Interior designer Jess Cooney has transformed a once-sterile Victorian home in Great Barrington, MA, into a vibrant and inviting space, perfect for lively family gatherings. The initial decor featured stark gray floors and an all-white palette, lacking the personality desired by the homeowners, a couple from New Jersey known for their love of hosting. Cooney’s mission was to infuse warmth and energy into the home while creating functional spaces tailored to their entertaining lifestyle.
Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
Cooney aimed to layer the home’s design, ensuring that each space featured its own unique charm without feeling disjointed. “I wanted to layer spaces so they were decorative and charming, each with its own unique personality,” she explained. The result is a home that balances dynamic use of color and pattern with an inviting atmosphere, encouraging a sense of joy and celebration.
The kitchen was a focal point for this redesign. Cooney added a bold black island, which contrasts sharply with the previous all-white decor. “The kitchen was all white, which felt a little conventional,” she noted. “Having a big black island in the middle of it was much more contemporary and changed the whole feel of the room.” The new layout not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also serves as a central gathering point for family and friends.
Functional Additions Enhance the Space
Responding to the homeowners’ wish for extra storage, Cooney introduced a butler’s pantry in the corridor leading to the dining room. “This neat design shows that you can have a small run of space in a hallway—this was about 5 feet—and use all the vertical area to make it highly functional,” she said. This addition allows for easy access to glassware and tableware, crucial for the couple’s frequent entertaining, especially during the ski season.
The dining room features a mix of vintage furniture, adding warmth and character. Cooney sourced an antique farmhouse table and refurbished existing chairs, introducing natural woven seating that complements the overall design. “Playing around with chair styles takes away the formality you might get from a matching set,” she explained, enhancing the room’s inviting atmosphere.
In the entryway, Cooney opted to keep the inherited gray flooring, layering it with vintage rugs. “People are afraid to mix warm and cool tones,” she advised. “But you can definitely use warm tones with gray. This contrast gives a home dimension and interest.”
The living room, comprising a main lounge area and a cozy reading nook, showcases Cooney’s innovative approach. By placing vintage chairs in the alcove bay window, she created a space that feels both open and intimate. The chairs are upholstered in a vibrant patchwork fabric, adding unexpected energy to the traditional design of the house.
In the bedrooms and bathrooms, Cooney’s careful selection of wallpapers and decor further emphasizes the home’s unique character. In the primary bathroom, a grasscloth wallpaper complements the space, while a playful tiger print graces the powder room. “When you have a smaller space, it’s fun to embrace dark colors and make it a little moody,” she remarked, showcasing her ability to balance fun with functionality.
This thoughtful transformation from sterile to spirited exemplifies Cooney’s design philosophy. By incorporating elements such as the repeated use of black accents across various spaces, she creates a cohesive yet daring aesthetic. The home now embodies a sense of warmth and vibrancy, reflecting both the owners’ lifestyle and their passion for entertaining.
Ultimately, Cooney’s design journey illustrates how a well-considered approach to decor can breathe life into a home, making it not just a living space but a vibrant gathering place for family and friends.
