As I'm saving inspiration images for our upcoming modern colonial home, I'm noticing a few differences from the modern cottage look we've been working towards in this house and a lot of similarities too. Keep in mind that inspiration photos can be inspiration for color, textures, or a feel. None of it means "this is what the living room is going to look like," it's more of a general vibe.
Our modern cottage feel was accomplished through incorporating rustic wood elements (think: beams in the living room, the canopy bed in our bedroom and even our super matte wood floors) and stonework both in and out of the house. Layering in different patterns and textures was also key to creating cozy little spaces and moments throughout the house. Pattern and texture and wallpaper isn't going anywhere in my life, but let's get into what inspiration for our home modern colonial.
In our new home you'll notice there will be a lot trim work. We didn't have any crown moulding in this house because it felt like it needed more simplicity, but get ready for some stacks on stacks. I'm talking layered moulding...everywhere. The house already has a lot of trim work and we're excited to add more!
I am also excited to incorporate more traditional furniture shapes as well (peek the two armchairs in the photos above).
Below, I've been eager to have more fun with tile! All of our bathrooms will have tile floors and all of them need updated. I can't wait!
Rich, warm wood tones are singing to me. Even the wood on wood on wood look mixed with mid-tone paint colors. (I'm kind of over the super dark and super light only paint colors look)
Obviously wallpaper isn't going anywhere! I have loved this bedroom for so long–the spindled bed frame, the classic-shaped nightstand, the warm wood tone in the chair and the smaller scaled wallpaper is sweet as can be.
Below, more mid-tone paint inspiration! I'm excited to have fun with our kitchen--we're spilling some exciting news about that in our newsletter tonight! (Subscribe here if you haven't)
I am still dreaming of where we can install a beautiful scenic wall mural? I think there's something so traditional about displaying gorgeous artwork from floor to ceiling. Also note the stair runner, curved railing, and white window shutters.
We have high hopes for the next house and truly can't wait to get there, but we're remembering that this is not going to happen overnight. It's going to take some time to acquire furniture and curate decor, but this is the direction we are heading towards. Chris and I actually fly to Raleigh tomorrow to select a stain color for our white oak floors so stay tuned!
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ME: I know that Team CLJ need time to move, settle in, get kids settled, unpack a little, figure out where grocery stores are, etc. This is a big move for the company and they need TIME.
ALSO ME: OMG, why aren't they posting every reno shot possible?? I need it like a junkie needs a fix!
But seriously, y'all - as someone who also just sold her home and is moving this week, I wish you all a smooth transition to your new headquarters. I've loved watching the unfolding of this journey and wish only blessings for all of you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to finish up packing! :-)
I have never been that enamored with the all white everything style. I like color & even living in grey Seattle love a good deep, moody accent wall. I also love a funky, unmatched look with different shapes, textures & lines all living in harmony. While the exterior of the new house is very traditional & formal looking, I’m thinking that you’ll be doing some unexpected & unique designs mixed with some more traditional elements. Something warm & inviting & actually lived in& less stiff, formal & the feeling of look but don’t sit here.. Very interested in seeing the evolution of the new space.
I hope Jessica Helgerson's trim work, especially her most recent crowns, are on your radar. Lovely blend of traditional and modern. An extended cove moulding would fit this house perfectly. Best wishes!
I’ve been wondering what you would do with all the slatted shutters! I love the look of the inspo shudders though.
I cannot WAIT to watch the design and decor unfold in your new home! I have absolutely loved watching the evolution of your Idaho home and have gotten SO much inspiration. My personal interiors style does err a bit more in the traditional/east coast direction though, so this post is music to my eyes?? Haha! I know I’m going to get so many ideas from your future projects. Can’t wait!
I always love everything you do...but that first wingback chair looks like and elephant mated with a T-rex and the resulting baby was wrapped in plaid. 😂 Of course, in your home, it will probably look amazing! Thanks for sharing it all. -Love following your journey.
I’m a newer follower and have absolutely loved your modern cottage and look forward to your vision for your new home. Though I have enjoyed the simplicity and clean look of white in decor, color speaks to me and seeing it come back in decor with a classic but modern twist is super exciting! I’m here for all of it!
If you were to change the main wall paint color would you choose Alabaster again? Or would you go with something else?
100%. I have loved it for this home!
Thank you! :) I'm picking a white paint color for my new house and I'm leaning towards Alabaster or Greek Villa and our style is modern colonial. I can't wait to see what you do to your new house!!!! So exciting! (and sad, I get it, moving is hard). Hugs.
These inspiration photos are lovely! I am excited to follow along on the journey of your new house. Living on the east coast, I think this style will be more in line with what works for my home, so I can't wait to get some ideas and continue to be inspired.
I am so excited to watch the blossoming of the Raleigh house under your inspired hands! Southern traditional style is lacking on Pinterest and IG posts, and I hope to find ways to borrow from your style for the Southern Traditional home we are currently renovating! Can’t wait!
This is so true! Especially if you love stained wood trim, other than Heidi Callier, it’s next to impossible to find inspiration on IG or Pinterest. Mostly I get California/Scandi style or a New England style that’s very antique oriented. Shoot even Southern Living seems to embrace be achy homes.
I look forward to see the direction Julia heads in this new home.
You might want to try looking at British home mags for more traditional inspiration. Period Living, Country Living UK, House and Garden UK, and Living Etc are all pretty excellent for traditional bones/trim with modern twists. I basically just skip the US home design mags anymore and stick with the British or Canadian ones.
I'm so excited to see this shift in style. I have struggled so long to find inspiration that felt similar to the style I've always desired. I was never into the light and bright and I'm just so excited to see what you guys do next.
My traditional loving heart is so happy with all this inspo, I'm loving this direction.
I have subscribed to the newsletter several times and have never received it. I don’t know what is going wrong. I’ve checked my spam folders and it isn’t there.
Pam, I'll manually add your email address if it's the one here!
me too! I've tried re-subscribing again today. (same email address).
I have also subscribed multiple tunes, but do not receive your love letter.
Oh, this is going to be such a fun journey for us readers. I may not adore every choice, but again, it's not my house, it's yours.
There will be plans and delays and change in plans and in the end, you'll create something very personal for your family.
I'm here for the ride.