Already sporting an excellent layout, this stunning home in the Baldwin Park neighborhood of Orlando really just needed a little facelift. Tasked with modernizing the look of the space while maintaining its traditional design aesthetic, we transformed this home’s first impression into one that makes a bold statement balanced by a warm ambiance — like a big hug as you come through the door!

To create a sleek and timeless look we swapped out the previous railing for one made of custom iron and mounted it to new dark walnut stair treads (with squared, not rounded edges). Wood often provides a warm aesthetic, but opting for a darker, earthy finish makes for a more sophisticated look. The iron stair rail and balusters create a slightly contemporary vibe but collectively give an air of elegance. And bonus points: low maintenance and durability!

Getting rid of the conventional beige wall paint worked wonders for this staircase! The glittering dark metallic wallpaper by York creates depth and texture (Side Note: You should see it sparkle at night … ooh la la!) — contrasted by off-white walls and crisp white risers and trim. The juxtaposition of the light whites with the darker shades brings instant depth and interest. We also removed the outdated headers from the columns to simplify trim work and further modernize the space. (What you can’t see in the after photo is that the archway has gone bye-bye too.)

For dimension and functionality we included a bench that mirrored the iron look of the railing along with a lighter shade of wood that complements the new stair treads without excessively coordinating the entire look. Adding a decorative plant adds greenery creating a lift in energy that ties into the design’s clean finish. You can’t forget about the sparkle! We added a spherical statement chandelier by Hudson Valley to contrast the vertical lines of the footprint. We also threw in some lavish velvet pillows to intensify the shimmers of light.

The lesson in this Rewind Wednesday? Simply altering the details of a space can dramatically change the entire look and feel of a home; and the team at John McClain Design loves our clients’ homes as much as our own.

Till next time…
Happy Designs!