Design house: A colourful home filled with character, designed by Vani Sayeed Studios

Bold colour, strong pattern and eye-catching detail are the backbone of this Tudor home.

The clients are native New Englanders returning home after a decade living abroad. The homeowners enlisted the help of Vani Sayeed Studios to help them transform this home into their dream space. 'We create compositions of space that are informed by context, place, and purpose. And approach each project with these core values – client focus, collaboration and attention to detail,' says Vani Sayeed.

Vani believes good design accommodates a certain degree of pragmatism: form, function, and beauty are intimately related. Her goal is to create spaces that are visually striking, inspiring and above all, uniquely suited to her clients.

We talk to Vani Sayeed about the design project.

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

THE PROPERTY

The house is a traditional Chestnut Hill Tudor that was in need of updating. The challenge was to preserve the fine architectural detailing of the residence while meeting the needs and aesthetics of a young and well-traveled 21st century family.

To achieve this goal, we opened up and re-configured a series of rooms on the second floor by removing and relocating walls and also added an ensuite master bath and renovated the all the bathrooms.

We designed the interiors throughout the house to reflect the personal style of the clients who had few existing pieces of art and artifacts that they wished to incorporate in to the design. We utilised the art as a jumping off point for the overall design vision, which is a multilayered, multicultural expression.

HALLWAY

This space sets the tone for the home’s global nomad style. A beautiful collection of porcelain pieces sits beautifully on an antique Chinese alter table, while a gold sun-burst mirror helps to soften the space and expand the sight lines.

Colourful New England home

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

See:Design house: a mountain cabin on Edith Lake in Jasper National Park

LIVING ROOM

The layout is centred around the grand fireplace. International influences adorn this vibrant yet cosy space – perfect for welcoming guests.

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

FAMILY ROOM

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

See:Design house: A coastal home located on a historic lagoon, designed by Julie Rootes

DINING ROOM

Colourful New England home

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

BOOT ROOM

Colourful New England home

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

POWDER ROOM

Intricate patterns and bold hues give the powder room a sense of glamour and playfulness, while classic furnishings and white sanitary ware offer a cosy and grounding counterpoint.

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

MAIN BEDROOM

The interior design of this main bedroom was inspired by the clients’ request for a quiet restful space. A rich and harmonious blend of texture and colour gives the main bedroom a subtly luxurious and cosseting feel.

Colourful New England home

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

Colourful New England home

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

See:Design house: Family heirlooms, vintage treasures and antique finds make this house a home

MAIN BATHROOM

Clean lines and a neutral colour scheme, together with a wall-mounted vanity unit and large mirror make the bathroom feel light and airy.

Colourful New England home

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

Colourful New England home

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

CHILDREN'S ROOM

This room was given a fun, Shabby Chic look. This timeless trend epitomises faded elegance and an unrefined sense of luxury. To create the feel of timeworn opulence from scratch try mixing new buys with vintage market finds.

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

GARDEN/TERRACE

One of the best things about summer is the chance to spend quality time in your garden whether it’s breakfast in the sun, a lazy afternoon with a book, a barbecue for the family or an alfresco meal with friends. The designers have created an idyllic outdoor space by blurring the boundaries between inside and out.

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

Colourful New England home

(Image credit: Nat Rea)

Photography/ Nat Rea

Interior design/ Vani Sayeed Studios

Jennifer Ebert
Deputy Editor (Digital)

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.