Ashley Macuga, principal and founder of Collected Interiors, has always had a natural curiosity for people. This intrigue fueled her career as an interior designer, where she creates homes that feel deeply personal and rooted in unique character. Macuga’s keen ability to understand her clients’ aspirations and visions for their homes allows her to design spaces that have an air of familiarity and comfort, even before you step through the front door.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: REASONS WHY MODERN FARMHOUSE ARCHITECTURE IS A TIMELESS CLASSIC
The Durlston farmhouse is a prime example of Macuga’s talents. Designed for a family of seven, the home had to be functional and built to last. “The client has an idyllic country upbringing and really wanted a home that reflected that,” Macuga says. “She was very clear that she didn’t want a modern farmhouse; she wanted it to feel like it had been baked in tradition.”
Upon entry, charcoal herringbone limestone flooring, juxtaposed with cream millwork walls, sets an inviting, refreshing tone. “We chose the floor tile so that no matter how much they walked through the entryway with their cleats, [the floor] would look just as good three years from now as it did the moment it was installed,” Macuga explains.
The kitchen is expansive, with a warm color palette of neutral tones, woods, cream tiles and stone. Custom drapery in the dining room accentuates the farmhouse feeling while allowing floods of light to fill the space. A 14-foot wood table anchors the space and acts as the staple for family gatherings. “The clients have a full house, and we were very conscious about that,” Macuga explains. “The reason we have a 14-foot table is that we needed to make sure that everyone would have a place at the table, plus a partner in the future. Thinking through the dynamics of a home beyond just what it looks like, but how it will function for a family, is really fun for me.”
Nurturing the idea of thoughtful curation and personalization ahead of the overall aesthetic, Macuga was meticulous in selecting the furnishings for the project. The vintage piano just off the main dining room quietly draws attention when unused and commands it when played. Rather than just a beautiful piece of furniture, it creates meaningful memories.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: OFF-GRID LIVING: HOW THIS DESERT HOME BLENDS LUXURY WITH SUSTAINABILITY
A standout feature in the home is the room designed for the client’s daughter. Challenged by a unique ceiling shape, Macuga exercised ingenuity and creativity by adding a window to let in light, opening the space and giving it an air of delicacy. Custom pink wallpaper was created to line the walls and ceiling, creating a whimsical environment. “We have been trying to think about how to leverage the architectural feature of the room, so we had a custom wallpaper made so the medallions go through the center of the room and the floral pattern continues down the walls so their daughter feels like she is playing in a dream space,” Macuga says.
Ivory cubbies were added for storage, and a daybed with a tea table and chairs was included to foster imagination and play.
Each room is a testament to Macuga’s attention to detail and elite understanding of her client’s wants and needs. She was able to transform the home from a space to be shared to a place to be celebrated and cherished.
©2026 ICONIC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
"*" indicates required fields
