This Must Be What It’s Like to Live Inside a Rainbow

This article highlights the transformation of a classic Georgian-style home in Cherry Creek into a vibrant and elegant space for a young family. The homeowners, Alexis and McAndrew Rudisill, desired a departure from their previous monochromatic New York City residence, seeking a home that was both magical and whimsical while maintaining sophistication. They enlisted Andrea Schumacher, principal of Andrea Schumacher Interiors in Denver, along with senior designer Nikki Cohn, to achieve this vision. The design process began with the family room, where Schumacher proposed using F. Schumacher & Co.'s vibrant Chiang Mai Dragon fabric for the chairs, setting a bold color story for the entire home. This initial design choice became a foundational element, guiding subsequent color selections throughout the residence. The custom swivel chairs in the family room are designed for versatility, allowing occupants to face either the navy sofa or the television. The room's neutral elements, such as the custom gray tufted ottoman, are given a playful touch with a Kelly green contrast welt, demonstrating attention to detail and a commitment to integrating color throughout the space. The subtle peacock blue from the Chiang Mai Dragon print in the family room inspired the dining room's design. Schumacher extended this color, allowing it to play a more prominent role in the dining area. The dining room walls are upholstered in padded blue Brunschwig & Fils embroidered fabric, an application that Alexis Rudisill noted as both classic and fresh, reminiscent of old Park Avenue apartments but with a contemporary, almost beachy feel. The room is anchored by a custom walnut table and features chairs upholstered in lush velvet, complemented by a modern Modo chandelier from Design Within Reach. A painting by Carol Corell, titled “On the Way,” was chosen by the owners to further personalize the space. The kitchen area features fiberglass Dowel Counter Stools from Modernica at the island, chosen for their aesthetic appeal and ease of cleaning. Industrial clear glass pendants add a modern touch to the otherwise traditional kitchen. Adjacent to the kitchen, the breakfast nook is painted in a bold emerald green, specifically Cat's Eye Green by Benjamin Moore. This choice serves as a deliberate "surprise" at the back of the house, fulfilling Alexis's desire for a home with an edgier aesthetic. Upstairs, the master bedroom offers a serene contrast to the more vibrant communal areas. The design for this space was inspired by Alexis's mother's bedroom, incorporating Osborne & Little wallpaper as a foundational element. The master suite features a soft palette of silver and watery aqua, with glamorous touches like nickel nail heads on the custom tufted headboard and antiqued-mirror nightstands. This quieter scheme maintains elegance while complementing the bolder design statements found elsewhere in the home. Andrea Schumacher emphasizes her personal philosophy that "the more, the better" when it comes to color, contrasting with the calmness of neutral designs. She shares practical tips for incorporating color, such as using green due to its versatility as a neutral color, and paying attention to details like extending patterns onto air vents for a seamless look. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of paint sheen, noting that high gloss offers glamour, while lower sheens provide a more traditional appearance. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #CherryCreekHome #AndreaSchumacherInteriors #LuxuryInteriors #FamilyFriendlyDesign #DenverRealEstate

Shawn Aversa and Jamie McAdams, owners of the lifestyle store Von Walter & Funk in Lawrenceville, undertook a kitchen renovation in their 120-year-old Victorian home in Highland Park, a project that unexpectedly evolved into a sanctuary during the COVID-19 pandemic's stay-at-home orders. The couple, who affectionately call their home “McVersa Manor,” had lived there for eight years and decided their kitchen, isolated from the rest of the house, was no longer suitable for their entertaining lifestyle. The home's traditional charm and high ceilings were complemented by their curated vintage items and bright color accents, but the kitchen's layout posed a challenge. Their vision for the new kitchen included practical features such as easy-to-maintain tile floors for their dogs and raised cabinets to accommodate their height, as both Aversa and McAdams are over 6 feet tall, aiming for a task-oriented kitchen where appliances were at eye level. Construction began in summer 2019 with Pittsburgh-based Century Interiors. The project encompassed not only the kitchen renovation but also a two-story addition, featuring a two-car garage on the lower level and a California room on the first floor. Aversa, collaborating with architect Jeff Wetzel of AE7 Pittsburgh, opted for a modern design for the addition, characterized by ample natural light, an airy feel, and clean lines, intentionally contrasting with the home's traditional style. By early 2020, the addition was closed in, a fortunate circumstance as the pandemic halted construction in mid-March. At this point, the kitchen installation had not yet commenced. Confined to two small downstairs rooms with their three dogs and growing tired of takeout, the couple repurposed the unfinished addition. Despite lacking heat and relying on space heaters powered by a long extension cord, they set up a makeshift kitchen with a freestanding cooktop and a high-end toaster oven. This period of forced domesticity offered a new perspective. From the vantage point of their temporary new room, they realized the kitchen still felt disconnected. This led to a significant design alteration: the removal of a large interior wall separating the kitchen, butler's pantry, and dining room. While this meant sacrificing some original features, other elements like built-ins and a pantry door were relocated within the house. Aversa noted that this decision, though a sacrifice, ultimately unified the home. Contractors returned in mid-May, and the project concluded by July. For the kitchen, Aversa and McAdams collaborated with Jacob Evans Kitchen & Bath. Owner Michael Bonato described the project as enjoyable, highlighting the clients' design sensibility. Diverging from Pittsburgh's typically traditional market, the couple chose a highly textured, wood-look laminate in a beachy whitewash from Mouser’s Terra Collection for their cabinetry, which included pullout drawers with built-in bins for pet food. They also selected a dramatic black marble with white veining and an unusual high-honed finish for the countertops. This finish required experimentation to achieve the desired texture and color without losing depth. Aversa opted for the same marble slab for the backsplash but designed a 'half-splash' wall topped with a shelf for displaying kitchen accessories. The island is adorned with sergeant green stools from School House in Portland, Oregon, and custom pendant light fixtures created by Aversa, featuring mid-century globes and colored cords, hung at varying heights and sizes to add dimension. Italian-imported, speckled white, matte-finished Del Conca tiles were chosen for the flooring, proving excellent for managing dog hair. Aversa's eclectic style extended to the rectangular California room, which he renamed the “Rainbow Room.” He adorned one white wall with a vinyl rainbow decal and incorporated pops of color with vintage 19th-century Bergere chairs reupholstered in periwinkle cotton velvet and a retro turquoise gas Malm fireplace. A handcrafted wooden bench top from Pittsburgh’s Urban Tree under the television added an earthy touch. Aversa shared that this bright, airy new space became their primary haven during the pandemic, providing a much-needed morale boost. #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #VictorianHome #ModernAddition #PandemicProject #InteriorDesign #CustomCabinetry #MarbleCountertops #UniqueLighting

The article, "Life in Bold Color," explores the profound impact of color on human psychology and physiology within home design. It emphasizes that while neutrals are often a safe choice, a reluctance to use bolder hues can lead to uninspired spaces. To showcase the transformative power of color, Midwest Home and ASID MN collaborated on a "Life in Bold Color" competition, sponsored by Hirshfield’s, inviting interior designers to present their most vibrant projects. The article highlights that interior designers, possessing a deep understanding of color theory, are adept at utilizing color to establish specific moods and achieve client objectives. It delves into the psychological associations of various colors: red, a warm and stimulating color, signifies passion and strength, and was incorporated into several winning projects to create dynamic spaces like a red bathroom. Yellow, another warm hue, evokes feelings of happiness and optimism, making it suitable for infusing cheer into areas such as a pantry adjacent to a blue and white kitchen, as demonstrated by Martha O’Hara Interiors. Blue, known for its tranquil and soothing properties, is frequently chosen for bedrooms, with winning designs integrating various shades of blue balanced with warm accents to create restful yet sophisticated environments. Green, a color associated with nature, generally leans towards cooler tones, although its versatility allows for warmer variations like chartreuse when mixed with yellow. Examples include kitchen cabinets that stand out and an apple-green chair in a Pure Design Environments project. The competition's judging criteria focused on how effectively design solutions met project goals, the innovative and creative application of color, and the designers' mastery of color theory and psychology. The article then presents several winning projects. Brooke Voss Design’s project, "Keen on Color," addressed clients' desire for a vibrant, fun space by using chartreuse, bright blue, and teal, balanced with neutral whites, honed blacks, and natural wood. This approach created a cheerful yet sophisticated atmosphere, notably in the kitchen cabinetry. Orfield Design & Construction, Inc.'s "Good Energy" project transformed an empty-nester couple's midcentury modern rambler bathroom into a fun and functional guest space. The design utilized Sherwin Williams' “Red Alert” on the walls, complemented by colorful mosaic tiles and balanced with Carrera marble countertops and wood-plank floor tiles. Martha O’Hara Interiors' "Sunny Farmhouse" integrated the homeowner’s earthy style with bold colors in a new North Dakota farmhouse. The white kitchen with a blue island and blue wallpaper was enlivened by a sunny yellow pantry, praised by jurors for its restrained yet impactful use of bold color. The same firm's "Boho Bedroom" project updated a 1913 Victorian master bedroom with deep turquoise, pinks, and eclectic patterns and textures, creating a vibrant, unforced Bohemian aesthetic. LiLu Interiors' "Pattern Play" project transformed a NE Minneapolis master suite, drawing inspiration from the homeowner’s distinctive style and vintage collection. The designers skillfully balanced finishes, patterns, textures, and bold colors, featuring cool blues with warm coral accents. Finally, Pure Design Environments' "Living Color Condo" combined two condominiums into a linear space. Facing challenges with natural light in areas like the spa room and closet, the designer used luxurious finishes and an interplay of light and color to create sophisticated, yet complementary and engaging, spaces. The article concludes by listing the jury members for the 2017 competition: Caren Martin, Ph.D., Patricia Undlin, ASID, and Chris Lee. #HomeDesign #ColorTheory #InteriorDesign #BoldColors #DesignCompetition #BrookeVossDesign #MarthaOHaraInteriors #ASIDMN #HomeDecoration

The article details the transformation of a bland new-build apartment in London's King's Cross district into a vibrant, personalized urban home by interior designer Rhonda Drakeford, under her Studio Rhonda practice. The two-bedroom apartment, situated on the eighth floor of a high-rise, initially lacked character, with its primary appeal being the surrounding city views. Drakeford aimed to integrate the apartment with its urban setting, developing a pastel-toned interpretation of Brutalism. The clients, a couple who are chefs, desired a high-impact home suitable for hosting cookery courses, client meetings, and entertaining. Key requests included a statement kitchen and the incorporation of concrete elements. Drakeford addressed the concrete requirement by using pigmented tiles, custom-made by Bert & May, arranged in precise, grid-like patterns. The deliberate choice of handmade tiles with an imperfect finish was intended to contrast with the sharp gridlines, adding textural depth to the design. Colour played a crucial role in the apartment's redesign. Chunky bands of grey paint were used to define rooms, inspired by the colour of concrete and serving to create playful optical illusions. Against this neutral base, a confident quartet of brighter shades emerged. Pink was introduced to echo a neighbouring high-rise, while varying shades of blue—cobalt and cornflower—were inspired by the changing skies visible from the apartment. Primrose yellow and pea green completed the palette, with Drakeford intentionally selecting varied tones rather than a rigid scheme to enhance the overall depth of the colours. The use of chalkier shades of bright colours further contributed to this desired depth. Beyond the architectural and colour interventions, Drakeford also designed and created many of the apartment's furniture pieces, including a multicolour daybed and a mathematical chart-inspired mural in the living room. The homeowners embraced this vibrant vision, replacing their previous furniture to align with the new aesthetic. The final result is an apartment that transcends its uninspired origins, creating an abstract and elevated living experience that Drakeford describes as feeling like 'floating above a cityscape.' The project showcases Studio Rhonda's distinctive approach, characterized by strong structural grids, bold colours, and organic textures, all while maintaining a client-centric conversation. #InteriorDesign #UrbanLiving #ModernApartment #RhondaDrakeford #BrutalismInspired #PastelPalette #KingCrossLondon #CustomDesign #ColourfulInteriors

This blog post showcases the transformation of a new-construction townhouse in Manayunk, Philadelphia, into a vibrant and playful living space through the application of bold colors and patterns. Villanova-based interior designer Michelle Gage spearheaded the project, which commenced after a client in her mid-30s sought to personalize her unadorned, approximately 2,000-square-foot home. Gage's design approach emphasized eclecticism, color, and intricate patterns, aligning seamlessly with the client's vivacious style. The design process began remotely, with the client providing listing photos to Gage, who then conceptualized the interior before an in-person visit. The project spanned a year, culminating in December 2017, and focused on creating distinct moods for different areas of the house. The open-concept first floor was designed as a lively entertainment hub, featuring a teal velvet sofa as a central element in the living room. This focal point was complemented by a brass-and-marble coffee table and a neutral leather chair, balancing the sofa's bright hue. Hanging prints were strategically placed to act as "color vehicles," harmonizing with the sofa and introducing subtle pink accents. In the dining area, a vibrant blue patterned wallpaper was chosen to create a cohesive flow with the rest of the main floor. To optimize space, a round CB2 pedestal table was incorporated, paired with leather bucket chairs for textural contrast. The kitchen area was also integrated into this colorful scheme through trendy wall art, connecting the various communal spaces. The second level of the townhouse saw a spare bedroom reimagined as a dressing room, a suggestion from the client. Gage enhanced this space with a floral wallpaper from York Wallcoverings and included a daybed to accommodate guests. This area, while incorporating pattern, offered a distinct functional purpose within the home. For the third-floor master suite, Gage opted for a more subdued palette, primarily using grays and neutrals. This decision aimed to create a private oasis for the couple, offering a serene contrast to the vibrant lower levels. The master bedroom, designed to merge masculine and feminine styles, features a custom-built and upholstered headboard from Chairloom, necessitated by the original bed's inability to fit upstairs. Playful mint green sconces add a touch of personality to this otherwise calm retreat. The overall design effectively illustrates how strategic use of color, pattern, and personalized elements can infuse a new-construction property with character and warmth. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Manayunk #ColorfulInteriors #MichelleGage #TownhouseDesign #EclecticStyle #PatternedWallpaper #CustomFurniture

Designer Garrow Kedigian's Montreal townhouse, built in 1923, showcases a bold and sophisticated approach to interior design, emphasizing dark colors and rich textures. Kedigian, known for putting a unique twist on neutrals, transformed this L-shaped corner townhouse into a luxurious and inviting home. The design seamlessly blends modern and traditional elements, incorporating various design styles and materials across different rooms. The exterior of the 1923 townhouse sets the stage for the refined interiors. Upon entering, the staircase immediately captures attention with an Antilocarpa carpet from Stark, which pays homage to Canada's fur-trading history. This dramatic stair runner is described as both contemporary and classic by Kedigian. The architectural details of the staircase are highlighted by trim painted in glossy Benjamin Moore Black. Reproductions of Géricault's artworks are strategically placed throughout the home, adding a touch of classical artistry. The living room exudes a warm and cocooning atmosphere, achieved through walls and moldings painted in Benjamin Moore's Rattan, a warm beige hue. Simple gold details are incorporated to enhance the sense of luxury. This space features a vintage coffee table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, and a custom sofa upholstered in Rogers & Goffigon's Biarritz fabric. Seating options include an armchair covered in a Pierre Frey velvet and another in a Chelsea Editions fabric. A Lotus floor lamp by Barbara Barry for Circa Lighting and a Stark rug complete the elegant ensemble. In contrast, the sitting room introduces a deeper color palette. Here, red leather nailhead trimming from Samuel & Sons creates the illusion of wall paneling. An antique Gustavian sofa is upholstered in vintage raw silk, adding to the room's character. The Jalen chandelier from Arteriors provides illumination, while the trim is painted in Benjamin Moore's Branchport Brown, further enhancing the rich aesthetic. The dining room strikes a balance between modern and traditional design. It features a chrome-and-glass table from Andrew Martin, paired with Louis XVI–style Marilyn chairs from Global Views. Curtains made from Rogers & Goffigon's Pirouette fabric and a Stark rug define the space. A vintage buffet in the dining room serves as a display for books and decorative items, including a unique table lamp fashioned by Kedigian from a candlestick. The walls of the dining room are painted in a captivatingly dark Benjamin Moore's Caribbean Teal, creating a dramatic backdrop. An antique crystal sconce, a find from a Paris flea market, and a side chair upholstered in Chelsea Editions fabric contribute to the room's sophisticated charm. The butler's pantry features a golden-hued Splendour wallpaper by Catherine Martin for Mokum, complemented by bold swaths of black paint, adding a touch of glamour and functionality. The writing room, embellished by artist Rajiv Surendra, utilizes chalkboard paint by Rust-Oleum, offering a creative and functional space. The master bedroom, painted in Benjamin Moore's Alfresco, showcases Kedigian's preference for blue. An antique four-poster bed is transformed with a canopy made from Kravet Couture's Cadence fabric. The bed is adorned with pillows in fabrics by Etro, Templeton, and Garrow Kedigian for Peter Fasano. Joshua Tall tables by Jayson Home flank the bed, and a custom bench is upholstered in Etro's Enrico. A Stark rug anchors the room. A Daisy G mirror by Worlds Away adds a whimsical touch to the bedroom decor. The guest bedroom provides a warm ambiance with walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Terra Mauve. It features a pair of 18th-century beds upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric, Gluckstein Home bed linens, and a Lattice Bone C-Table from Pier 1 Imports. Kedigian's home reflects his innovative use of color, texture, and a blend of design periods to create a distinctive and luxurious living environment. #InteriorDesign #MontrealTownhouse #DarkColors #GarrowKedigian #LuxuryHome #EclecticDesign #BenjaminMoore #VintageFurniture