Dramatic Lighting Ideas

“All our kids moved out long ago, but now all the grandchildren stay over frequently,” Wilma said. “The open space is great for them. They can bike and run around inside and with the walls of windows, we can keep an eye on them when they’re outside.” The stairs were custom made by Level Trappen, with a steel railing resembling interlaced branches from the nearby forest.

In the entryway, a brass Sputnik chandelier illuminates the airy American elm staircase.

The décor was deliberately kept unfussy, down to the cool green French chairs. The patterned chair is upholstered in one of the client’s own distinctive tweed designs. Salvaged oak parquet flooring was used throughout, laid in a Mondrian-esque grid pattern, rather than the traditional herringbone arrangement. Left with its original patina intact, it lends warmth to the area.

The space was reoriented in order to accommodate a third bedroom for the residents' second child. The adjustment required reducing the size of one of the existing bedrooms and relocating the kitchen, which now is an open-plan space next to the living room. A Major Crown chandelier by Nemo hangs above a Zeus-Noto table and Kartell chairs.