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My Houzz: Bold Wallpaper Kicks Up a Century-Old Craftsman
Design risks pay off in a Seattle bungalow that combines fearless patterns with subtler colors and a sophisticated practicality
Artist, freelance writer, home tour contributor for Houzz, designer, actor, mother and author of the blog La Maison Boheme. Greenman lives in a 1970s Texas ranch house, which she has transformed into a bohemian haven and family home. She loves eclectic, boho style but also has a soft spot for Midcentury modern and Swedish design. Learn more at www.sarahgreenman.com.
Artist, freelance writer, home tour contributor for Houzz, designer, actor,... More »
After buying her dream home, a classic Craftsman bungalow, Lisa Hebner Vila began searching for pieces to fill the new space for her and her family. Vila knew what she wanted but was having trouble creating her full vision. One day while sofa shopping with her mom, Vila met Matthew Brenner of Matthew Craig Interiors. "I told Matthew that I wanted really big, bold wallpaper in my living room," Vila says, "and he enthusiastically encouraged me to go for it. When I walked into the store, I didn't expect to walk out with a designer!" With Brenner's help, Vila was able to design a kid-friendly and modern but appropriate interior for her newly renovated Craftsman home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Lisa Hebner Vila; her husband, Gilbert Greenman; and her 3 kids
Size: 2,700 square feet: 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms
Location: Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle
That's interesting: While renovating the house, Vila and Brenner found old newspapers dating back to the 1930s stuffed in the walls.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Lisa Hebner Vila; her husband, Gilbert Greenman; and her 3 kids
Size: 2,700 square feet: 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms
Location: Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle
That's interesting: While renovating the house, Vila and Brenner found old newspapers dating back to the 1930s stuffed in the walls.
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by Sarah Greenman
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| The dining room is a bold mix of midcentury modern, Arts and Crafts and modern accents — like this Louis XV Ghost Chair. Designer Brenner was excited to find that Vila was willing to take design risks. "Most people want the interesting rug or the bold wallpaper, but they don't have the courage to buy it," he says. "Lisa was really open to all of it." Paint: Anew Gray, Sherwin-Williams; wallpaper: Shantung Silhouette Print, Schumacher |
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| The dining room boasts amazing architecture and gorgeous built-ins. While the floors are all original, the sideboard and window seat have been completely refurbished. Vila also has been working with Seattle contractor Marc Mortenson to restore and refurbish the home. "He has been attending to the woodwork in the house, among countless other things," she says, "quietly pouring himself into it." Midcentury dining set: Chartreuse Consignment; light fixture: consignment store in Portland, Oregon |
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by Sarah Greenman
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| Vila's home is a perfect example of a Craftsman bungalow, a popular style for Seattle homes. The bungalow aesthetic was a reaction to the fussiness of the Victorian period and is characterized by clean lines, gabled roofs, deep eaves with exposed rafter ends and generous porches. This neighborhood is filled with bungalows painted in traditional Arts and Crafts colors, but Vila wanted a more modern color scheme for her home, so she and Brenner chose a nontraditional gray for the exterior. Paint (all from Benjamin Moore): Iron Mountain (body), Galveston Grey (trim), Onyx (accent) |
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| The hearth is the center of most Craftsman houses, but this wasn't always the case for this house. Initially, Vila was having trouble with her furniture arrangement. Brenner suggested a less traditional layout and even designed a sofa that would fit the space and suit Vila's modern sensibilities. "My front room is very small and was often not used," she says. "Matthew helped me create the layout. It now feels more like a parlor or sitting room than a formal living room." Paint trim: Anew Gray, Sherwin-Williams; wallpaper: Orissa Charcoal, Clarke & Clarke |
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| Because she has three children, Vila chose only kid-friendly materials for the remodel. "I didn't want anything in the house that couldn't handle heavy use. And the colors had to be right too — no white rugs. This rug can be dragged outside and hosed off if need be," she says. Chair: Shell, Hans J. Wegner; floor lamp: Chartreuse Consignment; sofa: custom, Matthew Craig Interiors |
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| Vila loves to entertain and frequently hosts dinner parties and neighborhood gatherings, so she worked with Brenner to create little nooks — or gathering pods — where people could naturally congregate. Brenner custom made the banquette to better utilize a small, awkward corner. The mirrors also give the room a more expansive feel. "Now my kids and I have a spot for homework or an impromptu cribbage game," says Vila. Table: Saarinen Tulip Table, InForm; glass bowl: Fusion Z; banquet benches: custom, Matthew Craig Interiors |
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| Many traditional bungalows have a piano room just off the sitting room. Vila turned hers into a small library. The original built-in shelving lies opposite a reupholstered pair of midcentury chairs Vila purchased at a consignment shop. Wallpaper: Eclipse Gray, Echo Design; paint trim: Gray 2121-10, Benjamin Moore |
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The previous owners did a beautiful job remodeling the kitchen and opening up the family room. The open-concept floor plan is more in line with modern family life, but it still maintains the feel of the original Craftsman style.
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| The small family room is opposite the kitchen. Vila and her kids love the playful elephant art and cozy sofa. Blankets lie ready and waiting for snuggling up in front of the TV. "The purpose of a home is to provide spaces for living a loving, connected life with family and friends," says Vila. "Therefore, it must suit the needs of our children. The upholstery is forgiving, the furniture is to be sat on and the spaces serve each family member's activities." |
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| The master bedroom is a serene retreat dressed in soft textiles, creamy grays and yellow accents. There are some surprises too — like an ultramodern bedside lamp and a '60s-style gold globe light fixture in the center of the room. |
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A low midcentury-style chair allows for headroom under the steeply angled ceiling. Tab curtains provide the only pattern in the room.
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A simple but luxurious getaway, the master bath includes a walk-in shower and a soaking tub. Diffused light lends this space a spa-like feel.
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Even though the home exudes a cool, sophisticated vibe, there are still many playful accents — like this basketball hoop hanging on the boys' bedroom door and a now-iconic "Keep Calm and Carry On" sign in the upstairs hallway.
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| The upper deck is a relaxing spot where the family can view a sliver of the Seattle skyline. Two lounge chairs and a few potted plants complete the space. |
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The back door is made of glass to allow for maximum light — an important feature for homes in overcast Seattle. A built-in bench with shoe cubbies lets everyone kick off their rain boots before entering the house.
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A covered deck just off the kitchen looks over the backyard. A café table and chairs are ideal for dining al fresco.
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| The front porch feels like an extension of the living room, with discreet seating areas. A pair of deck chairs to the left of the front door and a porch swing to the right offer a great view of the street. |
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| Vila is very pleased to see her dream home take shape. "For this time, I'm the steward of this home," she says. "It's been here for 100 years, and it will be here for another hundred. I want to leave it in good condition for the next steward." See more photos of this house Houzz call: Do you live in a creative Craftsman? Share it with us. |
Ideabook published on Sept. 19, 2012.
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I must admit I am over the Keep Calm sign too, but it is just typical of many adages that have been made into signs over the years and while they are fun to to have around the house, they do have a short life. My present sign over my desk reads "I wish my mouth had a backspace key" and I am honest enough to admit I chose it myself.
@ crabtree studio-I understand the problem of tiring of patterns. That's one of the benefits of using a repositionable, removable and REUSABLE wallcovering: you can change it whenever you wish just like slipcovers for your walls!
I would also defend the designe;to a good designer the client is the boss, and while a designer should guide and orchestrate, the client is the ultimate arbiter. I personally think this design is gorgeous, even if it's not exactly what I would choose.
Signed .... a self-confessed wallpaper junkie who knows. ºÜº
In conclusion, dressing your walls has certainly come a long way from using yards of fabric when one wanted to have something unique.
{Have bookmarked your site.}
As a designer myself, I've been bringing shades of grey into my home right along- it is bringing the outside in and expanding the interior by meeting the world. Besides, I work with color every day all day and I need a calmer more neutral environment to chill. I'm from California and miss the vibrancy so much, but none of those palettes work in the Northwest at all. Think traditional scandinavian tones and graphic fabrics. Thats what works here best because that is the environment in every way.