Victorian home designer Carrie Raphael's farmhouse marries beauty with function.

The Farmhouse

The charming farmhouse gets extra appeal from the porch's shear curtains, which billow in the breeze.




Carrie and her husband, Charlie, are business partners in their interior design service. "Charlie handles the business end, including marketing and graphic work for "Raphael Designs" and managing the various projects. We work side by side and respect each other — our strengths and opinions."









Textures and Patterns Complement Dining Room

Of the dining room Carrie says, "I love to mix textures and patterns. It gives a piece personality." The Scandinavian tradition of painting floors defines and completes the room.




Vintage Buffet

A vintage buffet holds dinnerware.



Church Window and Pew

A church window and pew capture the Scandinavian style she loves.




Blue Sofa in Living Room

Carrie sees furniture as dress forms and its covering as clothes.




Kitchen

The kitchen gets farmhouse appeal by incorporating from open shelving and scattered antiques, but the crystal chandelier adds an elegant touch.




Floral Slipcover

In typical Carrie style, a slipcover pairs a floral pattern with textural fabric.




Initial Slipcover

Another slipcover marries velvet and organza.




Dress Up Your Chairs in Vintage Linen

New chairs get a customized look when dressed up in vintage linen.




Master Bedroom

The master bedroom, says Carrie, "makes me feel calm."



Bedroom Sitting Area

The bedroom bench is inscribed with the couple's anniversary date.




Girly Room

A built-in recess in Emma's room was made into a homework area. Charlie built the cornice and desk, and Carrie dressed the nook with fabrics. A pink vintage mirror adds depth and light. A new chair livens up the desk. Lucy, the family Shih Tzu, stands guard.






photo credit: Ellen McDermott