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PAUL F WESLEY
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by Chrysa Smith
A lot of trust is needed to work with a designer,” says Timothy Summers Bailey of Solebury Design. And being one for over sixteen years, he knows exactly what that means. “I believe part of a designer’s job is to get into the head of a client and produce a project that is very reflective of their own personality,” he says. “And, perhaps, create an environment that suits them more than they ever imagined possible.”
While Timothy Baily takes on a variety of design projects, ‘ground up’ projects are his love. Projects in which he plans and manages all aspects of a home from the exterior design through the interior finishes and furnishings. In fact, he says, “Being able to create a home from the very start to the moment they turn the key and enter for the first time is so rewarding. Nothing compares to that.”
He says, “My architectural background speaks to me,” With each project, Timothy Bailey hones his design skills learned in architecture school, from which he graduated back in 2004. “In an old farmhouse, I wouldn’t likely do a mid-century modern design. I pay attention to the style of the house.” But one of his fun, pet projects was a 1970s ranch home. His design stayed in the original era of the home and flow with it, making the house authentic for its time. However, he will openly admit, there’s not much of that in Bucks, where design tends to be influenced by history and tradition.
He enjoys mixing textures and patterns, designing both exteriors and interiors of homes, and because of his background, has the ability to do or manage it all. After college graduation, he moved to Los Angeles, and took a job in an architectural firm, where he gravitated toward finishes and detailing interiors. He eventually headed up the interiors department, which set him in a direction he loved. Personally, Timothy says, he’s known to have a bold and colorful style. Perhaps it comes from 15 years designing in Los Angeles. While there, he was able to spread his wings with more modern design. But he says, “I kept getting called back to Bucks County,” eventually returning to his roots just last year.
Timothy got his start with his large Meetinghouse Road Project. The homeowners asked Bailey to design a home and barn on a 50-acre parcel in Solebury Township. With a growing family, the Pipersville-based owners needed something larger. He says, “It was quite the undertaking, determining where to place the home site within the parcel, as well as going through all the various planning and environmental agencies for approval.” The exterior is a traditional farmhouse styling, but with large windows to take in the grand views.
Once inside, Timothy needed to blend classic Bucks County with a request for an animal-inspired design. “I did this by incorporating animal prints like leopard and tiger in the pillows and ottoman, along with a Burmese print and African-inspired textiles—all in a subtle way that would blend with a transitional style.” But animals weren’t only represented in prints and fabrics on this property. There were real animals to be tended to, like sheep, donkeys, cows, and chickens. Thus, the barn became an important structure for regular animal-tending and was located away from entertaining areas and a variety of what Timothy refers to as ‘landing areas.’ These are the places for such functional rooms as laundry, porches, and mudrooms for kids and dogs alike. “During the design process, it was critical for me to understand how they were going to use their property since this wasn’t your standard ‘come from the office and pull into the garage’ home.” As much as the adults wanted a beautifully designed dwelling, there had to be places for muddy kids and pets to be washed off as well as areas just to sit out and admire the landscape.
His Hilltown Farmhouse Project was developed for empty nesters who he says, “Wanted a large home that could function as a hub for family gatherings and a magical place for their grandchildren.” An 80-acre parcel was his canvas, and another grand entire package design for Bailey. “Family is extremely important to these clients, and they really did view their home as an extension of their love for their family and friends. So, it was so important to them that the design truly reflect their lives and tastes.” After an architect was brought in, Timothy went to work selecting the perfect finishes in tile, stone, hardware, furniture, and lighting fixtures. He jokingly says it was even “down to the picture frames.”
Outside, the home looks like a traditional farmhouse. But lots of cozy nooks and a pool house bring the indoors outside and vice versa. “The same materials that were used on the exterior were used on the interior as well,” he says. The blending of indoor and outdoor makes for a very fluid transition.
For about two years the group worked together, which was a smooth and seamless process, partially due to the homeowner’s previous experience with building homes, and all of the time and detail that goes into it.
Indoors, a neutral color palette is both elegant and soothing. A few subtle blues and greens add a little interest. “To give it my own touch, “he says, “I mixed fabric pattern and texture to achieve visual interest despite a simple color palette. Black is used as a neutral in these formal spaces.” Grass cloth wallpaper, recessed lighting and wall paneling add interest and depth. With Timothy Bailey, everything is intentional—from the stone that flows seamlessly throughout the home to the striped fabric on the island stools that ties the colors together. It’s cohesive—and fits together like a puzzle.
“It’s important to talk to clients,” Timothy says. It gives him a starting point. He sees mainly seasoned homeowners. Many have retired and are actually building bigger—to accommodate space for family gatherings of kids and grands. The Hilltown clients were great to work with, as they had an idea of what they wanted. But it’s not always so easy. He also fields calls from people who really have no idea of what they want to accomplish—they just know they want to ‘do something.’ Much of it comes from websites like Pinterest or Houzz, where homeowners see something they’d like to duplicate. But as Timothy sees it, there’s much more to it. He laughs when he sees digital sites. “Now all kitchens are starting to look alike. I honestly can’t tell them apart.”
While having the ability to design it all, Timothy has his favorite suppliers for things like furniture and wallpaper, his list of sub-contractors, and architectural firms and builders. His architects, Worthington and Shagen guided him through the approval process for the Meetinghouse Road Project. And artist, Lisa Schuler, painted all the beams in the Hilltown home to give them a worn look. She also painted furnishings that were reminiscent of reclaimed wood.
If there’s any advice he would give someone either looking to build, or even remodel, it’s to not rush. Take the time in vetting and really getting to know your builder, architect and/or designer and make sure it’s the right fit.”
For more information about Solebury Design and Timothy Bailey, call 215-315-8818 or visit online at www.soleburydesign.com.
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Chrysa Smith is a design enthusiast and contributor to Bucks County Magazine