Targeted changes with big impact in Chester County home
When I started working on this project in West Chester, the clients had requested that we work on a few areas of their home at a time, and use their budget as judiciously as possible to change and update the selected spaces. As I got to know them, I learned that the tastes of this couple were somewhat disparate--he likes a traditional style, while she is drawn to things that are more modern looking. That challenged me to figure out how to make them both happy, and achieve spaces that are great looking and functional.
We started with the Master Bath, which had a very large tub, a double vanity and a lot of tile, all of which were to remain. The clients definitely wanted to change out the wallpaper and window treatment, and address the shower area. Plans for that area were drawn up, and the concept is shown below.
Once we decided on a color direction, we selected a beautiful paper with a metallic floral design for the walls. The soft blue-gray gives the room a touch of color, the larger pattern suits the size of the space, and the metallic taupe gives the room a slightly more glamorous feel. New crown molding helps to give a more finished look. The new light fixtures also have a more modern and sophisticated feel. The husband, an accomplished craftsman, created the paneling above the mirror. The shower was in need of repair, and the clients had asked that we make it larger if possible by removing the corner build-out, which may or may not have had mechanical “stuff” behind it. Turns out that it did, but we were still able to make the shower larger, and add the bench, which was a high priority for the wife. The tile was chosen to blend with the existing tile, while not highlighting its rose tones. The border is a nice way to break up the field of tile and add another contemporary design element. Clear glass doors also help to make the whole area feel more open.
Shower After
For the Master Bedroom, I suggested new carpeting, window treatments and bedding to update the space. We worked with the existing neutral wallpaper and furniture, using the blue color from the bathroom as a starting point for the color palate. The carpet pattern is subtle, but definitely modern. It adds just a bit more design interest than a plain cut pile does, and provides a good background for everything else we wanted to do in the room. The comforter was custom made out of a Robert Allen fabric. By changing out the valances for panels, we achieved a warmer, more lush look for the room. Chocolate brown provides visual contrast and breaks up the blue on the panels and on the bed with the throw pillows. A new bench with a sharp striped fabric is both beautiful and practical.
In the family room, there were new window treatments, soft crimson walls and an area rug, but the clients wanted help pulling the rest of the room together.
We re-covered the existing sofa in a beautiful, gold chenille fabric. We also replaced the blue leather chairs with rich brown ones, and brought in an over-sized, inlaid cocktail table that would be serviceable to all of those pieces. Its style is traditional, but the finish is so distressed that it doesn’t look formal. Two other reading chairs were added to give the couple a comfortable place to read in the sun. New lamps and accessories rounded out the transformation, and now this lovely couple is enjoying and appreciating all of the changes--my absolute favorite part of the project!
