#newgirlonthehall
bittersweet new beginnings
New beginnings often prove to be the most bittersweet of times. Years after our team worked on this client’s (then) primary residence, the loss of her husband led to the difficult decision to downsize the home they once shared and to secure a place of her own. She relocated to a cozy apartment that would provide her with the maintenance-free lifestyle she needed, while still allowing enough space for family to visit from time to time. The issue? The uninspiring and poorly laid-out design of her new abode left her scrambling with just how to make this space work for her fresh start. After forging an immediate bond with Ashley, our lead designer, on a previous project, she reached out again for help in re-imagining the possibilities her new home contained.
Ashley got to work on a comfortable, transitional design of the main living spaces and primary bedroom that would give a nod to the client’s love of all things “glam” while intermingling some of her existing well-loved pieces throughout her new-to-her home.
THE BEFORE
Living Room Goals
Emphasizing the seating area in the family room was a priority - it would need to be efficient and functional enough to host everything from family game nights (when the grandkids were in town) to ladies’ wine and movie events. The space is anchored with a large area rug that features soothing blue tones to keep the look crisp and fresh - a stark contrast to our client’s previous home’s aesthetic. By incorporating glass occasional tables, and selecting pieces with low, clean lines it allows your eye to move freely around the room, creating the illusion of a larger space.
The corner swivel chair, upholstered in a modern navy fabric, provides the perfect spot for catching up on her latest book, and can easily pivot toward the windows to take in the evening sunsets. Every square inch counts when designing a space with a small footprint so we carved out a dedicated breakfast nook where there was previously just an awkwardly-placed blank wall. A crisp white dining set keeps the look light, while the custom blue chair cushions unify the breakfast and family room spaces. A carefully placed mirror above captures and bounces light around the room.
Better Bedding
Channeling a very “NYC penthouse” moment, Ashley created a soft backdrop of custom draperies behind an oversized linen headboard. The look is elevated, chic, and emphasizes the window placement in the space. By incorporating beloved pieces from her previous residence, Ashley was able to give a sweet nod to the previous home her client so lovingly curated with her husband. Layering in texture through carefully chosen bedding and accent pillows provides additional depth against the rich blue wall color. Dramatic wall sconces flank the tall two-toned dresser. Their pewter finish, coupled with the driftwood stain uniting the end tables and dresser, provides a subtle masculine element that contrasts the otherwise feminine design. Updating the rest of her ensuite bathroom with textured wallpaper, functional storage, and accessories brings warmth and life to an otherwise utilitarian space.
By incorporating mixed metals, clean lines, and layering in lots of texture, we’ve taken this once basic apartment and infused our sweet client’s cheery personality and brought her new home into the here-and-now to give her the fresh start she had been dreaming of!
“Getting to design an intimate space, that presented its unique challenges space-wise, is an incredibly rewarding feeling. Bringing immense joy to your client in a time of loss is something I will never forget, because it was sometimes the highlight of her day by seeing certain pieces placed. Her home is now a showpiece that she can be proud of for many years to come.”
Designer: Ashley Hilbish
Timeline: 16 weeks from consult to final install
Furnishings: Gabby, Pottery Barn, Crate + Barrel, Burke Decor
“WOW is all I can say. The work CBB did for me was way beyond my expectations. I moved into a new apartment after selling my home and started from scratch. Ashley turned my apartment into a stunning masterpiece. Everyone who walks into my apartment in in awe of it. I highly recommend CBB.”