My Houzz: Color and DIY Creativity in a Connecticut Family Home
A traditional-style house gets a layered modern look
Faith Towers
April 11, 2016
Houzz Contributor. Faith Towers is a designer, writer and crafter with a passion for all things creative. She received her art degree from Skidmore College, and her work has been featured in Forbes and Yahoo. She writes her blog called Design Fixation and also spends her days designing wedding invitations and stationery.
Houzz Contributor. Faith Towers is a designer, writer and crafter with a passion... More
Charlotte and Mark Smith were halfway through a house renovation when, on a whim, Charlotte decided to walk through a home around the corner that had been on the market for years. She was captivated by the 19th-century charm of the house in Southport, Connecticut, and the layout and number of rooms were perfect for their family of seven. Instead of continuing to renovate, they moved. For the past year, Charlotte, who writes a DIY blog, has been working her creative magic reimagining flea market finds and curating her family’s eclectic style in their new home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Mark and Charlotte Smith; their children, Eleanor, 7, Oliver, 5, Martha, 4, Louisa, 2, and Arthur, 10 months; and their golden retriever, Frank
Location: Southport, Connecticut
Size: 4,600 square feet (427 square meters); seven bedrooms, five bathrooms
Charlotte’s creative touches, found in every corner of the home, play off the energy of five kids ages 7 and under. She has worked hard to develop a space that nurtures play and imagination while emphasizing functionality. Designers such as Genevieve Gorder and Cortney and Robert Novogratz inspired her style, which combines eccentricity and practicality for a beautiful haven for her family.
Green velvet sofa: Stockholm, Ikea
Who lives here: Mark and Charlotte Smith; their children, Eleanor, 7, Oliver, 5, Martha, 4, Louisa, 2, and Arthur, 10 months; and their golden retriever, Frank
Location: Southport, Connecticut
Size: 4,600 square feet (427 square meters); seven bedrooms, five bathrooms
Charlotte’s creative touches, found in every corner of the home, play off the energy of five kids ages 7 and under. She has worked hard to develop a space that nurtures play and imagination while emphasizing functionality. Designers such as Genevieve Gorder and Cortney and Robert Novogratz inspired her style, which combines eccentricity and practicality for a beautiful haven for her family.
Green velvet sofa: Stockholm, Ikea
The coffee table has a faux brass top and is one of Charlotte’s recent DIY projects, created using contact paper and shared as a tutorial on her blog, Ciburbanity. “As a DIY blogger with a large family, I often have high-style dreams with a limited budget,” she says.
The living room opens to an office area, where Mark often works.
The biggest challenge since moving in less than a year ago has been the sheer number of tasks required to turn the house into a home. The couple prioritized working on the living spaces and bedrooms first.
The living room opens to an office area, where Mark often works.
The biggest challenge since moving in less than a year ago has been the sheer number of tasks required to turn the house into a home. The couple prioritized working on the living spaces and bedrooms first.
Charlotte is a self-proclaimed “professional flea market shopper.” Her finds grace every room in the house, and many are a different color now than when first acquired. She bought this particular metal cabinet on Craigslist, then used chalk paint in a few colors to create an ombré effect. She also added a plywood base.
Small displays of collections from her flea market trips, like this group of vintage aquamarine bottles, decorate the home as well.
Small displays of collections from her flea market trips, like this group of vintage aquamarine bottles, decorate the home as well.
Globes and maps are another of her favorite collections, seen clustered in another living room corner. The filing cabinet was a DIY project using contact paper.
As a nod to her years of living in New York City, Charlotte recently hung a set of Manhattan-themed photographs from Minted in the entryway.
Photographs (top to bottom): Grand Central Station and ‘Neath the Elms, Minted; rug: Mohawk Carpet
Photographs (top to bottom): Grand Central Station and ‘Neath the Elms, Minted; rug: Mohawk Carpet
In the opposite corner of the entry is a chair used for putting on shoes, along with a small collection of vintage rulers. Greenery in the form of air plants, succulents and larger houseplants can be found throughout the home.
Until this year, the family room was a dull mustard yellow, with a matching mood. The white gives it a fresh, contemporary feel that plays off the flea market finds.
Rug: RugsUSA; S monogram vintage letter: RumRiverOriginals; pillows: Target, Pottery Barn and HomeGoods; wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
Rug: RugsUSA; S monogram vintage letter: RumRiverOriginals; pillows: Target, Pottery Barn and HomeGoods; wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
Charlotte and Mark didn’t make any changes to the existing kitchen. Instead, they appreciate its large countertop that provides plenty of surface space for cooking and baking.
Functionality is especially important to this busy family of seven. White bins in the informal dining area hold snacks, art supplies and other items that are used daily.
The blue-painted table adds a burst of color to this space, which sits between the family room, the mudroom and the kitchen.
The blue-painted table adds a burst of color to this space, which sits between the family room, the mudroom and the kitchen.
A window above the range looks out on the family room, allowing the couple to keep an eye on the kids while they cook dinner.
These are the first chairs that Charlotte ever re-covered. She bought the pair for $120, then found a pretty blue ikat-style fabric and paired it with coffee sacks to create a personalized look.
Pillows: H&M
Pillows: H&M
The bench is a flea market find that Charlotte reupholstered with the same fabric she used on the club chairs on the other side of the staircase.
A vintage school map hangs in son Oliver’s room. Soft blue and white painted stripes lend character to the walls on this side of the room.
Storage baskets are a theme in all the kids’ bedrooms. Texture and color perk up these ordinarily mundane household items.
A few flea market finds are on display above Oliver’s blue-painted dresser.
Eleanor has a colorful bedroom with magenta accents and layered textiles. Creativity is encouraged in the kids’ rooms, and books, games and art supplies fill each shelf.
Charlotte painted the dresser a pale pink to offset the brighter fuchsia curtains and artwork.
Curtain fabric: Lacefield Designs; Art: BoomBoom Prints
Curtain fabric: Lacefield Designs; Art: BoomBoom Prints
Louisa’s nursery has an overall pastel theme, with a handful of brighter colors in the rug.
Charlotte made the Smile wall hanging using an old Ikea runner and paint.
Charlotte made the Smile wall hanging using an old Ikea runner and paint.
The canary-yellow bookshelf is yet another thrift market find. Charlottte hand-painted it yellow to brighten the space.
Rug: RugsUSA
Rug: RugsUSA
Charlotte also painted yellow “frames” around the artwork to tie in to the bookshelf.
Changing table: Pottery Barn
Changing table: Pottery Barn
Martha, their second-oldest daughter, has a creative sanctuary with books, toys and art supplies filling every nook and cranny.
Bunk beds provide a multifunctional spot for sleeping and playing.
In the second-floor bathroom, Charlotte added colorful curtains and functional storage.
The bathroom is kid-friendly, with figurine knobs and a map-covered step stool, so the little ones can reach the sink.
Charlotte and Mark’s master bedroom is a slightly toned-down take on the rest of the home’s signature colorful style.
Curtains: HomeGoods; bench: Restoration Hardware
Curtains: HomeGoods; bench: Restoration Hardware
The maps represent a variety of areas important to the family. Charlotte framed them using acrylic sheets and standoff mounting hardware.
Maps: Cartographers Union; headboard fabric: Lacefield Designs; duvet: Echo Designs
Maps: Cartographers Union; headboard fabric: Lacefield Designs; duvet: Echo Designs
Charlotte made this graphic art piece using vintage tickets from a flea market and a Ribba frame from Ikea.
Chair fabric: Spoonflower
Chair fabric: Spoonflower
Jade plants bring lushness to the mantel. The art above it ties in with the yellow theme throughout the room.
The master bath off the bedroom includes ample storage space. The couple left the existing wallpaper in place. “It’s not our taste,“ Charlotte says, but she has embraced the style and designed around it.
Charlotte’s colorful and eclectic jewelry collection hangs from a vintage wood piece that doubles as decoration in the bathroom.
The guest room is in an attic space that feels like a dreamy bed and breakfast. The far wall is filled exclusively with a framed collection of vintage embroidery.
Bedding: HomeGoods; rug: Urban Outfitters
Bedding: HomeGoods; rug: Urban Outfitters
Before making an offer on this house, the couple brought their five children to see it. “They immediately raced over to a small tree in the front yard and started climbing,” Charlotte says. “This home has a character and a warmth to it that has just welcomed us across its threshold.” The location is also ideal for them. “Being a homesick urbanite, I love that it’s walking distance from the train, so it is easy for my husband to commute to work or for my sporadic trips into the city,” Charlotte says.
Urn planter: Terrain
Urn planter: Terrain
Charlotte, right, works from home and is able to spend time with her five children. Here she plays with Louisa while the rest of the kids are at school or napping.
Despite the extra work involved in moving a family of seven, Charlotte has embraced the challenge with open arms and a smile. It has given her a blank canvas for her to share her DIY projects and creativity.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style:
Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts |Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Despite the extra work involved in moving a family of seven, Charlotte has embraced the challenge with open arms and a smile. It has given her a blank canvas for her to share her DIY projects and creativity.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style:
Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts |Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Related Stories
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Boston Pied-à-Terre Designed for Evenings
By Becky Harris
A designer found on Houzz infuses a condo with a sultry vibe inspired by supper clubs and luxe boutique hotels
Full Story
Guesthouses
Houzz Tour: Light-Filled 704-Square-Foot Modern Cottage
By Becky Harris
An architect and a designer create a light and airy feel, cozied up by layers of textures
Full Story
Outbuildings
Family Gatherings in Argentina Inspire a Pavilion and Guesthouse
By Becky Harris
A new yard adds room for hosting, swimming and bringing part of one homeowner’s culture to her family’s Seattle home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Organic Style on an Avocado Ranch
By Becky Harris
A designer uses a soft neutral palette, handmade tile and reclaimed wood to update a 1980s contemporary home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Elegant, Earthy Ranch House for an Empty-Nest Couple
Design styles, warm neutral colors and special details blend in a Minnesota ranch-style house with a finished basement
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Colorado Forever Home Is a Family Affair
By Becky Harris
The mountain home was designed for gatherings and to make the most of views of Pikes Peak and surroundings
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Open and Inviting Mountain Home Near Lake Tahoe
By Becky Harris
A designer creates a warmly minimalist California getaway that can stand up to snow and mud
Full Story
Homes Around the World
Houzz Tour: Period Home Gains Color and Character
By Kate Burt
Before-and-after photos show how a bold palette and restored features bring warmth and personality to this English house
Full Story
Modern Homes
Houzz Tour: New Home Gets a Midcentury Modern Makeover
By Julie Sheer
A designer in Boston reworks the kitchen and primary suite and adds style with furnishings, lighting and more
Full Story
Barn Homes
Houzz Tour: Old Barns Become an Airy, Modern-Rustic Home
A barn home in Devon, England, sits lightly on the land and offers simple, relaxing spaces for an extended family
Full Story
That's a good question! I hadn't noticed that. There must be a method.
Great inspiration - love the wall colors!