The aim was to restore this room to its Victorian era splendor including custom wood panel wainscoting, and original cove ceilings. Focal lighting from Restoration Hardware. Wallpaper is hand printed and installed from Printsburgh. Photo: Christopher Stark

The Laurel was a project that required a rigorous lesson in southern architectural vernacular. The site being located in the hot climate of the Carolina shoreline, the client was eager to capture cross breezes and utilize outdoor entertainment spaces. The home was designed with three covered porches, one partially covered courtyard, and one screened porch, all accessed by way of French doors and extra tall double-hung windows. The open main level floor plan centers on common livings spaces, while still leaving room for a luxurious master suite. The upstairs loft includes two individual bed and bath suites, providing ample room for guests. Native materials were used in construction, including a metal roof and local timber.

Joyelle West
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Photography by Richard Mandelkorn
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Lake Front Country Estate Dining, designed by Tom Markalunas, built by Resort Custom Homes. Photogrpahy by Rachael Boling
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Warm farmhouse kitchen nestled in the suburbs has a welcoming feel, with soft repose gray cabinets, two islands for prepping and entertaining and warm wood contrasts.

Dining room nook featured by Cottage Journal - styling by March + May Designs
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Arthur Rutenberg Homes - http://arhomes.us/Castellina109
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Youthful tradition for a bustling young family. Refined and elegant, deliberate and thoughtful — with outdoor living fun.
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This 1902 San Antonio home was beautiful both inside and out, except for the kitchen, which was dark and dated. The original kitchen layout consisted of a breakfast room and a small kitchen separated by a wall. There was also a very small screened in porch off of the kitchen. The homeowners dreamed of a light and bright new kitchen and that would accommodate a 48" gas range, built in refrigerator, an island and a walk in pantry. At first, it seemed almost impossible, but with a little imagination, we were able to give them every item on their wish list. We took down the wall separating the breakfast and kitchen areas, recessed the new Subzero refrigerator under the stairs, and turned the tiny screened porch into a walk in pantry with a gorgeous blue and white tile floor. The french doors in the breakfast area were replaced with a single transom door to mirror the door to the pantry. The new transoms make quite a statement on either side of the 48" Wolf range set against a marble tile wall. A lovely banquette area was created where the old breakfast table once was and is now graced by a lovely beaded chandelier. Pillows in shades of blue and white and a custom walnut table complete the cozy nook. The soapstone island with a walnut butcher block seating area adds warmth and character to the space. The navy barstools with chrome nailhead trim echo the design of the transoms and repeat the navy and chrome detailing on the custom range hood. A 42" Shaws farmhouse sink completes the kitchen work triangle. Off of the kitchen, the small hallway to the dining room got a facelift, as well. We added a decorative china cabinet and mirrored doors to the homeowner's storage closet to provide light and character to the passageway. After the project was completed, the homeowners told us that "this kitchen was the one that our historic house was always meant to have." There is no greater reward for what we do than that.

Formal dining room: This light-drenched dining room in suburban New Jersery was transformed into a serene and comfortable space, with both luxurious elements and livability for families. Moody grasscloth wallpaper lines the entire room above the wainscoting and two aged brass lantern pendants line up with the tall windows. We added linen drapery for softness with stylish wood cube finials to coordinate with the wood of the farmhouse table and chairs. We chose a distressed wood dining table with a soft texture to will hide blemishes over time, as this is a family-family space. We kept the space neutral in tone to both allow for vibrant tablescapes during large family gatherings, and to let the many textures create visual depth. Photo Credit: Erin Coren, Curated Nest Interiors

Two rooms with three doors were merged to make one large kitchen. Architecture by Gisela Schmoll Architect PC Interior Design by JL Interior Design Photography by Thomas Kuoh Engineering by Framework Engineering

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Pond House dining room highlighting the Craftsman room separator with built-in cabinets Gridley Graves
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The 2021 Southern Living Idea House is inspiring on multiple levels—from the stunning location in Louisville, Kentucky overlooking the Ohio river, to the design-driven home that marries European countryside vibes with a timeless aesthetic. Dubbed the “forever home,” the concept was to design for all stages of life, with thoughtful spaces that meet the ever-evolving needs of families today. The 5,545-square-foot, Colonial Greek Revival Cottage-style home is located in The Breakers at Prospect community and is the collective effort of many. While it may have formerly been a trend to embrace open layout living spaces, following the pandemic families are seeking spaces in the home that feel separated, to allow for privacy. Rooms with clear intentions allow more options for areas in which to spend time, depending on your mood, and this home perfectly balances livable and lively ideas. Marvin products were chosen for this project to maximize the use of natural light, allow airflow from outdoors to indoors, and provide expansive views that overlook the Ohio River. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Awaken Skylight Marvin Ultimate Casement Window Marvin Ultimate Double Hung G2 Window Marvin Ultimate Picture Window Marvin Ultimate Direct Glaze Round Top Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door G2 BUILDER: Jason Black and Jimmy King of Artisan Signature Homes ARCHITECT: Brandon Ingram of C. Brandon Ingram Design INTERIOR DESIGNER: Sarah Bartholomew, Sarah Bartholomew Design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Josh Myers of Myers & Co. Landscape Architecture PHOTOGRAPHY: Laurey W. Glenn, Marta Xochilt Perez, and Kriech-Higdon Photography for Southern Living

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