an old kitchen floor for the roof and a stripped-down original Crittall window that now forms doors. The flooring in the kitchen is 'Barnwood Floor' from Osborn Interiors, and the cabinets were custom-made by a local joiner with a natural, raw wood finish. High-end pendant lights from Pinch were a significant investment, balancing the rustic elements with smart design. The kitchen also features a TV snug with L-shaped seating made from repurposed fence planks, equipped with built-in USB plugs, and a mirrored TV from Picture Frame TV with a custom-painted frame. The dining room boasts a large, custom-made pendant from Hadeda, serving as a focal point within a nine-circuit lighting scheme that creates subtle pools of light. The main attraction is a resin and 10-year-old oak table, meticulously crafted over four months, which has proven both beautiful and practical. The Blue Room, inspired by an inky off-black wall in a previous office, features a sofabed custom-made to fit the space and contrasting with the dark wall color. Despite planning permission issues for French windows, a large window was installed. Linen fabrics, leather, and wicker are used throughout, reflecting Osborn's preference for natural materials. The living room maintains its original fireplace, with versatile hampers and baskets serving as storage and side tables. The paint color in this room is a custom mix, and artwork is sourced from antique markets. The master suite, initially a small room with limited space, underwent a significant redesign. Osborn removed the fireplace and stained glass window to reorient the bed and create space for an en-suite bathroom. The bedroom connects visually with the downstairs through wood-clad ceilings and walls from a reclamation center, and hidden cupboards are integrated throughout. The en-suite bathroom includes a second-hand eBay bath and discreetly placed loo. Expensive Porta Romana lights and Anthropologie wardrobe handles add luxurious touches. All bedrooms feature 100% linen sheets for a relaxed aesthetic. Finally, an outdoor 'Pod' by Sandman Homes, measuring 3m x 5m, is made from reclaimed wood, features a wildflower roof, an electric wood burner, and collected baskets, providing an additional charming space. Osborn's design philosophy prioritizes natural materials, thoughtful construction, and practical solutions, creating a harmonious and personalized home. Osborn's work can be further explored through her Instagram and website, OsbornInteriors.com. #InteriorDesign #CotswoldsCottage #HomeRenovation #NaturalMaterials #SustainableDesign #ReclaimedWood #SpaceSavingSolutions #CountryLiving #BeeOsborn

Whitney Brown and Carlos Naude, founders of Working Holiday Studio, envisioned their 1960s home's exterior as a vibrant space for leisure, complementing its serene interior post-renovation. Carlos Naude, driven by a desire for multifaceted activities, aimed to incorporate various elements like a hot tub and a treehouse into their extensive hillside backyard. The renovation focused on maximizing fun and utility while preserving the original landscape. The couple opted for a jet-black facade for their home, maintaining consistency across the design. The primary challenge was to transform the expansive hillside into an oasis without overhauling the entire existing yard. A significant feature of the backyard renovation was the installation of an 8-foot-wide preassembled cedar-clad hot tub. This decision was a budget-friendly alternative to a costly in-ground swimming pool, which was beyond the couple's financial scope. The installation process presented several logistical hurdles, including the delivery vehicle sinking into the front yard and difficulty fitting the tub through the side yard. Despite these challenges, which resulted in a cracked driveway, Naude found the effort worthwhile, particularly for the convenience of transitioning between the soaking tub and a nearby firepit for s'mores. The article highlights the emphasis on creating a space for enjoyment and relaxation, even in the face of unexpected complications during construction. A childhood dream of Naude's was to build a treehouse, a vision he held since growing up in Mexico with limited outdoor space. Thirty years later, he finally actualized this dream for his 3-year-old son, designing a structure that was both safe for children and aesthetically pleasing for adults. The 'treehouse' frame, painted to match the house, features robust railings to prevent accidents, making it a secure play area. It also serves as a tranquil spot for Naude to unwind with a cocktail while overlooking the hills. The presence of a net swing further enhances its appeal as a playful yet relaxing haven. Naude specifically bought the property because of the tree, recognizing its potential for his long-held treehouse aspiration. The couple preferred a minimalist approach to landscaping, opting for a streamlined look rather than elaborate English-style wildflower gardens, which are currently popular. They undertook significant cleanup, removing all vegetation except for the existing trees. This choice was driven by a desire for low maintenance and to allow the natural beauty of the rolling hills to be the focal point, without the distraction of dense bushes and flowers. The backyard's design allows Naude to observe his son playing freely from the hot tub's built-in bench. The narrative concludes with Naude expressing optimism about the future memories to be created in their newly transformed backyard, emphasizing its potential as a cherished family space. #HomeRenovation #BackyardDesign #TreehouseConstruction #HotTubInstallation #LandscapeDesign #OutdoorLiving #DIYProjects #FamilySpace #MinimalistLandscaping

This article showcases a Harwich Port home on Cape Cod that has undergone a significant renovation to fully embrace its oceanfront location. The interior design, spearheaded by Cambridge interior designer Tricia Luong, focuses on integrating the sea views into every aspect of the living space. The homeowners, a young family of three, purchased the 5,478-square-foot house, originally built in 1992, with the goal of making the ocean a central element of its design. The renovation involved opening up and brightening the space, strategically adding new windows to maximize the views. A fluid layout was implemented on the first floor to encourage easier movement and enhance visibility from the kitchen through the living areas to the outside. Luong meticulously planned the height of every light fixture and minimized window treatments facing the water to ensure an unobstructed connection to the ocean. The design aesthetic is a subtle coastal vibe, eschewing traditional nautical clichés. Luong incorporated muted blues, touches of turquoise, rattan, brass, and natural fibers like linen and seagrass throughout the home. Examples include a Cisco Home bed reupholstered in Villa Nova’s “Calvia River” fabric and Phillip Jeffries’s “Vinyl Magnetism” wallcovering in “Slate Current” in the bathroom, creating a sophisticated marine influence without being overpowering. The primary bathroom features white cabinets, Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, and Made Good mirrors adorned with small shells, radiating metallic and bright elements. Unique architectural features include circular windows in vaulted dormers above the dining room and primary suite, resembling portholes, which elevate the vantage point and draw in more light. Accordion glass doors in the cabana room provide direct access to the pool area and invite the ocean breeze indoors. An ombre bar-height dining table by Aronson Woodworks encourages casual interaction and fluid movement, complementing a round Made Goods table in the dining room used for game nights. Texture plays a crucial role in achieving the desired coastal feel, adding richness and warmth to the largely monochromatic palette. Concrete coffee tables, a weathered teak chaise, a rattan vanity, and white oak lining the walls and ceilings contribute to a minimalistic, serene vacation home atmosphere. The homeowners envisioned a bright and beautiful space with crisp whites and medium-toned blues, reflecting the ocean's colors and embodying a sense of relaxation and calmness, rather than strong contrasts. The project was executed by Cape & Islands Construction Co., with interior design by Tricia Luong Design and photo styling by Sean William Styling. #HomeDesign #CoastalDecor #InteriorDesign #HarwichPort #CapeCodHome #OceanView #RenovationProject #LuxuryHome #TriciaLuongDesign