Although we have decided to stay in our little cottage for a while longer, I am still collecting images to use for inspiration for either the re-decorating of our existing home or the building of a new home.
After I did the first post of inspirational images here, several of you were surprised that I didn't include any of the work by McAlpine, Booth and Ferrier. There actually is one of their projects in particular that is in my file.
This home that was featured in Veranda magazine has some beautiful elements that I would love to incorporate into our home. The simple white draperies, the glowing plaster walls and the color of these beautiful floors are dreamy. I would like to have tall enough ceilings to do windows like these.
An elegant stairway with an uncomplicated iron railing would be a must. I like how the stairway appears to float in the space. The addition of the wood ceiling and the classical architectural details (like the columns) adds warmth to the room.
The outside of this home appealed to me as well. I am intrigued by the fact that it feels more contemporary and yet the gorgeous wood roof gives it an old world sensibility. If this is your first introduction to the talent of McAlpine, Booth, and Ferrier a visit to their website is a must!
If I were to build a new home, I would love to incorporate Mr. McAlpine's design with some of these...
I'd like to have acid washed plaster walls on the exterior with gravel paths and topiaries in antique pots. Vines growing on our home are a must.
I'd like to create a walled in outdoor dining space just outside of our dining room with rose vines growing all around us.
I still can't decide whether to go more Mediterranean on the exterior, like this image from Shawn's beautiful Country French Antiques (an amazing blog that has given me so much inspiration)...
or more English, like this home I saw in my latest issue of English Homes...
I do like the idea of having a home that looks like a well proportioned English country home. A nice tall wood roof, stone walls, and a lot of windows and chimneys.
Perhaps I don't need the expense of stone walls and could do plaster...
since I would cover my home with Wisteria and Rose vines....
Oh yes, a wild English garden is a must.
I have no doubt that the interiors would be inspired by Axel Vervoordt as well...
The introduction of some industrial elements would be fresh and surprising inside of my little English farmhouse....
I'd do a restful bed, like this one designed by Mr. Vervoordt. Only white linens, please....
I know all the realtors would tell me not to do this, but I really would like my bathtub in my bedroom. Perhaps it would be ok, if it was as beautiful as this one!
I would insist on using aged paneling on a couple of the walls...
I would also have to use some details from one of my favorite books, Building with Reclaimed Materials from Beta Plus.
I'm still thinking about using concrete floors, at least in some areas of the home.
This stairway feels good to me. Rustic yet contemporary.
The cabinetry in the kitchen would be similar to these cabinets. The color of the white oak is perfect. I also like the idea of the cabinets feeling like paneling that is cut into smaller drawers. The miniscule knobs add a lightness to the design.
The refined paneled cabinets look lovely paired with a more rustic stone top.
I would prefer to use old armoires and furniture pieces instead of having cabinets rap around the kitchen.
This is the perfect stone mantle on a fantastic white oak paneled wall.
Yes, I would have to do this somewhere in the house. Perhaps in the library/dining room?
So, my question to you is this: Can I incorporate these ideas into my existing home?
I already have my little English garden. It has really exploded this Spring!
I'd love to hear your ideas! Am I crazy? Ok, I already know the answer to that question. Perhaps I should ask you, do you think it can be done, or should I just wait until we move?
xo
Brooke
