When Shana Teitelbaum and James Manchester relocated their household from New York Metropolis to Chestnut Hill, in any other case often known as Philadelphia’s Backyard District, it wasn’t simply the placement that marked a giant change.
The household upgraded from a metropolis residence to this a lot bigger Colonial Revival model home, and known as upon Melinda Kelson O’Connor Design to assist make it really feel like dwelling.
‘The purchasers wished to create a contemporary but heat and welcoming aesthetic whereas respecting the character of their 1911 stone dwelling,’ mentioned Founder Mindy O’Connor.
‘They’ve a big household, host most holidays, and entertain associates, so must-haves had been ample seating with lovely however enduring and sturdy supplies that may deal with children and actual life,’ mentioned O’Connor. ‘Whereas the decor is crisp and considerate all through, nothing is simply too valuable or unapproachable.’
O’Connor’s design amalgamates the shopper’s want for consolation and performance with model worthy of internet hosting a severe social gathering – requirements for the entire world’s finest houses – in addition to bringing the previous updated with modern touches.
‘The top outcome strove to mix a easy, trendy but timeless really feel with items that also go well with the historic nature of the house,’ she mentioned. O’Connor took us on a tour of this deftly refreshed property, and shared her suggestions for making a historic home a really trendy dwelling.
1. Select daring colours, however guarantee they don’t overwhelm
From the lobby to the lounge, the bottom ground of the largely impartial house is peppered with enlivening accents of blocked shade, primarily in invigorating blues.
‘The purchasers desired sturdy colours to make the areas really feel vibrant, however not overwhelm the design,’ defined O’Connor. ‘I really like the lounge for its juxtaposition of serenity and boldness, with symmetrical customized tufted curving blue couches.’
Texture is the important thing to reigning in these sturdy shade decisions. Within the lobby, this nook armchair in a tone of cyan creates a comparatively dramatic accent amongst O’Connor’s hallway concepts, however its influence is softened by the textured weave of the linen upholstery.
2. Spotlight interval options with crisp white
At greater than a century previous, this home is stuffed with absorbing interval options. With the intention to each have a good time and modernize them, O’Connor selected to select characterful components of the woodwork with paint.
‘The curving banister and historic particulars are highlighted by crisp white trim, introducing this traditional dwelling,’ she defined, which noticed her distinction the white with darkish, polished wooden accents.
This clear strategy to spotlighting interval options continues into O’Connor’s eating room concepts, the place the fireside and paneling are additionally picked out in white. ‘The historic millwork and paneling within the eating room units up a traditional and impartial base for the full of life wallpaper above,’ mentioned O’Connor.
3. Use textiles to make formal layouts welcoming
All through the bottom ground, materials are used to melt not solely the colour scheme, but in addition the sense of ritual that the Colonial Revival format conveys. ‘The patterned wool rug in blues and lightweight grays – with a touch of pink – is delicate and welcoming on entry,’ mentioned O’Connor.
Textiles are additionally essential in permitting O’Connor’s lounge concepts to fulfil a number of capabilities. ‘This room is a stunning mixture of cozy and chic. It’s comfy for enjoyable by the hearth and but dressed up for entertaining,’ she mentioned. ‘The tender hand knotted rug grounds the house with its deep shade and offsets the formality of the symmetrical couches, benches and marble cocktail desk.’
4. Pair blues with earthy tones and textures
From getting into the lobby, it’s clear that blue reigns supreme is that this scheme. ‘The navy console, wooden accents and linen chair arrange the colour story that may reappear in different areas,’ defined O’Connor.
This pairing of richly hued blues with brown wooden is vital in protecting the scheme heat and alluring. ‘The bronze earth tones of the chandelier add a heat distinction to the entire highly effective blues,’ mentioned O’Connor of the lounge. Elsewhere, hints of pale pink and gleaming brass accents within the aspect tables and additional gentle fittings add layers to this heat.
5. Art work provides class to relaxed rooms
For when the purchasers need to absolutely relax, O’Connor created the den – however even this most casual room continues to be stylishly thought of. ‘The massive workhorse of a sectional is brightened and accented by pinks and black from the pillows and rug. We labored to attain a livable, enjoyable and nonetheless refined room,’ mentioned O’Connor.
A key instrument for including sophistication to this relaxed house was the selection of art work. ‘A portray by native artist Edward McHugh, provides drama and curiosity to the house, whereas the lamp – by native Philadelphia firm Lostine – provides whimsy.’
6. Introduce modernity with lighting
Past the plain introduction of latest furnishings, one other manner O’Connor subtly wove modernity into the material of the century-old dwelling was by lighting.
‘The prismatic glass globe pendant introduces the traditional however trendy tone that may comply with all through the home,’ defined O’Connor of her alternative for the lobby lighting. ‘The lights are every distinctive however relate, and create a related aesthetic from one room to the subsequent.’
This principle culminates within the eating room’s assertion chandelier, the place a contemporary-style construction in glowing brass holds up handmade glass coupes.
Inside Design / Melinda Kelson O’Connor Design
Pictures / Wendy Concannon Pictures
