WHEN A COUPLE FIRST considered purchasing a house in 2017, they were looking for a home near New York City, where they were living at the time. But she was from the Raleigh area, and on a trip home she came across a listing for a circa-1939 residence that had been completely updated.
“Really, the reason we moved was for this house,” says the mother of a nine-year-old and two-year-old. “We’d been looking in Connecticut, but when I saw this house, I knew it was exactly what I wanted—an old home with a big lot. I called my husband and told him we’d found our house.”
The two-story home, which sits on close to one acre, features the traditional exterior that she loved and enough space for the pool that her husband wanted. As soon as they purchased it, the couple began to add their own touches, including a stunning backyard pool and guest house designed for both entertaining and family time.
They also quickly connected with Zandy Gammons and Liles Dunnigan of Raleigh’s Miretta Interiors. “It seemed like a great match because she loves color and had a very Southern style, even though they were living in Brooklyn at the time,” says Gammons. “She really wanted to add some bright colors, but in a sophisticated way.”
While the home was traditional and the owners wanted to maintain its historic integrity, they also wanted to incorporate elements that were more contemporary and dynamic. A favorite element of both Gammons and the homeowners is the powder room’s Spoonflower wallpaper, which was designed by one of the Beastie Boys for Flavor Paper. At first glance, it appears to be a traditional blue toile. However, the paper features iconic Brooklyn scenes including Coney Island, Nathan’s hot dogs, and even Notorious B.I.G.
This same kind of playful vibe can be found in pieces throughout the home. “She had purchased a few pieces of art, including a green juju hat,” says Gammons, referring to the circular feathered wall hangings that were originally a Cameroonian tribal symbol of prosperity. “We had a custom acrylic frame made for it to turn it into a more sculptural piece. You see it right when you walk in and it’s such a statement.”
The dining room’s light fixture was another statement piece the homeowners found irresistible. The clustered bubble chandelier by Oly hangs from a painted blue ceiling and brings a modern touch to the colorful room. “My dining room is my favorite room in the house,” says the homeowner. “We do a lot of entertaining in there, or if we sit down for dinner as a family, it’s in there. It’s a fun, happy room.”
The team’s expert use of bright colors throughout the home gives it that same fun and happy feeling. But the color never feels overwhelming and the rooms still flow well together. “We worked to have really cool pops of color,” says Gammons. “But there is always a place to have your eyes rest in the home. We have restful moments like the navy-blue sofa or the white linen treatments in the living room.”
Ultimately, the designers were tasked with turning a house that had already been updated into a space with details and finishes that would make it feel like a home specially created for its new family. Built-ins in the living room serve to showcase their style—and, when needed, hide their children’s toys. And many of the blue-and-white porcelain pieces in that room were pieces from the homeowner’s grandmother.
“We wanted it to be a reflection of their style,” says Gammons, who notes that it can sometimes be difficult when a home has been redone by a previous owner. “It was so pretty, but there was a disconnect. Adding all the special touches and details pulled it together, and they’ve turned it into their perfect home.”