Dutchess County Interior Design in Progress

Pawling Project Update

Moving into a new home brings with it unlimited potential. A fresh start. The chance to make memories you will cherish. The opportunity to create a sanctuary where you can gather with loved ones and escape from everyday stressors (something we are extremely passionate about!) That is exactly what our clients saw in the forever home they found in Pawling, New York. While this 1950’s gem is full of wonderful period details, it was in desperate need of updating. Its owners trusted us to transform this one-story house into a home that reflects their style and suits their lifestyle.

Every client is unique, not just in their story and taste, but also in how much input they want to have in the design process. We’re honored that these clients appreciate our capabilities and design sensibilities so much that they have left all the aesthetic choices up to our principal designer, Marina Case. Taking the reins, Marina started by creating a complete color planning grid and sketching out the rooms specifying furniture placement.

The first phase of this whole home interior design project involves the Living Room, TV/Bar Room, and Dining Room. Although not yet complete, we’re loving how everything is coming along and wanted to share the current status.

The Color Scheme

Marina opted for the timeless hues of blues and tans, which evoke very tranquil vibes.

“Taking the lead from impressionist painters, I like to incorporate lots of shades of blue,” says Marina. “They would use many blue hues in their paintings, creating an interesting sea that compliments the whites, beiges, and neutrals.”

Designing around these colors, Marina created a peaceful, seamless transition from room to room.

Selecting the Perfect Floor Stain

With wood flooring running throughout the house, it was important to choose a stain that will complement the rest of the design. We took the extra step to test the stain colors. Because of lighting conditions, you never know how a stain will look in a space until it goes down. Given the cost of, and time involved in, refinishing your floors, this is a part of the design you want to get right – and the only way to do so is to sand a section of the floor and apply stain options. With the interior’s natural lighting and the color scheme, we selected a gray/beige wash from Minwax.

Furniture and Features that Fit How You Live

We wanted our clients to have a home that not only provided them with comfortable places to curl up and escape with a good book (they are avid readers) or watch a movie, but also a space conducive to entertaining. The furniture placement in both the Living and TV/Bar rooms creates the perfect atmosphere for all of that.

In the Living Room, the stunning stone fireplace surround is the anchoring design focal point. With a little paint, we were able to transform the adjacent built-ins into powerful features that showcase the client’s extensive book collection.

Living Room Before

The two chairs by the fireplace swivel for easy transition between enjoying a roaring fire or conversing. With an elderly mother frequently visiting, it was important to also incorporate appropriate seating options for her. We chose spool chairs with sturdy arms that make it easy to get in and out. And we made sure each chair has a drink table (some have yet to arrive).

Living Room After

The TV/Bar room is both a haven and an entertainment hub. This room also features a full wall of built-ins – which we took from 1950 to timeless with paint – perfect for housing the large screen television and featuring more of the clients’ cherished book collection. Hidden in these built-ins is one of the home’s features with which the clients fell in love: a classic mad man bar. Not only did we keep this period piece that’s perfect for entertaining, we enhanced the room’s vibe by adding a second bar to step up the party atmosphere for when friends and family are visiting. Just as in the living room, we included swivel chairs to accommodate TV watching or conversation.

The clients entertain a lot of guests over the holidays, so the dining room features a table that extends with multiple leaves for flexibility. We sourced this table and chairs from a Canadian company we love that is known for its use of hardwoods and superior quality. For the lighting we chose a linear chandelier to contrast the table’s oval shape. A sideboard provides for plenty of storage and adds a pop of color.

We are still waiting on mirrors, sconces, and a few other items, as well as window treatments. So be sure to check back for the final reveal of this Dutchess County interior design project!

Ready to Get Started Transforming Your Space?

BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL

There are so many ways in addition to pattern to breathe fresh life into a home. View my Portfolio to see more examples of my interior design projects and follow us on Instagram for more interior design inspiration.

Marina-Case-The-Red-Shutters-Journal

About Marina Case

Years of experience and understanding of the history of design provides Marina with the ability to read each client so she can create spaces that truly reflect who they are. Marina, who has been honored as one of the Top 50 New York Designers, as well as a Houzz Influencer, has her pulse on the interior design industry. She stays on top of the latest trends, participates in a leading collaborative national network of designers, and frequently shares her creative and professional ideas with trade professionals.