Finding the soul of the home: Blending old with new

 Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator for 20 years, I always encourage my clients to find their personal, authentic style in their homes. It’s not about anyone else or the latest trends. It’s about you and what you love. It’s about finding the soul of your home and curating rooms that make you happy. It takes a little time and a lot of patience. And the result can be spectacular.

Having lived in old houses, beach houses, historic homes and new houses, modern condos, apartments and everything in between, my own style evolved over the years into a blend of contemporary coastal and a sprinkling of carefully curated primitive antiques. It came about as a result of my family’s love of surrounding ourselves with the feeling of living on the coast and our interest in history.

Primitive pieces are tangible reminders of our past and of those who created them so many years ago and raised their families around them. A faded pine cabinet where glass jars of fruits and jellies were stored. A kitchen farm table that hosted family dinners 150 years ago. A warped wooden ice box from Ohio that once held blocks of ice to keep a cow’s milk cold. Or in the particular case of my most recent find, a hotel reception mail and key cubby. If only these worn treasures from our past could talk, what fascinating stories they could tell us.

After

While many of these relics from our past have deteriorated and vanished in old barns, crumbling houses or road side junk piles, every once in a while, one of these treasures survives, calls out and almost begs to be returned to what it started out to be.

And that’s what we did. We brought it back.

After

We stumbled upon this old hotel reception desk/key and mail cubby and purchased it from a primitive dealer based in America’s treasure trove of primitives--Pennsylvania.

Before

Even before it arrived, we could tell from the initial photos what it would take to properly honor this treasure and do it justice. A proper clean up and straightening of several of the 94 oak cubbies was the beginning. Some of the key hooks were missing, those that remained were bent or loose, and with one solitary exception all the painted room numbers had worn off long ago. After some straightening and tightening, numbers in a 19th century type style were applied, brass keys and room fobs were obtained and aged to achieve a centuries-old patina as well.

Before

And to bring a sense of realism to our historical mission, we found actual envelopes and post cards from (the past) around the world and randomly placed them in dozens of the open cubbies. Not really knowing if this finished treasure originally graced an American or European hotel, we decided to give it a French persona and officially dubbed it from the 1903 “Hotel de Papillion.”

After

Notes and tips: adding something old to your home as an accent

• These pieces create character and visual interest in a room.

• Mixing new pieces with vintage antiques gives a space a curated, personal look.

• Incorporating a vintage piece or two is a way to repurpose treasures from the past.

• Use the 80/20 (new/old) rule to maintain a contemporary feeling while creating a focal point with vintage pieces.

• Pair a modern sofa with a vintage table or side tables or antique mirror.

• Trust your instincts as you create your own unique style.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and certified gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information, visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Escape to a world of inspiring designs: Kips Bay Decorator Show House

 Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network-Florida

As if we need an excuse to visit beautiful Palm Beach, the 8th annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House is underway. It’s a lot like the Oscars for Interior Designers: colorful, filled with pretty things and in most cases over the top. But in a fun way. Which makes it a fabulous must-see, never-miss event each year for me.

In this stunning primary bedroom, “Worth Every Peony,” David Mitchell Brown went big and bold with a modern approach. Believing the perfect bedroom should be both relaxing and energizing with colors that soothe us in the evening hours and colors to energize us when we emerge from our bed in the morning. In this case, the room was large enough that he was able to have the color palette change from one side to the other as you gaze across the room. Photo: Nicholas Sargent

Photo: Nicholas Sargent

It’s where designers and decorators go for inspiration in the beautiful rooms packed with creative work that reflects the latest trends. It never disappoints. And I always come back to Southwest Florida feeling inspired and with fresh ideas for my clients.

It’s also for a worthy cause. As a fundraiser for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, the event supports the organization’s mission to provide life-changing educational and developmental programs for young people.

It takes a while to take everything in at Caroline Gidiere’s “Ladies Club of Palm Beach.” The lady’s private retreat in shades of salmon pink, butter yellow and palm green is described by the designer as a “love letter to Palm Beach’s timeless charm—with a contemporary twist that’s hard to leave.” The design masterfully blends nostalgia with a fresh, traditional aesthetic for the ultimate sanctuary. And the oversized shell mirror is a showstopper. Photo: Nicholas Sargent

The house is located at 1125 North Flagler Drive, in the Providencia Park neighborhood of West Palm Beach. It features the work of 23 distinguished designers, decorators and architects. The property has been thoughtfully transformed into a showcase of innovative design where visitors are invited to explore cutting-edge concepts and timeless style through March 16. For tickets and details, go to kipsbaydecoratorshowhouse.org/pb

The home includes 7,706 square feet of living space with five spacious bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and an expansive outdoor area with a pool. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Intracoastal Waterway, the residence has sweeping views of blue water and nearby Palm Beach Island. It’s a beautiful canvas for this year’s designers to work their magic.

Amanda Reynal’s “Lilly Pad,” captures the vibrant whimsy of the Lilly Pulitzer lifestyle through Lee Jofa’s spring fabric and wallcovering collection for Lilly Pulitzer. Debuted in her “Lilly Pad,” the room boldly features saturated Kelly Green curtains adorned with bold white embroidered Lilly Pulitzer lace trim. Key elements include a sculptural chandelier and brass cocktail table, rattan end tables and a large burl wood coffee table that grounds the space with natural materials and soft neutrals. In the powder room, the Lilly wallpaper is punctuated with a teal sink and toilet inspired by the 1960s’ love of colorful bathroom porcelain and tile. The whimsical valance and Roman shade introduce warmth and privacy, enhancing the overall charm and seamlessly blending classic influences with contemporary flair.Photo: Carmel Brantley

Photo: Carmel Brantley

Photo: Carmel Brantley

What you will not find: minimalism. There is a lot to see in every room. What you will find: room designs that are filled with joy and happiness. And inspiration that will follow you home. You will also find a lot that will take you out of your comfort zone. Enjoy the experience and check out all of the details.

Expect to see big and bold color; no ceiling left untouched with lacquered color, tenting and wallcoverings; color drenching, antiques; a couple of pastel rotary phones (I would like one of those, please); murals, nature themes, curved sofas, oversized mirrors, lounges, retreats, lush landscaping, wellness sanctuaries and fantasy retreats. It’s all very glamorous and an escape to the dreamiest version of Palm Beach that’s imaginable.

Oxford Design’s “Poolside Perch,” reminds us of what a luxury it is to have a lanai. Designed to blur the lines between interior and exterior space, it’s an eclectic mix of upholstery, draping, and antiques. With an elegant bar, comfortable seating areas, artistic focal points, seasonal plantings, the lanai is an escape from reality the moment you walk across the threshold to enjoy the serene comforts of a tranquil retreat. Photo: Nicholas Sargent

It’s a total escape and who doesn’t need that? With rooms like Meet me at the Casbah, The Ladies Club of Palm Beach, The Lilly Pad, Worth Every Peony, Jewel of the Nile, Gentleman of the Jungle, Between Two Realms and more, it’s a beautiful day in Palm Beach!

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Have a heart: Show your home some love this month!

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network-Florida

In a time when we need more love more than ever, we find ourselves welcoming February, a month that’s all about hearts, love and showing a little extra kindness to others, ourselves and to our homes. With the holidays well behind us, it’s the perfect time to make a few changes to make you love your home again. And to do that by refreshing some spaces in your home.

Heartfelt pillows in a cuddly Teddy bear fabric is a sweet addition to a sofa or bed any time of year! Provided by Pottery Barn

More than ever, our homes are our sanctuary. A place that we return to shake off the day and find peace and comfort. It’s also a good time to think about what your home means to you. Is it a place to pass through and sleep with a busy schedule that keeps you on the run? Is it your happy place surrounded by things that you love? A place of love, warmth, safety and happiness?

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, I help my clients decide what is most important and how to best create a space that makes them love their home the minute they open the door. No two homes are the same and the relationship with our homes can be complicated. With some thought and a solid plan, you can soon be on your way to creating a home you love and one that’s in step with your lifestyle.

Decorate your home with love. Cast in metal, these two entwined hearts add style and warmth to a mantle or console. Provided by Pottery Barn.

Love really is the operative word when you refresh. Love what you surround yourself by. Love it or don’t buy it. If you don’t love it, donate it.

Four rules to keep in mind to love your home

 Find your inspiration. Is it a new color, light, mirror, piece of furniture? If you need a change but don’t know where to begin, walk through your home and take notes on each room. What can you say goodbye to and what do you need to change?

Classics never go out of style. Trends come and go and can be fun to sprinkle here and there but you can’t go wrong with the classics.

I call this one “facebook envy.” We are bombarded daily with the latest and greatest, most gorgeous ideas for our homes. Before you go off the deep end making a pile of changes, take a deep breath and think about what really matters. To you. No one else.

Purchase mindfully. Before you buy, think carefully about what would make you love your space. Do your research, go on a few shopping trips to look. Take your time. It’s not a race!

A few ways to give your home a loving refresh!

• Make home repairs that you have been putting off.

• Set a pretty table.

• Give your entry a new look with a dramatic color.

• Paint your front door.

February, a month that’s all about hearts, love and showing a little extra kindness to others, ourselves and to our homes. With the holidays well behind us, it’s the perfect time to make a few changes to make you love your home. Shown: Benjamin Moore’s favorite Valentine palette.

• Wallpaper a powder room. Something outrageously beautiful.

• Add some sparkle: a chandelier in the living room or bedroom (you really don’t need a ceiling fan in every room in the house). Or hang one in the master closet. It will make you happy every time you walk in.

• Soften the harsh, recessed lighting in the kitchen with a lamp on the counter or island. You won’t believe the change.

• Invest in hotel-style bedding. Don’t be afraid of white linens (always go for a high thread count). White sheets are so popular now and for good reason. Easy to care for and you can change your color scheme whenever you like.

• Hang something colorful in your laundry room.

• Change your drapes or drapery panels over the sliders. Make sure you hang them high: just below the ceiling or molding.

• Delete what is no longer working in your home. I do this seasonally as things do tend to accumulate no matter how hard we try.

• Add a little glam to each room: a tufted sofa or a chaise lounge. Pick a color that you love. Or a new mirror or a few glass accessories for some sparkle.

• Want color but afraid to commit to an entire room? Fine. Paint the ceiling that color that you have always wanted to try. Yes, the ceiling!

• Create a gallery-style wall with your favorite art.

• Need a new kitchen backsplash? Check out the new textured, handmade subway tiles. Spectacular!

• Add a few new pillows.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and certified gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog