Welcome to my world of Maximalism. Every corner in my home exudes personality and every color has a connections and tells a story. I'm excited to invite you in to explore my sanctuary of creativity and self-expression.
DARK ACADEMIA MAXIMALIST STYLE
My home stands as a testament to the allure of Dark Academia Maximalism—a harmonious blend where culture and aesthetics intertwine seamlessly. Inspired by the evocative hues of Dutch masters' paintings, I embarked on a quest to infuse my space with that timeless, moody vibe.
Inspired by my adventures around the globe and fueled by my bohemian essence, I embarked on a journey to craft a home that truly reflects my eclectic spirit. Infusing a touch of irreverent rock & roll vibes, I aimed to strike a balance between refinement and laid-back charm—a delicate fusion of sophistication and down-to-earth authenticity. Within these walls, there's a subtle acknowledgment that we don't take ourselves too seriously—a reminder to embrace the joy of living freely and authentically.
Every corner of my home tells a story—a tale of cultural immersion and artistic exploration. From the rich, dusky tones that echo the grandeur of centuries-old paintings to the eclectic fusion of textures and patterns that whisper of faraway lands, each element adds depth to the narrative.
Amidst the curated chaos, there's a sense of harmony—a feeling that every piece, every memento, has found its rightful place in this symphony of style. It's a space where the boundaries between highbrow and laid-back blur, where intellectual curiosity meets the raw energy of rebellion.
ENTRYWAY ENCHANTMENT
Giving a small space, big personality and function.
As soon as you cross the threshold of my home, you're greeted by the living space, not just an entryway or foyer. To optimize the vertical space beside the front door, I've designated it as our "entry." Here a vintage brass mirror allows for quick self-checks before dashing out, while a wall basket provides the perfect place for mail, keys, and my purse to land.
Additionally, I've used both the back of the front door and the coat closet door as surfaces to display art in order to make it feel like it's own little space within a space. Just because you lack a formal entryway doesn't mean you can't enjoy the functionality and charm of a well-designed entry area.
In the dance of light and shadow, my home reveals its secrets—a sanctuary for the curious, the bold, and the unapologetically authentic.
As I bask in the eclectic charm of my Dark Academia Maximalist abode, I'm reminded that true beauty lies not in perfection, but in the effortless fusion of disparate elements. It's a celebration of individuality, a tribute to the power of self-expression, and a testament to the transformative magic of design.
An invaluable gem within our home is a cherished inheritance from my husband's family matriarch: a vintage Duncan Phyfe buffet, repurposed as our media console. It serves as a multifunctional hub, housing not only work files and memo samples for my design studio but also carrying forward its rich history and timeless elegance. This piece serves as the cornerstone of our space, influencing the entire color scheme and infusing it with a profound sense of heritage and continuity.
As a family of homebodies, our dwelling is our cherished sanctuary—a realm where culture, aesthetics, and a hint of irreverence intertwine to create a harmonious symphony of style. Feel free to settle in, pour yourself a drink, and allow the stories to unravel. Within these walls, every piece of art and artifact whispers its own tale, waiting to be heard and cherished.
INDULGING IN MY MAXIMALIST STYLE
The irresistible charm of maximalism has forever captivated me, where the philosophy of "more is more" rings true, and every element holds the power to make a statement. As you enter our home, you're embraced by a sprawling gallery wall adorning our living room. It's a captivating tapestry of estate sale treasures, one-of-a-kind original artworks, fiber art, woven textures, and cherished music posters commemorating our unforgettable journeys to see our favorite bands.
LIVING IN AND LOVING THE MIX
Living in the mix is my style mantra. In this space, a sleek modern Italian Natuzzi sofa effortlessly coexists with vintage treasures from estate sales and thrift stores. Each piece, whether it's art, books, or unique objects, carries its own narrative, reflecting the diverse journey of my evolving personal style over the years. Together, they weave a rich tapestry of textures, colors, and memories—a vibrant tribute to the art of seamlessly blending the past with the present.
In case you're curious, yes, we're Dead Heads. Our travels far and wide to see the Grateful Dead are woven into the fabric of our story.
In my 20's as a photo and prop stylist, we had an artist neighbor. When he moved away, he left me with a couple of pieces of art, landscapes from his hometown, that have held a special place in my heart for 30 years.
Gorgeous custom pillows courtesy of Sylvie and Mira.
In spaces where creativity and style reign supreme, white lampshades often seem like a lost chance to make a statement or infuse a distinctive touch into the decor. For instance, I introduced a playful block print to this vintage lamp, elevating its character and adding a touch of personality.
PILLOW TALK:
Creating Stylish Spaces with Signature Designer Pillows
As an interior designer, my passion for home decor extends to my love for pillows—they're like an addiction to me. Pillows possess a unique power as a design element, capable of transforming a space effortlessly. My talented friend and fellow interior designer and artist, Lisa Peck, introduced me to her exquisite collection of Sylvie&Mira pillows.
These beautifully crafted pieces not only infuse vibrant colors into my home but also contribute an artistic flair and designer sophistication to every room they grace. Each pillow is a masterpiece in its own right, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and adding luxurious details to my interior decor scheme.
Beautiful pillows, have the power to make you do crazy things! In a moment of whimsy, I jokingly expressed my adoration for this specific pillow, claiming I would wear it if given the chance. In response, my photographer playfully challenged me to pose for a photo with the pillow. Rest assured, behind that pillow, I'm sporting shorts and a tank top—just to set the record straight!
DINING ROOM CHRONICLES
Our dining room is a curated blend of cherished heirlooms and discovered vintage treasures. The vintage Duncan Phyfe dining table, a family inheritance, underwent a transformation as we painted it black to revive its former glory after weathering countless swanky dinner parties. The table bore the marks of its history—cocktail rings and cigarette burns from a bygone era, sparking our imagination about the animated conversations that unfolded around it. To complement the traditional charm, I paired the table with modern vintage Knoll Saarinen tulip chairs, a prized possession acquired from a client. A vintage Henredon cabinet purchased from The Westgate Hotel sale, houses an array of design books and samples, while the modern brass light fixture, acquired while working on the HGTV show, My House Is Your House, is draped with Indian prosperity birds, adding a global touch to create balance in the space.
ANTIQUE CHARM, MODERN FLAIR: THE RISE OF VINTAGE BAR CABINETS
Found during a treasure hunt at a nearby vintage flea market, this unassuming hall chest captured my imagination. With a touch of navy blue paint and a dash of creativity, it underwent a stunning transformation into a charming bar cabinet, infusing our space with a burst of personality. Its compact size fits snugly against the narrow wall, effortlessly enhancing the ambiance. By repurposing a traditional design element, this vintage bar cabinet transcends the ordinary, offering a chic and practical alternative to the conventional bar cart. It's more than just furniture—it's a statement piece that breathes life into the room, elevating cocktail hour to new heights of sophistication and style.
EXPRESSING CREATIVITY
My home transcends mere living quarters; it's a boundless canvas where my creativity thrives and my passions find expression. Within its walls, rules are challenged, boundaries are stretched, and the unconventional is celebrated as beauty. Embracing maximalism transforms every corner into an opportunity for self-expression. Textiles, like my ever-changing collection, breathe life into the space, each piece carefully curated to reflect the season and mood. This vintage demilune table is draped in lively green and yellow ikat fabric, sourced from my local design center. Adorned with an array of design books, flourishing plants, a table lamp, freshly picked flowers, beads, and a whimsical tic-tac-toe block, it becomes a dynamic testament to my eclectic taste and love for the unexpected.
TRANSFORMATIVE SPACE: FROM DINING ROOM TO INSPIRING HOME OFFICE
Welcome to one of the most versatile and hardworking spaces in our home—a space that seamlessly transitions between dining room and home office. Bathed in the glow of four ample windows, it boasts the perfect natural light, making color selection a breeze.
As a laptop aficionado, I find myself gravitating towards different corners of the house for work, but this dining room table is my go-to spot when I need ample space to spread out architectural plans, examine pattern repeats, or assemble physical material boards.
Every day is a canvas of creativity, revealing a vibrant tapestry within these walls. Mood boards, color pencils, and bolts of fabric are scattered about, each offering a glimpse into the lively processes at play. And there, always keeping me company, sits one of my prized possessions: Frida, an original painting gifted to me by the artist and fellow maximalist, Kelly O'Neal.
HONORING THE PAST: EMBRACING VINTAGE IN THE BATHROOM
While many designers opt for modernization, I've made it my mission to uphold the vintage charm within this home. This particular space remains a vibrant echo of 1952—the only area in the house that proudly retains its original allure.
While the other utilitarian spaces have undergone modernization, stepping into this realm unveils the Vintage Maximalist aesthetic. Here, we've carefully preserved its authentic features, using them as a canvas to narrate my personal design journey. Adorned with an eclectic assortment of artwork and wrapped in rich, moody paint tones, it stands as a sanctuary reflecting my design ethos—a fusion of nostalgia and maximalist expression. This bathroom serves as a timeless homage to the past, a cherished testament to the enduring allure of vintage design.
PRIMARY BEDROOM SUITE
It's hard to believe that it's been a couple of years since I unveiled my revamped bedroom and cozy ensuite bathroom during my exciting participation in the One Room Challenge. As a refresher, I'm thrilled to share some of those cherished photos with you right here. Let's take a trip down memory lane and rediscover the magic of that transformative journey together....
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STOPPING BY AND TAKING THE TOUR
When you live in an older home, the journey is never truly complete. As I reflect on the ongoing evolution of my home, I find myself gearing up for the next chapter: makeovers in the kitchen and laundry room. While these changes may only be cosmetic, I know from experience that once I dive in, my focus becomes laser-sharp, sometimes to the detriment of everyone else in the house. But with determination and energy, I'm ready to tackle these projects head-on, knowing that the end result will bring renewed beauty and functionality to our living space. Stay tuned as I embark on this exciting journey of transformation! - Rachel