Photos by Lo Austin
Larchmont-based interior designer Kerry Jacobs of Manor + Woods transforms an antiquated Westchester house into a happy space.
Design Inspiration
Larchmont-based interior designer Kerry Jacobs of Manor + Woods breathed new life into a Pelham home that had not been updated in more than 20 years. Designed in the 1990s, the home underwent a first-floor renovation (inspired by the owners’ second home, on eastern Long Island), but Jacobs felt it was also important to keep the integrity of the original design.
“We were trying to get this sort of light and airy, bright and beautiful, inspiring view throughout the house,” says Jacobs. “Each room needed a real pick-me-up, so we just lightened it all up. In general, I like to make sure I am keeping a neutral tone with larger pieces and pulling accents with pops of color. I really tried to make sure that each room tells a story but that it also has a functionality that works for the clients living there,” she says.
Dining Room
Perfect Balance. “Basically, the flow begins with starting neutral and adding layers of color,” explains Jacobs. A Schumacher Suwon sisal wallpaper in Silver Surf allowed for a clean color palette when choosing accent pieces. A complementing Phillips Scott painted wood table is paired with rattan chairs from Serena & Lily. The eye-catching statement light from Robert Abbey is Jacobs’ favorite part of the dining room. “We added a modern light fixture to pull in a point of interest that you could see from the street, as well as from the entryway,” she says. The lamps and natural-bamboo shades already owned by the client fit in seamlessly with the new look.
Fashionably Functional. “[The design team] wanted something that had an almost-textured look to it but with a little variation and color,” says Jacobs, of the Fayette Studio rug. “In case there is the unintentional spilled glass of wine, it can clean up easily, and it won’t be too crazy.”
Favorite Part. “I think it’s a combination of the table and chandelier. I think lighting has to have a sense of importance,” says Jacobs. “You want it to look important in the room — the table needs to, as well. Everything else sort of dresses them and creates the rest of the story, but they are the main event.”
Every Dining Room Should Have… “Jewelry. Lighting, basically. Jewelry that comes in the form of lighting and really catches your eye,” says Jacobs.
Living Room
Elegant Entertainment. The living room also underwent a total makeover inspired by the clients’ second home. “The room was a yellow-covered room with heavy furniture that was floral and thick. We took everything out and started fresh,” says Jacobs.
The Plan. “I knew I wanted to start with a neutral palette and build through color, texture, and scale,” explains Jacobs. “By adding a light-colored wood table and having a mirror in rattan, we balanced.” The burl-wood table from Wisteria complements the rattan mirror, which Jacobs calls her “greatest HomeGoods treasure-find of all time.”
Balance, Balance, Balance. “The room is made by balancing color, texture, and scale that I had built on,” explains Jacobs. The white-painted fireplace and light cotton-linen-blend sofa from Lillian August are balanced by a blue Lillian August rug, pop-of-color pillows, Benjamin Moore’s Horizon on the walls, gorgeous table centerpieces, and greenery.
The View. “It’s important to pull in the rooms that you can physically see into from the room that you’re designing,” says Jacobs. “Some books styled on the table pull in the color of the dining room from across the way.”
Welcome, Friends. “We wanted a light, airy feeling where the homeowners can entertain,” says Jacobs. “The two ottoman stools [from Ballard Designs] are added seating, so it’s a great place for [the client] to entertain couples, friends, and family in a comfortable space where they can enjoy their company. I also wanted to make sure the main pieces of furniture were sitting on the carpet but also that the carpet was not too big, so it had nice hardwood pathways around the room.”
Favorite Part. Jacobs says, “My favorite part of the living room would be the mantle,” which is adorned by both the mirror and the Circa Lighting sconces.
Every Living Room Should Have…
“A great statement piece,” shares Jacobs. “Great art, or in this case, a great mirror.”
