April 17, 2026

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Comfortable residential structure

Residence design and style inspiration: Lightening the look of oak millwork in an previous dwelling

Residence design and style inspiration: Lightening the look of oak millwork in an previous dwelling

It was the primary oak millwork that captivated Cait Louise Gury’s clients to their apartment in a 19th-century Colonial Revival in Dorchester. Nevertheless, they also felt intimidated by it. “They struggled with making the spouse and children space truly feel gentle and relaxed, but harmonious with the significant architecture,” Gury claims. The very first issue she did was paint the sage-colored partitions a vivid white—Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. The new, crisp backdrop quickly produced the space feel ethereal. “The dusky coloration provided no distinction so the wooden disappeared,” Gury claims. “Now that it pops, it’s an eye-catching instant.”

1 This blush and charcoal tones of the classic type rug by Magnolia Property for Loloi suffuses the space with heat, balancing the great blue of the sofa. The sample also can help conceal spills.

2 A extensive, modern day chandelier counteracts the historic millwork. The brass body also contrasts the dark components, keeping issues from looking matchy-matchy.

3 Gury’s rule for curtains? Go superior and extensive. “Panels must be at the very least two moments the width of the window for suitable fullness,” she says, “and hung at the very least six inches higher than the window body for influence.”

4 For a collected truly feel, Gury takes advantage of vintage textile toss pillows made by little businesses. Krinto, Studio North, and Danielle Oakey are favorites. She provides this tip: Get inserts 2 inches larger sized than the deal with for lots of plumpness.

5 An in-stock Short article sectional—delivered within just three weeks—was the starting point. “The deep seats make for further cozy motion picture nights, and the removable ottoman delivers flexibility in the floor plan when entertaining,” the designer suggests.

6 The West Elm coffee table provides the abundant wood tone into the middle of the room and balances the room’s a lot of rectangles. “I’m normally cautious to differ silhouettes in a house,” Gury says.


Marni Elyse Katz is a common contributor to the World Magazine. Send out feedback to [email protected].