Young, fun clients with loads of personality + the Spaces Design Studio Team = a match made in design heaven!
Add in a beautiful French Provincial home that, although beautiful on the outside, did not reflect the client’s personality or the family’s needs on the inside. The home was dark with many imported upgrades representing the European nature of the home. But this family loves color, fun and a more updated look.
Originally residing on the West Coast, “he” enjoys a relaxed feel, while “she” tends to lean towards a more conservative, traditional style. In order to marry the two unique styles, the couple called on Spaces Design Studio (SDS) to create spaces more reflective of their combined styles. The clients also wanted to make sure that the spaces were maximized to accommodate large groups since entertaining is close to their hearts.
And of course it was important to consider the needs of their kids and a busy lifestyle.
The Kitchen
The homeowners have an extensive collection of Fiesta Ware that drove the direction of the kitchen design. Many existing features of the kitchen remained – including the original Merillat cabinets, Boos butcher block island, counter tops, floors, and the range hood. The goals were to create a very clean look, help calm the space, and make it more functional for the family and entertaining.
First stop? Cabinetry.
Giving the kitchen an inviting, open look was a priority. The cabinetry was painted Vanilla Milkshake by Benjamin Moore to project a clean, fresh feel. It really made the space feel much more open and inviting.
With a need for more seating and a place to gather, an exterior door was replaced with a window to create a window-wall backdrop for a custom seating area. A large built-in seat was created to fit around a 72″ custom oval table with powder coated metal legs – designed by Fraser Wood Elements in Downtown Fredericksburg.
Sunbrella fabric was used on the cushions to provide durability for family wear and tear – and added the subtle color the space needed. This particular Sunbrella fabric was softer and offered the ideal comfort the family wanted in the kitchen. The pendant over the table was also a custom piece by Fraser Wood Elements and the Chippendale chairs were a Pottery Barn find.
The family knew they would love the built-in seating, but little did they know how much their children would enjoy it! Not only has it become a great place to eat, it is now a space where the kids do homework, enjoy watching their mom cook, and are easily engaged to talk about their day in a relaxed atmosphere.
I would love to have this in my home – what a great gathering spot where comfort meets sophistication!
The Spaces Design Team envisioned the kitchen with a bit more of a modern feel while retaining the traditional elements. The walls were doused in the same Vanilla Milkshake color as the cabinetry, and a similar color arabesque tile was installed behind the stove and extended from the counter top to the ceiling. The Fiesta Ware pieces were sprinkled creatively around the room to add pops of color and unexpected fun to the space.
The Dining Room
The original layout of the dining room created a bit of a challenge at first. When Co-Founder and Principal Interior Designer at SDS, Stacey Lampman saw the room, her initial reaction was to install a built-in display cabinet on the long wall. Doing this helped to align the room perfectly. It was the key design element in the room and it added an element of interest with the benefit of additional storage.
Navy blue and orange are two of the client’s favorite colors. In order to brighten the space, Miller Blackburn with SDS suggested using a softer blue/green shade for the outside of the cabinetry and a creamy orange to pop on the inside. He chose Benjamin Moore’s Beach Glass for the blue and Orange Blossom for the orange – and the color did the trick.
Aside from the beautiful cabinetry, the CB2 Capiz Chandelier is the showstopper in the room. It gives a light, airy and playful feel to a more formal space. This chandelier is quite unexpected and just stunning!
The Study
Initially the clients wanted an indestructible space for their children where they could do homework and use the family computer. The custom built-in desk provides the perfect space for studying, hiding workspace essentials, and adding some interesting design elements.
It was also important to have a comfortable chair for the kids to sit in while working. SDS worked tirelessly to find and purchase the perfect Pottery Barn Chair for the space that added a modern feel to fit seamlessly with the other design elements.
Over the course of the planning process, the clients also realized they wanted to use the space to accommodate older guests who need a main floor guest room. The SDS Team was up for the challenge!
The design team decided installed a Murphy Bed as the perfect way to keep the aesthetics of the room intact, while providing the guest room functionality that was desired.
The Murphy Bed was discreetly concealed by creating a “wall” that flowed with the custom built-in desk. The entire space was painted Benjamin Moore’s Newburyport Blue and then it was lacquered for a durable – yet gorgeous finish.
Little did the family know how much the Murphy Bed would be used by their family and guests alike. The entire room takes on a cozy guest-room feel when it is pulled down – and with the color enveloping the room, it takes on a life of its own as the natural light pours through the window.
The Powder Room
A powder room is definitely a place to have a bit of unconventional fun in any home. Knowing that the client’s wife has a love for Chinoiserie and Chippendale designs, the SDS Team creatively renovated the room into the perfect jewelry box.
The room has soaring ceilings and the team took full advantage of that feature by installing a gorgeous Thibaut wallpaper throughout the room. It added the precise luxury and feel the space needed.
Fortunately the vanity was reusable and cleverly updated with a deep green color. Topping it all off is a Carrera marble countertop.
The final goal was to find a beautiful Chinoiserie mirror. After searching and searching, Miller found the perfect gold framed mirror to match the existing gold sink. How lucky was that find? And honestly – how amazing is this powder room?!?!
Spaces Design Team did an incredible job with a unique design that met all of the needs and requirements of this family – and then some! This home is inviting and fun – yet sophistication exists everywhere.
Thank you Spaces for sharing this awesome project with the Fredericksburg Living readers.
All photography on this post was provided by Tiffany Josephs Photography.
What is your favorite part of this incredible renovation?
