Trading bright city lights for leafy suburban streets, a fashion stylist and her family left Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood behind to plant new roots in a 4,000-square-foot Center Hall Colonial in Bronxville, New York. But while the nearly century-old home they purchased was rich in architectural detail, it was “very beige,” according to interior designer Diane Rath, who notes the monotone surroundings simply didn’t suit her clients. “They are all about color, pattern and quirky, unique pieces,” she explains, “which is exactly why they came to us.”
The plan for the interiors was to honor the details that made the home special, while modernizing their treatment to create spaces that were at once elevated and whimsical. “As a fashion stylist, she has an impeccable editing eye,” Rath shares of her client. “The first day we met, before any plans were in motion, she asked me what I thought of the color teal. From that moment, we knew we were about to create something magical.”
Rath notes that this home, like many of those built in the Northeast in the earlier half of the 20th century, possessed an inherent beauty. “When encountering such homes, our role is to preserve and highlight their unique details, not to strip them away.” In the case of this home, the designer points to the employment of contemporary wallpaper that nods to traditional patterns, modern lighting that blends seamlessly with traditional details and paint and finish choices, such as high gloss or lacquer, that further accentuate the home’s architectural features and bring them to life in unexpected ways. “Pairing these elements with textured furniture selections like burnout velvet, and heirloom pieces, such as a wood upright piano, creates a harmonious marriage of materials and design choices from different eras, striking the perfect balance between tradition and modernity,” she explains.
With four young kids and a love for hosting friends and family, practicality was also key for this home. The focus was on making bold statements with furnishings and floor coverings, while ensuring they could stand up to the demands of an active household. The budget was strategically cut back in areas more prone to wear and tear, while drama was introduced through elements like lighting.
Truly a collaborative effort, the home reflects a unique perspective on how fun and exciting color and pattern combinations can be. “Mixing styles, price points and periods is a hallmark for both of us,” Rath notes of herself and her client.
Photography by Tim Lenz.
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