above HOLIDAY WITH MATTHEW MEAD
The design client, a stylish
ex-pat, was easy to work with and even easier to befriend. When I first met her
and her husband in 2005 they called me for help on a large custom home they had
purchased. They had recently relocated here from the Monterey area and the wife
had trepidations about her new digs. I was brought in just after the last of
the construction work to create continuity between her personal style preferences
and that of the new architecture.
above SHIREE HANSON SEGERSTROM
She ended up being a dream
client. Her taste was conclusive, she adored all things British, had beautiful
antiques, and collections of Spode, chintzware and Wedgewood. We became great
friends.
above AXEL VERVOORDT
Fast forward seven years…The
husband was just retired from his second career as a school teacher and with
retirement came the opportunity for more travel. With two other homes to
maintain on both coasts, three residences posed logistical issues. When a
smaller but equally charming home came on the market nearby, the larger home
was put up for sale and sold within weeks. The smaller home was purchased and
the upgrades began.
As with the previous
residence, the client was concerned about the new home’s style and how it would
relate with her traditional style furnishings. But after seeing the furniture
placed, the curtains altered and installed, and every last picture and English
platter hung she was smitten.
above via FRENCH-KISSED.com
At the wife’s bequest, skylights
were installed in the bathrooms, living room, kitchen and master bedroom and
solar tubes were installed in the hall. They were an invaluable investment in year
round light and ambiance. The tops of the flowering pear trees are visible from
both the sofa and master bed creating the most magical effect in the spring.
above SHIREE HANSON SEGERSTROM
Challenges are inevitable
when moving into a new home. The art of a designer is playing up a project’s
best features and turning the flaws into assets. The living room had nice
dimensions and a charming, white painted brick corner fireplace with a lovely white
painted wood mantel. But a large wall of book shelves visible from the front
door, entry, and formal dining room created an undeniable focal point.
Depending on what was put in them, they would either be fabulous or…not.
What first came to mind
was of a large collection of travel, design and garden books, and biographies
the clients have been collecting over the years. We started by artfully filling
the shelves with them, six or seven here and six or seven there. Then we filled
in the blanks with framed photos of family, some great iron urns, several
pieces of cream colored ceramics, and pieces of her China collections. The
results were charming. It became the focal point and anchor of the living room.
above SHIREE HANSON SEGERSTROM
The color scheme started
out as “yellow and blue” but as the project progressed, we added touches of
red. There is a white and blue slipcovered sofa, a white quilted armchair with contrasting
yellow welts, a pair of red plaid armchairs, and some great feather throw
pillows in a variety of yellow, blue and red print fabrics. An antique wooden
trunk serves as a coffee table and has a tray on top to hold more books and
television remotes. An antique armoire holds the television. Wonderful red vintage
area rugs, chosen by the client dot the pale maple floors. We’ve hung framed tapestries,
new prints, and old paintings. And in every room there are pieces of her china.
above via FRENCH-KISSED.com
The window treatments
taken from the previous home fit perfectly after alteration and we used all but
just a few drapery panels. The antiques and custom upholstery and slipcovers
create an attractive contrast to the cool, contemporary feel of the
architecture.
above SHIREE HANSON SEGERSTROM
In the small but open
dining room we kept the décor simple with floor to ceiling blue tone on tone
drapery panels and matching blue slipcovered chairs. What I love about tone on
tone “prints” is that they add subtle pattern to a room. The table was a
cherished family piece that was refinished after an unfortunate bout with water.
On the walls above a vintage sideboard we’ve displayed a matching mirror, some stunning
antique oil paintings and pale blue English platters. The former ceiling
fixture didn’t relate well to the antiques so a vintage chandelier smartly replaced
it.
The overall effect is a
stylish combination of antiques, collectible accessories, and the current day
fabric treatments we designed. It’s warm and full of character. I think of it
as “British cozy”. Best of all, it represents the client and her distinctive
style.
above SHIREE HANSON SEGERSTROM
A home is never really
done. It evolves as we do, adapting to our changing needs. Soon there will be a
new garden in back. Personally, I’m hoping it will be an English one with big
cabbage roses, climbing vines, fountains, and maybe a small, understated statue
or two.
above SHIREE HANSON SEGERSTROM
Shiree’s File Style
Don’t let yourself get
too wrapped up in a certain color scheme. Choose one vibrant color like red or
turquoise and add it to your existing colors for an artful look.
Drapery panels are not
just for Grandma’s house. They are a classic addition to any interior if done
in the right fabric. Choose a two or three pleat header or a “goblet” pleat for
a fresh take on draperies.
“Busy” decorating schemes
take well to changes and provide a great opportunity to display mementos and
newly obtained items from travels.
above via JOERUGGIEROBLOG.tumblr
above SHIREE HANSON SEGERSTROM
above via RUSTICROOSTERINTERIORS.blogspot
above SHIREE HANSON SEGERSTROM
above AIKEN’S HOUSE AND GARDEN
above via CNTRAVELER.com
