Kerrie Kelly Design Lab designers, Lori and Katie, recently had a beautiful design challenge on their hands: create a lovely, inviting space for a gentleman who is just starting a very important chapter of his life. Nestled in the active adult community of Del Webb’s Sun City Lincoln Hills, our client arrived with a few specific items from his travels and a laundry list of ideas to incorporate into his stunning new space. See how the design team translated his unique design style story.
Q. What was the inspiration for the style of the home?
A. Contemporary with an Asian twist. The homeowner had many artifacts and wall hangings from his travels overseas. He is retired Navy and spent a lot of his time in various countries where he collected antiques and artwork.
Q. What was the client’s biggest ‘ask’?
A. The list of “asks” came in phases. Our first phase of the design process was to place all his existing furniture upon move-in. We provided a floorplan of his entire house which had all his existing pieces placed and labeled for a seamless transition. We then began tackling the backdrop. We updated the entire home with paint, hardwood flooring, cabinet hardware, window coverings and a complete master bathroom renovation. He wanted to be able to age-in-place and live in this home for years to come—this was directly translated into the bathroom remodel. We eliminated the drop-in bathtub and traded it for an expansive walk-in shower (curbless, of course) equipped with a large bench seat and linear drain. Our next phase was the furniture—the really fun part! This is when we got the chance to infuse his sophisticated personal style throughout. We completed a dining space, living room, library and master bedroom. See below for our favorite room!
Q. What space or room did you love designing and installing most?
A. Without a doubt, the master bedroom. This space got an entirely new backdrop set with plush carpet, a soothing shade of blue on the walls, Hunter Douglas window coverings and a gorgeous chandelier. This really helped highlight the furniture placed into the room. We chose a tall, dark and handsome headboard to contrast the paint color paired with luxurious bed linens in soft blues and creams. The drapery panels added even more softness with their whimsical cloud pattern. The seating area that flanks the French doors really helped complete the space and made it feel like a place you’d want to sit and relax.
Q. What design obstacle did you overcome to make the project a success?
A. We always love when our clients are prepared and have the rooms cleared for the new furniture. This time, our client took that to the extreme. When it was time to install the bedroom we discovered that not only had the previous bed been donated, but so had the mattress and box spring! We quickly jumped into action and went to our local Sleep Train store to pick out the perfect mattress and pillows which were delivered same-day so our client could enjoy their new space with a restful night’s sleep.
Q. What was the client like and how do they spend their days?
A. Single, retired gentleman who spends his free-time on the community golf course. However, after this install we understand he has a new “lady friend”.
Q. What are the paints you used?
A. Master bedroom is Sherwin Williams SW7661 Reflection and the master bathroom is Sherwin Williams SW7648 Big Chill.
Q. What were some of your favorite items specified for the home?
A. We love the Nourison rugs in the living room, dining and library rooms. We specified Peter Jacob Wesley Hall chairs in the master bedroom and Currey and Co chandeliers throughout for unique, statement lighting.
Q. What do you think your clients will most look forward to in their new space?
A. Getting great use out of their transformed bathroom!
Q. What are some ways that readers could bring that same style into their homes?
A. Sleek and simple furniture silhouettes paired with abstract landscape artwork that gives color inspiration for the room. We took inspiration from both pieces in the living room and master for the fabrics selected throughout. We then selected patterns that had an oriental nod in updated colors to add interest to the space.
