When an international client moved from Brazil to Stamford, Connecticut, they reached out to Decor Aid, and asked for our help in modernizing a recently purchased suburban home. The client felt that the house was too “cookie-cutter,” and wanted to transform their space into a highly individualized home for their energetic family of four. In addition to giving the house a more updated and modern feel, the client wanted to use the interior design as an opportunity to segment and demarcate each area of the home. They requested that the downstairs area be transformed into a media room, where the whole family could hang out together. Both of the parents work from home, and so their office spaces had to be sequestered from the rest of the house, but conceived without any disruptive design elements. And as the husband is a photographer, he wanted to put his own artwork on display. So the furniture that we sourced had to balance the more traditional elements of the house, while also feeling cohesive with the husband’s bold, graphic, contemporary style of photography. The first step in transforming this house was repainting the interior and exterior, which were originally done in outdated beige and taupe colors. To set the tone for a classically modern design scheme, we painted the exterior a charcoal grey, with a white trim, and repainted the door a crimson red. The home offices were placed in a quiet corner of the house, and outfitted with a similar color palette: grey walls, a white trim, and red accents, for a seamless transition between work space and home life. The house is situated on the edge of a Connecticut forest, with clusters of maple, birch, and hemlock trees lining the property. So we installed white window treatments, to accentuate the natural surroundings, and to highlight the angular architecture of the home. In the entryway, a bold, graphic print, and a thick-pile sheepskin rug set the tone for this modern, yet comfortable home. While the formal room was conceived with a high-contrast neutral palette and angular, contemporary furniture, the downstairs media area includes a spiral staircase, comfortable furniture, and patterned accent pillows, which creates a more relaxed atmosphere. Equipped with a television, a fully-stocked bar, and a variety of table games, the downstairs media area has something for everyone in this energetic young family.

Asian-Inspired Minimalist Vanity with convenient open storage and modern vessel sink.

Pam Singleton/Image Photography

Zachary Cornwell Photography

Cloakroom Bathroom in Storrington, West Sussex Plenty of stylish elements combine in this compact cloakroom, which utilises a unique tile choice and designer wallpaper option. The Brief This client wanted to create a unique theme in their downstairs cloakroom, which previously utilised a classic but unmemorable design. Naturally the cloakroom was to incorporate all usual amenities, but with a design that was a little out of the ordinary. Design Elements Utilising some of our more unique options for a renovation, bathroom designer Martin conjured a design to tick all the requirements of this brief. The design utilises textured neutral tiles up to half height, with the client’s own William Morris designer wallpaper then used up to the ceiling coving. Black accents are used throughout the room, like for the basin and mixer, and flush plate. To hold hand towels and heat the small space, a compact full-height radiator has been fitted in the corner of the room. Project Highlight A lighter but neutral tile is used for the rear wall, which has been designed to minimise view of the toilet and other necessities. A simple shelf area gives the client somewhere to store a decorative item or two. The End Result The end result is a compact cloakroom that is certainly memorable, as the client required. With only a small amount of space our bathroom designer Martin has managed to conjure an impressive and functional theme for this Storrington client. Discover how our expert designers can transform your own bathroom with a free design appointment and quotation. Arrange a free appointment in showroom or online.

powder room shower with ceramic and stone tile, square insert drain