Holiday | Page 21

“It was a builder spec home,” designer Sarah Macklem says of her two-storey home. She and her husband Mike, a commercial banker, fell in love with the house’s buttery yellow Cape Cod style. Since they bought the home in 2003 Sarah and Mike have added custom touches and upgrades to the interior. “Our goal was to pack charm and character into each space while maintaining a fresh vibe.” A soft flannel gray outfits the interior walls, providing Sarah with a neutral foundation. “It is easy for me to change the accent colors. When it comes to Christmas, I use a lot of red”.  Sarah confesses, however, “My heart beats fast for traditional design. But trendy accents provide the perfect balance of old and new.” She advises that trendy can be added with inexpensive elements such as table accessories, a throw or pillows.