All Photos: A Good Home

You’ve likely heard me rave about Chelsea Wade of A Good Home. Her expertise in organizing (see my basement transformation here) and styling has evolved into home interiors. What I love about her style is that it doesn’t scream “decorated.” It’s minimalist but not severely so, with thoughtful antique touches and layers of texture. If you’re overwhelmed by a project in your home, and love the look of this farmhouse she just completed (top-to-toe, including the entire kitchen inventory!), give her a buzz. She will work on any size space, single or multiple rooms. If you need styling help pulling the space together with finishing touches, she’s happy to do that, too. The most crucial part is that I spoke to the homeowner, and she’s thrilled with her new home!

I asked Chelsea about this project’s scope and her method and design process. Here’s what she had to say. 

What was the scope of the project? i.e., was there remodeling involved or mainly design and furnishings? 

The scope included full-service interior design for all of the rooms in the house, including a sunroom, eat-in-kitchen, formal dining room, guest room, living room, front entry hall, upstairs landing, primary bedroom, and kids’ bedroom. We provided designs for each of the rooms, handled procurement (ordering, managing, delivery), and installed every last detail for their move-in in June. This included all the furnishings, decor (lighting, window treatments, pillows, etc.), styling, and housewares (including kitchen supplies, etc.).

The downstairs full bathroom was lightly renovated to accommodate a laundry space with a washer/dryer, folding area, and necessary storage (previously in the basement). The work was done by AJ Shea Construction. Clients also put in recessed lighting in the kitchen.

What condition was the house in? 

The 1870 house was overall in excellent condition. The house has an incredibly romantic feel to it, which comes from the character and charm, with modern-day additions that allude to the rustic yet refined nature of the area.

Before my clients closed on the house last September, the sellers painted it in Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore, so it was literally ready to go.

What is your method of working with clients to achieve their goals?

My preferred way to work with clients is to take on one space at a time (whether a design or an organizing client). Though we are working together until the entire scope of the project is completed, we prefer to break things down space by space. I have found this to be a really effective and powerful way to work- to put all of our energy into one space at a time and be thoughtful about it. It’s way more palatable and digestible for most people; there is less decision fatigue and overwhelm. I don’t know if this is necessarily “different” or unique to how others work, but if time and the scope of the project allows, I think it produces the best result. This project was an ideal version of how I like to work with clients.

It’s also essential for our designs to be attainable, approachable, and livable for clients while being sophisticated and elevated. We put just as much emphasis on functionality as aesthetics because we know how intrinsically important they are in how you interact with a space. It’s important to us to create a space that feels and functions like a home, and not just a designed house. I felt like the Selden project was a wonderful representation of that sentiment.

How long did the project take?

We started the pre-work for the project in October (initial consult meeting, measurements, budgeting, etc.), started design work in November, and wrapped everything up the first week of June.

I think one thing that really stands out and separates you from the pack is the mix of antiques and new pieces; maybe tell me a little about that…

I don’t know how I would define my natural “style,” but I do love mixing contemporary selections with vintage pieces. I aim to incorporate vintage materials in every project. It’s about sustainability but also the look you can only get when you mix old and new; adding the necessary layer of charm and character we’re always trying to evoke.

I feel a strong connection to the outside world and gravitate towards the textures, materials, and palettes that come from it. I’m heavily influenced by nature (I know everyone says this, sorry!) and the surrounding incredible scenery in our area, which really encompasses my design aesthetic. I think antiques and vintage pieces encompass this.

Anything else E List readers would love to know?

When designing the Selden Antique, one of the most important aspects was the flow – how one room connected to another. We did this by finding design elements between each space that don’t match exactly but do complement each other. Doing this repeatedly from room to room created a cohesive feel in the home.

We sourced high-quality, timeless materials, furnishings, and housewares that will age and patina nicely over time. 

We incorporated muted earth tones like creams browns, and subtle infusions of earthy colors, and contemporary yet timeless details that didn’t jeopardize the existing heritage elements of the house. We translated the rural, wooded surroundings into livable yet tailored spaces for this client and their young family. Carefully curated furnishings and home accents created a cozy, approachable environment. The bright-clean-collected aesthetic and sprinkled-in warmth of well-loved antiques added just the right amount of our contemporary farmhouse look.

https://www.agoodhomect.com/

contact Chelsea: agoodhomect@gmail.com

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