Houzz Tour: Color Brings a Family-Friendly Show House to Life
by Erika Ward - Erika Ward Interiors · 10 photos · 46 comments
One of the home's most unforgettable spaces is the great room, decked out in a flirty palette of salmon pink and apple green. The eclectic furniture ranges from showroom pieces to antique market finds.
"I favor mixing the old with the new to create spaces that are both modern and timeless," Gwen says. "I often strive to integrate both high-end and cost-effective furnishings to achieve a balance between comfort, function, affordability and style."
Except for the sofa, each piece of furniture received custom upholstery. The artwork was a DIY project Gwen created using paintable wallpaper and blank canvases.
by alisha gwen interior design
"I favor mixing the old with the new to create spaces that are both modern and timeless," Gwen says. "I often strive to integrate both high-end and cost-effective furnishings to achieve a balance between comfort, function, affordability and style."
Except for the sofa, each piece of furniture received custom upholstery. The artwork was a DIY project Gwen created using paintable wallpaper and blank canvases.
Gwen's furniture plan offers a helpful lesson or two. For starters, she chose accent chairs with a lower back to keep from obstructing the view of the room’s focal point. She saved the higher-back chairs for the side of the room. The opposing sofa perfectly balances the scale of the oversize chairs.
by alisha gwen interior design
The kitchen was without a doubt designed for merrymaking. Dual islands provide an inviting gathering place, whether for a few dinner guests or a packed house for the holidays.
With the islands providing the bulk of needed storage, Gwen took advantage of the opportunity to use open shelving. Subway tiles provide a clean and classic backdrop for a showcase of dishware, glasses and other objects of interest.
by alisha gwen interior design
With the islands providing the bulk of needed storage, Gwen took advantage of the opportunity to use open shelving. Subway tiles provide a clean and classic backdrop for a showcase of dishware, glasses and other objects of interest.
In the adjoining sunroom, a vaulted ceiling and an abundance of windows create the feeling of an outdoor dining experience. Sunny yellow paint is the quintessential solution for ushering sunshine into the kitchen, even on a cloudy day.
Sprightly drapery panels soften the hard lines of the windows.
by alisha gwen interior design
Sprightly drapery panels soften the hard lines of the windows.
When designing a space for a client with small children, Gwen recommends creating a playroom in lieu of a study. This one is among the bedrooms, so parents can keep an eye on children instead of segregating them in the basement.
The walls are scribbleworthy, thanks to chalkboard paint. The lime-green ceiling and Bubble Chair knockoff add whimsy to the kid-friendly environment.
by alisha gwen interior design
The walls are scribbleworthy, thanks to chalkboard paint. The lime-green ceiling and Bubble Chair knockoff add whimsy to the kid-friendly environment.
This master bedroom is the textbook definition of Gwen's signature style. Playful and sophisticated, it combines color, clean lines, large-scale patterns and classic furniture styles.
The bold Thibaut wallpaper distinguishes this home and catapults it into show house status. "I chose the paper to surprise viewers and encourage them to take risks," Gwen says. "Actually, I selected bathroom tile first, and as fate would have it the blues matched perfectly. Most who are uncomfortable with such a bodacious wallpaper print warm to the idea when they view both spaces as a suite."
by alisha gwen interior design The bold Thibaut wallpaper distinguishes this home and catapults it into show house status. "I chose the paper to surprise viewers and encourage them to take risks," Gwen says. "Actually, I selected bathroom tile first, and as fate would have it the blues matched perfectly. Most who are uncomfortable with such a bodacious wallpaper print warm to the idea when they view both spaces as a suite."
Green is a common thread throughout the house and makes a refreshing appearance in the master bedroom in the form of matching nightstands.
by alisha gwen interior design
The oversize 15-foot shower is the focal point in this master bath and boasts an intricate design of tiles in a mix of colors and sizes. The pattern mimics a stripe motif traditionally seen in wallpaper or paint treatments.
by alisha gwen interior design
In the same bath, homeowners can create their own spa experience in this modern freestanding tub. "The original floor plan called for a tub built on a deck. Current trends are leaning more towards this freestanding option," Gwen says.
by alisha gwen interior design
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Although, there are a few comments about it not being family friendly I think these people have forgotten, not all families are made up of little people. Some have t'weens or just about to leave the nest age. They would fit into this house setting.
Thank you for the kind words and the input!
In re to the layout: The furniture was actually moved closer together for photo purposes only! Of course the furniture it not normally that close together but one must perform tricks to get the necessary shot for photography purposes!
In re to the white sofa: It is made out of indoor/outdoor fabric and is therefore scrubbable! All of the fabrics, for that matter, are family friendly... looks can be deceiving! Most major fabric vendors offer special coating to fabrics that will repel liquid and stains. Do not be afraid of white or light fabrics, a professional will know what fabrics will work for you!
In re to the shower... not a single person didn't swoon over the shower! Although I am bias, it was something to see! The glass tile is also easily cleaned, more so than porous natural stone that collects build up over time. I assure you, the glass can be wiped down faster than scrubbing a natural stone! Who wouldn't want his and her sides of the shower?!