High Design
Peek Inside Brunch With Babs’ “Basket House”
If you know the unmistakable voice of Barbara Costello, you are probably already a Brunch with Babs follower. If not, allow us to introduce you: The Chicago native now lives in a charming Connecticut cottage built in the 1830s, and in the process of decorating it, she let the building’s historic roots guide her way. Before embarking on her decoration journey, though, Babs took it upon herself to learn about her home’s history from its start as a blacksmith forge to a basket shop. In fact, she lovingly refers to it as the Basket House today.
A Soothing and Serene Breakfast Nook
A sweet breakfast nook is painted green to mimic the natural landscape just beyond the window.
In preparing the Basket House for her move-in many years ago, Babs enlisted Blair Moore, founder of her eponymous New York City firm, to make the centuries-old home look and feel like a full-time residence of its newest resident, a mother of four, a grandmother of nine, a published author (two cookbooks and a children’s book), and a retired preschool teacher. Now, Babs, as she’s known amongst her fan groups, is a social media star. Today, the New York Times bestselling author lets us wade through her various rooms, showing us exactly how she and Moore transformed a somewhat dated space into the elegant and eclectic family home where she films her iconic content. Traditional millwork, lattice details, woven textures, antiques, and layered furnishings give the interiors a distinct sense of place, while the kitchen takes center stage as the heart of the home.
The Sunny and Spacious Kitchen
The heart and soul of Babs' home is certainly her kitchen, where fans get to watch her in her element each day.
In this episode of Homeworthy, Babs shares the stories, details, and design choices that make this historic house feel entirely her own. Babs brings that same philosophy to her newest book, Homemaking with Babs: Tips and Tricks for Making a House a Home, a guide to creating a home that feels welcoming, personal, and truly lived in.
Shop Some of Our Favorite Finds From Babs' Space
More Episodes
SWOON-WORTHY NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to get exclusive access to episodes, shopping updates, discounts and more.