When work sparked a cross-country adventure for a young professional couple, they turned to Brittany Hakimfar of Far Studio to ease their transition from San Francisco to Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and to make their new location on the East Coast feel like home for their active family. The new abode needed to be a comfortable and sophisticated chameleon that would allow them to host family members, entertain guests, and enjoy daily life with their three young children. “Many of our clients long for a home that is both beautiful and functional, and that can be shown off and look really special while still being able to be used and enjoyed,” the designer shares. “This is something we love to do.”
A counterplay of lighter, more neutral rooms and darker, moodier spaces allows each area of the home to enjoy its own personality. It’s that pervasive dichotomy that offers the sense that the home is not taken in completely at first glance, but rather continues to reveal itself at every turn.
The clients embraced the idea of incorporating more moody spaces, but Hakimfar notes they did need a little encouragement for the color choice in the office – the rich and luscious Mahogany by Farrow & Ball. “They were afraid of brown,” the designer reveals. “But we assured them the paint color had so many undertones that it would not come off as brown but instead read as a bit of a deep purple.” The end result, which incorporates custom millwork, became the designer’s favorite space in the home. “It’s so moody and dramatic,” she recalls. “We really wanted to make the space feel special.”
Natural materials throughout the home add a welcoming sensibility to the sophistication of the spaces. It’s a signature style direction for Far Studio and one Hakimfar believes draws her clients in. “It’s so important to use materials that are not ‘perfect,’ ” she explains, noting such elements “have a story and depth to them. They also allow the clients to not be so afraid, because natural finishes and materials are supposed to age and change and are not so precious.” Incorporating items like a vintage wood piece, a tree or greenery, a natural, woven rattan light fixture, linen window coverings or marble, she notes, “makes a space unique and something that cannot be copied,” as does sourcing vintage artifacts and one-of-a-kind pieces, which Hakimfar states can “take things to the next level.”
In fact, all the art and accessories in the Bryn Mawr home are vintage-sourced pieces, a decision that imparted a sense of history to the family’s new dwelling. Hakimfar also likes to provide direction and instill confidence in her clients when it comes to the incorporation of plant life. “It’s important for us to show clients how they can add in greenery very easily,” she explains. “A lot of times I tell clients to just cut branches and leaves from their backyard to add to the different vases and vessels we have around. This can become a very easy and fun thing for them to do.”
It’s that elevated ease of living and enjoyment of the full scope of spaces that created the welcoming backdrop this family on the move needed to feel at home in their new location. “They wanted us to create something truly special for them,” Hakimfar recalls. Mission accomplished.
Far Studio’s Credo
Paint
Incorporating rich paint to create spaces that exude depth is a key player in achieving moody interiors. From textured walls to dark tones, Hakimfar suggests going bold with paint for a standout space. These elements can still read neutral while also pushing the boundaries.
Moody Lighting
Employing moody lighting is a crucial element in creating moody interiors. As light can shape and define spaces, Far Studio recommends weaving in accent lighting, dimmers and unique fixtures to cultivate the overall ambiance.
Layers
Leaning on the art of moody layers to craft interiors that exude depth and intrigue is key. The team layers details such as rugs, playing with various textures and adding art and accessories in often forgotten-about spaces.
Rich Tones
Richness serves as a cornerstone of Far Studio’s approach to moody interiors, and this doesn’t have to mean only using paint or permanent details. By adding dark-colored upholstery, velvets, curtains and transitional furnishings in deep hues, you can bring warmth to an entire room.
Photography by Brian Wetzel.
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