“We weren’t looking to sign on to a financially devastating project,” she says.
The bright front door (Drawing Room Blue, No.
253;us.farrow-ball.com) hints at the bold ideas inside.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
In fact, her eye for thrift store finds can make even the most peaceable person steam with envy.
For her own home, she gave her inventive streak free rein.
“My house is my laboratoryI like to experiment and play with things,” she notes.
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
You’ll just remember it being beautiful," she says.
Now transformed, they flank the entryway table, which is topped with a collection of ginger jars.
It also provides a cozy nook for her daughter’s dollhouse.
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
Listening To Mama
“I prefer for things to be off.
This gives a space personality and keeps it from feeling too sterile, like a showroom or a hotel.
She, too, plans to wear hers into the ground.
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
Letting Go Of Perfection
A full kitchen renovation wasn’t part of the Lonergan’s plan.
Instead, she made small decorative tweaks to add some fun to her functional kitchen.
Wallpapered ceilings create more interest.
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
Antique pieces from different periods work together as a bar in the living room.
She also decided to paint the floor navy instead of installing new tile.
“People are so afraid of color.
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
They say, ‘Let me do neutral.
Let me do plain.
I don’t want to do color.
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
What if I get tired of it?’
But with neutrals, you get tired of the look because it’s so boring!”
To achieve unity, she sticks with mostly muted tones in matte finishes.
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
Tour The Home
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt
