Striking a thoughtful balance between tradition and contemporary design, this beautiful home leans into classic proportions while embracing modern comforts. Neutral tones provide a calm, cohesive backdrop throughout, punctuated by well-placed bursts of color that lend energy without overwhelming the serene palette. From the street, the house reads as timeless: a terracotta-tiled roof and traditional architectural details give it a sense of history, while bluish-gray window shutters and generously sized windows visually connect the exterior and interior, flooding rooms with natural light. Tailored draperies in each space introduce pattern and color, bringing warmth and contrast to predominantly white interiors.
Designed by Lissa Lee Hickman, the renovation elevates the house with carefully considered touches that introduce a subtle sense of luxury while honoring the home’s original character. The approach is restrained and polished: materials and finishes are chosen to feel timeless rather than trend-driven. Central to the redesign is a reimagined kitchen and dining area that become the social and functional heart of the home, allowing for easy flow between cooking, dining, and relaxed living.
The color story remains consistent from living areas into the kitchen: crisp whites and soft neutrals form the foundation, while blue accents bring character and gray tones add subtle contrast. In the living room, blue elements create focal points that draw the eye, while the kitchen uses shades of gray to emphasize cabinetry and architectural details. Thoughtful layering—textiles, window treatments, and carefully chosen furniture—keeps the spaces feeling warm and inviting.
Outdoor living is integrated seamlessly into the overall plan. A comfortable poolside deck and adjacent pool house offer areas for relaxation and entertaining, extending the home’s living footprint beyond the interior walls. Landscaping and exterior finishes echo the same restrained palette used inside, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic from front façade to backyard retreat.
Inside the bedrooms and private spaces, the design favors balance and calm. Mirrors and symmetrical arrangements add a sense of order, while textiles and lighting introduce softness. The result is a series of rooms that feel restful and refined—each thoughtfully composed to support daily life without excess.
Small decorative choices—like blue bar stools at the kitchen island—play a big role in defining the home’s personality. These accents echo the blue tones used elsewhere, creating a sense of continuity. Meanwhile, practical design decisions such as ample storage, generous counter space, and purposeful lighting ensure the house functions as well as it looks.
“A well-designed home should be equal parts beauty, functionality, and comfort. In achieving this result, my first and most important aspect of the creative process begins with actively listening to the client’s needs. My goal is to design timeless spaces that respect not only the architectural character of the home but also the client’s taste…”
Overall, the renovation demonstrates how classic architecture and contemporary living can coexist beautifully. By prioritizing quality materials, a consistent color scheme, and thoughtful details, the design creates a home that feels both elegant and livable—one where historic charm and modern convenience support one another to produce a cohesive, inviting residence.