Celesa was recommended by a paint contractor to advise this client of ideas for redoing the stairway. The pine stairway was stained, metal rungs replaced the outdated spindles while the banister was reinforced. The client had no intention of hiring a designer to reconstruct her home, but after working with CJ she decided to start in the living room and dining room then from there, it was the whole house.
With a new staircase, the grand piano was moved to a place of importance and impact. A small desk and work space redefined under the stairs. Dingy upholstered slipper chairs and a short metal parsons table with wimpy lamps were replaced with the piano and a new rug to ground the space. The glass ’80s wall sconces were replaced with down lights to accent large dyptic paintings that CJ re-worked.
First a large soffit was removed from above the large waterfront sliders. It collected dust that could be noticed from the second floor and only served to shorten the height of the living area. Extra-tall drapes were made to soften the edges of the slider, define the space and open the rooms for a soaring grand view. Two new wooden prop ceiling fans that matched the color of the stairs replaced the droopy fans with white scolloped lights. A dinky table behind the couch was replaced by one that the client selected to match the length of the couch. An amazing coral, fan and fish sculpture of the clients was moved from above a bar area to hang in a spotlight position that directs the eye as a focal point and to the view beyond. A large but non-obstructive flower arrangement by CJ rests on the piano.
This Wall Display Unit was designed by Celesa and built by local carpenters who installed it with ease. It was the driving concept for completing the room. The couch and recliner had recently been purchased by the owner and were a “must keep” along with artisan-made coffee table and end tables. The ocean teal contrast painted behind the unit was used in the adjacent Master Bedroom. The dining table runner and chairs were upholstered and made by CJ. A new chandelier was installed above the dining table.
This guest bedroom was brought to life with a green paint chosen from a bedspread the owner just bought. Using white as an accent color, the original bedroom furniture came alive. Repeated patterns from the bedspread on the sheers softened the edges of the windows and room, since the shades already functioned for privacy.
This was a welcomed challenge because a guest was forced to look at an offensive, somewhat scary door while in bed. CJ defused away that ugly design by putting in her artistic touch to create a whimsical day of sailing in the Islands.