Style Revealed: A New York dining space transformed with earthy tones
There’s nothing like coming home to a freshly redesigned space. And certainly nothing like getting it done in a matter of weeks.
The Time & Place Interiors Style Revealed design package does just that. First, I do a series of discovery meetings, getting to know what my clients want out of their space. Then, I source a mix of modern, vintage, antique, and global artisan homewares that reflect my clients’ desired style. Clients come home to the “reveal” to see their room transformed with decor I’ve selected to convey their personal story.
Leslie and Sarah, a writer and a researcher living in a New York City apartment with their dog Colby, told me they prefer a streamlined space. Yet, I noticed that their dining/work area felt disjointed and poorly lit. I suggested coordinating the space into one cohesive design, and they loved my initial ideas of how to add light and style.
I began interviewing Leslie and Sarah about how they like to feel in their space, and how their room should accommodate their lifestyle and Colby’s needs. I created an inspiration board, and asked them to contribute images of their own to give me stylistic direction.
Once we finalized the scope and I had a thorough understanding of Leslie and Sarah’s desired style, I began sourcing their furnishings and accessories. It’s my responsibility to complete the design within the agreed budget, so I sought the best possible pieces that translated my clients’ wishes.
On installation day, Sarah and Leslie gave over their space while I worked my magic. When they came home to the big reveal, they were delighted with the transformation:
“We had an amazing experience working with Ksenya,” wrote Leslie. “From our very first meeting, there was an immediate trust established. She worked patiently with us while we chose the design we wanted, and contributed ideas that we had not thought of. I was most impressed with her professionalism in all phases of the project.”
My clients didn’t know the exact pieces they would be getting; that’s the appeal of Style Revealed. Yet my thorough process of nailing down their preferences made the space reflect their individual style. “It feels like ‘us,’” Sarah commented.
Follow along for the documentation of the transformation of this dining space to see how I turned a busy, dark room into a cohesive, brighter design that celebrates the couple’s love for earthy, authentic style … All in just six quick weeks.
Having learned that Leslie is happy to work at a dining table or on the sofa, I suggested eliminating a desk behind a folding screen to open the space. To make up for lost storage, we agreed on introducing a sideboard and a file cabinet. The vintage Art Deco sideboard that I procured offered ample storage, while keeping supplies out of view. It’s retrofitted with Anthropologie glass knobs and Elfa system pull-out drawers for updated functionality.
“From our very first meeting, there was an immediate trust established.”
Along the solid wood dining table, I placed modern mesh chairs that allowed light to pass through from the windows, as well as to give transparency toward the pattern of the special vintage Persian rug beneath. Complementary chairs in saddle leather placed at the ends of the table added textured nuance.
I replaced fluorescent desk lamps with varying types of light fixtures: a table lamp on one end, a ceiling swag light above the dining table, and small accent lamp on the bookshelf. All three are Mid Century vintage.
Leslie and Sarah had a beautiful canvas artwork that I wanted to give pride of place above the new sideboard. To create an intentional tabletop vignette, I positioned the vintage Danish Modern ceramic lamp in front of the art. Handmade baskets made in Ghana and Thailand offer overflow storage.
“It feels like ‘us’.”
Sarah and Leslie told me they love blues, greens, and earthy tones. Their style leans modern, but they also appreciate interesting antique finds with a bit of patina. The sleek Mid Century and contemporary pieces balance rhythmically with the antiques.
Because the room doesn’t benefit from much direct sun, I introduced a Mid Century Broyhill Brasilia mirror opposite the windows, to reflect light into the dining space. Above the table, I hung a 1950s vintage ceramic lamp by the artist Maurice Chalvignac.
I conveyed Sarah and Leslie’s love for earthy tones and textures through accessories too, including a pair of terracotta rope-wrapped vases made in Indonesia. I placed these on top of the client’s corner shelf, which they chose to keep in the design scheme.
“The final reveal was more than we expected.”
The Style Revealed package includes all the fine touches, down to the last details. I sourced handmade ceramic salt + pepper shakers and raffia placemats made in Madagascar for Leslie and Sarah’s new dining table.
The end of a Style Revealed project calls for a celebration! Sarah and Leslie were astonished to walk into their newly transformed space. “The final reveal was more than we expected. Ksenya treated our home as if it were her own, and took a personal investment in our satisfaction,” they wrote.
The most rewarding aspect of the project is knowing how much my clients are enjoying their new space. Leslie said it best in a message to me the next day: “Woke up this morning, sat in the soft morning light, once again amazed and impressed with the work you did.”
Translating your unique story into your room design
Time & Place can transform your space to reflect your individual style, with a cohesive design scheme, using unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. If you’re looking for a speedy and accessible interior design refresh, consider our Style Revealed service. To discuss if this is the right option for you, use the link below to schedule a free 20-minute information call with founder Ksenya Malina:
