When the Owner’s Children First Saw This Eclectic Riverside Apartment, They Hugged the Walls

Anne Keenan and Alexis Seeley, a couple living in a 3,000-square-foot Brooklyn townhouse with their 5-year-old son, Leon, and two dogs, decided to hire an interior designer after nearly a decade in their home. The 1899 property had undergone a gut renovation in 2009, led by architect Fred Tang, focusing on structural and infrastructural improvements. While the major renovation addressed issues like mechanicals, a bay window, and plasterwork, the interiors were initially handled by the couple themselves. As their family grew, they found their individual furniture pieces didn't create a cohesive and functional family space. Seeking professional help to optimize their living area, particularly the main-floor living space where the sofa, TV, and dining table coexisted awkwardly, they reached out to Tang, who recommended Barbara Reyes, the new director of interior design for his firm. The established relationship with Tang's team, who were already familiar with the house's structure, was a key factor in their decision. The project commenced just as the pandemic began, leading to unconventional collaboration methods like masked stoop drop-offs for samples and Zoom meetings. A pivotal design decision involved relocating the dining table from a bay window nook to the center of the main floor, paired with a custom-built banquette. This change, initially mocked up by Seeley using existing furniture, significantly improved the space's flow and functionality for both everyday meals and entertaining. Reyes focused on practical solutions for a family-friendly home, incorporating performance fabrics for upholstery and replacing fragile glass tabletops with durable, mirrored plexiglass. Addressing the couple's differing aesthetic preferences—Seeley's love for neon colors and Pop Art versus Keenan's desire for traditional elegance—Reyes successfully blended these styles, introducing a sense of playfulness. The design incorporated unique color pairings, with the couple often choosing unexpected, vibrant options. A recurring blue and pink palette was used throughout the house, with varying shades and saturations, balanced by rich contrasting colors like bold blue in Leon's room and a black dining table. Reyes also integrated Keenan's long-standing collection of miniature food figurines into the living room, displaying them as quirky curios. For Leon's bedroom, the design team fulfilled his request for a "rainbow" room with a Flat Vernacular wall mural featuring a gradient of bright colors, complemented by timeless Vitsoe shelving. A strong emphasis was placed on sustainability and budget, with the couple requesting Reyes to reuse as many existing furnishings as possible. This led to reupholstering comfortable chairs instead of replacing them and repurposing old cabinetry in the couple's bedroom with a modern raspberry hue and gold-flecked wallpaper. The final design created a welcoming, flexible, and durable home that perfectly suits the family's dynamic lifestyle. #BrooklynHome #FamilyLiving #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #HomeRenovation #PerformanceFabrics #SustainableDesign #CustomFurniture #KidsRoomDesign

Maria Dueñas Jacobs, former accessories director at Elle magazine and founder of the children's jewelry line Super Smalls, has designed her New York West Village apartment to be both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional for her family, which includes her husband, Jordan, and their three daughters, Luna, Isa, and Silvi. Recognizing the challenges of maintaining a pristine home with young children, Jacobs adopted a philosophy of "strategic mess," focusing on durability and flexibility in her design choices. The apartment's layout, conceived with architects Marc Turkel of Leroy Street Studio and designer Jerry Cappiello, features a versatile four-bedroom plan that can adapt as her children grow from toddlers to teenagers. The home maintains a streamlined and intentional aesthetic, characterized by a neutral color palette accented with lavender and dusty blush tones. Key pieces of furniture, such as an ash- and burl-wood credenza, a navy leather-front bureau, and a Theo Ruth shearling club chair, provide grounding elements. Despite its sophisticated appearance, the apartment integrates numerous child-friendly features. The open-plan living, kitchen, and dining areas facilitate easy supervision, while an expandable dining table is paired with a built-in banquette upholstered in stain-resistant outdoor fabric. A custom ottoman with curved edges and scratch-resistant mohair caters to both children and their pet cat, Frankie, ensuring the space is suitable for entertaining, daily life, and family activities. Jacobs's approach extends to whimsical and practical decor. She incorporated spill-hiding, colorful patterned rugs and a custom daybed with built-in storage. The girls' bedroom is designed as a perpetual slumber party, featuring a teepee, cloud-painted walls, and a unique Murano glass light fixture. The adjacent playroom emphasizes freedom and joy, with movable furniture like bookshelves, beanbag chairs, and an arts-and-crafts table to accommodate dance parties and scooter rides. Practical elements are subtly woven into these playful spaces; for instance, the bunk bed includes stairs with hidden storage drawers, and the loft area can be converted into a desk or game spot in the future. Adult spaces also reflect a balance of practicality and creativity. The guest room includes a custom pull-out trundle for visitors, while the living room showcases a custom Moroccan rug mashup of two different patterns that Jacobs combined. Her bedside tables are topped with rose quartz, chosen for both its durability and its perceived magical and healing properties. The living room bookshelf serves as a display for personal and collected items, such as a Buddha statue, family photos, and ceramic vessels. Art plays a significant role, with pieces ranging from a Warhol print and a Robert Motherwell print to abstract paintings by Jacobs’s artist mother, Rosaria Pugliese, and even her children’s drawings, all coexisting harmoniously. Investment pieces are strategically placed out of children's reach, such as a Kalmar chandelier and disc lights by Apparatus Studio, which Jacobs considers akin to art or jewelry that completes an outfit. This thoughtful integration of high-end design with kid-proof functionality creates a home that is both beautiful and resilient, allowing for both sophisticated adult living and energetic child's play. The overall design prioritizes a lived-in, adaptable style that accommodates the evolving needs of a growing family, embracing the joyful chaos that comes with children while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. #FamilyHomeDesign #KidFriendlyDecor #InteriorDesign #WestVillageApartment #FlexibleLiving #NeutralColorPalette #CustomFurniture #HomeTour

Child Studio, a London-based firm, drew inspiration from modernist European villas to redesign a three-storey townhouse in Belgravia, London. The project, undertaken for an art collector, focused on creating a sophisticated yet understated living space tailored to the homeowners' specific needs and preferences, eschewing transient design trends. The renovation primarily involved the top two floors of the 280-square-metre Georgian building, where a light-filled double-height space was created and clad in a plaster finish. A key architectural intervention was the addition of a mezzanine floor, which seamlessly connects the living room to an outdoor roof terrace via a cast-iron spiral staircase. In the living area, five-meter-tall mahogany wooden shelves were installed, covering an entire wall. These shelves, designed to house the owner's extensive book collection, were inspired by the library in the Paris studio of the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. The dark wood of the shelves provides an elegant contrast to the pale plaster walls, contributing to the home's refined aesthetic. Wood is a dominant material throughout the interior, emphasizing a natural and tactile feel. The bedroom features an undulating wooden headboard, creating a sculptural focal point. According to Child Studio founders Che Huang and Alexy Kos, the design revolved around a carefully selected palette of natural materials including hand-crafted wood, solid stone, and tactile fabrics, reflecting a pared-back approach intended to highlight the owners' lives rather than overpowering them with design elements. The studio incorporated both classic and custom-designed furniture pieces. The dining room is furnished with Chandigarh chairs, a mid-century classic. The guest bedroom also features a Chandigarh chair, paired with a desk and chair by architect Pierre Jeanneret and a desk lamp by modernist architect Marcel Breuer. Child Studio also designed several bespoke furniture pieces for the project, including a custom daybed and mahogany stool in the main bedroom, influenced by Art Deco designer Jules Leleu, and a low teak table in the living room, inspired by 20th-century Swedish designer Axel Einar Hjort. This collaborative process involved artisans with whom the studio had established long-standing relationships. Beyond wood, stone plays a significant role, particularly in the bathroom. Drawing inspiration from Porto's Villa Serralves, the bathroom features an interior almost entirely sculpted from green Verde Guatemala marble. The built-in elements, including a marble sink and bathtub, were carved from solid stone blocks by a specialized marble workshop in northern Italy. The soft curves of these fixtures blend seamlessly into the walls and floor, creating a luxurious and cohesive space. The townhouse's lounge also references modernist villas, specifically Villa Necchi in Milan, with its mahogany-panelled walls and an antique Iroko-wood coffee table. The designers expressed their admiration for the craftsmanship and attention to detail found in early modernist European villas, applying this ethos to the Belgravia project by working closely with artisans in England and Italy. To ensure a coherent aesthetic, Child Studio also reinstated original Georgian architectural features, such as panelled wooden shutters, herringbone parquet flooring, and semicircular plaster ceiling cornices. The ultimate goal was to create a comfortable, effortless, and evolving home that serves as a subtle yet elegant backdrop for its occupants' lives. #BelgraviaTownhouse #ChildStudio #ModernistVillas #InteriorDesign #LondonArchitecture #ResidentialRenovation #CustomFurniture #NaturalMaterials #ArtCollectorHome

Tony and Charlotte Perez, driven by a desire for freedom and a life of travel and volunteer work, designed and built their 280-square-foot tiny home on wheels. Tony, a builder with over two decades of experience in custom homes, constructed the dwelling for an estimated $35,000. Their motivation stemmed from extensive international travel, having visited nearly 60 countries and lived in Africa for four years, which cultivated a preference for a minimalist lifestyle and enabled them to work less and dedicate more time to volunteering. Currently situated on a friend's five-acre property in Northern California, their tiny home offers mobility, though the couple has found a stable base. The exterior of the home features white-painted standing-seam metal combined with cedar accents near the front door, offering a modern aesthetic with warm, organic touches and requiring minimal maintenance. An expansive deck with an outdoor kitchen extends the living space, seamlessly integrating the structure with its natural surroundings. Inside, the walls and ceiling are adorned with white-painted pine shiplap, and the floors are laid with waterproof vinyl planks, chosen for their practicality and ease of cleaning, even extending to the shower wall. The interior design emphasizes an open and airy feel to compensate for the compact footprint. The kitchen showcases pale gray cabinetry, custom-designed online and flat-packed for on-site assembly. These cabinets are primarily drawers to maximize efficient organization and feature soft-close undermount slides. Practicality is evident in repurposed elements, such as upper shelves crafted from a beloved coffee table that was too large for the tiny space. Innovations include three taps in the kitchen for carbonated water and home-brewed beer, reflecting the couple's personal preferences. An office area and storage are integrated beneath the stairs, and a sliding door separates the kitchen from the bathroom. The bathroom is notably spacious for a tiny home, housing a stackable washer and dryer, a large shower, and a six-foot closet system with ample hanging space and customized soft-close drawers, designed to accommodate varied clothing needs for international travel across different seasons. A thirty-inch sliding wall devised by Tony separates the washer-dryer unit from the toilet area, also concealing a full-length wardrobe mirror. In the loft bedroom, cubbies serve both as storage and a partial screen for privacy. The couple devoted a year to planning their home, meticulously considering every item they owned and its place within the small space. Specific features like a designated spot for a vacuum, cleaning supplies, a Vitamix, a juicer, a coffee bar, a wine area under the stairs, and a pull-out pantry were incorporated to ensure comfort and functionality. A wood-framed chalkboard folds down from the kitchen wall to extend counter space for food preparation or dining. The Perezes completed the construction of their home in two months, acknowledging the challenges but ultimately celebrating the fulfillment of designing and building their personalized living space, which they continue to cherish daily. #TinyHome #MinimalistLiving #DIYHome #SustainableDesign #TravelLifestyle #CustomBuild #NorthernCalifornia #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #CompactLiving

Interior designer Evans Geisler and her architect husband undertook a significant renovation of their two-story Williamsburg row house, transforming it from a dual-unit bachelor pad into a single-family home tailored for a family with three young sons. The couple purchased the house in 2014 from Geisler’s brother, who had acquired it in 2007. The initial state of the house was characterized by two separate units: one on the ground floor occupied by Geisler's brother's college roommate, and the second floor where her brother resided. The primary goal of the renovation was to consolidate these into a cohesive single-family residence, while also incorporating a small pied-à-terre apartment at the back of the second floor. Geisler described the house's original aesthetic as typical of two young men living in Williamsburg, lacking architectural personality and requiring a comprehensive update. The row houses in Williamsburg are often narrow and basic, prompting Geisler's initial improvement to be the removal of the entryway hallway, which she believed contributed to a sense of confinement. On the main floor, the design strategy focused on creating an open-plan layout by removing as many interior walls as possible, integrating the kitchen and living room into a single fluid space. A key element of this transformation was the restoration of the original staircase, which, along with a newly installed built-in bookcase, became prominent focal points upon entering the home. The original staircase, deemed the only element possessing inherent character, underwent extensive restoration. Layers of paint were meticulously stripped from the newel post, missing balusters were replaced, and the treads and handrail were stained dark, contrasting with white-painted balusters. In the kitchen, the design incorporated Caesarstone countertops and Ikea cabinets, complemented by open shelving. Geisler highlighted her preference for open shelving in the kitchen, noting that maintaining a coordinated look with white, off-white, and wood elements facilitated a clean and harmonious aesthetic. The renovation also extended to the rear of the first floor, where the bathroom was enlarged. A playroom was created in this area, featuring a Murphy bed for accommodating guests and a built-in desk designed for homework, catering to the needs of a growing family. Upstairs, new walls were constructed to define two bedrooms and to functionally separate the aforementioned rear apartment from the main living quarters of the house. Geisler's overarching design philosophy for the home was to create a casual and highly kid-friendly environment, given that she had a toddler and was pregnant during the renovation. This involved avoiding overly fussy or expensive elements and implementing organizational systems to mitigate clutter and manage the daily demands of family life. All three sons share a single bedroom, which is equipped with a crib and custom bunk beds. Geisler acknowledged that some might find this arrangement unconventional but noted its general effectiveness, particularly in fostering interaction among the boys. The interior walls throughout the house were uniformly painted in Benjamin Moore's Chalk White, and the floors were stained to the darkest possible shade. Geisler emphasized the importance of a cohesive design throughout the entire house, asserting that a consistent aesthetic facilitates a smooth transition between rooms and contributes to a unified overall impression. #WilliamsburgRenovation #InteriorDesign #KidFriendlyHome #OpenPlanLiving #StaircaseRestoration #KitchenDesign #CustomBunkBeds #FamilyHome #BrooklynDesign

John Marsala and Becka Citron, the creative and business partners behind Modern Anthology, have shifted their focus to interior design services after closing their physical retail stores in Dumbo and Cobble Hill. This move builds on their original business model, as interior design was their primary focus before venturing into retail. Their signature industrial chic aesthetic, previously evident in their stores, is now a hallmark of their interior design projects, such as the Dumbo loft featured in this article. The project involved furnishing a 2,400-square-foot loft for a young couple with a small child. The loft, located in a converted industrial building, retained original features like exposed brick and wooden columns. The designers were tasked with creating a functional and stylish living space, moving away from the clients' initial plans for fully custom-made furnishings. A key structural change was the addition of a dividing wall to create a dedicated den/TV area, separating it from the main living space. The primary focus, however, was on sourcing new furnishings, predominantly from retail outlets. The design choices were influenced by the homeowners' existing art collection, which included quirky pieces such as a framed print humorously stating ‘I was young and needed the money’ and a striking, large-scale portrait. These artworks signaled to Citron that the clients were open to bold design elements and did not wish for an overly conventional approach. The designers integrated these artistic cues into a cohesive design that blended industrial elements with comfort and personality. Key furniture selections included a Chesterfield-style sofa and egg-shaped mid-century chairs from Restoration Hardware, demonstrating a blend of classic and modern aesthetics. A vintage wing chair was given a distinctive update with plastic-coated fabric imprinted with street signs on the back and a tailored pin stripe on the front. An over-dyed vintage rug from Nomadic Trading Company added texture and color, while a Serge Mouille wall-mounted sconce provided sophisticated lighting. For the informal breakfast area, blue vintage chairs paired with a Saarinen-style pedestal table created a casual yet elegant spot. The dining area features a live-edge table complemented by wire chairs reminiscent of Eames designs from Modernica. A long hallway leading to the bedrooms was transformed into a gallery space, displaying framed photos and art unified by simple wood and metal frames. The primary bedroom maintained a warm ambiance with natural brick, furnished with a bed by Brooklyn-based Uhuru Design, a dresser by L.A.-based designer Thomas Bina, and a chandelier from Apparatus, further emphasizing the blend of industrial roots with contemporary design. This project exemplifies Modern Anthology's ability to create warm, functional, and industrially chic interiors using a mix of sourced retail pieces and thoughtful design interventions. #DumboLoft #InteriorDesign #ModernAnthology #IndustrialChic #HomeRenovation #BrooklynDesign #FurnitureSourcing #ResidentialDesign

Chango & Co. designers undertook a full gut remodel of a Westhampton Beach summer retreat, with a tight 10-week deadline. The project aimed to infuse the home with vibrant colors and a playful atmosphere, taking design cues directly from the client's children. The renovation primarily involved minor construction, such as painting, molding removal, and layout simplification, to achieve the client's vision. The result is a home characterized by well-placed, vibrant accents and a thoughtful balance between playful elements and traditional decor. A key example of the children's influence is the dining room, adorned with 250 life-size pineapple decals. Throughout the residence, unexpected pops of color appear, including citron entryway doors, mint green breakfast nook chairs, and chartreuse lanterns imported from Mexico. These colorful additions are juxtaposed with more conventional features like a straw bench and leather pulls, creating a harmonious and balanced aesthetic. Creative director Susana Simonpietri emphasized specific renovation rules that guided the project. The master bedroom, in contrast to the rest of the house, was designed as a neutral adult retreat, subtly incorporating the home's vibrant palette. The second floor was dedicated entirely to the children, housing their rooms and a playroom designed to be an engaging space. The playroom features four custom-made, French-piped mattresses on the floor, which can be easily converted into beds for impromptu slumber parties. These mattresses are complemented by handmade pillows decorated with colorful pom-poms and tassels, adding a touch of whimsy and fun. A significant money-saving strategy employed was the use of wall decals instead of wallpaper for patterned areas. This approach provided the desired aesthetic at a fraction of the cost, allowing the designers to allocate more budget to durable items like artwork, lighting, and larger furnishings. Simonpietri noted that wallpaper is less resilient in homes with young children, making decals a practical and economical alternative. Simonpietri also highlighted the most crucial lesson learned from the renovation: the invaluable role of a skilled handyman or general contractor. She underscored that challenges are inherent in any remodeling project, and a competent professional is essential for resolving unexpected issues and ensuring the project's success. The renovation successfully transformed the traditional beach house into a lively and family-centric space, reflecting the unique tastes and preferences of its youngest inhabitants. #BeachHouse #HomeRenovation #KidsDesignChoices #ColorfulInteriors #WesthamptonBeach #InteriorDesign #WallDecals #PlayroomDesign #ChangoAndCo #BudgetFriendly

This article offers a glimpse into the dynamic New York City apartment of designer Tali Roth, who shares her living space with her husband, Marcus, and their two sons, Phoenix (4) and Romeo (3 months). An Australian expatriate who moved from Melbourne to Chelsea, NYC, Roth has built a career on crafting imaginative and elegant spaces for clients without excessive spending. This approach is evident in her own rental apartment, which she has meticulously designed over time, emphasizing the importance of leaving room for evolving tastes and expressing personal style through a mix of high-end and affordable finds, such as an IKEA storage unit paired with a 1950s Italian rattan chair and a mohair sofa from Crofthouse L.A. Her gallery wall showcases a diverse collection, including art by Paul Davies and Georgia O’Keeffe alongside flea market discoveries. Currently on maternity leave, Roth has channeled her creative energy back into her home, regularly rearranging furniture, repositioning art, and acquiring new pieces. A recent notable addition is a large Gufram cactus coatrack, strategically placed in the children’s play area. Despite the presence of young children, the apartment maintains a sophisticated aesthetic, with subtle elements like a playhouse or stroller being the only indicators of its family-friendly nature. Roth demonstrates that an elevated family home can be achieved on a budget through thoughtful design choices. Roth offers practical advice for curating a stylish yet low-maintenance rental suitable for both adults and children. She advocates for avoiding delicate textiles, specifically viscose fabrics, which are prone to shriveling when spilled upon. Instead, she recommends resilient materials like wool, highlighting her living room sofa, which was reupholstered in mohair for durability. Her second couch is designed for comfort and practicality, accommodating family movie nights and nursing without concern for damage. Emphasis is placed on selecting sturdy furniture that can withstand the activities of rambunctious children. Roth points to her low-slung marble coffee table as an example, chosen for its stability. While seemingly child-friendly, a collection of round pillows on the sofa presents a humorous challenge, as her son often dislodges and drools on them during morning screen time. The designer also excels at blending high and low design elements to create custom looks. A 170-inch wall-mounted cabinet in the living room, for instance, is an IKEA base enhanced with a Semihandmade top, fronts, and hardware. Similarly, brass-and-wood shelves in the dining room were an Etsy find. Roth prioritizes investing in art and collectible furniture while opting for more budget-friendly options for pieces that might not be transferable to future residences. Reupholstery is presented as a valuable strategy for refreshing existing pieces rather than discarding them. Two orangey-red chairs in Roth’s living room, originally purchased for $300 each from Etsy and initially upholstered in a “poo-green” color, underwent a transformation. They were first covered in baby blue velvet for her son’s room and later re-covered in a rust velvet with white piping, inspired by a hotel in Paris. Despite the cost of reupholstery, Roth views it as a worthwhile investment due to the chairs’ sentimental value and timeless swivel design. For larger purchases, Roth advises thrifty approaches, often sourcing items from auctions and flea markets. Her sofas include one from the ABC Carpet & Home Outlet, and her Rudolf Wolff dining chairs were assembled from two separate vendors, requiring creative adjustments like spray-painting one to match. She also designed her own dining table. Finally, Roth addresses storage challenges common in rental apartments. With limited closet space, she employs a combination of customized pieces and hidden shelves in the boys’ rooms to organize toys and clothes. In the master bedroom, modular IKEA units keep items out of sight. The pieces that are displayed are carefully curated, each possessing a unique story, from a decorative plate acquired in Positano to crystals gifted by her father and a vase purchased during a vacation in Murano. The art throughout the home comprises gifts from friends and neighbors. Through vision, clever hacks, and an appreciation for beautiful details, Roth demonstrates the possibility of creating a family-friendly design that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #NYCDesign #BudgetDecorating #RentalDecor #HighLowMix #FurnitureHacks #SustainableDesign

This article details the transformation of a newly constructed Brooklyn townhouse into a warm, personalized, and comfortable family home with a mid-century modern aesthetic. The homeowners, who are lovers of the outdoors, sought to create an urban oasis that felt like an escape from the city, particularly benefiting from the property's quiet, tree-lined street and enclosed backyard. Interior designer Lucy Harris led the project, focusing on seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, incorporating super durable pieces suitable for a young child, and maintaining a light and bright color scheme. The entryway, designed to function as both an entrance and a mudroom, immediately sets an eclectic and welcoming tone with custom millwork for storage and a colorful tiled floor from Heath Ceramics, featuring bright blues and golds. Accessories such as a natural-feeling leather mail/key holder from Lostine and a simple half-moon mirror from Bower contribute to the unique character. In the kitchen, which was recently installed in the new-build, minor but impactful changes were made to integrate it into the home's overall aesthetic. Rattan counter stools from Stahl and Band introduced natural materials, while green pendants from In Common With tied in with the dining area's color scheme. The dining nook is highlighted as one of the most dramatic alterations, featuring custom banquette seating upholstered in a deep green wool boucle fabric from Tibor, complementing the leafy street view. A brass fixture from Apparatus adds texture, and a custom-sized solid wood table from Yucca Stuff, along with vintage-inspired Tre 3 chairs by Angelo Mangiarotti, complete the inviting space. The living room was conceived as a casual, peaceful, and fresh area, utilizing a serene palette with vibrant earthy accents. It showcases a colorful area rug by Christopher Farr, an original Bauhaus design, and a soft sofa from Poiat, contrasting with an organic-shaped coffee table in the style of Paul Frankl. An adjacent reading area in the living room features a leather Ojai chair from Lawson Fenning, reflecting the mid-century modern influence throughout the house. A Miniforms Soda glass side table adds material contrast, and custom millwork displays the homeowner’s vintage objects, infusing personality into the new construction. The connection between indoor and outdoor living is emphasized through large houseplants and green color palettes inside, and an inviting balcony dining space leading to a landscaped backyard, designed by Michael Cafiero. The outdoor area includes Fermob Luxembourg chairs and a customized Croft House dining table, suitable for the terrace. The family room introduces a different palette with deep blues and rich rusty oranges, creating an inviting atmosphere with mixed patterns. A custom rug collaboration between Lucy Harris and Carini, a wool and leather ottoman, and a comfortable Albarese sofa by DePadova define the space. A home gym adjacent to an outdoor terrace benefits from a leafy view. The primary bedroom combines pastel colors with vibrant accents for a serene yet interesting backdrop, featuring a walnut nightstand by Hedge House, a scalloped sconce by Nickey Kehoe, and a colorful quilt by Thompson Street Studio. Subtle patterned wallpaper by Rebecca Atwood and Caroline Z Hurley drapes add texture and quirkiness. For the nursery, a playful desert theme was chosen, reflecting the owners' love for hiking. Geometric patterns, a neutral cactus wallpaper, and terracotta accents, including a Kartell Componibili, create a vibrant yet sophisticated space. The guest bedroom on the fourth floor extends the natural beige, orange, and brown palette, with a second walnut nightstand from Hedge House and a rug from Nordic Knots, complemented by green and blue accents in the Room & Board bed and Rebecca Atwood drapery. This comprehensive redesign transforms the builder's spec townhouse into a soulful city oasis with distinctive character and style. #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #BrooklynTownhouse #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #OutdoorLiving #CustomDesign #ColorPalette #SustainableDesign

Ryuji Yamashita Architects has designed a two-story residence in Hokkaido, Japan, for a family with four children, emphasizing connection and interaction among siblings while still providing individual private spaces. The design incorporates open floor layouts and timber accents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A central playroom on the first floor serves as the primary meeting point, linking all four children's rooms. This common area is intentionally designed to foster a sense of togetherness, preventing the potential isolation that separate private rooms might otherwise create. To enhance the playful nature of the space, a 70 cm height difference exists between the bedrooms and the common playroom, necessitating steps at each entry point from the ground floor and from each child's room. The architect integrated thoughtful features to encourage ongoing interaction. A large window provides ample natural light to the playroom, and two types of openings further reinforce familial bonds. Glass tiles are strategically placed within the wooden flooring outside the private rooms, creating a visual connection between the two floors and allowing light to filter through. Additionally, each child's room features a small window positioned just above their desk. When these windows are open, the first floor transforms into a large, integrated study area, facilitating direct interaction and collaboration among the siblings. This innovative design offers a flexible environment that adapts to the children's needs for both privacy and shared experiences. The 'With four children' house, completed in October 2021, measures 69.56 sqm for the building area and 125.65 sqm for the total floor area. The project was constructed by Kobayashi Shoten Co., Ltd, with photography by Ikuya Sasaki. This architectural approach by Ryuji Yamashita aims to transcend the traditional binary of private versus large rooms or individual versus group settings. Instead, it seeks to establish a dynamic space where family members can connect through various senses of distance, offering a balance between personal retreat and collective engagement. The design prioritizes the development of strong sibling relationships through carefully considered architectural elements that promote both visual and interactive connectivity within the home. #RyujiYamashitaArchitects #JapaneseArchitecture #FamilyHomeDesign #SiblingBonds #PlayroomDesign #OpenConceptLiving #TimberAccents #Hokkaido #ResidentialArchitecture

Emma and Graeme undertook a significant renovation of their 1780-built, four-bedroom detached cottage in Hucknall, Nottingham, transforming it into a modern, open-plan family home with a Scandi-inspired aesthetic. The property, though well-maintained, was dated, featuring numerous small, dark rooms, dusky pink carpets, patterned curtains, and a dark pine kitchen. The couple, with Emma being an interior stylist and Graeme skilled in DIY, decided to create a large open-plan kitchen, diner, and living space by knocking down walls, aiming to complete the major work before their first child arrived. The total project cost was £72,000. The renovation began with the demolition of internal walls to merge four smaller rooms into one expansive area. Graeme utilized a Room Sketcher app to plan the layout, and a builder friend assisted with wall removal and steel beam installation. Emma, inspired by a high-end kitchen design, achieved a similar look on a budget by collaborating with a local company, Inspirational Interiors. They opted for white Shaker-style units with a blue island, incorporating a custom double larder from what was intended to be a boiler box-in, and a built-in microwave in the island to maximize counter space. The dining area features a bespoke reclaimed wood table, replicating a Pinterest design, complemented by rattan pendant lights and Camaro LVT flooring with a wood finish and grey/blue tint. The staircase, initially problematic after wall removal, was custom-built by Graeme using timber for simple spindles, costing only £50, instead of expensive glass that would show fingerprints. The living room was designed with a darker palette, using Farrow & Ball's 'Down Pipe' to create a more formal, luxurious evening atmosphere. Graeme updated the fireplace with reclaimed brick, a wood mantle, and York stone, giving it a high-end look on a budget. Efforts to panel the room were eventually replaced by gloss paint on the walls to give the illusion of wood, and the dark wood window frames were painted white to brighten the space. In the master bedroom, Graeme installed timber panelling on the back wall, painted in 'Inchyra Blue,' while the bathroom, initially featuring a dated corner bath, was upgraded with a navy blue roll-top bath and a custom-made vanity unit crafted by the same furniture maker who built the dining table. The patterned floor tiles in the bathroom served as a focal point, allowing the rest of the decor to remain simple. For their daughter Arla's nursery, the couple attempted a painted wooden floor, which Graeme sanded extensively and filled gaps with rope, though in hindsight, Emma suggested carpet for practicality. Future plans for the property include renovating the rear garden, converting an outbuilding into an office and gym, and eventually transforming the double garage into a guest annexe, reflecting their long-term vision for the home. The project highlights how DIY skills, strategic planning, and resourceful sourcing can achieve a high-quality renovation at a reduced cost, illustrating effective ways to transform a dated property into a functional and aesthetically pleasing open-plan living space. #HomeRenovation #DIYProjects #OpenPlanLiving #BudgetRenovation #InteriorStyling #ScandiDesign #FamilyHome #CostSavingTips #PropertyTransformation

The article details the design philosophy and interior of "The Ochre Home," the residence of artist and freelance stylist Geraldine Toh and her husband, Vincent Lim. The name "Ochre Home" was chosen by Ms. Toh to reflect the predominant color palette and earthy sensibility of their space, which primarily features shades of brown, yellow, and orange, reminiscent of the natural clay pigment. As an artist, Ms. Toh often uses ochre in her paintings, further solidifying its significance to her home's aesthetic. The home's style is described as mid-century modern inspired with an eclectic mix. Ms. Toh, who studied fine arts, showcases a keen eye for color, proportion, and design. The couple selected a 30-year-old apartment for its spaciousness, airiness, and square layout, which simplified space planning. Key layout modifications included removing a kitchen wall to create an open entrance, repositioning the common bathroom door for discretion, and moving the master bedroom door to facilitate an open-concept walk-in wardrobe. The initial impression upon entering the apartment is one of expansive open space. A central tenet of Ms. Toh's design approach is the belief that furnishing a home should be a gradual process, allowing for the collection of unique pieces with personal stories. She views her home as "forever a work in progress," emphasizing modularity and movability to allow for frequent rearrangements and to maintain visual interest. She favors eclecticism over perfectly matched sets, choosing standalone pieces that complement the overall color scheme and texture, ensuring that new additions enhance rather than disrupt the aesthetic. This approach creates pockets and corners with distinct functionalities within the larger open space. Throughout The Ochre Home, visual interest is evident in various details. Ms. Toh painted a mural of a flower on one wall, and customisable fabric outer jackets on the Toshiba Haori air-conditioning units blend seamlessly with the interiors. The couple dedicated time to assembling their furniture, often thrifting pieces or carefully selecting others for their historical significance and narrative. For instance, their Commune leather sofa was acquired from an expatriate family, and their stackable dining chairs are vintage 1980s Casala Obo Formsitz pieces sourced from AA Furniture, specializing in vintage Japanese furniture. The study area, carved out from the main living space without walls, features a 1960s Danish kidney-bean-shaped desk from local store Noden. Lighting fixtures also hold historical value, such as a vintage 1970s Louis Poulsen Panthella lamp from Aria Design Store, which exhibits a beautiful patina. Other notable pieces include a 1960s Danish coffee table, a thrifted Marcel Breuer cantilever chair, and a Flos Arco floor lamp. A 1970s pinecone wall lamp from a Danish vintage store in Vancouver was hand-carried home by Ms. Toh. Mid-century design signatures are prominent, with an Eames lounge chair, Hans J. Wegner’s CH24 Wishbone Chair, and a special-edition Safari chair by Kaare Klint. Personal touches include a pinewood side table and a kapur wood bench, both crafted by Mr. Lim. Beyond aesthetics, the home was conceived as a creative hub for the couple's artistic and hobby pursuits. A dedicated creative room stores art-making equipment, and plain white walls serve as a canvas for photographic prints, abstract paintings, and Ms. Toh’s first mural. The article concludes by noting that the couple's personal touches and years of inhabiting the space have successfully actualized their vision for The Ochre Home, creating a lived-in and deeply personal atmosphere. #EclecticHomeDesign #MidCenturyModern #OchreHome #ArtistHome #VintageFurniture #CreativeSpace #HomeStyling #SingaporeDesign #PersonalizedInteriors

Marynn Udvarhelyi, a DIY interior design blogger behind Wildflower Home, transformed her eldest daughter Hannah's bedroom. Having previously curated Hannah's pastel nursery in 2005, Udvarhelyi embarked on designing a new room for her now 14-year-old, theater-loving daughter in March. The primary objective was to create a welcoming and functional space for Hannah's transition to remote high school, moving beyond the bare, gray aesthetic of their new Temecula, California, home. The project commenced with significant structural modifications. Udvarhelyi and Hannah collaborated to replace the existing beadboard with shiplap, reminiscent of family vacations to Monterey, and added molding around the room's perimeter. A notable feature was the application of wallpaper to the ceiling and the conversion of an unused window seat into a grasscloth desk. The color scheme for the new room was a sophisticated evolution of Hannah's original nursery palette. Pastel purple was updated to a rich eggplant for the velvet headboard, mint green evolved into a deep pine for the dresser, and butter yellow was replaced by Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige on the trim, enhancing the room's maturity. The three-month project, initially conceived as a simple makeover, gained deeper meaning for Udvarhelyi as she recognized it as potentially the last bedroom design for Hannah before she left home. The collaboration itself became a cherished experience for both. The renovation included practical considerations like updating the base layer. Faced with a limited $2,000 budget that precluded replacing the beige carpet, Udvarhelyi strategically painted the trim and door to match, then layered a textural rug in complementary colors from Home Goods to integrate the carpet and balance the ceiling wallpaper. Durability was a key concern for the finishes, given the nature of a teenager's room. Udvarhelyi, a mother of two, selected Chippendale-style bedside tables with lacquered (Formica) tops, chosen for their resilience against spills and wear. The desk surface was also protected with glass for similar reasons. A significant functional change involved transforming the window seat into a dedicated workspace. Recognizing Hannah's need for a study area for Zoom rehearsals and script memorization, Udvarhelyi commissioned a custom $400 desk from a carpenter. The former seat area was covered with leftover shiplap and a carpet remnant, and the desk was wrapped in grasscloth, evoking Hannah's recent role in "The Lion King." This tailored desk design also helped keep school supplies organized. Udvarhelyi intentionally left room for personalization, allowing Hannah creative freedom with a bulletin board. This board became a personalized collage of playbills, ticket stubs, and cast photos, reflecting Hannah's memories and interests. The ceiling, or the "fifth wall," received a playful sparrow print wallpaper from Rylee + Cru. Installing this wallpaper overhead required meticulous alignment and the use of spackle to conceal seams. Udvarhelyi chose the sparrow pattern symbolically, representing Hannah's impending journey to high school and her burgeoning independence. #TeenBedroomDesign #DIYHomeDecor #BedroomMakeover #WindowSeatTransformation #WallpaperedCeiling #ColorPaletteEvolution #TeenProofFinishes #FunctionalDesign #PersonalizedSpace

The article discusses the advantages of open-concept floor plans, particularly for families with young children. Designers suggest that open layouts are ideal because they offer better supervision, more freedom to wander, unified decorating opportunities, better family interaction, cohesive color palettes, and help avoid bottlenecks in the kitchen, while also improving entertaining experiences. One significant benefit is enhanced supervision. With an open floor plan, parents can easily monitor their children from different areas, such as while preparing dinner or taking a work call. This visibility provides a sense of calm for parents and allows children more freedom to play within a shared environment, eliminating the confinement of separate rooms and closed doors. Nate van der Ende, principal of &Ende, emphasizes this point, noting that open layouts transform the main floor into a unified space where everyone can feel connected. Open-concept layouts also provide more freedom for children to roam safely. Designer Samantha Heyl agrees that these plans foster a communal and interactive atmosphere, not just for children but also for pets and partners, offering a larger, less restrictive space for exploration. From a decorating perspective, open layouts simplify the process. Instead of designing numerous distinct rooms, homeowners can focus on creating a cohesive aesthetic across a single, large space. Valeria Fervorari, co-founder of Studio Ocra, recommends using coordinated colors, textures, and materials to seamlessly link the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This openness also allows for flexible furniture arrangements and multifunctional zones, adapting easily for entertaining, family activities, or quiet moments. Furthermore, open floor plans naturally encourage better family interaction. Without walls to hinder conversation, communication among family members and guests becomes easier. Interior designer and mother Tamara Feldman highlights that a home's layout influences a family's sense of togetherness, with open plans fostering visual and physical connection, allowing children to wander safely while maintaining a sense of unity. For decorating, open-floor plans offer simplicity by allowing parents to select a single, cohesive color palette for the entire main space, reducing the number of design decisions. Darla Bankston May suggests using area rugs to define zones and statement light fixtures to differentiate areas, while maintaining overall color coordination. Finally, open layouts address the common issue of kitchen bottlenecks. Interior designer John Bambick notes that open-concept living enables guests and family members to mingle freely between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This prevents the kitchen from becoming a crowded, chaotic space and allows for a more serene and relaxed atmosphere where people can spread out without missing out on ongoing conversations or activities. #OpenConceptFloorPlan #FamilyFriendlyDesign #HomeInterior #DesignInspiration #ParentingTips #HomeRenovation #InteriorDecorating #KitchenDesign #FamilyLiving

This article details the interior design project undertaken by Lauren Wills of Fort Greene-based Wills Design Associates for a young couple's first home in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The couple, on the cusp of starting a family, acquired a three-bedroom brownstone floor-through apartment. Wills, a close friend of the couple, was tasked with furnishing and decorating the entire space from scratch, as the homeowners possessed only a king-size mattress and two flat-screen TVs upon moving in. The apartment itself was in excellent structural condition, featuring original moldings, tin ceilings, and a large vintage mirror, thus requiring minimal architectural alterations. The primary work involved installing an HVAC system, which necessitated opening up the hall ceiling, and addressing minor cosmetic needs like replacing missing baseboards and molding around one door. Beyond these adjustments, the project focused on cleaning, painting, and furnishing the space to create a fresh, comfortable, and easy-to-maintain environment suitable for a growing family. Wills, a Pratt Institute alumna with a BFA in interior design and prior experience with high-profile Manhattan designers, launched her own firm approximately a year and a half before this project. She managed the budget effectively, sourcing most furnishings from popular retailers like West Elm and CB2, complemented by items from online stores and vintage furniture sites like Chairish. The color palette for the main living areas utilized Benjamin Moore’s White Diamond for walls and Snow White for ceilings, chosen for its clean, fresh, and slightly gray-toned "invisible white" aesthetic, as specified by the client to avoid yellowish off-whites. The living room features a sectional sofa and TV console from West Elm, art from One Kings Lane, and a Verner Panton knockoff chair from Overstock. The dining area includes a distressed green cabinet from Chairish and a concrete composite dining table from CB2, which matches the living room's coffee table. Functional and aesthetic details include a cluster of circular mirrors near the entry to brighten the exposed brick, and ceiling lights from CB2 installed during the HVAC upgrade. In the master bedroom, Benjamin Moore’s Blacktop serves as a statement wall color, paired with a cane headboard from Serena and Lily and artwork from Pure Photo. A discreet bamboo cabinet hides electronics, and blackout shades from Home Depot provide light control without cords. The combo study/guest room is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Blue Danube, with a ceiling light from Jonathan Adler and a wall sculpture from One Kings Lane. An alcove was transformed into an office with a white laminate desk surface and stained-wood shelves. The existing bathroom received a splurge in the form of fish wallpaper from Cole & Sons, with the door painted in a coordinating Benjamin Moore Coral Gables pink. The overall design reflects a thoughtful balance of aesthetics, functionality, and budget-conscious sourcing, tailored to the clients' new phase of life. #InteriorDesign #ParkSlope #BrooklynLiving #FirstHome #WillsDesignAssociates #HomeRenovation #ModernAesthetics #BudgetFriendlyDesign #Brownstone

The article focuses on selecting wall art for children's rooms that can adapt to their changing tastes as they grow, aiming to reduce the need for frequent redecorating. It emphasizes choosing pieces that offer personality without being overly specific to a particular childhood phase. The selections avoid popular characters, which children tend to outgrow quickly, and instead highlight designs with vibrant colors, interesting shapes, and versatile sizes that can be mixed and matched. One featured item is the "Fun & Games Framed Print" from West Elm and Minted. This domino-themed print is designed to be appealing to both younger children and older kids, available in various frame finishes and sizes to suit different room aesthetics. Another recommendation is the "Playful Art Gallery Wall" from DESENIO, which provides a customizable collection of prints. This allows parents to curate a display that can evolve over time, either by purchasing the entire set or by selecting individual pieces. PSTR Studio's "Enikő Eged - Horses of Wadi Rum" print is presented as a minimalist yet bold option. Printed on museum-quality paper, this artwork is suitable for playrooms and bedrooms and comes with multiple frame color choices, including orange, pink, and green. For a more interactive and functional option, the "Shape Play by Elizabeth Olwen" from Felt Right offers felt shapes that not only add visual interest but also help to reduce noise and echo in a room, with the flexibility to be arranged in various configurations. The article also suggests the "Calming Dots Posters Bundle" from Etsy, which offers a set of six digital art files. This provides parents with the flexibility to print the artwork at home or through a print service, allowing for customization in size and medium. For a more contemporary and striking look, the "Handmade Modern Abstract Wall Decor on Acrylic" from Wayfair is highlighted for its ability to reflect light and add significant color to a room. For those with a penchant for vintage or specific themes, the "Surfin' Wheels II Wall Art" from Great Big Canvas, designed by Paul McCreery, offers a retro-inspired canvas print depicting a jeep with a surfboard. This piece is presented as a durable option that can remain relevant for years, especially for children interested in beaches or cars. A timeless choice, "Super Shadow" by Andy Okay, features an image of Batman, appealing to a broad age range. Proceeds from this art, a collaboration with Jason Ratliff and the Non-Violence Project, also support charity. Banksy's "Dream Big Dreams" print, available through Paints Lab, is another recommendation for its broad appeal across all ages. Additionally, the "Pink Modern Gummy Candy" canvas print from Stupell Industries on Wayfair transforms a childhood favorite into a sophisticated art piece with a stained-glass effect. For easily changeable art, Displate offers "Food Plants" metal posters by Jonas Loose, which utilize an innovative wall magnet system, allowing for quick updates to a room's decor. Finally, the "Kawaii Cactus Neon Wall Sign" from Zanvis Neon is suggested for adding a modern and playful touch with its vibrant neon glow and includes a wall mounting kit and wireless remote for convenience. #KidsRoomDecor #WallArt #ChildrensDecor #HomeDecoration #InteriorDesign #KidsArt #NurseryDecor #PlayroomDecor