Inside a Stylish Watercolor Home: Designer Tour

Paul Bates architect living room with beams -Life–and houses–are all about the details. And no one embraces that philosophy better than the Paul Bates Architect and Liz Hand Woods Interiors. From the largest room to the tiniest nook, nothing is overlooked.  Their work combines classic sensibilities with stunning architecture for spaces with purpose, with style and, most important of all, with that certain undefinable something that makes a house feel like a home. Their eye  toward preserving the best of the old while incorporating the new is nothing short of fabulous.  From the stunning color palette to the well-placed accessories, every element is perfection. Step inside of this perfectly styled home in Watercolor, and we think you'll agree!

Paul Bates Architect | Liz Hand Woods Interiors


Life—and houses—are all about the details. No firm illustrates that better than Paul Bates Architect and Liz Hand Woods Interiors. From a great room to the smallest corner, nothing is overlooked. Their work blends timeless sensibilities with purposeful architecture to create spaces that feel refined and comfortable at once.

Beautiful Watercolor Home

– Paul Bates Architect

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STYLING Your Kitchen with Studio McGee - kitchen island, kitchen style, kitchen remodel, white kitchen pendants - perfectly styled home

Studio McGee | Lucy Call Photography

Styling your kitchen with thoughtful design choices creates a space that works beautifully for everyday life and entertaining. Here, classic details and a calm palette combine with layered textures to make the kitchen welcoming and very livable.

– mcgee & co

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beautiful Maren Devine painting would make for a perfectly styled home

Beautiful Art from Maren Devine

– etsy

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Relaxing Bath and Body Products

– anthropologie

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Favorite Weights

– bala

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A Thoughtful Approach to Design

What sets these interiors apart is an attention to proportion, material, and the way people live. Rooms are composed with purpose: seating is arranged for conversation, lighting is layered for mood and function, and storage is integrated so everyday life feels effortless. The designers preserve character where it exists—exposed beams, original moldings, classic proportions—while introducing fresh elements that keep the spaces current and inviting.

Color is used deliberately, often as a unifying thread throughout a home. Calming neutrals are warmed by wood tones and punctuated with carefully chosen accents. Accessories are chosen sparingly but with intention: a sculptural vase, a well-placed lamp, or a single statement artwork can define a room without overwhelming it. The result is an aesthetic that feels curated rather than staged.

Kitchens and baths receive special attention because they are the hubs of daily living. Layouts focus on flow and function while finishes bring personality—timeless tile, artisanal hardware, and inviting work surfaces. Bedrooms and living areas emphasize comfort through layered textiles and furniture relationships that encourage relaxation and connection.

Product Picks and Accents

Small details make a big impact. Original artwork gives depth to a wall and becomes a conversation starter. A selection of calming bath and body products elevates daily rituals. Practical items—like stylish weights or thoughtfully designed kitchen tools—support wellness and daily routines while fitting seamlessly into the home’s overall look.

When you gather pieces for a home, choose quality over quantity. Select a few well-made items that reflect your taste and function for your life. Mix textures—linen, wool, woven natural fibers, and brushed metals—to create visual interest without clutter. This restrained approach produces a layered, comfortable home that feels polished and personal.

More About SUMMER STATE OF MIND

New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey’s Summer State of Mind is a heartfelt coastal story about fresh starts, community, and unexpected family ties. The novel follows Daisy Stevens, a NICU nurse who flees a difficult moment in her career for Cape Carolina, where she meets Mason Thaysden, a high school baseball coach who discovers an abandoned baby. As Daisy grows attached to the child and to the town, secrets surface that test relationships and loyalties.

Mason is wrestling with the aftermath of an injury that changed his path, and the bond formed through caring for the child may offer new purpose. Supporting characters, including a spirited aunt and a circle of close-knit locals, add warmth and humor. The book explores how love, forgiveness, and community can guide people back to where they belong.

For readers who enjoy elevated beach reads with heart, this novel blends emotional stakes, charming small-town life, and a cozy sense of belonging—perfect company for a lazy summer afternoon.

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perfectly styled home

perfectly styled home