James Farmer modernized this historic 1845 estate in Oak Bowery, Alabama, while paying homage to its original architecture and intended design style. Designing for a family with two children meant much of the home needed to be updated to suit today’s needs. James worked with architect Norman Askins to bring this home up-to-date and create a seamless design that blends the old with the new.

When James set out to design this home, maintaining its history was the inspiration and driving force behind the exterior and interior design. He decided to leave the original architecture intact and built an addition for the more contemporary rooms, including the bathrooms and kitchen. The interior incorporates bold colors and patterns, creating a look that is 21st century traditional. "Older homes were full of color and pattern," James explains. "We let the roots of the home shine through, while giving it an updated feel for this young family.”

Restoring the home to its original grandeur meant scraping back years' worth of plaster and paint, which uncovered the beautiful pine paneling seen in the family room. James decided to accent this hue with aqua and green patinas, and incorporate a landscape painting by Millie Gosch over the fireplace. This former parlor space has now been reimagined to fit the needs of a modern family and James says, “we were able to rewrite a story that can be told hopefully for the next century.”

James is able to combine patterns and textures in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming, but instead perfectly curated. To execute this look in your own home, he says, “start from the floor up.” If you are working with a neutral base, like hardwood floors or a rug, you already have the beginnings of pattern and texture. “Layers, colors and textures don’t always have to be bold and vibrant! It can be like a painting: subtle layers upon layers create the effect,” he explains.

While he advises starting your design from the floor, he also says not to forget the ceiling. “So much emphasis is put on floors and walls, but a ceiling can really be a detail that makes or breaks a room. Whether it's color, texture or architectural detail, be sure to keep the ceiling in mind.”

Each space in this home feels cheerful and inviting, and is a beautiful example of traditional style. It feels like there is something new to see each time you enter a room, creating an astonishing, well-executed design that leaves us wanting more.