P R O J E C T N E W A M E R I C A N A R A N C H
The beginning ambitions for this Town & Country based project were to convert an outdated, traditional 1980's builder-grade ranch into a warm, luminous environment. The clients' background in politics, and their unique oxblood chesterfield sofa was the inspiration for this Classic Americana, Ralph Lauren style design. The goal was for the home to emulate a 100-year-old cottage, with layers of red, white, and navy, complete with timeless details such as warm woods, unlacquered brass, bronze, stainless steel, and marble. One of the greatest tasks this project presented was brightening up a house that had very little natural light. We achieved this by replacing the existing garden window with three new, functional windows that meet the counter top. We offset the windows with decorative sconces and added more than enough light with a nautical, globe pendant over the breakfast table. To keep with the integrity of the design, we upgraded the recessed can lights to new colonial inspired fixtures. The faux beams and wood paneling mimic the ceiling details in the Living Room, while creating symmetry and balance. We made the Kitchen more navigable by eliminating the peninsula and instead creating a custom, furniture-like island in a contrasting wood, topped with Grecian marble. Our intention for this focal piece was for it to be as functional as it was beautiful by incorporating deep drawers for storage, and inconspicuous shelving to stow away pots & pans. To continue the seamless aesthetic, the existing pantry and built in desk were converted into a wall of cabinetry, concealing a built in microwave, paneled in refrigerator, coffee station, and pantry.
A W A R D S & P U B L I C A T I O N S
St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles Magazine, Jan/Feb 2021
Design STL Magazine, July/Aug 2019
C L I E N T T E S T I M O N I A L
Chelsea is a most talented designer! Our project was completed about two years ago and it still gives me joy to simply be home. Previously, we had a small bathroom project that took a year to complete and were mostly unsatisfied when it was over. We thought the next time we had a project we would have to hire a designer who could at least draw a picture. Chelsea spent time with my wife and me, asking us questions about our style, which we frankly hadn't given much thought, and had even further difficulty describing. Chelsea pulled it out of us. She narrowed the choices, we made decisions together, and she kept the project moving. Once the materials were ordered, we were without our kitchen for about 6 weeks. (A dream considering how many stories I have heard about projects dragging on, and of couples who had not eaten a meal at home for 6 months.) The father and son general contractors worked every day to meet our Thanksgiving deadline and Chelsea kept on top of the project.
Chelsea has a special talent for spending money where it matters yielding the greatest impact. We ended up painting and getting window dressings for the whole house. And what started out as a kitchen project addressed nearly every room in the house, even if in a subtle way with fresh paint or a light fixture. And, given what we spent and the scope of the project, I still regard the project as a tremendous value. I recommend Chelsea Design to anyone; especially to people wanting to upgrade without throwing everything away and starting over. Chelsea is most excellent at her job.
