here's what the simpsons house would look like if homer and marge hired an interior designer

This article presents an excerpt from James T. Farmer III's new book, "Home Again: A Return to Gracious Interiors," which details the redesign of his Farmdale cottage in Perry, Georgia. The renovation of the cottage was prompted by significant life changes and a practical issue: a water leak. This leak served as the catalyst for a comprehensive overhaul, particularly focusing on the kitchen, dining room, and living room areas. The initial renovation began with addressing the water damage, which led to replacing wallpaper and doors. This functional necessity evolved into an opportunity to redesign the kitchen. Farmer opted for a classic approach, incorporating traditional and proven elements. He replaced open shelves with creamy linen-white cabinets and exchanged pine countertops for walnut. The pantry was also expanded to accommodate more storage, addressing the typical accumulation of kitchen items. His design philosophy emphasizes a blend of beauty and utility, ensuring the kitchen is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional without feeling sterile. The space features his collection of creamware, tureens, and soupières, alongside cookbooks, flanking the front window. A mossy sage green was chosen for the island, providing color and character that subtly changes with the seasons. The kitchen's layout maintained its original footprint while enhancing its usability. The island serves as a versatile space, functioning as a supper spot for two and a buffet area when larger family gatherings occur. This adaptability is crucial for accommodating a growing family that frequently visits. The article highlights the evolution of the family dynamic, which grew significantly over a decade with the addition of nieces and nephews and the arrival of a partner for Farmer. A key change in the cottage's layout involved re-purposing rooms to better suit current needs. The original dining room was transformed into a living room, offering a cozy space for both intimate and larger gatherings. This new living room, referred to as the “morning room,” features large windows overlooking the front yard and a color scheme of green, peach, and floral draperies, reminiscent of his mother's childhood living room. The new dining room was strategically placed off the kitchen, allowing for easy family meals, including space for high chairs and booster seats. The redesign was an organic process, initiated by a practical problem but driven by a desire to adapt the home to a new phase of life. The author reflects on the emotional significance of the home, which became a central gathering place for his extended family after personal losses. The renovation symbolizes not just a physical transformation but a return to a sense of home, filled with existing memories and ready for new ones. The book, “Home Again: A Return to Gracious Interiors,” is set to release on September 9, offering further insights into this project and others. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CottageStyle #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDesign #SouthernLiving #JamesFarmer #HomeDecor #FamilyHome

Interior designer Sarah Spinosa and her husband, Philip, embarked on their second dream home project in East Memphis after an unsolicited offer led them to sell their first custom-built house. This time, they opted for a 1940s fixer-upper, transforming it into a functional and aesthetically pleasing family home through a comprehensive renovation. The initial state of the house featured outdated elements like teal wall-to-wall carpet and original 1940s bathroom fixtures. Despite the challenges, Sarah, with her design expertise, envisioned its potential. The renovation was a collaborative effort with RKA Construction and David Anderson Architect. The primary goals were to expand living spaces and bedrooms while enhancing the home's flow. A significant structural change involved converting an existing screened porch into an open living area connected to the kitchen and breakfast room, creating a large, functional everyday space. Additionally, unfinished attic space was converted into two new bedrooms and a bathroom, which necessitated relocating the main staircase to improve circulation. Sarah's experience from their first home project informed a strategic approach to budgeting for this renovation, focusing on smart design through selective splurges and cost-saving measures. In the kitchen, a high-impact Calacatta marble slab was chosen for the backsplash, while honed granite was used for other countertops to maintain budget. A classic Rohl faucet was considered a worthwhile splurge, adding a touch of elegance. Conversely, cabinet hardware was sourced affordably from Home Depot, and an antique English table was reused, paired with inexpensive chairs and a sisal rug for added warmth and texture without excessive cost. The new home, being about 1,000 square feet smaller than their previous one, also prompted Sarah to downsize and purge many items, which she found liberating. The home's interior design emphasizes a neutral, gallery-white palette to highlight artwork. Navy accents, described by Sarah as classic, preppy, and modern, provide crisp contrast in spaces like the den. Art played a crucial role in design decisions, with a painting by Memphis artist Freida Hamm strategically placed to be visible from the front door, setting the home's artistic tone. In the living room, artwork by Amanda Stone Talley inspired a soft, metallic-hinted color scheme, balancing traditional elements with contemporary abstract art. The formal dining room features a dynamic Cole & Sons wallpaper, blended with painted furniture and cane-back chairs, and brass accents for a modern touch. Functionality and family lifestyle were central to the design. The kitchen, informal dining, and den were designed to flow seamlessly. The master suite was moved downstairs for convenience, with a previous bedroom converted into a master bath and closet. A freestanding tub was meticulously fitted into the space, and the laundry room was relocated to open off the master closet, streamlining daily routines. Sarah's practical choices extended to furnishings, such as choosing durable, less precious chairs for the breakfast room and cost-effective linen for window treatments, reserving splurges for items like decorative pillows. The renovation, completed in just under a year, resulted in a home that perfectly accommodates the family's needs, even receiving praise from the previous owner for its thoughtful transformation. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #EastMemphis #SmartDesign #BudgetFriendlyDesign #HomeTransformation #SarahSpinosa #FixerUpper

This article highlights the personal favorite rooms of five prominent interior designers, offering a glimpse into their own homes and the design philosophies that shape their private spaces. It explores how these professionals, who regularly craft beautiful environments for clients, approach decorating and living in their own residences. Each designer shares insights into why a particular room holds special significance for them, revealing a blend of aesthetic choices, functional considerations, and personal connections. Uns Hobbs, a London-based designer, identifies her kitchen as the heart of her home. She aimed to integrate a new extension seamlessly with her traditional British Victorian house, incorporating classic architectural elements like molding, paneling, and French doors. The kitchen is described as a space for entertaining, suggesting a focus on warmth, hospitality, and a design that encourages social gatherings. Her design choices reflect a desire for a cohesive and historically sympathetic extension that still functions as a modern family hub. Dabito, a New Orleans designer and author, finds sanctuary in his bedroom. He describes it as a multifaceted space for sleeping, streaming shows, and spending time with his cat. The article notes his use of a calming wall color, Quietude SW 6212, which contributes to a peaceful atmosphere. Dabito also incorporates natural materials for warmth and showcases his signature style by mixing new items, such as a table lamp from his Mitzi line, with vintage pieces like a bedside table and an antique Chinese rug. This approach underscores a personal and eclectic design vision that values comfort and individual expression. Keren and Thomas Richter, the duo behind White Arrow, a New York City design studio, chose their 1850s farmhouse kitchen as their favorite room. They opted for an inky teal from Fine Paints of Europe for the cabinetry, which contrasts with white ceramics, making them appear as silhouette art, and highlights their vintage Aga stove. The Richters emphasize the cozy feel created by the rich blue cabinetry and wide-plank antique pine floors. The integration of outdoor views further enhances the kitchen's appeal, connecting the interior space with the surrounding landscape and imbuing it with a strong sense of place. Marie Cloud, a designer from Charlotte, North Carolina, showcases her home office as a space that balances work and creativity. Rejecting the notion that an office must be purely functional, she designed hers to be energizing and inspiring. The room features a bold wallpaper from her collaboration with Spoonflower, which she feels reflects her personality, alongside an evolving inspiration board and designated areas for contemplation. Her design philosophy for this space emphasizes personal connection and dynamic inspiration, making it a desirable place to work. Finally, Isabel Ladd, a designer based in Lexington, Kentucky, identifies her family room as her favorite, viewing it as a testament to her design evolution. The room transformed from a formal dining room into a lived-in family space through the layering of prints, including wallpaper from another Spoonflower collaboration, textiles, and art, along with furniture changes. Ladd emphasizes the cozy and welcoming atmosphere, describing it as a space where her family feels enveloped and loved. The relocation of meals to a smaller, more casual adjacent room further reflects her commitment to designing spaces that truly suit her family's lifestyle and needs. These examples collectively illustrate how personal preferences, historical context, and functional requirements are harmoniously integrated by designers in their own homes. The article suggests that while professional designers create beauty for others, their personal spaces are deeply reflective of their individual journeys and values. The designers prioritize emotional comfort, personal expression, and functionality in their own homes, demonstrating that a favorite room is often one that supports daily life and personal well-being. This collection of rooms provides diverse inspirations for homeowners looking to personalize their spaces. It demonstrates how various elements, from color palettes and material choices to the integration of vintage items and custom designs, contribute to creating a distinctive and cherished environment. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #HomeOffice #FamilyRoom #DesignerHomes #DecoratingTips

The Dowell family, consisting of Rebecca, Jeremiah, and their sons Deacon, Wyatt, and Ryder, along with their boxer Rookie, recently relocated to La Grange's Heather Ridge neighborhood to be closer to Oldham County Schools due to their sons' involvement in football and other sports. Jeremiah, a Realtor at Keller Williams Louisville East, had long admired the five-level Avery model by Fischer Homes. The family purchased a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom, 3,229-square-foot multi-level home built in 2023, which offered the ideal blend of shared and private living spaces. The Dowells undertook several customizations to personalize their new home. They installed luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and equipped the kitchen with GE Café appliances. A significant change involved moving the fireplace from a corner to the center of the great room, opting for a gas fireplace. This tan brick fireplace, extending to the 18-foot ceilings, is complemented by a matching column in the basement office and an entryway arch, creating a cohesive design. Trim and sconces were added to frame the fireplace, creating symmetry, with a frame TV displaying a black and white family photo when not in use. Jeremiah emphasized the desire for the room not to be solely focused on the television. Rebecca, an independent travel advisor, established an in-home office in the basement. This space features a large, T-shaped desk with two chairs, shelving, and his-and-hers display cases. Rebecca's side showcases whimsical travel and childhood mementos, while Jeremiah's side displays award plaques and framed degrees. A wall-mounted TV in Rebecca's office streams live views of various locations, like New York, beaches, and castles, adding light and an outdoor ambiance to the space. The opposite side of the lower level is dedicated to a workout area, with a discreet entry to a large storage space. The family's love for football is evident in the rec room, which includes a large TV, ample seating, an NFL Blitz arcade game, and a wall adorned with a mural of the Caesars Superdome, reflecting Rebecca's New Orleans roots. The room also features dozens of mini football helmets, which previously were scattered in the children's rooms. The 10-foot ceiling in the rec room was a major selling point for the family, as it provided an expansive feel typically not found in basements and connected seamlessly with the kitchen. Exterior customizations were also undertaken. Initially, Rebecca found the original brown exterior with shutters too busy. After consulting an artist on Etsy for exterior renderings, they chose Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay, an algae-hued neutral paint with slate-blue undertones, to enhance the home's curb appeal. Jeremiah, being in real estate, considered resale value in all their modifications. While the Dowells anticipate moving again in the future, they are currently enjoying their customized home, particularly its open floor plan, which facilitates family gatherings and entertaining, as exemplified by a Derby party where Rebecca could remain engaged with guests while in the kitchen. Key distinctive elements of the home include an entryway with a tan brick archway made with German schmear, quartz countertops, large kitchen cabinets with trim to the ceiling, a custom pantry mirroring the kitchen with a mini-fridge, and a second pantry for dry food and appliances. The first floor features custom luxury vinyl plank flooring. Other notable features include floor-to-ceiling trim in the great room and entryway, a custom mudroom, a renovated basement with an office, gym, bathroom, large framed TV, and ample hidden storage. The primary bedroom boasts a brick wall, a custom 4K electric fireplace, tiled bathroom floor, custom vanity, and custom closet. The backyard includes custom pavers and a gas fireplace, while the garage has an epoxy floor. The Dowells enlisted various professionals for these customizations, including Fischer Homes, Andreanna for LVP flooring, Olde Town Chimney for the gas fireplace, Wes Stutz for fireplace installation and trim work, Wes Stutz and Chris Barber for storage solutions, Jeff Hancock of Triple Trade for electrical and plumbing, Coronado Stone for the primary bedroom brick wall, Kilo’s Painting for interior and exterior painting, Earthscapes LLC for pavers, and Epoxy Dude for garage flooring. #HomeDesign #CustomHome #MultiLevelHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FischerHomes #OldhamCounty #FamilyHome #HomeCustomization

The article highlights how interior designer Penny Morrison transformed a dilapidated 18th-century country house in Wales into a vibrant and comfortable home. The house, built in 1790, is located near the English border and is characterized by its bucolic surroundings, including rolling lawns, a stream, a walled garden, and a forest. The Morrisons, Penny and her art dealer husband Guy, discovered the property 26 years prior during a weekend visit. Despite its unlivable condition, plagued by dry rot and requiring extensive renovations such as a new roof, windows, plumbing, and wiring, they were captivated by the house's historic charm and spectacular views. Morrison's design philosophy prioritizes comfort, evident in her desire for a home where one can relax. She emphasizes that a house's design influences how its inhabitants feel. Her South African upbringing, which fostered a love for open spaces and an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, influenced her vision for the Welsh home. She envisioned a dwelling where ground-floor rooms opened onto the garden, allowing for an entirely open feel in the summer, reminiscent of a Scottish lodge. Morrison’s journey into interior design was unconventional, lacking formal training. She began by working in property development and then decorating show apartments as a sideline. Her reputation as a decorator grew organically after she meticulously renovated her own home, leading others to seek her expertise. During the renovation of their Welsh home, the Morrisons maintained the essential structure of the house, aside from converting several bedrooms into new bathrooms and raising the central staircase ceiling by five feet. They admired the generously proportioned rooms and the expansive views. Morrison is a proponent of using large furniture pieces and grouping collections to amplify space and maintain visual focus without clutter. Her home showcases this approach, with a diverse array of artifacts and her husband’s art collection, many items sourced from country-house sales. As an avid collector of china, she gradually adorned the rooms and hallways with an eclectic mix. The central staircase walls are notably decorated with stuffed animals in glass boxes, and deer heads and antlers, some from hunts on their estate. The designer developed her own fabric and wallpaper line, which she incorporated into the home by reupholstering soft furnishings like armchairs, sofas, and large ottomans. The library is particularly illustrative of her textile passion, featuring contrasting patterns and vivid hues from her fabric and home accessories line, Irving and Morrison, co-founded with Carolina Irving two years prior. These fabrics, sourced from various international locations such as India, Morocco, and Turkey, are juxtaposed with equestrian paintings, leather-bound books, and a portrait of their son, Ted. Morrison avoids a "matchy look," advocating for a blend of items from different periods to create a lived-in, personalized aesthetic. Outdoor spaces also received significant attention. The Morrisons cultivated box balls and sculptural hedges to define the garden's form and redesigned the walled garden to create an outdoor living area for summer. They enjoy dining outside whenever possible, embracing the late-summer evenings. The transformation of the property reflects Morrison's distinctive style, characterized by offbeat colors, fanciful patterns, and a commitment to comfort and individuality in design. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #WelshCountryHouse #PennyMorrison #TextileDesign #EclecticDecor #HistoricProperty #IndoorOutdoorLiving #FabricPatterns