Color, Pattern, and Texture Rule in This Brooklyn Home

Interior designer Kate Lester embarked on a project to redefine the perception of traditional design within a Cape Cod-style home in Manhattan Beach, CA. The common understanding of traditional interiors often includes heavy floral patterns, antique timepieces, tasseled ottomans, and elaborate window treatments, which can deter individuals from incorporating these elements. Lester's approach demonstrates how traditional components can be integrated into a contemporary setting without creating an outdated aesthetic. The design philosophy centered on using traditional elements in a novel manner, aiming to transform a conventional space into one filled with playful details and personality. Lester's methodology involved introducing comfort and clean lines, often considered divergent from traditional design principles. This was achieved through the careful selection of softer paint colors and comfortable furniture pieces. These modern touches were then contrasted with distinctive wallpaper and unique artwork, creating a balanced and visually interesting environment. The designer's work underscores the idea that "Trad is rad," advocating for a refreshed perspective on traditional decor. The project successfully blends classic architectural styles with modern interior sensibilities, providing a blueprint for homeowners looking to update their traditional residences while maintaining their inherent character. The article highlights specific elements and products that contribute to this updated traditional style. For instance, it features a Campion hanging light fixture from The Urban Electric Co., a Julia Low Profile Three Hole Deck Mounted Lavatory Faucet from Waterworks, and a Stoneware Pitcher w/ Rattan Handle from Kate Lester's own collection. Other items include Fig Leaves I artwork from Juniper Print Shop and a Marigold Metal Candle Holder, also from Kate Lester Home. These selections collectively demonstrate how individual pieces can contribute to a cohesive design that feels both classic and contemporary. The integration of such items showcases a thoughtful curation process, where each object plays a role in enhancing the overall aesthetic and functional appeal of the home. Through this project, Lester illustrates how a traditional home can be transformed into a comfortable, stylish, and personal space. The emphasis is on reimagining traditional aesthetics rather than abandoning them, proving that classic styles can indeed evolve to meet modern tastes and preferences. The design effectively challenges conventional notions of traditional decor, offering a fresh and inviting interpretation that appeals to a contemporary audience while respecting the architectural heritage of the home. This blend of old and new creates an environment that is both familiar and surprising, inviting residents to experience traditional design in an entirely new light. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ManhattanBeach #KateLesterInteriors #TraditionalModern #CapeCodStyle #HomeRenovation #InteriorStyling

The owners of a three-story brownstone in Boston's Rutland Square, having recently moved from an all-beige condominium, sought to infuse their new family room with vibrancy and playfulness. Recognizing their own hesitancy in selecting colors and patterns, they enlisted the expertise of Cara Fineman, founder of DAG Design. Fineman's approach began with a bold design choice: an oversized, stylized leaf-patterned wallpaper in chartreuse by Katie Ridder. This wallpaper, despite its large pattern, successfully wraps the room without overwhelming it, a testament to the space's generous proportions which include a connection to a hallway and staircases. The design effectively allows the pattern ample room to breathe and maintain visual balance within the environment. Central to the family room's functionality and aesthetic is a round natural white oak coffee table by Oyoy. This piece serves as a grounding element for the otherwise exuberant design, providing a practical surface for activities such as board games, a favorite pastime for the family. To address the limited space on either side of the sofa, Fineman introduced a purple acrylic C-shaped table sourced from HomeGoods. This clever addition fits neatly over the arm of the sofa, offering a convenient surface without consuming valuable floor space. The decor incorporates a calming oil painting by South Shore artist Wendy Callahan. This artwork was chosen specifically because its subdued nature does not compete with the bold wallpaper. Furthermore, its visual qualities complement the ombre effect present in the Dash & Albert wool rug, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. For seating beyond the sofa, a chair was acquired from Target and subsequently reupholstered in a soft, washable linen. This strategic choice was driven by the expectation of infrequent use, allowing for a cost-effective solution. The chair's smaller scale is well-suited to the room, and its black frame thoughtfully echoes other black accents within a nearby bar area, demonstrating an attention to detail and continuity in the design. Storage and media integration are handled by a Made Goods rattan console, which firmly anchors a Samsung The Frame television positioned above it. Fineman emphasized the importance of incorporating natural warmth and texture into the room to balance the abundant color, a role the rattan console fulfills perfectly. Additional seating and comfort are provided by custom ottomans, upholstered in a crinkly violet-checked Belgian linen from Isobel. These ottomans not only offer flexible seating arrangements but also serve as comfortable footrests. Their striated linear pattern introduces another layer of visual interest, subtly complementing the watercolor-like floral pillows by Imogen Heath, which are arranged on the opposing sofa, tying together the various design elements into a unified and inviting family space. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyRoom #ColorPalette #Wallpaper #FurnitureSelection #SpacePlanning #TexturalElements #BostonHomes

This article details the renovation of a historic 1939 Buckhead home in Atlanta, focusing on how the design team at Huff-Dewberry, Harrison Design, and The Designery blended traditional styles with modern functionality. The homeowners desired a home that reflected the classic aesthetic of their childhood residences, leading to the adoption of the "grandmillennial" interior design trend. This style incorporates family heirlooms and vintage-inspired pieces, creating a layered and personalized look that contrasts with the often-uniform modern interiors seen on social media. Interior designer Heather Dewberry emphasizes the trend's appeal in its coziness and unique character, allowing homeowners to integrate items with personal significance. The renovation extensively uses bold colors and patterns, particularly floral designs. For example, the living room features traditional floral fabrics from Lee Jofa, reminiscent of the homeowner's childhood, with new colorations and white backgrounds to maintain brightness and approachability. In the family room, large floral patterns are balanced with smaller-scaled diamond patterns and stripes, along with organic, hand-blocked fabrics, to prevent overwhelming the space. The home's powder room exemplifies the use of eye-catching patterns with blue damask wallpaper, adding a traditional touch. To manage the visual impact of patterns, Heather advises selecting one or two colors from a pattern to inform the room's overall palette. In the master bedroom, a damask pattern is used "en suite," appearing subtly in drapes, pillows, and a footstool, combined with solid fabrics for a soothing effect. The master bedroom and bathroom feature a soft white-and-blue color scheme, contributing to a relaxing ambiance, with the bathroom also showcasing a vintage-style pedestal bathtub and soft blue cabinets. Preserving the home's historical character was a key aspect of the renovation. Original elements, such as an Italian wheat sheaf chandelier in the sunroom, were salvaged and refreshed with a new white paint finish. Existing furniture in the breakfast room, including a table and side chairs, was repurposed; end chairs were re-covered in a striped outdoor fabric and had their legs repainted in a lighter tone, giving them a modern update while retaining their classic form. Modern functional elements were also integrated, including large iron windows in the kitchen and breakfast areas to enhance natural light. White walls, trim, and high-gloss molding contribute to a fresh, contemporary feel. The sunroom was designed to include a writing table for children's homework and a quiet reading retreat for the wife, addressing modern family needs while maintaining distinct living spaces. The kitchen, highlighted by Heather as her favorite room, combines traditional elements like brass lanterns, white subway tile, and a wooden countertop with a striking blue kitchen island and unique iron-doored upper cabinets. A custom wooden kitchen island top, crafted by a family friend, adds a personal and warm touch. The butler's pantry provides additional light and storage. The renovation successfully merges the home's historic integrity with contemporary design, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing residence. #HomeRenovation #BuckheadAtlanta #InteriorDesign #GrandmillennialStyle #HistoricHomes #TraditionalDesign #PatternMixing #ColorSchemes #HomeDecor

Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason, the creative minds behind AphroChic, share insights into their design philosophy and their experiences living in Crown Heights. The couple, who have resided in their current 1,200-square-foot home for 18 months, emphasize comfort and personal storytelling in their living space. Jeanine appreciates the immediate sense of ease visitors feel in their home, while Bryan values how the design reflects their current life stage, integrating elements from their past residences to create a uniquely Brooklyn aesthetic. When considering changes to their home, Jeanine expresses a wish for an additional bedroom to accommodate guests, effectively doubling their current space. Bryan, on the other hand, identifies the bathroom as an area for future design challenges, specifically mentioning its small size and an outdated powder blue tub. Visitors to their home often remark on the spaciousness of having an entire floor to themselves and the relaxing atmosphere, particularly in the living room. The core of their design philosophy, dubbed "modern soulful style" by AphroChic, involves blending clean lines and contemporary elements with cultural artifacts to imbue spaces with warmth and narrative. Bryan elaborates that AphroChic aims to explore the interplay between modern design and cultural identity, crafting rooms that tell a distinct story. This approach allows them to incorporate their own cultural heritage and experiences, a concept they further detail in their book, "Remix," which advocates for integrating any culture into modern settings, ensuring no two AphroChic rooms are identical. Among their most cherished possessions, Jeanine finds it difficult to pick just one, but ultimately singles out the initial copy of their book, proudly displayed on their bookshelf, as a testament to their achievements. Bryan, a self-proclaimed "geek," values his extensive collection of books. Their favorite activity at home is entertaining; Jeanine particularly enjoys hosting brunches, filling their home with positive energy, laughter, and good food. Bryan notes that their home is central to all aspects of their lives, encompassing both work and leisure. The living room is Jeanine's favorite spot due to its brightness and the constant stream of natural light, making it a warm and versatile space for various activities. Bryan concurs. For them, a house becomes a home when it reflects one's personal story, conveying experiences, cultural heritage, advocacy, and artistic leanings through each curated piece. Bryan adds that a home establishes an emotional connection, evoking desired feelings of relaxation or energy, depending on the space. Regarding their Crown Heights neighborhood, Jeanine admires its historical details and beautiful architecture, finding inspiration in the tree-lined streets. Bryan appreciates the vibrant culture, the stoop life, and the enduring charm of local shops, drawing parallels to Philadelphia. He also highlights the neighborhood's rich vein of creativity, talent, and ambition, which keeps him motivated. If they could change one thing, Jeanine would welcome more restaurants, a coffee shop, and a bakery, anticipating these developments as Crown Heights evolves rapidly. Bryan expresses contentment with the neighborhood, finding little he would alter. Jeanine's happiest memory is experiencing the local "stoop culture" during their first summer, connecting with neighbors and feeling part of a genuine community. Bryan, having recently moved in, acknowledges that they are just beginning to create such memories. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #CrownHeights #AphroChic #DesignPhilosophy #CulturalStyle #BrooklynLiving #HomeComfort #NeighborhoodCulture

The Houston Estate project, located in a lush Houston neighborhood, exemplifies a seamless integration of traditional and modern design elements, creating a distinctive aesthetic that also showcases the client’s art collection. The entryway sets a grand tone with oversized custom steel doors and plaster walls, a recurring design feature throughout the home. A custom staircase, eclectic artwork, and a floral sofa contribute to a bold, inviting atmosphere, complemented by reclaimed octagon and dot tile from Italy, adding warmth and historical character. The formal dining room features grasscloth wallpaper matching the wood trim, producing a dramatic effect. Each furniture piece in this room is a statement, including a solid travertine table seating eight in velvet barrel-back chairs, and a custom console with a carved wave design. A personalized cupboard was also built to display the client’s china collection. In contrast, the formal living room opts for intricate millwork instead of grasscloth, presenting a color-drenched space where walls, ceiling, and drapes share the same hue, creating a sophisticated and dramatic ambiance. Furniture groupings in this room are arranged around a central fireplace, optimizing both aesthetics and functionality. The kitchen is a custom-designed space, rich with marble and tailored to the height of the homeowner, former MLB player Jason Castro. Details such as a bullnosed countertop profile, bookmatched backsplash, integrated marble sink, and hand-painted plug-in covers reflect meticulous craftsmanship. Oak cabinetry and a black Lacanche range complete the culinary area. The adjacent pantry is notable for its abundant natural light, dark blue cabinetry, soapstone countertops, and brass hardware, creating a moody yet stylish storage solution. An oversized vintage rug adds texture and patina. A casual breakfast nook, located off the kitchen, features a light fixture that harmonizes brass and darker metals, linking it with the kitchen's design. Seating includes comfortable, durable chairs with leather seats and plaid upholstered backs, chosen for a family with young children. Artwork by Tyler Guinn and a Heath Oak Cabinet from McGee & Co. enhance the space. The family room, a more relaxed gathering area, incorporates pieces from Round Top, Texas, and a vintage rug that informs the room's color palette. A curved-back sectional with crypton fabric offers durability, while the fireplace, with its fluted front, curved sides, and reclaimed fire brick, is a focal point. Styled built-ins provide display space for collectibles. The primary suite is designed as a serene retreat with a vaulted ceiling and a fireplace. Its neutral palette of browns, greens, creams, and moody blues is layered with custom millwork and relaxed drapes matching the wall color. Abstract artwork by Kimberly Moore is intentionally scaled smaller above the bed. The primary bathroom features unique elements such as a mixed metal vanity and plaster walls and ceilings between wood beams. The guest bedroom offers a calm and serene environment with ample natural light from windows on two sides. It is furnished with McGee & Co.'s Sutherland Bed and luxurious bedding. The ensuite bathroom features contrast trim derived from the wallpaper and a Calcutta marble-topped vanity. The study is dedicated to displaying the homeowner's baseball memorabilia, including Jason Castro's MLB career mementos and a World Series trophy. A herringbone wood floor with a brass inlay defines the room. The playroom features a distinctive wallpapered ceiling and various nooks for children's activities, including a firepole leading to a netted loft and built-in shelving for toys and books. The girls' room is characterized by a bold wallpaper dictating a soft pink contrast trim, layering pattern on pattern for a playful effect. The ensuite bathroom extends the trim color to the walls for cohesion, and an arched shower entry creates an artistic focal point. The boys' room utilizes a dramatic, high-contrast paint color derived from the upholstered headboard, which is complemented by a display of baseball hats as art. Its ensuite bathroom has subway tile throughout and a strategically placed vanity and mirror in front of a window. In the nursery, design elements such as wallpaper with contrast trim and a paneled ceiling are echoed from other areas of the home. The crib is positioned as the focal point for both aesthetic and practical reasons. The laundry room is designed to be a pleasant space, featuring wallpaper, patterned floors, and soft-colored cabinetry. A bold floral pattern is mixed with a geometric one, unified by a cohesive color palette. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TraditionalModernMix #HoustonEstate #FamilyHomeDesign #CustomInteriors #LuxuryDesign #ResidentialDesign #RoombyRoomDesign