When designing a living room addition for a family in the Homeland neighborhood of Baltimore, Elizabeth Cross-Beard found the harmony between coastal and traditional styles. “The architecture in that neighborhood has so much soul,” says Cross- Beard, a designer with Jenkins Baer Associates. “We wanted fresh details that were very much kindred with the existing architecture.”
Floor-to-ceiling built-ins, crown molding and stately coffered ceilings pair with elements of nature and whimsy. Hardwood floors throughout the home ground the space, and the ceilings are backed with farmhouse-style bead board. A slatted Lattoog chair combines futuristic design with a driftwood look—and echo the industrial stools at the nearby kitchen island. Indigo ikat and striped pillows add a pop of color and global flare against the custom neutral linen sofa. Even the faux mounted animal heads marry tradition with humor. (Yes, that’s a rodent in the center!)
The family, with roots in Boston and California, needed to expand the home for their two young children and two dogs. “White walls were a non-conversation,” Cross-Beard says. “It just made sense to bring in the natural light and keep the space open, so it feels like a book nook without being claustrophobic.”
The finishing touches? Bookshelf accessories from the famed Jenkins Baer inventory, matching wall sconces, Roman shade window treatments and a design staple Cross-Beard swears by: “fresh flowers, always.”
RESOURCES
Interior Design/Millwork Design
Elizabeth Cross-Beard
Jenkins Baer Associates
jenkinsbaer.com
Architecture
Vincent Greene
vgarchitect.com
Construction
Smithouse Construction
smithouseconstruction.com
Millwork Fabrication
C.L. Dallam, Inc.
cldallaminc.com
Window Treatments
Alexander Blank Fabrics & Design
alexblankfabrics.com
Living Room Rug
Alex Cooper Auctioneers, Inc.
alexcooper.com
Backsplash Tile (in kitchen)
Chesapeake Tile & Marble
ctmarble.net
