Lakeside Cottage

Stair rails with quirky positive-negative, tulip-shaped cutouts are "a traditional cottage detail, reinterpreted," says Stringer.

Sources:
Wall paint ("Linen White" #I-70); trim paint ("White Dove" #OC-17): Benjamin Moore & Co., 888/236-6667, benjaminmoore.com.
Carpet runner ("Hastings" #600322): Watson Smith Carpet & Rugs, 312/644-4725. .