Interior designer Taryn Bickley steps up to transform a new North Center build into the home of a growing young family's dreams.
Chic accents abound in the family room, with a macramé floor rug from Serena & Lily, a custom channeled ottoman in Osborne & Little vinyl (“It looks 100% like leather,” notes Bickley) and a sectional by Room & Board.
THE CLIENT
For some design projects, an interior designer is there from the start. For others, the designer is the creative force who swoops in to the rescue midprocess—which was the case with a new North Center home recently finished by Bickley & Co Design for a couple with one child and another on the way (and now parents of a third). "They had worked with their builder on creating a home that was functional and family-friendly," notes founder Taryn Bickley, "but after the initial decisions on tile, stone and paint they were stumped." They turned to Bickley to make design magic happen and turn the sparsely furnished abode into a home the family could grow into.
The clients’ baby grand piano takes pride of place in the living room along with a faux fur armchair by Anthropologie, with commissioned wall art by Anne Abueva.
THE PRIORITY
"They wanted a place that was functional and open but had natural separations," notes Bickley. "They wanted some accents and elements of impact—including a baby grand piano in the living room—but were most concerned that the spaces were entirely kid-friendly. They wanted longevity with their choices, not furniture or art that they'd have to replace in two to three years. They created a blank slate that called for some personal expression, and that's what we were able to offer."
Custom record cabinets by Brooklyn furniture designer Jennifer Levin Atocha provide perfect storage for their collection of 1,000-plus records.
The clients’ own books are complemented by accessories from Crate & Barrel (the speckled pot) and Neybir (all else).
THE CHALLENGE
Oftentimes, the biggest challenges are in the details, and that was the case here. "We had a hard time finding a rug for the living room," notes Bickley. "We tried countless vintage options, and there just wasn't anything that fit the feel of the space and palette. They also have a large piano, which we had to work around. We ended up with a neutral Restoration Hardware rug that didn't detract from the other areas of the space." The fireplace also proved a design quandary: "We struggled with the balance of the two walls on either side of the fireplace. They had one custom record cabinet made at the time and the other side was empty. It felt entirely off balance but so closely mirrored the other wall that it needed weight and symmetry. After thinking through other furniture options we decided to have a second record cabinet made to match the other and effectively mirror both sides. It worked perfectly—and thank goodness they have it as their vinyl collection has grown to over 1,000 records."
A lion print purchased from the clients’ safari tour guide on their honeymoon makes for a meaningful visual.
Stools by Industry West add warmth to the kitchen.
THE DETAIL
Bickley is justifiably proud of countless touches throughout the home, from the use of wallpapers and textures to the Ligne Roset living room sofa ("It's so comfy and works well with the lines of their baby grand") to the multiple references to the couple's passion for music ("It feels really personal and interesting to me). The piece de resistance? It just might be the lion print over the dining room console. "It's so bold and has such energy and impact," enthuses Bickley. "They purchased this from their safari tour guide on their honeymoon, so they have a memorable piece that is also an interior gem."
A tea set by Swiss-born, Tuscany-based artist Christiane Perrochon
The cozy kitchen nook
In the dining room, a Room & Board table, Eames molded plastic chairs by Design Within Reach and pendants by Schoolhouse stand out.
THE OUTCOME
Says Bickley, "The clients were so happy with the evolution of the project. Each room is linked by a shared vibe and sensibility but stands entirely on its own—and it's truly a livable space; I've witnessed their children enjoying every corner, nook and cranny. They say it's filled with elements of joy that make them very happy and calm. It's a place they can grow with and evolve in together."
Romo Black Edition wallpaper in Kansai Peacock makes an immediate impression in the entryway.
The powder room pops with Lightology sconces and Abstract Leaf wallpaper by Schumacher.
Design Details
TYPE
Single-family home
LOCATION
North Center
BUILDERS/PAINTERS
O’Donnell Builders
odonnellbuilders.com
INTERIORS
Bickley & Co Design
bickleyandco.com
Resources
ANNE ABUEVA
Living room art
anneabueva.com
AMISH CUSTOM KITCHENS
Kitchen cabinetry
amishcustomkitchens.com
JENNIFER LEVIN ATOCHA
Matching custom record cabinets
atochadesign.com
INDUSTRY WEST
Kitchen stools
industrywest.com
LIGNE ROSET
Living room sofa and ottoman
ligne-roset.com
MEGMADE
Family room cabinet/hutch restoration
megmade.com
MIMSIE O’HARA FABRIC DESIGNS
Family room cabinet/hutch restoration
630.915.3043
NEYBIR
Various accessories
neybir.com
RESTORATION HARDWARE
Living room rug, various lighting
rh.com
ROMO BLACK EDITION
Entryway wallpaper
blackedition.com
SCHUMACHER
Powder room wallpaper
fschumacher.com
SERENA & LILY
Family room rug
serenaandlily.com
