The Boob Light Got a Makeover, and Honestly? It Looks Good

This blog post details the transformation of a new, five-bedroom, 5,200-square-foot Toll Brothers colonial home in the North Star Chase subdivision, showcasing how a plain vanilla property was elevated to a sumptuous space through strategic design choices. The owner, Linda Mulvihill, a mother of three, took on the formidable task of personalizing the new construction. Her first significant decision was to halt the builders from installing standard wooden spindles on her two-story staircase, insisting on wrought iron instead. This preference for wrought iron not only redefined the interior staircase but was also extended to the exterior, distinguishing the home from others in the neighborhood. Wrought-iron gates now encircle a garden of roses and wildflowers, leading a curved path to the columned portico entrance. The integration of this element from the garden into the foyer’s staircase creates a cohesive visual flow upon entering the home. Mulvihill's design aspiration was to blend Asian and Italian influences to achieve a casually elegant atmosphere. To realize this vision, she enlisted Joyce Keeney, senior designer and founder of Interior Concepts in Hockessin. Together, they meticulously integrated these diverse cultural aesthetics through thoughtful selections of color and texture. Mulvihill's fondness for red was incorporated by Keeney, who harmonized strong hues with more subdued colors found in carpets, throw pillows, and drapes. The majority of the furniture was sourced from EJ Victor Upholstery in North Carolina, while lighting fixtures predominantly came from Fine Art Lamps in Florida, ensuring a consistent design language throughout the home. Mulvihill noted her tendency to create formal spaces, and Keeney's expertise helped her strike a balance between formality and comfort. The living room immediately captures attention with a jeweled chandelier suspended above a black Yamaha grand player piano, establishing a formal yet inviting space suitable for both entertaining and casual family moments. An all-wool, custom-colored Oriental carpet anchors the room, reflecting the hues of Oriental tables, hutches, and an olive silk sofa. Rich embroidered silk draperies from Kravet Couture, in green, gracefully puddle on the floor, while family photos and paintings are encased in antique gold frames. A notable piece is a 24-karat gold leaf coffee table, representing chinoiserie—an 18th-century Western European and English decorative fashion that incorporates Chinese ornamentation and structural elements. Keeney highlighted the versatility of chinoiserie, explaining its compatibility with various furniture styles, making it ideal for Mulvihill's desired blend of Italian and Asian influences. The formal dining room features a mahogany table with a burled piano finish and a china cabinet from EJ Victor’s Newport Mansion collection, filled with Lenox dishes. An Italian crystal chandelier with antique gold accents serves as a central focal point, complemented by custom-finished antique gold sconces. The room is distinctively wallpapered with Scalamandre silk paper, a sophisticated choice that, despite its challenging installation process, provides a luxurious, textured paint-like appearance. Dark wood floors and Oriental runners guide the transition from the dining room to the family room, where columns similar to those at the portico entrance mark the space. A striking 11-foot Maitland Smith console table with a stone top, weighing 1,000 pounds, dominates the family room, above which hangs a large painting of Venice framed in antique bronze. The walls, faux-finished by local artist Gary Paiement to resemble Tuscan plaster, feature a soft neutral sage with copper undertones, creating a serene yet invigorating ambiance. In the family room, black-and-white family photos offer a visual contrast to the rich greens, reds, golds, and rusts of the oversized sofas, throw pillows, and heavy velour drapes. Thick walnut curtain rods frame a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and walnut mantel. French doors open to an expansive double deck, leading to a pool and fire pit, offering breathtaking views of the Pike Creek Valley. The gourmet kitchen, which adjoins the family room, includes builder upgrades and is further enhanced by furnishings such as a Guy Chaddock table and chairs beside a second fireplace, creating a cozy area for family meals and homework. The kitchen is illuminated by chandeliers: a large crystal and gold fixture above the table and several smaller, dark bronze chandeliers above the granite island. An original landscape oil painting and embroidered drapery panels by Beacon Hill incorporate Tuscan colors. The office, however, diverges from the main Italian and Oriental motif, dedicated instead to Dr. Mulvihill’s golf hobby. Delaware artist Tracy Berger created a wall-length mural of Pebble Beach, the doctor’s favorite golf course, as a birthday gift from Linda. The room is sparingly furnished with a mahogany desk, a black wall unit, and chairs, allowing the large bay window with its valley view to take prominence. Linda Mulvihill acknowledges that decorating is an ongoing process, continually adding pieces and relying on Keeney's guidance to refine her home's aesthetic, a testament to her keen taste and clear vision for her living space. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #WroughtIron #AsianItalianFusion #LuxuryInteriors #CustomDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignConsultant #DecorativeElements

The article details a kitchen renovation project led by designer Harmony Grogan, which transformed a previously dark and bland beige kitchen into a brighter, more functional, and aesthetically pleasing space. The original kitchen was characterized by its outdated beige cabinets and a less-than-optimal layout that didn't fully utilize the space. The homeowner sought a significant update to create a more open and inviting atmosphere that also provided modern amenities and a unique design. Grogan's vision for the renovation was to blend modern functionality with vintage charm. A key aspect of this transformation was the strategic use of color. The cabinetry was painted with Benjamin Moore’s Blue Nose (1678), a soft and airy blue, while the trim received a fresh coat of Early Morning (CC-818), a light shade that complements the blue. These color choices were deliberately selected to align with the home's existing mint-green and blue exterior, ensuring a cohesive look that also resonated with the neighborhood's older bungalows and their colorful aesthetic. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation significantly improved the kitchen's functionality and layout. The design team maximized the use of a narrow 10.5-foot-wide space by consolidating all essential kitchen elements onto a single wall. This included installing custom cabinetry that provided ample storage while maintaining a streamlined appearance. The space was further enhanced with scaled-down Miele appliances, which are both efficient and space-saving. Notable appliances included a 24-inch cooktop, an 18-inch paneled dishwasher, and a 24-inch refrigerator. The backsplash was updated with glossy white tiles, contributing to the bright and clean feel of the kitchen, and Schoolhouse light fixtures in a marigold hue were added, injecting a touch of warmth and vintage appeal. A significant change in the layout involved the conversion of a previously underutilized corner, which housed a dresser, into a functional and comfortable area. This corner was reimagined to accommodate a custom 5-by-4-foot banquette, providing a cozy dining or seating nook within the kitchen itself. To prevent the space from feeling enclosed, Grogan opted for open shelving instead of traditional upper cabinetry. This choice not only contributed to an open and airy feel but also allowed for decorative displays and easy access to frequently used items. The open shelving design included connecting elements, which added to the visual continuity and modern aesthetic of the kitchen. The renovation project also paid close attention to the smaller details, extending beyond just the fixed elements of the kitchen. Harmony Grogan emphasized a comprehensive approach, specifying everything from the plates and cutlery to the artwork on the walls. This meticulous attention to detail ensured that the entire kitchen, including its accessories, contributed to the overall desired aesthetic and functionality. The successful transformation resulted in a kitchen that is not only brighter and more modern but also maintains a unique character that fits seamlessly with the home and its surroundings. #KitchenRenovation #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #HomeImprovement #KitchenMakeover #HarmonyGrogan #BlueKitchen #HomeDecor #ApplianceUpgrade

Harmony Grogan, a kitchen designer, undertook a transformative renovation of a client's kitchen, which was previously described as "dark, bland," and "beige." The client desired a space that blended modern functionality with vintage charm. The existing kitchen suffered from poor lighting, with light fixtures positioned inadequately, creating shadows. The layout was also inefficient, featuring a large, dated beige island that dominated the space, preventing proper workflow and making the kitchen feel cramped despite its size. Additionally, the kitchen lacked storage solutions, leading to clutter on countertops. The original design included heavy, dark wood cabinetry and a limited color palette, contributing to a dim and uninviting atmosphere. The design also incorporated a built-in pantry that was aesthetically unappealing and not fully utilized. The renovation began with addressing the lighting and structural issues. Recessed ceiling lights were installed to provide ample ambient illumination, replacing the previous inadequate fixtures. The large, cumbersome island was removed to open up the floor plan and improve flow. To enhance storage and visual appeal, a new custom island was introduced, featuring both open and closed shelving. This new island, with a marble top, serves as a focal point and offers increased functionality without overwhelming the space. The outdated pantry was replaced with a more streamlined and aesthetically integrated storage solution. The aesthetic transformation involved a strategic use of color and materials. The old, dark beige cabinetry was replaced with custom cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore’s Blue Nose (1678), a serene blue shade that brightens the room and introduces a fresh, modern feel. The trim was painted in Early Morning (CC-818), a complementary shade that aligns with the home’s existing mint-green and blue exterior, maintaining a cohesive architectural style within the neighborhood of older bungalows. The flooring, previously a dark and uninspiring material, was updated to a lighter, more reflective surface, further contributing to the kitchen's brighter ambiance. The layout was optimized by consolidating essential kitchen functions onto a single 10.5-foot-wide wall. This efficient design includes custom cabinetry and scaled-down Miele appliances, such as a 24-inch cooktop, an 18-inch paneled dishwasher, and a 24-inch refrigerator, maximizing space without sacrificing utility. Glossy white backsplash tiles were installed to reflect light and add a clean, modern touch. Schoolhouse light fixtures in a marigold hue were chosen to provide both task lighting and a vintage-inspired decorative element, contributing to the desired mix of modern and classic styles. A custom 5-by-4-foot banquette replaced a former dresser in the corner, offering a comfortable and integrated dining area. Instead of traditional upper cabinetry, which Harmony believed would visually close off the space, open shelving was implemented. This choice maintains an airy feel and allows for decorative display, with connecting elements to ensure a cohesive look. The renovation extended to the smallest details, with Harmony specifying everything from plates and cutlery to the artwork, ensuring a complete and harmonious design. The overall transformation resulted in a significantly brighter, more functional, and aesthetically pleasing kitchen that perfectly balances modern needs with vintage charm. #KitchenRenovation #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #HomeImprovement #KitchenDesign #BlueNose #CustomCabinetry #OpenShelving #VintageCharm

The article details a DIY home improvement project focused on transforming a long, dark hallway in a prewar apartment into a brighter and more functional space. The hallway, measuring 38 feet, originally served as a cluttered area with poor lighting and lacked aesthetic appeal, creating a negative first impression of the home. The initial lighting consisted of a single hanging fixture near the front door and a randomly placed wall sconce, both deemed inadequate and unsightly. The homeowners sought to improve both the functionality and the visual appeal of this significant, yet underutilized, area. They considered various lighting options, including track lighting, but ultimately decided against it due to a preference for an industrial aesthetic that felt less refined and more timeless. This decision was influenced by previous successful DIY projects, such as a kitchen renovation, which also incorporated an industrial style. Inspiration for the new lighting came unexpectedly when the author's father salvaged four industrial lights from a demolished building in Las Vegas. These lights, though old and in need of rewiring, were embraced for their authentic industrial character, contrasting with commercially available 'industrial chic' options. Despite their considerable size—18 inches across and 19 inches tall, originally designed for 15-foot ceilings—the author envisioned them working in the apartment, albeit with some modifications. The first step in customizing these salvaged fixtures was to spray paint their cool aluminum shells with a metallic goldish-green color called “Rosemary,” aiming to introduce warmth into the industrial design. This process was done in a suburban backyard, allowing for ample space and proper ventilation. The painting transformed the lights, giving them a refreshed appearance while retaining their original character. The installation process, largely handled by the author's father who is an experienced handyman, involved several technical steps. Since the hallway previously lacked overhead lighting beyond the entryway, new mounting points were established. Outlet boxes and box covers were used to securely attach the heavy light fixtures to the ceiling. To ensure even illumination and visual balance along the long hallway, the lights were strategically spaced approximately every eight feet. Three of the four salvaged lights were ultimately used, as incorporating all four would have made the ceiling appear too crowded. A key aspect of the installation involved wiring the three new lights to a single switch, specifically the existing one by the front door. Instead of hardwiring, which would have necessitated extensive electrical work and patching, a more pragmatic solution was devised. The end of the wire connecting the new lights was fitted with a plug. This plug was then inserted into a socket plug adapter, which was screwed into the socket of the old light fixture at the entryway, effectively converting the old fixture's power source into an outlet for the new pendant lights. The decorative glass globe of the old fixture was removed to accommodate this modification. Additionally, the old light switch was replaced with a dimmer switch, offering adjustable lighting control and further enhancing the hallway's ambiance. The article emphasizes that tasks such as wiring and installing dimmer switches should be handled by a professional electrician or an experienced individual if one lacks the necessary expertise. The thick black cable connecting the lights was intentionally left exposed and slightly slack, contributing to the desired casual, industrial aesthetic rather than being concealed with plastic wiremold. The finished installation resulted in aesthetically pleasing and functional lighting, significantly brightening the once-dark hallway. However, the newfound brightness also highlighted other areas needing attention, such as painting, indicating ongoing renovation plans. #DIY #HomeImprovement #HallwayRenovation #IndustrialLighting #InteriorDesign #LightingInstallation #PrewarApartment #SalvagedMaterials #NYCRealEstate