Collected European: A Dramatic Improvement
Recently, we had the pleasure of designing the interiors for a relatively newly built home, circa 2010. The home is quite solid, but lacked the depth of character our homeowners were seeking that comes with age and history.
Our clients are an amazing family, young & adventurous with two energetic kids who need a space tough enough to withstand rambunctious play dates, and cozy enough to kick off your shoes and stay awhile all while embracing elevated character and style. They host family and friends often, so one of our goals was to maximize seating and foster connection between gathering spaces.
In this interior, we mixed durable with delightful, basic with beautiful, all while weaving in some European flair and family heirlooms.
Wait ’til you see some of the bold, dramatic accents!
We began with a blank slate: clean lines, neutral walls, oversized drywall openings, and lovely arches and wood floors with plenty of life left in them. Although the home was attractive, it didn’t quite capture the essence or vibrancy of the family or the patina of a place where people were loved and memories were made over many years and decades, in the same way an older home would.
The project objectives became clear- adding value through a functional layout and layering in texture, pattern, and character that offers a feeling of collected joy over time. We waved farewell to the grey walls in favor of homey, lived-in, eclectic, and cherished. So, a handful of key items the family already had in their home stayed! The coffee table, media console, dining bench, and a couple of lovely, lush black velvet upholstered chairs. Wow, are these gorgeous. The custom oak dining table was sized to the space and finished to compliment the collected heirlooms with wear marks, turned legs, and aged finish: LOTS of character here!
Starting with the shell of the space, if you will, we looked back in time to the father of the Arts & Crafts movement itself - William Morris, dressing the living room in Pure Acorn Wallpaper in tonal silver & ecru - literal history right here and evergreen beauty. William Morris was a major contributor to this historic movement which has defined so much of design history. So using one of his patterns felt perfect for this space. The pattern offers light and subtle movement in an organic stylized pattern. In contrast, the dining room was bathed in moody black with it’s own statement sitting alongside the cozy living space. Some of our favorite black hues are: Railings by Farrow & Ball, Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams, and Black Ink by Benjamin Moore. Above the dining table hangs The Saxon Chandelier by Currey and Company which is wrapped in rattan and has the most beautiful silhouette and movement.
As you may know, Wallpaper is back in a BIG way and we are here for it! Gone are the days of gray walls, painted white trim, and we march onward with pattern, texture, and personality by way of our dear friend, - wallpaper who offers endless possibility, expression, and beauty.
As for the furnishings, the layout was designed to be comfortable and durable for everyday life with a young family, but also offering a sense of connection to the dining room area and lots of seating for larger groups. We chose a couple of Rifle Paper Co + Loloi rugs in organic patterns to anchor each space. Upholstered items were treated in a family friendly stain-resistant finish. The living room is grounded by a statement vintage-inspired sofa that is equal parts comfort and class; upholstered in an antique moss velvet sitting atop a set of spool legs and pewter casters. The single seat cushion is so incredibly lush and pillowy it swallows you up and demands you stay just a bit longer. A pair of caned back arm chairs and beautiful texture, warmth and drama are in contrast to the worn heirloom pieces. A tall metal cabinet offers more texture and also functions to house family games and activities that are easy to reach for and easy to tuck away.
Original found paintings mixed with printed pastoral scenes and photographs of precious family moments layer atop the beloved papered walls. We included pieces from Juniper Print Shop and Minted, plus the family’s own cherished art. Nothing says “personal touch” like a well-placed family portrait or a whimsical print that might just be your new favorite conversation starter: handed down from family, tracing back to Henry the 8th? Or flea market find while walking the streets of Budapest? Choose art that speaks to you and it will always work!
Collected treasures fill in the details - conjuring tales of travel and reminders to inspire future adventures. Secondhand books with worn pages and notes in the margin trickled in from previous residences telling their stories to the next generation. Bread baskets, curiosities, hand made crochet; all items having had travels and stories of their own bring patina soul throughout the space while pottery and serveware, dried stems and florals conjure feelings of warmth and gathering.
Creating these spaces which support our clients lifestyle, reflecting who they are and what they aspire to become, is so impactful. It feels like a gift to our design team that we are honored to also give time and again- that our clients report they love where they live, that their lives are enhanced surrounded by warmth and beauty, where they feel most relaxed and also a place they are proud to invite friends and family to share in that feeling.
The house went from bare bones to a home that radiates joy, a style point of view, warmth, and character. A place that is a warm hug with a good book on a cold night, and holds the chaos and joy of a get together that sparks dialogue and great conversation and laughs.
If you are feeling uninspired in your new construction home - look no further! Evolve it into a place that has everyone talking and your heart singing every day. A formula of wallpaper, layered textures, and embracing the things you love can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Until next time, keep those remodeling dreams alive and those coffee tables stylish!
See the full project here!
