This Traditional Home Got a Colorful Contemporary Makeover
Geoff and Audry Kozu's 1909 Seattle craftsman had been updated by previous owners, but the palette lacked the color and durability the family of four was looking for. Designers Beth Doloto and Carolina V. Gentry of Pulp Design Studios upped the home's style quotient in ways that would stand up to two active kids and give the home the bright energy it need.
Lisa Romerein
A slim console table frames the old radiator to emphasize its aged character. The homeowners centered the furniture around the fireplace and placed an upholstered bench in front of the TV for up-close viewing. Its low profile keeps sight lines clear between the living room and dining room, helping to visually connect the spaces. They emphasized a corner window seat with pillows that draw eyes as people enter the room. At the center of the space, twin coffee tables seem to float on clear acrylic bases and move easily for flexible use.
Lisa Romerein
Previous homeowners had updated the kitchen using elegant neutrals. The space worked well but was a tad formal for the Kozus' taste. Blue-gray paint on one wall of cabinets softened the feel. Industrial-look pendants add casual style. In a room with many hard surfaces, it can be difficult to introduce color. Powder-coated stools from a restaurant-supply company make a big, extra-durable color statement.
Cabinet Wall Color Santorini Blue (1634), Benjamin Moore
Island Cabinet Color Cloud White (967), Benjamin Moore
Lisa Romerein
A set of upper and lower cabinets became a work station with the addition of a wood slab countertop and a bulletin board. The legs of the chair pull in the orange of the island stools. A blank wall in the hallway was tranformed into a drop zone with wall hooks, a whiteboard, and a wall sconce.
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Lisa Romerein
The entryway and dining room adjoin. To keep layered patterns from looking chaotic between the rooms, the homeowner struck a balance between bold lines and subdued colors. Soft tone-on-tone wall and ceiling treatments set a quiet rhythm in each space.
Lisa Romerein
This front hall's light fixture inspired the rest of the home's decor. A similar pierced white resin pendant creates visual cohesiveness between the entry and dining room. Pops of saturated teal (Audrey's favorite color) appear on furniture, accessories, and art to wake up the home's neutral canvas.
Lisa Romerein
To counter the metallic-accented wallpaper on the walls and ceiling, the homeowners chose a solid, tufted bed. Wood furniture is a natural way to add warmth to the room. Varying the pattern sizes found on the rug, bedding, lamps, and lights increases the visual interest. The wallpaper mimics the light fixture in the entryway, emphasizing the home's cohesive story.
Lisa Romerein
A neutral, metallic scheme around a silver-and-white sideboard complements the wallpaper without overwhelming the space. A round mirror echoes the pattern behind and adds interest to the clean lines of the sideboard.
Lisa Romerein
On the focal point wall, graphic music-theme wallpaper suits the lively spirit of the home. By combining it with matte, bold colors and warm wood, the design will grow with the boys for many years. A single substantial abstract art piece unites the rainbow-bright colors of the room.
Lisa Romerein
The bathroom makes a bold statement with deep navy wallpaper covered in puffer fish. They balanced the statement wallpaper with a simple white vanity, a marble vanity top and backsplash, and a square mirror. Silver fixtures and hardware add shine.