Project in Progress!

I can tell a lot about the state of a marriage by how a couple works together on a project, and Michelle and Greg are are pros! Like so many of my clients, they’d bought this big, open plan mid-century house during Covid, moved in with furniture from previous Chicago apartments, and tried to figure out how to make this seriously Californian space work with their midwestern sensibilities. They asked me to help them bridge the gap between California modern and the very traditional style that felt most like home to them, without making this house look too much like mom and dad’s.

I just love that kind of challenge. We decided to start with the kitchen, breakfast banquette, dining room and living room, and then move on, as the budget would permit. This is the way I like to work: First, the dream list —and then priorities.

In a single month, this is what we accomplished:

The previous owners had built a kitchen banquette that was getting a lot of use — three boys did their homework there. But something was wrong: Those same owners had custom-made a too-tall square table (who knows why) and the banquette’s huge, thick, heavy cushions fit so improperly that the kids chucked them on the floor. Also, blue cannister-shaped pendant lights that had nothing to do with anything.

The goal: A new round table in a pale wood, new lighting — Michelle adores wicker, but it gets funky, fast, in a kitchen, so we found something wicker-ish and washable. We designed and ordered new custom cushions that actually fit in Crypton-treated fabric, and a roman shade for the window, to cut down on glare as the kids did their homework. We also found some new glass pendants for over the kitchen island. In a sea of modern and “farmhouse,” that wasn’t easy, but we won.

The dining room was also in need of help, ASAP. It’s a bit hard to explain, but there’s a difference between traditional and “ironic-traditional.” Ironic-traditional means blowing up a very traditional damask wallpaper pattern to 20x its normal size. Beautiful choice — bridging the great divide between modern and traditional. Then, a delightful beaded chandelier selected after rmy standard “here are six options, remove those that you can’t stand” routine. Also “ironic-traditional” — and it fits this family perfectly. Suddenly, a very charming little curio cabinet that was lost in a stark white room is looking great. We’re still looking for new chairs and a rug, but one thing at a time.

We also managed the purchase of a new giant sectional from Crate & Barrel. I was able to help Michelle and Greg find the best position for the sofa in their living room. The couple’s savings on the sectional, due to my trade discount, more than compensated for my fee. There’s a distance to go — the living room needs a custom-size rug (and thankfully, there are companies that cut to size now, with very little up-charge), coffee table, lighting (we’re thinking of two chandeliers in this vast space), a painted contrast wall and art — but all in due time.

Here’s what Michelle and Greg had to say:

“Thank you so much to Cathryn for all of herr help in decorating our home! We reached out to her to help us update several rooms. She was very thorough and thoughtful in her selections. Cathryn presented some options that were initially outside our comfort zone, but she helped us expand our vision and ultimately to come up with the best design for our rooms!”