Farmhouse Style? A Surprising Classic!

Running across this on Instagram last week totally shifted all my plans for posts; I was even going to wait to post this and tease it a little, but it's just too exciting!

Because it's totally gorgeous, but also because it's in Albemarle County. I went to design school in Virginia, practically next door to Albemarle County, and fell in love with the Blue Ridge, the rich history, and of course, the design heritage.

Designer Barry Dixon has excellently preserved the stately nature of Virginia colonial farmhouses in this home, all while refreshing its comfortable warmth. Can't you imagine curling up on the sofa with a great book, lighting courtesy of a generous fire and spool lamp?

I'm loving the combination of the exquisite and the provencial- the soft, hand-painted paneling with a luxurious sheen, a grandmotherly quilt versus the delicate embroidery in the pillows, the grasscloth ceiling to set it all off...

I couldn't get enough, and explored more of Barry's Virginia projects-

One of my favorite images, I was transported; this entry is simultaneously familiar and palatial. The clients requested Craftsman attention to detail, and the evidence- turret-like newel posts- are softened by the objects they surround. I also have a current "thing" for campaign furniture (made portable for military campaigns of the past; I'll have to write a whole other post on it!), so I'm absolutely loving the chair.

See what I mean? Definite castle vibes, and who ever said grey wasn't a classic? Don't miss the visual texture in the wall finish! (The empire shades on the urn lamps remind me of little hats, and it makes me smile! We always tell clients if you "see" something in a pattern, you'll never un-see it, and I'm finding it too true now!)

Another thing I love about Barry's style is his willingness to use classic silhouettes mixed with modern complements. The cube ottoman still look snugly at home next to the English arms of the sofa and the waterfall skirt of the chair on the left. And the apples perched on top provide a sense of life to the unexpectedly cheery seating area.

We can't miss the detail shots- the convex federal mirror reflects another member of the family, and the panelized mural reminds me of the painted walls in some of the restored homes we toured in design school. And the framed monk's checking out the sweet little lamp finial; the stone looks as if it has a beautiful iridescence when the light is on.

Barry has a talent for refreshing classic colors, and he's done it again with the provincial finishes; the antique maracas and rattan water jugs on the mantle are perfect examples. You can kinda see the radial mirror-backed sconce that (I assume) flank the mantle.

Speaking of the mantle, the colonial millwork (Georgian, for the non-Americans) seems to be heading the Federal direction as well, as it's a little more decorative than the architecture of the rest of the house. (I won't bore you with the distinctions, so let me know in the comments if you'd actually like to read more about them, and maybe I'll write a dedicated post about the historic styles!)

Another lovely fireplace (always photographed with fire crackling!), though I had to show this photo for the softness created by the drapery around the entire room! I also love the unique art placment; the piece next to the mantle creates a cozy vignette, and is perfect viewing height for resting by the fire.

After this many gorgeous fireplaces, I'm going to have to attempt to warm up by my own (less stunning) one! Hope you're all keeping warm this week!

#interiors #classic #design #colonial #traditional #inspiration