Three Stunning House Tours: Beautiful Houses to Be Inspired By

In this post: Are you inspired by a stunning house tour? If you love to get ideas to apply to your own home, you’ll love this selection of beautiful houses!

Who doesn’t love a gorgeous house tour?

Several years ago I chaired a neighborhood fundraiser where the main activity was touring lovely local homes.  The response was extraordinary as it often is with house tours. In fact, they’re among the most well-attended type of function an organization can put together and one of the best ways to get people to come out and participate.

As it turns out, it’s the same way on the blog. Whether I post a link to my own townhouse tour or feature a tour of someone else’s beautiful home, these posts are always among the most popular.

So it should come as no surprise that I’ve decided this is a great thing to share during the lazy days of summer.

Today I have 3 stunning tours to show you, each decorated in a somewhat different style, but all exceedingly gorgeous! Pour a cup of tea, nestle into the couch and join me for these lovely tours!!

A Touch of France in Utah

The first feature is an exquisite French inspired home in Highland, Utah that belongs to blogger Holly Jolley from Home with Holly J.  Holly is a self-described gatherer who loves all things home, from decorating and collecting to hosting and entertaining.

The home’s design borrows both from the Gustavian and French Country genres, with a stone exterior, wonderful detailing, an open floor plan with the perfect flow for entertaining. Holly’s decor is transitional with notes of French influence.  In fact it’s a must see! 

The home originally belonged to well known fashion blogger, Rach Parcell, and was inspired by a french country style home in a nearby neighborhood. The exterior is 100% limestone from Texas with lovely blue trim and impeccable details.

But once you step inside, you really get to appreciate how special this home. From the spacious rooms, to the stunning furnishings, the home is at once expansive yet cozy and welcoming. Be sure to follow the link below to see the rest of the home!

To tour this home click here: A Touch of France in Utah

You can also find Holly on Instagram at @homewithhollyj.

Tips for decorating with Modern French Country style:

• Neutral Base: Start with a neutral color palette of whites, creams, and soft grays.
• Natural Materials: Use natural materials like wood, stone, and linen to create an earthy feel.
• Distressed Finishes: Incorporate distressed finishes on furniture and decor for a lived-in look.
• Antique Finds: Integrate vintage and antique pieces with a rustic charm.
• Open Shelving: Use open shelving in the kitchen to display beautiful dishes and glassware.
• French Doors: Install French doors to let in natural light and provide garden views.
• Exposed Beams: Highlight exposed wooden beams for architectural interest.
• Farmhouse Sink: Use a large farmhouse sink for a classic country kitchen feel.
• Wrought Iron: Add wrought iron elements like chandeliers, bed frames, or hardware.
• Floral Fabrics: Use floral fabrics for curtains, pillows, and upholstery.
• Garden-Inspired Decor: Incorporate garden-inspired decor such as potted plants and botanical prints.
• Comfortable Seating: Choose comfortable, overstuffed furniture pieces.
• Lightweight Linens: Use lightweight linens for a casual, airy feel.
• Vintage Rugs: Place vintage or distressed rugs to add warmth and texture.
• Fireplace Focal Point: Make the fireplace a cozy focal point in the living room.
• Whitewashed Furniture: Incorporate whitewashed furniture for a fresh, clean look.
• Soft Lighting: Use soft lighting with table lamps, wall sconces, and candles.
• Rustic Accessories: Add rustic accessories like wooden trays, baskets, and ceramic pitchers.
• Personal Touches: Display personal touches like family photos in simple, elegant frames.
• Casual Dining: Create a casual dining area with a rustic wooden table and mismatched chairs.

SoGlam Transitional Gem

Next up on the tour is an enchanting home that belongs to the wonderfully talented Jen from Decor Gold Designs. Jen is passionate about interior design and it shows through in every room of her elegant home.

Her style is a delightful mix of transitional, if not modern, with a generous underpinning of southern glam. Hints of traditional speak to classic influences, yet everything is updated in the most captivating way.

Jen has a flair for ‘all things pretty’ and this is apparent everywhere you look in the home. You’ll find sleek yet comfortable furnishings and posh decor accents, with warmth added by touches of gold. At the same time, elegance multiplied by plenty of glimmer, and all is balanced by a generous underpinning of white. Click below to take the tour.

See Jen’s home at this link: Transitional Gem with a Twist of Southern Glam

You’ll also find Jen on Instagram at @decorgold

Tips for decorating with Modern Glam style:

• Bold Color Scheme: Incorporate bold colors like deep blues, rich purples, and luxurious golds.
• Glossy Finishes: Use high-gloss finishes on furniture and accents to reflect light and add shine.
• Velvet Upholstery: Choose velvet upholstery for sofas and chairs to create a luxurious, tactile feel.
• Metallic Accents: Integrate metallic accents in gold, silver, or rose gold for a touch of opulence.
• Crystal Decor: Add crystal decor items such as chandeliers, vases, and candle holders for sparkle.
• Geometric Patterns: Use bold geometric patterns on rugs, cushions, and wallpaper for a modern edge.
• Statement Lighting: Choose oversized or uniquely designed light fixtures to make a bold statement.
• Mirrored Furniture: Incorporate mirrored furniture pieces like side tables and dressers to add glamour and make the space feel larger.
• Fur Throws: Drape faux fur throws over sofas and beds for a touch of glam luxury.
• Bold Artwork: Hang large, eye-catching artwork that complements the color scheme and adds visual interest.
• Lucite Furniture: Use Lucite or acrylic furniture to add a modern, transparent element to the decor.
• Glamorous Hardware: Update hardware on cabinets and furniture with crystal or metallic knobs and pulls.
• Luxe Bedding: Choose high-quality, luxurious bedding with a touch of sheen for the bedroom.
• Statement Wallpaper: Consider a statement wallpaper in a bold print or metallic finish for an accent wall.
• Dramatic Curtains: Hang dramatic, floor-to-ceiling curtains in rich fabrics like velvet or silk.
• Chic Bar Cart: Add a chic bar cart with elegant glassware and decorative bottles to enhance the glam factor.
• Gilded Frames: Use gilded frames for mirrors and artwork to add a touch of luxury.
• Reflective Surfaces: Incorporate reflective surfaces like glass and polished metals throughout the space.
• Plush Area Rugs: Place plush area rugs in key areas to add warmth and sophistication.
• Sleek Silhouettes: Choose furniture with sleek, streamlined silhouettes for a modern and glamorous look.

European Dream in New Orleans

The final tour this week is the breathtaking New Orleans home of designer Tara Shaw, showcasing the talents she’s honed through her antiques and interiors business. The stately home reflects her taste in European design, with its magnificent accents and mix of ease and grandeur.

The serene palette is a layering of neutral tones, while the furnishings comfortably marry antiques with reproductions. It is at once sumptuous and classical, spectacular and charming.

Tara has brought a taste of her beloved Europe to this magnificent home in New Orleans’s Uptown District. It’s a true feast for the eyes scanning the individual rooms, one more stunning than the next. The style is equal parts grand and relaxed, something she perceives as modern chic.

Please tour Tara’s home here: European Dream in New Orleans

You can check out Tara’s book here: Soul of the Home

Find Tara on Instagram at @tarashawdesign.

Tips for Decorating with European Antiques

• Contrasting Palette: Use a strong but neutral color palette with pops of black and metallics along with lots of cream and white.
• Luxurious Fabrics: Incorporate luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, and brocade.
• Gilded Accents: Add gilded accents on mirrors, frames, and furniture details.
• Antique Centerpieces: Use antique furniture pieces as focal points in each room.
• Modern Art: Introduce modern art pieces to create contrast and visual interest.
• Crystal Chandeliers: Hang crystal chandeliers for a touch of opulence.
• Ornate Moldings: Enhance walls with ornate moldings and trim.
• Mixed Metals: Mix metals like brass, silver, and gold for a sophisticated look.
• Statement Furniture: Choose statement furniture pieces with both modern and antique elements.
• Marble Surfaces: Use marble for countertops, tabletops, and accessories.
• Classic Patterns: Integrate classic patterns like damask, paisley, and stripes.
• Elegant Drapery: Hang elegant, floor-length drapery in rich fabrics.
• Fine Antiques: Incorporate fine antiques such as an 18th-century armoire or a Louis XVI chair.
• Minimal Clutter: Keep spaces uncluttered to let the beauty of each piece stand out.
• Sculptural Decor: Use sculptural decor items like busts, vases, and art pieces.
• Layered Lighting: Use layered lighting with chandeliers, sconces, and table lamps.
• Modern Upholstery: Reupholster antique chairs and sofas in modern fabrics.
• Artful Arrangements: Create artful arrangements of books, vases, and decor on tables and shelves.
• Elegant Mirrors: Hang large, elegant mirrors to reflect light and add depth.
• Sophisticated Accessories: Use sophisticated accessories like silver trays, crystal decanters, and fine china.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s tours!  It’s a pleasure to find inspiration in the creative work of others. I’ll be back in the coming weeks to share another truly special home that I know you’ll enjoy, as well!