Preppy Eclectic Family Home

Great Falls, Virginia

Photography Mary Pat Collins

Built in the 70’s, this home had great bones and unique architectural features when our clients purchased it, but needed lots of updating to bring it into the present. While our clients loved the open floor-plan and vaulted ceilings of their new home, we needed to create visual flow between the spaces, and add warmth to balance out the dramatic architectural features.

In order to highlight the high ceilings while also giving them presence, we installed warm wood beams throughout the living room, loft, and family room.

We painted all of the walls and ceilings a warm white to create cohesion among the spaces, along with a palette of blues and greens, with pops of rusty orange for the soft furnishings.

In the dining room, we kept the clients’ dining suite, but gave the chairs an update with ivory paint and fresh upholstery. We commissioned a custom-painted, grasscloth console and hand-beaded chandelier, and added a subtly patterned wallpaper and linen curtains to give the room a warm, inviting feel.

Our jumping-off point in the family room was a bold, tie-dye patterned sectional, complemented by more patterned fabrics in the throw pillows and armchairs. Vintage pieces like the bamboo benches, and chinoiserie console add character to the bright, sunny space.

In the breakfast room, we wanted to create a cozy space for family meals, while making the most of the big windows overlooking the beautiful greenery of the backyard. We started with an oval, mid-century modern table, and designed a curved banquette upholstered in a pretty fern pattern for seating. Adding custom window treatments, and a vintage hutch painted kelly green, tied the space together and gave it zest.