Are you a lil’ bit curious how interior designer’s live in their own home?  I know I am.  The moment I see “Interior Designer’s Share Their Homes” on the cover of one of my favorite design magazines, I don’t waste a minute.  I grab a fresh cup of coffee, find a comfy place to sit and get swept away in the fantasy of their world.

Having been in our own home seven years this autumn, my family and I can honestly say that we have settled in.  Time is needed to figure out exactly what works and what can be improved upon.  The subtle nuances make all of the difference when designing a home that suites the culture and lifestyle of one’s family. 

The home we chose to raise our children in, quite honestly, chose us!  We knew we had to move from our downtown condo sooner rather than later.  We would need a yard for our son who was 1 ½ years at the time and very “busy”.

Then it happened, on a sunny Sunday, mid-afternoon, after coming back from a drive, my husband coyly said to me the he thinks he found our next home.  Really, I wondered?  So soon?  It was in the neighborhood we had hoped to move to, a charming, walking neighborhood within the city on a quiet tree-lined street.  The house was a mid-century, two level, modern style.   A lil’ peculiar looking but with some minor updates, it would reflect our own style, he said.  Hmmm……….I was curious.  So, we jumped into the car to go check it out.  There was an open house that same day.  The quiet, tree lined street, walking neighborhood, perennials….. Did I mention the wooded backyard with a privacy fence?  I was smitten and so was he.  Why look at other homes, this was the one!  Shortly, thereafter we moved in.  

When our daughter arrived the following spring, we knew that we would need to find room within our home for another bedroom.  After seeking out advice from a number of top professionals, we opted not to build on but to work within the 1150 square feet of our own home, a real design challenge for me!

So here we are, 2018, embarking on our own transformation of spaces and inviting you in on our journey.

First stop is our living room which shares space with our dining room.  The southern exposure makes it a favorite place to be.  The coffered ceiling, arched doorways and mopboard details adds such character and interest to the room.  Our art collection really sings on the White Dove, Benjamin More, walls.    With two, active children, we knew we couldn’t and wouldn’t cut corners on quality furnishings. We chose the Monti sofa by Della Robbia, a commercial piece that will withstand the test of time.  Our lounge chair is Herman Miller’s, Striad Chair and Ottoman available through Design Within Reach.  The side table is a piece I picked up at Zachary, Ltd. -a favorite haunt for those real unique, special pieces.  Those gorgeous cushions on the sofa that you are admiring?  Those are from moi.  My own collection of cushions that can be found here, in my shop. 

Where are the window treatments?  What about the lighting?  They are coming.  I was just so excited to share what I have up to this point that I couldn’t stop myself!  No worries, I will be posting an even more updated image once those items arrive.  Until then……be well.

 

**Photography by Tailored Décor & Bits