This home is a newly built European-inspired cottage located in Winter Park, Florida. “Winter Park has a timeless charm that we love,” says interior designer Jamie Gernert. “It’s walkable, historic, and rooted in thoughtful architecture and mature landscaping. There’s a sense of place here that feels established and gracious, which made it the perfect setting for a home that was meant to feel warm, layered, and storied rather than new and shiny.”

For the project, her firm WYC Designs was brought on by repeat clients. “They’re a growing family who had previously worked with us, which created an immediate sense of trust and creative shorthand,” she recalls. “Their goal was to build a home that felt soulful and intentional—one that reflected their European roots while still functioning beautifully for everyday family life.”

The clients requested warmth, character, and careful craftsmanship throughout, with each space feeling as though it had been collected over time as opposed to feeling brand new. “Must-haves included a strong sense of flow, layered natural materials, a mix of old and new, and details that would patina gracefully rather than feel trend-driven,” Jamie notes. 

WYC’s scope of work included full interior design and styling, from collaborating on the floor plan alongside the architect to selecting all hard finishes, soft finishes, lighting, wall treatments, furnishings, and decorative details. They also oversaw styling and final curation to ensure the home felt layered, lived-in, and cohesive from start to finish.

Right upon entry, the foyer sets the tone with French cobblestone flooring and an antique chest sourced from Round Top, immediately giving the home a sense of age and arrival. “In the living spaces, we leaned into subtle plaster accents, stained walnut millwork, and layered textiles to create depth and softness,” Jamie explains.

The kitchen blends function with character and features marble countertops, walnut cabinetry, and an artful mix of brass and polished nickel finishes to further the “collected” feel. In the dining room, vintage dining chairs were reupholstered in a checkered print, which brings a sense of charm and whimsy.

Bedrooms throughout the home feel calm and inviting, with earthy paint colors, tailored window treatments, and organic wallpapers. The primary bathroom balances elegance and restraint with marble surfaces, waterproof plaster, and classic plumbing fixtures. “Even secondary spaces like the gym and studio apartment were treated with the same care, ensuring every room felt intentional and connected to the overall story of the home,” the designer reflects.

It was a two-year project, and Jamie says the biggest challenge was achieving the right balance between new construction and old-world character. “Creating a home that feels layered and timeless—rather than overly polished—requires restraint, careful sourcing, and attention to detail at every step,” she explains. “It was about knowing when to add and when to pull back so the home could breathe and feel authentic.”