Anyone who has experienced the challenge of decorating a home with 8-foot ceilings (or lower!) knows things can quickly become claustrophobic. One way to give the illusion of height is by keeping the palette light and bright, as designer Sara Hillery did for a young couple starting their life together. Located in Richmond, Virginia, their 100-year-old Cape Cod boasts a classic aesthetic, yet presented spatial challenges with its low ceilings and traditional dormer windows. The owners also wanted to create a calming environment. So Sara brought the outdoors in by focusing on hues of blue and green along with hydrangea-inspired lavender and pink accents, the wife’s favorite flower. The result is an airy and soothing sanctuary that feels spacious and inviting.

“If you can break down the physical barriers and unite the inside and the outside, that creates a more relaxing environment,” Sara said. “The lighter colors don’t compete with what’s outside, and it mitigates that barrier. It feels like it all flows.”

Let’s take a look inside with photography by Gordon Gregory.

Such a darling home, perfect for a new family!

“Design always evolves,” said Sara. “We wanted to make it very fluid and flexible for them as they started their life together. We wanted it to grow with them. The whole house was built with flexibility in mind,” she says, “with family-friendly, durable fabrics and colorful patterns.”

To learn more, along with sourcing, please visit Richmond Magazine. You can also see more of Sara’s work by visiting Sara Hillery Interior Design, and follow @sarahilleryinteriordesign on Instagram for ongoing inspiration. Please click here to read Sara’s Style Profile interview with The Glam Pad!