For most of us, the living room and the bedroom are the spaces we seek when we crave respite. We want those rooms to be comfortable for our day-to-day lives but also to feel luxurious and special. In the design world, finding that balance between designing for life and designing a space that is sophisticated, is a delicate balance. For her latest project, Justine Wolman of Justine Wolman Interiors in Harrison, NY, moved away from fleeting trends to embrace a design philosophy that creates elevated yet livable spaces.
The clients, a young family in Armonk, NY, wanted Wolman to redesign the living room and bedroom to create spaces that feel intentional but not trendy, sophisticated but not formal. “They wanted soft neutrals and natural textures, spaces comfortable for everyday family life but beautiful enough to entertain in,” says Wolman. While architecturally well-executed, the rooms lacked personality and cohesion, she adds. “Our job was to bring depth and character while keeping every space functional.”
Tapping into nature’s beauty seemed a logical direction. Warm woods, soft natural linens, stone and earth tones became the foundation for the new design. She chose a modern Maiden Home sofa and Arhaus coffee table for the cozy conversation area. “From there we layered in texture, sculptural lighting, custom millwork and curated furnishings to create moments throughout the home that feel beautiful and approachable,” says Wolman.
In the primary bedroom, a canopy bed from Schwartz Design Showroom anchors the space and adds a touch of drama while maintaining the room’s serene, retreat-like qualities. Pillows from SH Davidson add a textural layer. In the living room, custom cabinetry provides a clear focal point and a home base for hosting. Flanking the new bar, she chose soft semi-sheer drapes from SH Davidson that let in light while providing privacy. “Natural light drove a lot of our decisions,” says Wolman. “We wanted interiors to feel connected to the landscape outside so we chose materials and colors that would hold up through changing light across the day and the seasons.”
Throughout the home, the design relies on the power of restraint. Rather than leaning on bold color or dramatic gestures, Wolman focused on craftsmanship and layering. Natural greenery and soft, layered textiles infuse a bit of color into each space without overwhelming. Her favorite pieces were the pair of brown velvet chairs from Lulu & Georgia in the living room: richly textured and incredibly comfortable. "My takeaway was about editing," she notes. "Letting good materials and thoughtful details speak for themselves rather than over-designing."
By Kristan Zimmer
