Finished with Flair
Sophisticated + Comfortable
A recently renovated home presented its buyers with a blank canvas, but where to start?
When our clients came to us to help make their newly purchased home their own, they already had many of their “big ticket” items unpacked. They loved their new home and wanted to celebrate it, but they just couldn’t quite put their finger on how that should look.
In the entryway, living room, kitchen and dining areas they envisioned something sophisticated but comfortable. But in the library and powder room they wanted to have a little fun and embrace some out of the box design choices.
Since the primary furniture pieces were in place, we infused some high design details into the home through textiles, wall finishes, lighting and art.
In the entryway, classic furniture, timeless accessories and a warm, neutral palette set the stage for a friendly yet sophisticated atmosphere. A classic mahogany chest greets visitors, with a sculptural plaster mirror above. Vertical acanthus striped wallpaper adorn the walls, with crown molding painted a darker hue - creating an illusion of higher ceilings. Custom cut stair runner complete with contrast binding, adds further contrast, along with softness underfoot. A crystal chandelier above adds a bit of sparkle, and sets the stage for the rooms around it.
As you move into the family room, a sisal diamond pattern rug, woven shades, and Ikat patterned drapery panels bring texture to the space, while artwork and pillows in shades of ocean blue create a soothing place to rest and relax.
From there the dining room and kitchen open up with bright white cabinets, tile backsplash and quartz countertops. Gentle touches of that same ocean blue and fresh, bright green are brought in through custom botanical print window shades. A nice warmth is infused through the matte brass light fixtures above the island and dining room table.
In the powder room, the design elements are a punched up version of those in the main living spaces.
Bold botanical wallpaper in blues and greens surrounded by cornflower blue trim is the backdrop to a rattan wrapped mirror with scooped out corners, and industrial inspired matte brass sconces. Moss green penny tiles ground the floor, along with a custom shade with fun scallop detail and a white, marble topped vanity are all neutral enough to keep the small room from becoming too busy.
But step into the library for the real pièce de résistance.
Initially hesitant about painting the whole room such a deep blue, it’s now the client’s favorite design element in the house. The goal of the room was to create a place that felt special and that made space for appreciating art with something visually interesting from every viewpoint. The angles of the ceiling as well as the floor to ceiling bookshelves allowed the color to take shape without becoming overwhelming.
Large, bright artwork full of saturated colors brings the space to life and is the perfect foil to the traditional chesterfield leather sofa and simple upholstered armchairs. An ultra-modern matte brass light fixture above presents itself as an art piece, as does the brass and acrylic coffee table. Our clients wanted this room to evoke a “wow” reaction from guests, and they got it.
This home illustrates that sometimes a blank canvas is the best way to create a truly unique masterpiece.