Recently I was introduced to designer Matthew Carter‘s work via Pinterest, and my heart skipped a beat. Intrigued to learn more, I visited Matthew’s website and fell head over heels for his traditional, southern style.

Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Matthew is known for breathing new life into antiques and heirlooms, and for designing houses and spaces that respect history but feel fresh and relevant for today. In 2005, he was named among House Beautiful’s “America’s Top Young Designers.” More recently, his work has appeared in books such as Fortuny Interiors by Brian Coleman, Linens: For Every Room and Occasion by Jane Scott Hodges, Kentucky: Historic Houses and Horse Farms of Bluegrass Country by Pieter Estersohn, and publications such as Keeneland Magazine, C Magazine, and House Beautiful.

Let’s take a tour of a beautiful home he designed in Ashland Park, a historic early 20th century neighborhood in Lexington, Kentucky.

Isn’t this home divine? And it is complete with so many of my favorite things… hand painted Chinoiserie wallpaper, chintz, antiques, pinks, greens, and blue and white. It is elegant and traditional, yet warm, cozy, and inviting. This beautiful, classically designed home will stand the test of time.

To learn more about Matthew Carter, please visit his website and follow him on Instagram. While based in Kentucky, his work can be found in Napa Valley, Vail, Washington D.C., Palm Beach, and Lyford Cay, Bahamas.