How a Thoughtful Color Palette Revived a 1921 Craftsman Home
Interior designer Anne McDonald has transformed her 1921 Craftsman home in Linden Hills with a thoughtful use of colour. The three-bedroom, two-bath property now balances its original architecture with a rich, layered palette tailored to her family’s needs.
McDonald focused on cosmetic updates rather than major renovations. Her approach rebalanced the home’s existing features while honouring its Craftsman roots.
The 2,300-square-foot house now showcases a carefully chosen colour scheme. Candlelit cream, youthful blue, spring green, dusty blush, blackened emerald, and deep oxblood create a cohesive yet dynamic flow.
The dining room stands out with Zak + Fox floral wallpaper. Its trim is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Calamine, a cooler blush with a hint of lavender. This shade complements the adjacent living room, where the trim is coated in Portola Paints’ Hyde Park, a deep green inspired by the wallpaper. The kitchen, one of McDonald’s early projects, remains bright and airy. Walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Dimity, a warm white with yellow undertones. White Calacatta Monet marble counters and factory-made cabinetry keep the space clean and timeless. Upstairs, the primary suite features layers of blush, including Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster. A custom mohair rug, vintage nightstands, and a bespoke bed add warmth and texture. The bathroom, once a confusing mix of early 2000s renovations, now aligns with the home’s refined aesthetic. McDonald’s design philosophy centres on colour as a sensory framework. She considers a home’s history, light, and the way people live in it to create spaces that feel both intentional and inviting.
The project demonstrates how colour and careful detailing can refresh a historic home. McDonald’s updates preserved the Craftsman character while making the space more functional for daily life. The result is a home that feels both rooted in its past and perfectly suited to its present.
