This Southern Cottage Embraces Timeless Blue Hues!

A blue couch with white piping.
Photography by Michael Hunter, Interior designs by Kristen Nix Interiors

Text by Hannah Nance

In much of interior designer Kristen Nix’s work, you’ll see a variety of wall coverings. From soft, subtle textures to brightly colored patterns, she loves them all. “I feel like nothing changes a space like a wall covering,” she says. So, working with client Erin Donahue Tice was a dream come true, because Erin just so happens to love wall coverings as well.

The exterior of a white cottage.
Photography by Michael Hunter

The two made a dream design team, working together to transform Erin and her husband’s 1936 quintessential cottage. Starting with the formal living room, Kristen opted for a neutral grass cloth wallpaper that brings texture to the room and complements the sisal rug. Considering the room’s small dimensions, Kristen chose a more subdued wall covering so as not to overwhelm the space. She also tweaked the furniture arrangement more than a few times to perfect the narrow space, finally landing on a cozy but comfortable living area that welcomes friends and family.

A living room decorated in blue and white.
Photography by Michael Hunter, Interior designs by Kristen Nix Interiors

Hues of blue can be found throughout the cottage, revealing Erin’s love for the color. The formal living room features patterned blue curtains in addition to a contemporary blue sofa and slipper chairs. The foyer of the home displays a taste of what’s to come with its blue-and-white palm wall covering design.

A bedroom with blue-and-white wallpaper and a sunburst mirror.
Photography by Michael Hunter, Interior designs by Kristen Nix Interiors

Naturally, in the master suite, Erin insisted on blue wallpaper. Balanced with white linens trimmed in royal blue and navy and glittering gold accents, the space is subtly elegant, with a quiet panache that induces relaxation. The classic look continues into the en suite bathroom, with a complementary blue-and-white wall covering. White cabinets with black granite countertops and chrome-finish fixtures are sleek yet traditional, creating a seamless transition between the spaces.

A black-and-white contemporary kitchen.
Photography by Michael Hunter, Interior designs by Kristen Nix Interiors

The family’s kitchen takes a small departure from the other rooms, with a classic color palette of black and white and a ceiling-high backsplash. Erin alternated white cabinets with black countertops for the perimeter of the room, while the large island is painted a sleek black hue and topped with marble counters. Erin’s beloved blue-and-white palette makes an appearance in the form of a traditional chinoiserie ginger jar and Roman shades, while bistro-style barstools and distressed white lanterns bring a hint of warmth to the space.

A kids bedroom decorated in red, white, and blue.
Photography by Michael Hunter, Interior designs by Kristen Nix Interiors

Erin and her husband’s son’s nursery is a favorite space of both the family and Kristen, who notes that it was the most fun to design. Drawing inspiration from a vintage flag that is framed and hung in the space, Kristen went with an Americana theme, adding pops of red to Erin’s beloved blue-and-white color scheme. A star-patterned wallpaper echoes the Stars and Stripes, and a cozy light-blue bed is a snug spot for sleeping.

A red armchair in front of a framed American flag.
Photography by Michael Hunter, Interior designs by Kristen Nix Interiors

After years of residing there, it’s safe to say that Erin put her stamp on her home—in more ways than one. The space is a perfect embodiment of the Tice family: classic, cozy, and ready to welcome friends and family.

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