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

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.

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.

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LIVING ROOM

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

FAMILY ROOM

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

DINING ROOM

BOOT ROOM

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Photography/ Nat Rea

Interior design/ Vani Sayeed Studios