Designer Katie Frazier Fills a Chestnut Hill Home With Clever Hidden Treasures

This article features a tour of designer Stephanie Perez O’Boyle’s Westchester home, which she describes as an eclectic blend of cottagecore and whimsical design, heavily influenced by thrifted and vintage accents. Upon discovering the condo, Perez O’Boyle and her carpenter father-in-law recognized its potential despite needing significant renovations, drawn by abundant natural light from large windows and its desirable location near the water. The surrounding neighborhood, characterized by residential homes, flowering trees, and thoughtful landscaping, seamlessly integrates with her condo, which features traditional white vinyl siding, bay windows, and Juliette balconies. Perez O’Boyle's decorating philosophy centers on creating a lived-in, personal, and cozy atmosphere, filling her space with pieces that hold significant meaning and memories. Her design approach is heavily inspired by historical designers such as Billy Baldwin, Nancy Lancaster, Josef Frank, and Jean Royere, whose work informs her focus on livable floor plans, timeless designs, eclectic elements, and whimsical touches. Her Colombian heritage also plays a crucial role; she fondly recalls her grandparents' Spanish-style home in Colombia, with its terracotta roof, plaster walls, and a central courtyard filled with plants and fresh flowers, which instilled in her an appreciation for unfussy, cozy interiors. Her extensive travels, encompassing over 20 countries, further enrich her design aesthetic, particularly British and French country interiors. She enjoys collecting vintage tableware and handmade pottery from diverse locations like Mexico, Romania, and Hungary. The old-world charm of Portugal and Spain, evident in their ceramics, tiles, and antiques, also deeply resonates with her, as do the vibrant and enduring textiles and rugs from India. These global influences are thoughtfully woven into her home’s decor, adding layers of personal history and unique character. Among her most cherished possessions are an antique 19th-century English pine farm table from The Parsons Nose Antiques, which she intentionally left in its natural, patinating state. Her entryway features nearly 100-year-old Swedish herbariums from Studio Welby in London, housed in custom handmade bobbin frames. Hand-painted floral table lamps from Portugal hold special family significance, but the custom-designed kitchen island, crafted by her father-in-law, stands out as the most meaningful piece. This heirloom, built by a carpenter with over 40 years of experience, serves as a central grounding element in her home. A favorite design feature is the collection of vintage baskets hanging above the banquette in her dining nook, accumulated from various travels and antique shops. This idea was inspired by Bunny Mellon’s effortless use of baskets to introduce warmth and texture. The kitchen is where Perez O’Boyle and her husband spend most of their time, especially given their shared love for cooking. The space benefits from abundant natural light and provides direct access to a patio, making it a central hub for family activities. Weekend mornings often involve making cappuccinos and pancakes, enjoying the bright and airy environment with her son and dog. #CottagecoreDesign #WhimsicalDecor #ThriftedFinds #VintageDecor #EclecticStyle #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #WestchesterHome #PersonalizedSpace

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

Olivier Reza, the head of his family's eponymous jewelry house, opens the doors to his New York City home in the inaugural installment of Robb Report's "Grand Tour" video series. Reza, whose family has a history in the gemstone business dating back to the 18th century, took over the jewelry brand in 2020. His discerning eye for design, evident in the exquisite accessories his brand offers, extends to the meticulously curated interior of his personal residence. The article highlights Reza's approach to home design, which centers on the concept of mixing pieces from different eras to observe "how they talk to each other." This philosophy is immediately apparent upon entering his home, where the foyer features a striking juxtaposition of checkered black-and-white tiles with a moody, modern blue wallpaper, complemented by an array of art and decorative objects. This eclectic style continues throughout the residence, creating a unique and personal aesthetic. In the study, dark-hued walls and ebony wood provide a sophisticated backdrop for abstract and colorful art pieces. The design incorporates vintage elements, such as 1920s/’30s vases, alongside contemporary items like tableware from L'Objet, showcasing a deliberate blend of old and new. The living room further exemplifies Reza's diverse taste, featuring a curved wooden desk from the 1930s, vibrant blue animal-printed chairs, and textured grey sofas. The space is further enriched by various knickknacks, including a distinctive furry Hass Brothers beast, all contributing to a rich and layered interior design. Reza expresses a deep enjoyment for the process of sourcing these diverse items, whether for his jewelry collections or his home. He emphasizes that "the fun is in the curation," suggesting that the search and selection of each piece are as fulfilling as the final arrangement. This passion for collecting and curating is deeply rooted in his family history, with his father, Alexandre Reza, having established the Reza brand in the 1960s before Olivier moved the family business to its current location on the Upper East Side. The article illustrates how Reza's dedication to exceptional design and his love for unique finds create a home that is both personal and visually captivating. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #EclecticStyle #LuxuryHomes #OlivierReza #NewYorkCity #JewelryHouse #CuratedHome #RobbReport

This article details the transformation of Caroline McCulloch's Queenslander home, an ornate property that initially served as a temporary residence but quickly became a cherished family home. Caroline, the founder of shoe label Frankie4, and her family, including children Max and Rosie, fell in love with the house's original features, such as 3.8-meter ceilings, a breathtaking hallway, and a wraparound verandah reminiscent of Caroline's childhood home. Despite its charm, the house was dated, featuring a 'twee' decor with pinks, lavenders, and flowery wallpapers, and suffered from functional issues like limited storage, a small main ensuite, and a poorly placed WC in the kitchen. Caroline preferred a more masculine aesthetic, prompting a significant interior design project. Interior designer Claire Stevens was tasked with reimagining the space. With a focus on minimal structural changes, Stevens ingeniously converted an unused small room between the main and second bedrooms into two walk-in wardrobes and transformed a study adjacent to the dining room into an ensuite for Max. The previously enclosed back verandah, with its iconic VJ ceiling, was revitalized into an informal living area by adding curtains, rugs, and art, becoming the family's primary gathering space. A section of this verandah was partitioned off to create a rumpus room. Enhancements in the main living room included the installation of a fireplace and the replacement of all wallpapers, addressing the homeowner's desire for a more refined look. Claire Stevens' design approach was largely guided by Caroline's extensive collection of Australian art, which served as the primary inspiration for each room's theme and color palette. Stevens aimed for 'sophisticated spaces with different looks and different colors,' ensuring that while Caroline liked color, the overall effect was never too busy. For instance, the dining room was imbued with a rich and layered feel, featuring Wedgwood-blue walls, a generously sized handcrafted dining table, a striking pendant light, a green retro-style sideboard, and a monolithic Kelly Wearstler sculpture. The sitting room adopted a more minimalist aesthetic with neutral tones, a marble fireplace, and brass accents, creating a pared-back yet elegant atmosphere. The main bedroom was designed with grass-weave wallpaper, introducing color and punch while maintaining a cozy and inviting feel. The choice of wallpapers played a crucial role in enhancing the home's character. Hydrangea-blue grasscloth in the dining room added texture, while a more formal, subtle linear stripe in the living room provided an ideal backdrop for the art collection. These wallpapers complemented the original architectural details, such as architraves, cornicing, and fan lights, which were painted in crisp white to highlight their freshness. The coffered ceiling in the dining area and the original VJ cladding on the verandah were also revitalized with crisp white, contributing to a relaxed and airy ambiance. Functional additions included a banquette in the informal dining area of the kitchen and louvred joinery, further enhancing the home's breezy feel. The renovated home has successfully created distinct yet harmonious spaces that cater to the family's individual preferences. Max enjoys his 'nook,' Rosie frequently uses the dining table for art and studies, and Caroline's husband, Alan, favors the outdoor lounge area. Caroline herself appreciates the diversity of spaces, finding joy in spending time across different areas of the house. Her favorite is the dining room, valued not only for its beauty but also for its versatility, hosting meals, tutoring sessions, business meetings, art projects, and family board games. The home embodies a perfect blend of style and comfort, reflecting the ethos of Caroline's Frankie4 brand. #QueenslanderHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ArtInspiredInteriors #LuxuryDecor #FamilyHome #AustralianDesign #HistoricRenovation #HomeTours

Susana Cisneros, co-owner of Plume Home Decor, along with her mother Magita, established their business over a decade ago out of a recognized need in the Miami market for a curated home accessories boutique. Their initial motivation stemmed from the challenges they faced in sourcing decorative items like pillows, lamps, wallpaper, and various home accessories for a client project. This experience led them to the idea of creating Plume, aiming to serve as a valuable resource for both interior designers and individual customers seeking inspiration and unique home decor. Plume Home Decor is described as more than just a boutique; it functions as a design studio and a source of inspiration for its clientele. Located in Coral Gables, the store, which opened over seven years ago, is known for its carefully selected merchandise. The owners dedicate significant time to researching and sourcing high-quality fabrics, wallpapers, lighting, and pillows. They keep abreast of current design trends while also distinguishing themselves by offering unique, often one-of-a-kind pieces discovered during their international travels. This approach ensures a sophisticated and detail-oriented product selection that resonates with their customers. Beyond retail, Plume Home Decor extends its services to private clients through interior design consultations. Acknowledging that many clients may only require assistance with specific areas of their homes or need help accessorizing existing spaces, Plume undertakes these smaller-scale projects. Their philosophy emphasizes that beautiful design does not necessarily require a large budget. The business has adapted its merchandise over the years to suit the local market preferences without compromising on quality standards. The business successfully navigated the challenges brought on by the pandemic, including temporary closures and uncertainty. Despite these hurdles, Plume emerged stronger, particularly addressing supply chain disruptions by sourcing products locally. The pandemic also prompted them to realize a long-held dream: launching their own pillow collection. They designed and manufactured two collections and expanded their e-commerce platform, enhancing accessibility for their customers. The consistent focus on product quality and customer service is highlighted as a cornerstone of their success. Susana Cisneros, a Miami native, also offers recommendations for experiencing Miami's culture, cuisine, and natural environment. Her suggested itinerary for a week-long visit includes exploring Coconut Grove with lunch at Bellini, visiting the Barnacle, taking an airboat ride in the Everglades National Park, spending a day at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, enjoying a beach day in Key Biscayne with bike rentals at Bill Baggs and a visit to the lighthouse, and finally, experiencing Little Havana, including a walk on Calle Ocho, a cafecito, and Cuban food at Versailles. Susana dedicates recognition to women entrepreneurs and mother-daughter business owners, emphasizing the pride she takes in working alongside her mother. She also acknowledges the crucial support from their husbands, whom she refers to as their biggest cheerleaders. Plume Home Decor maintains an online presence through its website, www.plumehomedecor.com, and is active on Instagram and Facebook under the handle 'plumehomedecor'. The article concludes by inviting readers to nominate other deserving individuals within the community for recognition. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #MiamiLifestyle #MotherDaughterTeam #CuratedProducts