When the members of this multigenerational family made the trek from California to Westchester, they were looking for a house that fit their lifestyle and reflected their down-to-earth vibe. They purchased a Colonial in Bronxville and brought on designer Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors to orchestrate the ensuing renovation-and-design project. “I like designing houses as a whole because I can make sure that the client’s personality flows throughout the house and the entire space is unified without being matchy-matchy,” Helft says. The result is a luxurious, nature-inspired design that perfectly reflects the family’s needs and personality.
Family Room
One of the few pieces of furniture the client brought with them was an enormous redwood-slab coffee table, which Helft used as inspiration for the home’s design and the focal point of the family room. A 10-foot custom sofa is perfect for the whole family to curl up on, with pink animal print swivel chairs and mauve velvet knots as additional seating for parties and get-togethers. Sheer silk curtains allow natural light into the room while providing privacy at night. The blues and greens in the window treatment and throw pillows add cool tones to balance out the warmth of the pinks and to complement the natural elements of the wood. Below, the limestone fireplace is a secluded nook for intimate conversations. The open floor space also makes it an ideal spot for kids to stage performances while the adults look on from the comfort of the Alexandria Armchairs by Four Hands.
Entry
Helft’s number one rule for entryways? They must provide some sort of seating. In this home, two tawny, velvet ottomans are perfect for sitting while removing or putting on shoes. When not in use, they can be tucked under the desk-cum-console table. “The client really wanted drawers, which aren’t always easy to find in a console,” Helft says. The desk, although deeper than a console, provides drawers as well as additional space underneath for the ottomans. Helft stuck with earthy, natural elements to reflect her clients’ love of nature and California aesthetic. An enormous flush-mount light serves as the entry’s focal point and pulls the look together.
Primary Bedroom
“I love mixing things,” Helft confesses. “It gives you that feeling that you want to touch it to see what’s different and how the textures change.” That’s precisely the sense you get on entering the home’s primary bedroom: from the wooden nightstands to the thick yarn of the throw blanket, from the beaded chandelier to the corduroy pillowcases, from the leafy plant to the quilted comforter. Typically cold colors like gray, black, and the smokey tint of the walls are warmed up by pinks, browns, and creams. Clean, geometric lines are softened by the roundness in the chair, the swirls in the painting, the curves of the chandelier, and the fringe on the throw blanket. Everything comes together to create a serene, tranquil space for rest and rejuvenation.
Butler’s Pantry
The name of the game for the butler’s pantry was durability. “We put in porcelain floors so they could get dirty, the countertops are granite, all the hardware is chrome… Everything we could do to make sure that this space cleans easily and can get some heavy use,” Helft says. A handmade wool runner adds visual interest and a splash of color, while also being durable and easy to clean.
Kitchen
Looking to make the kitchen bigger, the client opted to forgo a separate dining room and use the eat-in kitchen for all meals. The long, narrow dining table fits perfectly into the smaller space and expands up to 10 feet when they have guests. Touches like plants in the windows, a filled fruit bowl, and frequently used accessories atop open shelving give the space a lived-in feel. To keep countertop clutter at bay, Helft designated a place for everything. A mesh-front drawer beside the wine fridge contains additional fruit, while a second one beside the sink serves as a pullout rack for drying dishes. There’s even a drawer fitted with outlets to serve as a charging station. Strips of metal on a white-oak vent give the stove a customized look, and a stone facade lends the appearance of a farm sink to the original sink. Orb light fixtures from Arti in the dining area and Hinkley in the kitchen provide the perfect amount of light without overwhelming the room.
Living Room
The curved sectional sofa, with its textured pillows and sumptuous throw, is the perfect enticement to sit down for a visit. Helft pulled the sofa away from the wall to enhance the room’s cozy, inviting vibe. The room’s design is based off the coffee table, which the client brought from California. Pops of pink from the wallpaper and the painting above the fireplace complement the room’s natural tones. A multi-bulb light fixture makes up for the lack of natural light, a look Helf softened using frosted glass.
Related: This Chappaqua Home Remodel Embraces a Serene Aesthetic
