UPDATED AND FUNCTIONAL — SPRING 2021 DESIGN HOUSE

Updated and Functional

SPRING 2021 DESIGN HOME

By Elizabeth Shane

The Linen Duck’s second annual Design House is located at 1409 Windermere Drive in Columbia. This year a 1972 ranch home was selected to redesign. Lead designer, Becky Smith, said, “The team was excited to take on the challenge of bringing a new 21st century footprint to this 1970’s traditional home. With today’s new homes, tall ceilings, and open living spaces are prevalent, but I fi nd so much value in a single level home, especially when the home sits on a beautiful lot with mature trees in a great neighborhood. The vision for this home from the beginning was to create an updated traditional concept with pops of contemporary elements to create interest.”

THE VISION FOR THIS HOME FROM THE BEGINNING WAS TO CREATE AN UPDATED TRADITIONAL CONCEPT WITH POPS OF CONTEMPORARY ELEMENTS TO CREATE INTEREST.

When talking to Smith about where the team starts when creating new fl oor plan concepts, she explained, “We start with incorporating essential spaces to how most people are using their homes today. Updated kitchens and large private master suites are essential, followed by spaces to entertain and have family dinners. Then we spend time trying to fi nd opportunities to add in perks custom to the home’s character. Finding room for a home offi ce is always a bonus with so many people working from home now.”

An updated and functional fl oor plan was at the heart of the project, but the mood of the Spring 2021 Design House was defi nitely set by the fi nishes and furnishings. You could not help but notice the lighting was carefully selected throughout the home. “With lower ceilings, fi nding stunning fi xtures that cast the perfect lighting was important,” Smith said. “I incorporated fi xtures from several different lighting companies who are showcased regularly at The Linen Duck.” In addition, the home carried a neutral pallet throughout with pops of color. Featured wallpaper in the foyer and bathrooms added personality, and a rich accent color along the back wall of the open living area created a cozy atmosphere. You can fi nd more before and after pictures at thelinenduck.com under the gallery.

INVITING ENTRY TO OPEN CONCEPT

By opening up the living room, dining room, and kitchen the design team created an open concept without sacrifi cing these designated areas. Once the space was opened up, the original fi replace worked perfectly to create a new elegant dining room. The team elevated the space even further by adding custom cabinetry to function as a bar equipped with a wine chiller. The living room complements the entire area with custom upholstery from Norwalk. The team used Norwalk’s newest fabric introductions and unique furniture design to add contemporary elements.

MASTER BEDROOM

Originally the home had one smaller master bedroom on the east wing and a converted garage that shared the laundry room and an additional bedroom on the west side of the home. Today the converted garage is now a new exterior entry into a large mudroom and a new master suite. The master suite is the jewel of the home. The built-in cabinets create character, as well as functional space. Here again, the team used Norwalk’s latest fabrics to create a custom headboard while mixing linen and velvet elements for luxurious bedding. Velvet drapes and a white cowhide chair add texture to complete the space.

MASTER BATHROOM

The design team did not disappoint here. Maximizing on the natural light from the large window over the bathtub, the team brought in deep rich hues to create a high-end retreat. Beautiful lighting fi xtures and wall coverings add layers of luxury. The master bathroom was redesigned from the original laundry room. Smith stated she always puts a high priority on the master bathroom and closet when remodeling.

HOME OFFICE

Converting an extra bedroom into a home offi ce is becoming more and more relevant. Using the original master bedroom, the team created a home offi ce that can easily be used for a guest suite when needed. Norwalk’s conversational sofa measures the size of a twin bed, and with its down wrapped cushions, you are assured comfort when sleeping or sitting. This room features a classical design mixed with updated elements such as the waterfall glass side table, acrylic desk chair, and slouchy linen slipcovered side chair from Taylor King’s Lauren Liess collection.

The Linen Duck offers full-service design options, but they specialize in room design concepts delivered within 7 to 10 days. Utilizing their vast selection of furnishing and accessory vendors to create customized rooms, the Linen Duck design team will create a space unique to your home. Whether you have a one room makeover, space planning dilemma, or a whole house redesign their team is experienced and ready. n BECKY SMITH is an interior designer and founder of The Linen Duck, a retail boutique in downtown Columbia. The retail boutique and design center carry a selection of found objects, current trends in upholstery, beautiful bedding, unique lighting and accessories, special gift items, as well as ladies’ apparel and jewelry.