How This Designer Transformed an Outdated Home That ‘Felt Like Your Grandmother’s Quirky House’ Into an Eclectic, Colorful Haven
Vibrant hues and collected antiques are key to the eclectic design
There's something quite special about colorful interiors. It takes a certain confidence to fill rooms with bold hues and pretty patterns, and even if you're a more neutral decorator, you can't help but admire the approach.
And it's that exact sense you get when you see this vibrant home in Washington, DC, drenched in various colors that, while all different and contrasting, come together to create a joyful cohesion.
The living room has been filled with patterns and color, alongside eclectic antiques. The wallpaper is from The Mural Source, and the coffee table was sourced from Made Goods.
'My clients purchased the home from an elderly woman who was transitioning to assisted living. The space felt tired and very cluttered, with unfortunate updates over the years – like carpeting and tiling over the original hardwood floors on the main level,' says interior designer Emily Vaughan.
'But beneath it all, you could tell she had good taste. It felt like your grandmother’s quirky house – the kind of place where you and your siblings might argue over who gets to inherit certain beloved pieces. Despite the dated condition, it was clear the home had great potential.'
Emily used various shades of purple, from the hallway walls to the moody dining room, painted in Benjamin Moore's Mink, brightened by the patterned curtains from China Seas and the dining chairs from Oly Studio.
Overall, the house needed a big update, but not a full structural rejig, something that made the whole redesign run a lot smoother. The remodel was phased over a few years, which comes with its own unique hurdles. It took a while to find a reliable contractor, not to mention they were carrying out the project during a global pandemic – no easy feat.
But every struggle and disappointment came to a fix, and the final result is a home that feels refreshed, bright, and full of personality. 'The style of the home is traditional at its core, which suits its colonial architecture, but the use of bold color and playful pattern gives it a youthful exuberance,' Emily notes.
This room acts as a home library meets office, and has been drenched in Sonoma Clay by Benjamin Moore.
'An abundance of vintage pieces from the ’60s and ’70s offsets the more formal brown wood antiques, resulting in a balanced mix that feels both classic and modern,' she adds.
There was one room that proved more difficult than the rest, as Emily explains. 'The biggest challenge was the small, closed-off kitchen. To solve this, we removed a wall separating it from a small den, creating an open-concept kitchen and family room.'
It may have been the trickiest room to reimagine, but it has now earned its place as Emily's standout room, and for good reason. 'A colorful kitchen was a top priority for my clients, and the choice of Farrow & Ball’s Parma Gray strikes a balance that feels both timeless and fresh,' she explains.
The blue cabinetry paired with the raffia wallpaper creates a fresh, invigorating scheme, further elevated by the decorative details, like the island legs and classic lighting.
'I love the contrast between the cool blue cabinetry and the warmth of the natural raffia wallpaper. The kitchen island legs, with their unexpected profile, are actually the detail I get the most comments on in the entire home.'
Colorful doesn't seem quite enough to describe the interiors in this home. Each room feels cohesive with the next, yet every space has its own presence and character that invites you to stop and really take in the pretty palettes and striking patterns. And one room that offers plenty of impact is the living room.
This home is filled with art, including this charming corner of the living room. On the left is a vintage portrait, and on the right, an abstract painting by Colt Seager.
'My favorite room in the house is the formal living room. You're greeted by joyful, scenic wallpaper that includes nearly every color in the rainbow – a perfect reflection of the home’s vibrant personality. My clients and I share a love of art, and this room features my favorite art moment,' Emily explains.
'Above a custom banquette hangs a handsome abstract by Colt Seager, a grounding contrast to the more feminine wallpaper. It's paired with a vintage portrait in a beautifully carved frame. The subject – a sullen girl of unknown origin – might not be for everyone, but we all instantly knew she was the one when we saw her. Finishing touches, like hand-painted lampshades to mimic the wallpaper and a striking blue convex mirror, pull the space together in a way that feels custom and deeply personal.'
In the primary bedroom, a striking canopy made from fabric sourced from Raoul Textiles adds a traditional feel.
This theme of color and pattern runs through every room in the home, from the classic checkerboard floor in the guest bathroom to the yellow-drenched laundry room, and even the unexpected pink and green library room. Even the most neutral room, the primary bathroom, features a blue floral wallpaper to contrast with the white built-ins.
It's clear that every nook of this home, no matter how small, has been carefully curated to showcase the clients' personality and style. Even the converted basement, a space that can often feel overlooked, has been beautifully considered to feel like part of the house, rather than the awkward add-on these spaces below-level can often become.
The sunshine yellow palette in the laundry room makes the utilitarian room more inviting. The guest bathroom takes on a more classic look, with a wooden vanity and black and white floor tiles.
'There are so many spaces I love in this home, but one that sets it apart is the fully decked out basement level,' Emily explains of the multi-functional level that houses several rooms, including a playroom, wet room, and laundry space.
'Often-overlooked areas like the laundry room and kids’ playroom have been appointed in such a way that the homeowners can make use of – and actually enjoy – every square foot of their home. In DC, where space comes at a premium, that kind of intentionality makes a difference.'
In a time when Cloud Dancer White is Pantone's Color of the Year and neutrals still feel like the safest bet, this home makes a strong case for embracing color and pattern in abundance. It's about infusing your interiors with personality and style that brings you joy, rather than simply following trends because you feel you have to.
