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

Fall season brings renewed hope and comfort

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

The last couple of weeks took away a lot of the comfort and security that we all strive for in our homes. And as we shake off the effects of the recent storms, we look for ways to create some calm in stressful times.

I always struggle writing an article after a hurricane but I’m more hopeful the closer we get to fall weather. The days bring a noticeable shift and on that first cool morning last week could open the windows and let the fresh air into our homes. Take a deep breath enjoy a new season that brings renewed hope.

Add a touch of fall color from Pottery Barn with these fun flickering, flameless, wax pumpkins and pinecone candles. Photo: Pottery Barn.

As a Fort Myers interior decorator, I can tell you that I (along with most of my clients) like to make a few subtle changes in my home to welcome the arrival of fall. Or as I call it, celebrating the end of a long, hot summer. Most of these changes cost very little and you can buy much of what you need from the grocery store or order online without major shopping trips. A few of my favorites:

Move outdoors

It’s a time for sprucing up our outdoor spaces for the season. Just spending more time relaxing in nature makes us all feel better. Add some new cushions, pillows, beach towels, rug and decorative lights to set a fresh tone. Grab a cup of coffee and ease into your day with a few minutes of calm.

For fall, pretty fresh flowers in yellows, reds and oranges set against a backdrop of Kravet’s Clarke and Clarke Pomarium collection. Shown: Sorento in multi-linen. Photo: Kravet.

Light decluttering

Do a little fall decluttering and organizing. Focus on finding some clear surface spaces and eliminating what you no longer need. And while you are at it, toss your old spices and refresh with new ones. A fall ritual that I like to do before the busy holidays.

Create a fall feeling

Start at the front door with a new doormat. My favorite is “hello pumpkin,” which can be found online. One of my clients paints her front door each fall and spring. Some favorite front door colors for fall: Benjamin Moore’s Hawthorne Yellow, Autumn Leaf and Fiesta Orange. Add a wreath to the door, a few pumpkins (faux in Florida), potted plants and lanterns and you are set.

Photo: Benjamin Moore

Spicy hues or not

If the oranges, browns and yellows are just not your palette, that’s fine. Any color found in nature says fall. Rich cranberry burgundy is so popular now, along with blueberry, sunflower yellows, bright greens. They all work for fall and are a nice change when mixed with our more coastal palettes. And as for pumpkins, they come in all colors. Blues, white, even pink. I like to mix them up.

Create a tablescape

For your dining table, coffee table or the end of a kitchen island. I like a mix of white and striped pumpkins and a bag of gourds from the grocery store. Some yellow mums, corn and candles. Very simple. If Halloween is more your thing than fall, that could be the theme. In either case, add some seasonal placemats and napkins and a center piece of fresh or dried flowers.

Entry table

One of my favorites is to fill a dough bowl with elements of the season: potpourri, acorns, colored leaves, gourds and even a few twinkling lights. Change out the content each season or just for fun.

Change your scents to fall

Bring fall into your space before it even arrives with your favorite yummy scents. Pumpkin coffee is not my thing but I sure love pumpkin spice scented candles.

Mix creamy neutrals with seasonal hues

Change your fireplace mantel with creamy neutrals accented with seasonal tones, pumpkins, leaves, baskets, accessories.

    Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. Based in Bonita Springs with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and color palettes. 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

Changing seasons: Decorating tips to take your home into spring and summer

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network-Florida, May 4, 2024

It’s one of my favorite times of year. These beautiful days of spring (which arrived in March) and lead into the first days of summer (arriving in June). I find that the change of seasons is more a state of mind than anything else. A slight change in perspective. An important one. For me this time of year brings back happy memories of carefree days at the end of the school that meant summer vacation and the beach.

As a Bonita Springs-based interior decorator serving homeowners in Southwest Florida, I always encourage my clients to acknowledge the seasonal changes, as subtle as they may be, in our tropical paradise. It’s a good time to make a few healthy adjustments in our homes to mark the new season. They can be as easy as a new front door mat and plants for your entry to trying a beautiful wallcovering in a powder room.

Go from spring to summer with a refresh that includes a pretty table set with flowers. The blue shutters against a crisp white background are easy to do in any home looking for a happy color pick-me-up. Shown: Serena and Lily’s Terrace table and Riviera dining chairs. Photo: Serena and Lily.

The forecast for this season is bright and bold. Give it a try with a few of my tips. They go from easy ones that you can do now to a few that require a little more planning and investment. All are fun and will make you happy to come home this season. And that’s what we all want, right?

Do these first

Deep spring leaning. Baseboards, cabinets, the dreaded dusting, organizing.

Declutter. Don’t love it? If you don’t need it in your home. Donate it. Sometimes it’s painful to say goodbye to something that meant a lot to someone else. Remember: your home is not a storage garage for other’s memories. If you find decluttering to be overwhelming, start with a junk drawer (we all have at least one) or a section of your closet (shoes).

Pick a few of these

New artwork.

Pop color into a room with a collection of painted shutters on a wall.

Plants in colorful pots or grape leave baskets.

Flowers in a pretty vase.

Spring doormat.

Colorful garden stool.

New color for front door (try a pretty blue or green).

Style your fireplace mantle for spring.

Style coffee table with new accessories (a book or two, vase with flowers, bowl of shells of colorful glass balls) on a pretty tray.

Set a pretty spring table: dishes, napkins, accessories. This does not have to be a huge expense. Try a flea market or big box store to pick up trendy colors and a fun, new look.

Fill a bowl with one of these: shells, seaglass, lemons, green apples.

Try a new scented candle or diffuser.

New sheets and pillow cases in a pretty color or spring pattern.

Create a bar cart. It can be a traditional cart or on a table top. Ice bucket, colorful glasses, pretty napkins, umbrellas for drinks, flowers.

Add a vintage piece to a room.

Green continues to have its moment and Thibaut Design’s sisal wall covering in 17 gorgeous shades bring an unexpected pop of color to a home as an accent or entire room. Complete the look with new artwork, a plant, fresh flowers and a vintage table to tie it all together and the result is stunning. Photo: Thibaut.

Put a colorful runner in the kitchen.

Replace lampshades with a color or crisp white.

Change a few accessories for something bright and cheerful: pillows, pretty books, lanterns, candles, baskets.

Bring a little coastal home all year with new pillow covers from Thibaut’s Lagoon Color Story from the Locale Collection with shades of jade, seafoam and stripes. Photo: Thibaut.

Make a list of projects

Change outdated hardware in kitchen or bathroom.

Add a new light fixture over dining or over your eat-in table.

Refresh baseboards with a fresh coat of paint.

Want to try a new color but not sure if you are ready to make a commitment? Paint the ceiling or trim to see how you like it. Or call a decorator. We are really good at color!

Tired of an old coffee table? Replace it with a colorful ottoman and use a tray for accessories.

Happy spring! Happy summer! Only 236 days until Christmas!

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. Based in Bonita Springs with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces, color palettes and 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

Decorator Show House dazzles with bold color and joy!

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network-Florida, March 16, 2024

Take a peak at some of the dazzling, beautiful rooms at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in West Palm Beach. And read about the takeaways and ideas on how we can adapt them to our own homes!

What you will not find: minimalism. There is a lot to see. What you will find: room designs that are filled with joy and happiness.

Located at 230 Miramar Way in the “SoSo” neighborhood of West Palm Beach, the home is anything but so-so as it showcases the creativity and design expertise of 23 of the nation’s most acclaimed interior designers and architects. It’s also a major fundraiser for Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, I look forward to this event each year and come away with inspiration, trends and ideas for my clients. Each room is packed with the latest and most creative designs as each of the designers display their best and most exciting work.