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Elegant Simplicity: The Hallmark of Hill House Design

Whether you’re in the midst of a renovation or trying to reconcile your partner’s steadfast attachment to their childhood superhero collection, finding common ground can be tricky. A good interior designer can act as Switzerland, mediating differences and finding creative solutions that satisfy everyone involved. Elegant simplicity is a hallmark of Hill House design, articulated by an unadorned aesthetic that reflects an honest respect for utility and meticulous craftsmanship.

Shaker Kitchens

The symmetrical cabinetry of a shaker kitchen is a perfect canvas for any design style, says Hill House. From traditional farmhouses to modern city pads, a Shaker kitchen will seamlessly integrate with any interior design. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of kitchen finishes, including natural wood and timber and painted white or soft grey. Oak and other solid timber cabinets bring a timeless feel to the space, while paintwork offers a fresh contemporary look.

Contemporary kitchens can also benefit from the flexibility of a Shaker design, with wrap-around solid surface countertops blending seamlessly into the cabinetry to create a sleek, clean-lined aesthetic. Alternatively, light-coloured Shaker doors can be used to frame darker base cabinets for a two-tone kitchen with an eye-catching twist.

A modern Shaker kitchen can include innovative storage options to complete the streamlined look. For example, fridges, washing machines and dishwashers can be built into the units to create a neat finish. Kitchen appliances that can be concealed can also be a good choice to maintain the streamlined aesthetic.

Creating a cosy cottage kitchen is another way to make a Shaker style work in any room, with warm, homely colours and rustic materials. A reclaimed wooden island and exposed brickwork can help to achieve the country-cottage effect, as can a farmhouse sink and vintage accents.

Shaker cabinets can also be dressed up with stylish handle styles to add a personal touch to a cooking space. Cup handles and metal knobs are popular choices, as they provide a timeless look with the ability to complement any kitchen style. Antique brass and antique bronze handles can also be a sophisticated option, thanks to the unique patina that develops over time.

Early Vernacular Architecture

Vernacular architecture is the common language of a particular place, the buildings that have been built there over generations. They are not designed by architects but rather emerge from a combination of locally sourced materials assembled in traditional ways to meet a particular building need. Often these structures are oriented to take advantage of shade patterns and natural ventilation to control humidity, heat and air flow. They embody the local cultural and social norms with an emphasis on function over high style.

Over time, builders tweaked vernacular structures to reflect new technologies and social conditions. They also adapted new styles to fit local tastes. For example, the attap thatched roofs of kampong houses were replaced with hipped or gable roof forms as new construction materials became available. And as the Greek Revival craze of the 1800s took hold, builders modified their homes with semi-circular fanlights and wide frieze boards to make them more compatible with this more formal architectural style.

In the late 19th century, the onset of industrialization and the proliferation of house plan books shifted the dominant style away from vernacular architecture toward a more conventional academic form based on prefabricated lumber components. Yet even as they lost popularity, these simple, practical homes still held a certain allure. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Little Red House at Tanglewood and Herman Melville’s rambling five-bay Georgian in Pittsfield are examples of vernacular cottages that survived the shift. Even today, these simple, functional structures remain an attractive alternative to the hyper-materialism and egotistical pursuits of the modern world. They speak to a deep sense of stewardship, a recognition of the ecological integrity of our Earth and the importance of personal tranquility and community.

Form Follows Function

In design, the maxim “form follows function” has long been a cornerstone of good design. The idea behind it is that a product’s form should be dictated by the way it will be used and the tasks it will perform, rather than by its aesthetic or visual appearance. This is a principle that’s widely credited to a number of different authors, including Carlo Lodoli, Horatio Greenough, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

But, as with all good things, the reality is a bit more nuanced than this simplistic dictum would suggest. For starters, there are some products that simply can’t be reduced to a single optimal form, and that means that they have no other option but to exist in multiple forms. Take screwdrivers, for instance: if they were all reducible to a single optimal shape, their manufacturers might find themselves out of business due to the high cost of production, and their users might find that some screws are better suited for certain jobs than others.

Another example of this nuance is that some objects are designed to be as durable as possible, in order to serve their functions for a long time – think cars, tools, and even food containers. This is done, in part, to help reduce the cost of repair and maintenance, as well as to encourage customers to purchase replacements when they’re ready for a new one.

This same idea of nuance can be seen in the ways in which Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed Hill House. As a modern interpretation of Mediterranean architecture, the building is a unique blend of traditional elements and contemporary design principles. The result is a space that’s beautiful, welcoming, and livable, all in a style that’s both familiar and fresh.

Clean Lines

Clean lines are a visual element that create a sense of order and clarity in your space. Whether in your architectural features, furniture or overall design, clean lines help to minimize visual clutter and focus attention on the most important elements of the room.

When it comes to fashion, clean lines can mean simple silhouettes and minimal accessories. You can also embrace clean lines in your home by maximizing natural light, incorporating airy textures and bringing the outdoors in for a fresh and bright vibe.

Clean Lines is a beautiful universal theme that makes a bold impression with full-width headers and classy color palettes. Its sleek and professional look is perfect for shops, nutritionists, and service businesses. Its minimalistic style and classic color scheme lend themselves to a range of branding opportunities, making it the ideal choice for those looking to make an impact online with a minimal, yet stylish aesthetic.

Natural Light

Embrace the sunshine with our expert tips on bringing natural light into your home this summer. Whether you are looking to maximize your natural light, utilize airy textures, or simply bring the outdoors in, these simple and easy to follow tips will help you create a bright and welcoming space that is perfect for entertaining this summer.

Elegant Simplicity is about living simply – shedding both physical and psychological baggage and prioritizing ecological integrity, social equity, and personal tranquillity and happiness. It’s about a life that is not driven by endless competition and consumption, but by a deep sense of meaning, purpose and community.

Natty is the beer of the Eastern Shore — it’s the cheap shit you drink with your buddies after work on the dock, the can in the tote bag heading to the beach at night, or the case you proudly present to a group of friends at a barbecue. It’s not particularly memorable in taste, but it is in memory — it represents the irrational pride and unabashed simplicity of the Shore.