Words by Wilson Hack The best architecture allows what has come before it to be seen and cared for while at the same time injecting something new, if not idealistic. Spartan at first glance, the interior of this stately apartment building, located on the iconic Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona, quickly begins to unfold as a calculated series of textures, visual artifacts and perfected aesthetic continuities. The client, a globe-trotting entrepreneur, selected Jeanne Schultz Design Studio for the remodel and requested that the space be reconditioned into a purposeful and peaceful landing pad. It was to be furnished simply using natural and sustainable materials. Schultz began by gently peeling back before adding only the essentials, resulting in a harmoniously restorative living space where darkness and light coexist and comfort reigns. The design was initially guided by the fireplace—from there a subtle injection of matching color extends up into the thick tiered molding and ceiling trim. “The most reckless patterns live here,” remarks Schultz, referring to the checkered green and white tiles, pink-Pollack-y stone and cast iron detailing. The millwork and warm wood wall panels devour the remainder of the living room, eliminating the need for unnecessary artwork. A curved living room chair by Kave Home punctuates playfully; its shape reveals its pleasant conformity to the human body and sits back, inviting rest and respite. “It’s good for all body types and sizes,” explains Schultz. The single sofa by Dareels is purposefully oversized, casual and inviting. A beige cover was added to soften the otherwise rectilinear edges. Additionally sourced from Dareels, a small yet centrally located side table anchors the space with its dark black wood texture, its visual weight on par with the larger pieces. The black bulbous free standing lamp converses directly with the antique chandelier above. Composed of individual black leather strips, it is seemingly harsh—yet its soft form is reminiscent of a spring tulip. The continuation of the color palette slips softly into the dining room where velvety green chairs sit delicately on a cascade array of pointed legs. The doors that lead out to the patio were sanded down and treated so that the original shape and form could be retained. Although the same green paint was used throughout, this set of doors speaks in darker tones alongside the acute and penetrating daylight. A few different shades of white paint were used throughout the space to add additional depth and embellish this shadowy texture. Specialty lights were added into the space to complement the existing overhead lighting. A wall sconce was added in the living room and extra lighting was placed in the kitchen. However, because of the existing barrel vaulted tile ceiling, sconces were placed on the walls rather than above to avoid penetrating the existing architecture.

チャールストンにあるコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなLDK (白い壁、濃色無垢フローリング、標準型暖炉、茶色い床、格子天井) の写真

サンフランシスコにあるラグジュアリーなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなLDK (白い壁、無垢フローリング、茶色い床、格子天井) の写真

サンクトペテルブルクにある中くらいなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビング (マルチカラーの壁、無垢フローリング、壁掛け型テレビ、茶色い床、格子天井、パネル壁、アクセントウォール、ベージュの天井) の写真

リトルロックにある広いコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなLDK (白い壁、濃色無垢フローリング、格子天井、三角天井、標準型暖炉、漆喰の暖炉まわり、テレビなし、茶色い床、白い天井) の写真

Fitted bookshelves either side of the fireplace create a cosy library space in the front reception room
ロンドンにある高級な中くらいなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれな独立型リビング (ライブラリー、緑の壁、濃色無垢フローリング、標準型暖炉、石材の暖炉まわり、茶色い床、格子天井、アクセントウォール) の写真

The kitchen may be the heart of a home, but the dining room is where the family gathers to enjoy special occasions, create and pass on traditions, and savour each other’s company free from distractions. The family behind this particular dining room enjoys doing just that. When they are not traveling the world, Matthew and Anna (names changed) love to cook meals at home with their teenage daughter, entertain family and friends, and live amongst their cherished travel souvenirs and heirlooms. Their dining room, however, was far from the perfect backdrop for these experiences. Before: Dining Room: When Matthew and Anna contacted us, they imagined a space that would comfortably seat 8 to 10 people and incorporate their beautiful inherited dining table and sideboard in a fresh, modern way. Above all, they wanted a dining room that they would feel proud to share. They worked with us to design, lightly renovate, and furnish their dining room and adjacent living space. Now, the room is nothing short of inviting and elevated. Classic Yet Contemporary Dining Room: Viewed from the living area, the dining room is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Matthew and Anna wanted dark blue for the walls, and we couldn’t have been happier to find the perfect shade for them. By leaning darker, this rich blue creates the perception of depth, making the room feel enticing, comfortable and secluded. The previous built-ins were underwhelming and lacked function, so we designed wider, taller, double sided cabinets that integrated the existing bulk-head, and then accessorized the shelves with the family’s travel finds, books, and decor. Topping these units with brass art lights not only blends contemporary and traditional styles, it also draws attention to the dining table’s modern show-stopping chandelier. You can’t miss it. Inside the dining room, the effect is equally impressive: enveloping yet spacious, warm yet cool, classic yet contemporary. We incorporated their heirloom pieces seamlessly into the design thanks to the 1:2 ratio. For every traditional piece, we introduced two more modern or contemporary pieces — clean lines, subtle curves, and lustrous brass hardware. The result is a collected yet updated look. In any room with dark walls, lighting is of the utmost importance. We placed a mirror adjacent to the window to reflect natural light throughout the room, and we kept the trim and ceiling white for brightness. To provide maximum versatility, we provided multiple light sources that can be adjusted to create different levels of light to suit any mood or occasion. These include: pot lights and a chandelier on dimmers, a sculptural trilight lamp on the sideboard, and art lights on the bookcases and above important art pieces. The built-ins have another surprise waiting inside this special dining room: Double-sided built-ins: dining room shelving and living room shelving. Rather than keep them white like we did in the living room, we painted the back wall of the book cases the same dark blue as the walls in the rest of the room. This reduces the contrast with the surrounding walls and emphasizes the white outline of the cabinets. We also love the dark blue walls’ role as a beautiful backdrop for this family’s treasures. The brass accessories and hand-painted vases and bowls feel like part of the experience. Of course, what is beauty without function? It may not look like it, but the base storage is only accessible from the dining room side. The units include deep cabinets for storing serving ware, as well as another delightful surprise: silverware drawers lined in luxurious navy velvet! Lastly, we designed this beautiful nook for their heirloom sideboard. From afar, the wall looks as if it has texture and perhaps a touch of shine. Up close, you will notice that it is actually navy blue wallpaper with tiny golden dots. This unique touch accentuates the brass in the room touches throughout the space.. The room feels curated, contemporary, and full of character. Words of Praise: Anna and Matthew were thrilled with their new dining room and with the design process itself, which is always the highest compliment. They said: “Working with Lori and her team at Simply Home Decorating was a great experience. The design they came up with was both beautiful and practical for our family. Renovations can be stressful but working with Simply Home made the process much more pleasant. “Simply Home's project management and their longstanding relationships with reliable trades meant we could relax, knowing that everything was taken care of. If an issue arose, the entire Simply Home team was quick to address it. They were excellent at communicating with us—we never felt like we didn't know what was going on. We would highly recommend working with Simply Home Decorating.” Thank you, Matthew and Anna! We are honoured to have been part of your journey and wish your family many happy memories in these new spaces. Now, is it your turn? Are you ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home? If so, contact us here to start the conversation or download my guide Uncovering the Hidden Potential in Your Home below to learn more about what we can do for you.

The home has a large spacious and open Great Room, Kitchen and Dining Area, all looking out to pool and lake beyond.
マイアミにあるラグジュアリーな巨大なコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなLDK (グレーの壁、濃色無垢フローリング、横長型暖炉、石材の暖炉まわり、壁掛け型テレビ、茶色い床、格子天井) の写真

Custom built-ins, new flooring and paint help to create an updated look to the home.
インディアナポリスにある高級な広いコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビング (ベージュの壁、無垢フローリング、標準型暖炉、タイルの暖炉まわり、壁掛け型テレビ、茶色い床、格子天井) の写真

アトランタにある高級な中くらいなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなLDK (グレーの壁、無垢フローリング、標準型暖炉、木材の暖炉まわり、テレビなし、茶色い床、格子天井、壁紙) の写真

ダラスにあるコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなLDK (白い壁、淡色無垢フローリング、標準型暖炉、レンガの暖炉まわり、壁掛け型テレビ、茶色い床、格子天井) の写真

トゥーリンにある高級な広いコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビング (ピンクの壁、無垢フローリング、標準型暖炉、茶色い床、格子天井、壁紙) の写真

This new construction estate by Hanna Homes is prominently situated on Buccaneer Palm Waterway with a fantastic private deep-water dock, spectacular tropical grounds, and every high-end amenity you desire. The impeccably outfitted 9,500+ square foot home features 6 bedroom suites, each with its own private bathroom. The gourmet kitchen, clubroom, and living room are banked with 12′ windows that stream with sunlight and afford fabulous pool and water views. The formal dining room has a designer chandelier and is serviced by a chic glass temperature-controlled wine room. There’s also a private office area and a handsome club room with a fully-equipped custom bar, media lounge, and game space. The second-floor loft living room has a dedicated snack bar and is the perfect spot for winding down and catching up on your favorite shows.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ The grounds are beautifully designed with tropical and mature landscaping affording great privacy, with unobstructed waterway views. A heated resort-style pool/spa is accented with glass tiles and a beautiful bright deck. A large covered terrace houses a built-in summer kitchen and raised floor with wood tile. The home features 4.5 air-conditioned garages opening to a gated granite paver motor court. This is a remarkable home in Boca Raton’s finest community.⁠⠀

トロントにある中くらいなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなLDK (ベージュの壁、濃色無垢フローリング、暖炉なし、埋込式メディアウォール、茶色い床、格子天井) の写真

Brand new custom home build. Custom cabinets, quartz counters, hardwood floors throughout, custom lighting throughout. Butlers pantry, wet bar, 2nd floor laundry, fireplace, fully finished basement with game room, guest room and workout room. Custom landscape and hardscape.

Altra vista del soggiorno che consente di osservare come l architettura classica dell edificio si adatta allo stile contemporaneo degli interni.
ローマにあるコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれな独立型リビング (白い壁、濃色無垢フローリング、茶色い床、格子天井) の写真

バークシャーにある高級な広いコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビング (白い壁、無垢フローリング、標準型暖炉、漆喰の暖炉まわり、壁掛け型テレビ、茶色い床、格子天井) の写真

This lounge centers on the fireplace as you enter the room. Niches flank the fireplace and ceiling coffers bring order to this space. Spacious window s bring light into the space while the antique glass at the wetbar brings a touch of sphistication

When beautiful architectural details are being accentuated with contemporary on trend staging it is called perfection in design. We picked up on the natural elements in the kitchen design and mudroom and incorporated natural elements into the staging design creating a soothing and sophisticated atmosphere. We take not just the buyers demographic,but also surroundings and architecture into consideration when designing our stagings.