There’s nothing like the feeling I get when a client finally sees their newly reinvigorated home — installation and reveal days are some of my absolute favorite moments as a designer. And of course, while every single reveal is special, my latest project (affectionately referred to as “A Color Story”) offered such unique opportunities for playfulness and creativity. I’m so excited to share a full tour of the space with you… effectively bringing you along on the fun of reveal day.

THE VISION

The family who lives in this 1920s Winnetka home knew they wanted to create an atmosphere that is energetic, playful, and bold. With five kids under 11, the family needed their home to function not only as a well-oiled machine, but also as a landing pad after long, eventful days of activities and entertaining. The request? Nothing cookie-cutter. The solution? Lots of color and pattern.

THE FIRST STEPS INSIDE

With bold color serving as a key priority for this project, it’s only right that the entryway vestibule features one of the most vibrant, colorful vignettes of the entire home. If that Schumacher wallpaper isn’t the ultimate “hello,” then I don’t know what it is. Accented by a bright blue entry table — which is actually a family heirloom that was given new life via fresh paint (and became my favorite design element in the whole home), a step into the front door makes one thing very clear: this is a FUN house.

From the front door, guests can take a right into the first entertaining and lounging space of the home, which features geometrically unique sofas, a layered fireplace and mantel, and colored trim that makes a major case against white. It’s the perfect spot for a game night or happy hour — made even easier by the bar set up in the attached sunroom, which also features complementary blue chairs that are as comfy as they look.

THE WORKS OF ART

No project of mine is complete without conversation-making art pieces, and this home features some of my favorites. To the left of the entry, next to the formal dining room, one installation in particular will stop you in your tracks — and that’s because it was created through a fabulous collaboration with some incredible makers.

 

While I was in Chiang Mai last year, I posted a video to my Instagram featuring the wood lotus flowers installed in the Golden Triangle Chiang Mai compound. One of the owners of this home reached out immediately — he loved the flowers and wanted to incorporate them into his family’s home. I worked closely with the Golden Triangle team to ensure we had the layout, elevation, and colors of the flowers EXACTLY right… and the finished product offers a unique, textured piece of art, quite literally jumping out from the wall. See here for a peek at the process.

In addition to that custom creation, the rest of the home is filled with pieces that speak to the family and their lifestyle. The Bojitt piece in the kitchen also came to life through Instagram — the clients saw my Meet the Maker interview with Bojitt and knew they wanted her work in their home. They chose to place it in the kitchen, because it’s the most-used space for all seven members of the family. Speaking of the kitchen… that stove hood is practically a work of art in itself!

THE WALLPAPER

That entryway wallpaper is amazing, but the magic certainly doesn’t stop there. The mudroom wallpaper by Clarence House was such a fun addition to a space that’s usually seen as largely bland and utilitarian, and I Iove the peek of it through from the kitchen. Additionally, both the sunroom and powder room wallpapers (seen above!) offer pops of pattern in unexpected locations.

THE PERFECT CUSTOMIZATIONS

While a home filled with art, wallpaper, and color is beautiful, it can’t compare to the joy of sitting down with your loved ones to enjoy each other and the space around you. With their large family, the clients wanted a comfortable space where they could all hang out and put their feet up — resulting in the most amazing custom sectional and corresponding coffee table. I foresee many movie nights, ball games, pizza picnics, and afternoon naps in this room, which effectively combines luxury and high design with maximum coziness.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

When the day is done and the clients head upstairs for a good night of sleep, the primary bedroom features a respite from the boldness of the rest of the home. Offering more subdued hues — but no sacrifice on personality — the primary serves as the perfect place to gear up for another busy day.

See more photos of A Color Story here.