As a designer, I’m lucky when I come across a client that is an inspiration, not just for design, but for life. A recent client in Greensboro was that rare type. Every day she reminded me of the importance of finding joy where and when you can. It was so incredible to work with her and to bring a dream of hers to life in the rooms of her home. I’m so thrilled that you can see it, too - both here in this post and in the newest issue of Flower magazine!

The client purchased the home to relocate with her two daughters after the death of her husband. She wanted a place for them to heal as a family and dreamed of a beautiful and cheerful home to help bring them joy and solace. Her grief journey included several walk-abouts in the English countryside and she brought back the inspiration to create a similar experience in her home with floral details being pulled through every room, combined with a bold use of happy colors drawn from nature.

Color and pattern are definitely my specialty, and with her special inspirations I began to create a very personal story for her and her girls in the decor. For example, we wallpapered the dining room in a Phillip Jeffries coral silk and it provided such a glowing backdrop for a mix of her antiques and new furnishings.

My client also started painting as a way to express herself and created two self portrait collage pieces for her living room. The home is a curated collection of things she loves and bright, happy memories. A few touches of bold whimsy, like the window treatment, helped spotlight that joy for life.

This client was also absolutely unafraid of color, so we lacquered the library in a grass green from Fine Paints of Europe. And I created a unique way to hide the television behind a faux shelf.

The color story extended into the kitchen with soft blues and pinks, which created a nice flow into the breakfast area. This client’s inspiring love of creative projects also is shown below with a needlework frame.

To give her a gorgeous indoor garden all her own, I wallpapered her primary bedroom in John Derian cabbage roses by Designer’s Guild. Pairing the paper with her antique four poster bed gives the room a cozy, layered look.

Her gardens are in a gated backyard space with an attached screened porch and exterior dining area. The house also boasts a front patio where she can sit after gardening or visit with neighbors passing by.

I’m so thankful for the inspiration this client gave me, both for her home’s decor and for a way of life. How do you find joy in your home? I hope this project inspires you to live your very best life!

All the best,

Kara