What makes those American homes so darn beautiful?
Builder: Leo Thieneman & Sons LLC
I’m super excited to share with you this week a collection of beautiful homes from the USA. I hope they fill you with inspiration and give you the boldness to think outside the box and make your homes ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!
It’s always a special treat to head back to my 2nd home, America, and we just spent 6 weeks there. While in Kentucky, my hubby’s hometown, it just happened to coincide with the annual “Homearama” where 10 builders showcase their premium homes they’ve been constructing all year long – all in the same street – and the public are invited to tour. It was amazing!!!
The American style has such a classic beauty and warmth. When compared with our Australian style, where do I think these American homes really excel?
Exterior elevations – American architecture has so much history that even when modernised they just ooze character.
Kitchen design – the beautiful shaker style and attention to detail, planned for max. convenience.
Trimwork – or as we would say, Finishing Carpentry – think mouldings, skirtings, panelling – any timber trims.
Colour and pattern!! Americans like colour in their homes and aren’t afraid to go bold!
I’ve selected 5 of the 10 homes to share with you – but I don’t include floor plans. The American style of building with basements makes their layouts a little irrelevant for most of us.
Also... layouts are one of the areas I think Australian design really excels. Because their parcels of land are so much bigger than ours, their planning isn’t always as thoughtful. Rooms can feel too big and not suited to purpose and overall layouts can feel like a lot of boxes shoved together without enough thought for transitioning from one space to another.
Lastly - there’s so many pics to share, I’m focusing on the highlights. If I haven’t shared a particular room here it’s because I think another home did it better.
OK let’s get started!!
THE WILLOW
Credit: Homearama - Building Industry Assoc. of Greater Louisville
Builder: Leo Thieneman & Sons LLC
Interiors: Set The Stage Interior Design & Home Decor
Area: 538m2 (including basement)
The Willow was one of my favourite exteriors - I’m a sucker for inky blues (as you probably already know!!). It’s a classic design borrowing from many styles - from Colonial to Greek Revival. I love the exterior colour scheme - the stylish contrast between light and dark and those 3 sets of (almost) black french doors along the front porch are swoon worthy!
You walk straight into double height space with 6 metre high ceilings. While I always love a separate entry zone, the front porch can provide this “in-between” space on American homes. This pulling back of the 2nd floor was very common and really creates a jaw dropping experience.
The above pics show some of the high quality trimwork that’s possible when you’ve got trades well experienced building in timber frame. Oh BTW - their cornices are always timber! This staircase is beautiful - love the paired pack style with just the right classic/modern combo. Check out that fireplace!!
Those amazing pendants really set the kitchen off and cabinets up to the ceiling were super grand. The design included a double island, but I would have made one change - take the large sink off the front island and keep it as a 2nd seating area only - the huge pull-out mixer was a little “in your face”.
The counter tops are a beautiful Quartzite natural stone - I loved this! American kitchens are typically solid timber so check out this stunning reeded door profile above - attention to detail!
Beautiful shaker cabinets, everything integrated and this sweet basin zone on the right is the scullery - the perfect spot to have some fun with colour and pattern.
A luxurious powder room to spoil your guests.
A luxurious walk in robe to spoil yourself!
And last but certainly not least - is this adorable doggy shower. While this may seem a bit “over the top” in true American style - I think it’s a fantastic idea - what ever budget you’re on. The hassles and smells (!!) this would save me are priceless. Next house - I’m putting one of these in! And yes - just another opportunity to have to have some fun!!
I really enjoyed putting this tour together for y’all (lol) and hope you got some great inspo - stay tuned for the rest of this week - I have some real beauties coming up.
Also, I’d love to get your comments on Insta, Facebook or right here in the comments below - share what you loved or what you’ld do differently (please always comment in a kind way as an amazing design team worked hard to make this beautiful home possible).
LINDA XO
Perth Interior Designer
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