Home Feature

The Bold Beautiful & the

By Jennifer Dumke Photos by Margaret Pennock

It’s not every day that one gets to see an exquisite home, draped in monochromatic hues and finished off with custom touches. However, for homeowners Rene and JJ Stolsmark, waking up to beauty surrounding them is an everyday occurrence. “I love bold and dramatic décor,” adds Rene, who made the decision to move after spending 20 years and countless hours remodeling and updating their last home. “We worked on it and were still was not happy with the end result,” she adds. “There wasn’t much more we could do.” So they began the search for a different home when this beauty caught Rene’s eye.

Having just moved in December 2020, Rene began working room by room to create spaces that define who she is and really bring out her personality. Having a close relationship with Connie Sinclair of Montgomery’s Furniture, Rene had a clear vision for some areas but relied on a professional’s expertise for others.

Starting in the main entrance, tall ceilings, ample windows and neutral walls are flooded with sunlight during the day and glow at night by a large orb light fixture that dangles above; illuminating the various tones of metallic found in her accessories and décor. “The first thing I did when we moved into this home was change out all the mirrors and lights,” adds Rene. Other changes included adding a slightly warmer hue to the painted walls.

One of the main reasons for the move was additional space. This home is definitely a good fit with large rooms, high ceilings and a family-friendly dining space that serves multiple purposes. The main level great room is cozied up with a neutral rug, black leather curved sectional sofa and zebra print chairs. Despite the formal feel with beams on the ceiling, a floor-to-ceiling cobble stone fireplace surround and distressed wood mantle, the room remains casual and soft with plenty of plush, welcoming pillows and laid back textures. The fireplace is flanked by inbuilt custom arch-top bookcases perfect for both display and storage. Painted a contrasting hue of cream, the bookcases and trim add contrast to the paint color.

The dining area is one space that’s hard to define. Serving as a pass-through to get from the great room to kitchen, the builder elongated and widened the space enough where it became its own “room.” For Rene is was perfect because it allowed ample flex space to fully extend the contemporary wood table surrounded by upholstered chairs. “It makes hosting large groups of people so much better,” says Rene. “Nobody wants to be that twenty-yearold sitting at the kids table,” she laughs. For warmer months, the dining space is also convenient as it includes patio doors that lead to a covered outdoor deck complete with grill and lounge furniture.

The kitchen is where the family gathers. Although the Stolsmark’s are technically “empty nesters,” they wanted a place that could accommodate a lot of people. The kitchen is neutral with whitewashed custom cabinets, speckled marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. For lighting, Rene loved the unique dual-toned globe pendant lights with metallic gold accents that dangle above the oversized center island. A twist on traditional, a white subway tile backsplash is finished off with white grout for a sleek, modernized version of a classic.

Although this space is not glamorized with the name “mud room,” it is something that ranked high on Rene’s list of must-haves. The convenient built-in lockers offer ample storage space while pegs and baskets help keep things organized. The main floor powder bath makes a bold statement with black and white leaf motif wallpaper on the walls and a crystal, light fixture.

The master bedroom looks like something reminiscent of a palace. Walking in, one is greeted with a darker feel that comes across as luxurious comfort. The statement wall behind the custom bed and bedding features a silver metallic background while a large, black fleur-delis pattern adds subtle interest. “For this room, I did repurpose some of the furniture from our other home,” adds Rene. Despite having to add a little paint here and there and make small adjustments, the entire space just melts together effortlessly. Layers of custom bedding in a soft gold and various textures also add glamour that remains understated to blend with the rest of the room. Another signature style for Rene is light fixture height. “I decided to use these as end table lights by hanging them low,” she adds when referencing the Moroccan-style glass lights.

Another bold space is the master bathroom. Rene once again utilized lower hung pendant lights rather than ceiling or wall mount. Dual sinks0 with custom dark wood cabinets add depth while the metallic navy and silver wallpaper just glistens in the natural sun creating the perfect backdrop for two, gold framed curved rectangular mirrors – a personal favorite of Renes'. Finishing off the room is a built-in Jacuzzi tub and glass walk-in shower.

In keeping with the bold theme of the home, the main floor full bathroom features wallpaper with a large floral pattern and colors of black, grey and hints of brassy golds. The large round mirror is the perfect spot for Rene to apply her make-up. And no space is complete without a statement light fixture. This time, Rene opted for a glass globe with brushed gold accents.

In addition to light fixtures and mirrors, Rene adds ceilings to her list of loves. “I fell in love with this wallpaper,” adds Rene of the peachy toned swirled wallpaper. “But I wasn’t sure where to use it.” Add in a beadwork chandelier and contrasting pale green walls and this serene space stays bright and airy. An intricate detailed wood headboard and vintage chenille bedding give an updated modern flair.

A continuation of flair can also be found in the second main floor bedroom. An ornate carved headboard with mirror accents and a creamy tufted fabric sets the stage for this space. Although regal, the soft tones with the occasional accent invite comfort. “And I love adding unique little touches,” she says while uncovering a small bird accent from the nightstand. I just love birds so I have them spread out and very tucked away just for fun.”

The lower level is perfect for a family who loves to entertain. Taking a turn for darker hues and rustic flair, Rene relied on the expertise of Connie from Montgomery’s to help finish off the space. “She literally came in here and put it all together,” adds Rene. Having purchased the bar heighth, white, marble-topped table, Connie went to work finishing off the full bar and theatre room. “These walls were more light and muted,” she adds. “Connie suggested this really dark color called iron ore,” she says. “A lot of people doubted the selection but once we got it up on the walls and added the brushed gold sconces, it’s now a favorite.”

Despite being “settled in,” Rene will never be done decorating her sprawling ranch-style home. “We really love our house but still have a few things that need to be done.” Maybe it’s placing a small bird or hanging that perfect curve shaped mirror; whatever it is, it’s sure to be bold. n

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