We’re back with the Stoneleigh Series. And in today’s Studio Journal entry, we’re continuing on with this wonderful tale of renovation. This was never an average project for me, and it brought me so much closer to my clients after walking in their shoes.
If you’ve been following along from the beginning, you already know how I became the proud owner and caretaker of this incredible home. You’ve read about the challenges of budgeting, navigating the highs and lows of renovation, and preserving the historical character while embracing modern updates. I’ve shared snippets of the design process, and today, I’m excited to share some of the final touches that brought the vision to life.
There is so much more behind what you see when it comes to design. Of course, I love color and texture and depth of design, but that is just the finish line of the marathon. Or in this case, the decathlon. But it’s great, isn’t it?
I love color rich hues — blues, greens, and warmer wood tones. I’ve never personally liked gray, or had lots of it in my own home, although I have learned to embrace the 50 shades of gray over the years to meet the needs of our clients.
Here, we painted the trim moldings in the living room a darker hue than the rest of the house to accentuate them, and brought color into the room with our collection of furnishings and decor, including cozy swivel chairs recovered in a fresh, modern mustard velvet and an abstract landscape layered on the mantel. What about you? Do you prefer vibrant colors or neutrals?
I like to mix old and new — historic antiques with modern furniture. Mixing styles is especially important in an old home. The last thing I wanted was to create a museum of old furniture that was in the same style as the original house. How boring. Which is your favorite—antique treasures or new finds?
Traditional style, like the living room at the Stoneleigh, has stood the test of time for one simple reason—comfort. Elegant shapes, refined textiles, and a charmingly predictable sense of order make traditional style one that is always warm and welcoming. While design trends may change, traditional living spaces will always be in style. But you know I had to mix it up a little bit.
Many people think they need to stick to the ”rules” when decorating. They feel like they should keep a particular style, for example French Country, Farmhouse, or Mid-Century Modern. But mixing different looks is a wonderful way to create a unique space and showcase your individual style and preferences. This approach adds a bit of excitement and an element of the unexpected. However, filling a room with an eclectic, unplanned mishmash of styles is rarely a good idea, either.
The challenge of being both designer and client is finding that perfect balance—creating a space that is timeless but also fresh and unexpected. The living room at Stoneleigh embraces a traditional style with its elegant shapes, refined textiles, and a sense of order that feels cozy and inviting. But I knew I had to shake things up a little. Mixing different looks allowed me to infuse my personality into every corner, adding an element of surprise and a lot of character.
The family room, for example, takes on a different tone—more relaxed and laid-back, perfect for everyday living. It’s a contrast to the more formal style of the living room, yet it flows seamlessly in design. Even as we were putting on the finishing touches, I could feel the warmth and comfort radiating from the space. It became a true reflection of our family’s lifestyle, merging practicality with style.
Designing a Kitchen That Works for Us
Then there was the kitchen, arguably the heart of any home. It had to be functional for our family, fit for everyday use, but also reflect the character of the house. I was set on having a long kitchen island, but the question of upper cabinets or open shelving lingered for a while. After much debate and planning, the details finally came together. We chose herringbone flooring, installed a central island, and mixed textures and finishes to create a space that is both practical and beautiful.
The efforts paid off. I love how the marble countertops contrast with the warmth of the white oak flooring, and the kitchen now feels like the welcoming, functional space we always envisioned.
Almost There: The Final Reveal
We’re nearing the end of this journey, and the transformation of Stoneleigh is almost complete. It has been a labor of love—one where I wore all the hats: owner, client, and designer. I can’t wait to share the final reveal with you. Stay tuned—it’s coming soon!
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