16 October, 2019

Happy Home -According to LiLu Interiors

“We’re not serious people and this was a very serious house,” says Michael Kaplan. “Pattern and color are really important to us. LiLu brought a light-hearted sense of fun into our new home, while respecting the historic architecture.”

They asked, We said, "Yes!"

Before the Kaplans purchased their early 20th-century Prairie-style home, perfect in so many ways for their growing family, they asked LiLu to evaluate whether its imperfections could be successfully remedied. Specifically, the family, which is completely kid-focused despite two busy professional parents, was sad to be leaving a happy home full of color, pattern, texture, and durability thanks to LiLu. Could the new house, full of dark woodwork, be thoughtfully made brighter and lighter? Of course.

Layered Rooms

In the family and living rooms, LiLu selected the fireplace surround and specific cabinets for a new shade of turquoise paint with a high-gloss reflective finish that attracts light. The fireplace’s turquoise tile does as well. The color also complements original handmade blue-green tile on surfaces throughout the home. Layered through the living areas are furnishings, accessories and artwork in lively shades of pink. Graphic floral and abstract prints also brighten the space with a playful aesthetic.

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Superhero Woman

A home office for Heidi Kraus Kaplan sports retro 60’s wallpaper that underscores her superhero status in the household and workforce—also embraces her love of wallcovering.

Personality throughout the home

Cartoon bear wallpaper ties together pink, yellow, blue and green furnishings in one child’s bedroom; metallic butterflies take flight on the walls of another.

The arts-and-crafts stairway features turquoise-painted arched spindles, with the color repeated in the abstract-patterned wallpaper and the brightly striped stair runner.

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Happy Kitchen Transformation

The kitchen was modified to include ample storage, a pantry, a task desk, and a new center island painted a zesty orange; a bright, warm addition to the kitchen’s cream cabinets, brick backsplash and abundance of wood trim.

In the couple’s bedroom, which was dark despite the vaulted ceiling with windows, LiLu hung new pendant lights with woven cocoa-bead shades that softly illuminate the space. New wallcovering freshened and lightened every space. A new grid window brings in abundant sunlight and views of the nearby lake.

“We’re not serious people and this was a very serious house,” says Michael Kaplan. “Pattern and color are really important to us. LiLu brought a light-hearted sense of fun into our new home, while respecting the historic architecture.” For the Kaplan family, their new home is now their happy home.

Happy HomeVIEW THE ENTIRE POSH PLAYHOUSE 2.0 PROJECT

Comments on Happy Home -According to LiLu Interiors
  1. Leslie Carothers says:

    Lisa: Your clients sense of playfulness is evident everywhere! It is so wonderful that they found you – a designer that listened and that that wove together the serious architectural elements of this home with their love of color and their art collection – with such skill!

  2. Sheri Bruneau says:

    Oh wow Lisa. I love Your use of color in this home. What a fresh take on a ‘serious’ home.

  3. Adrienne says:

    This is such a fabulous design, the colors and patterns are so fun! I’d love to live there

  4. Janet R Lorusso says:

    An amazing injection of the family’s playful spirit into this house totally transforming it while respecting the architecture and detailing. Beautifully done, Lisa, and such a wonderful illustration of the power a great designer wields to bring joy to how people live in their homes!

  5. Mary Ann Benoit says:

    Love the turquoise fireplace, all the fun colors and patterns against the beautiful wood!

  6. Linda Merrill says:

    What a lovely, colorful home Lisa! Lucky clients!

  7. shannon Ggem says:

    Oh my GOODNESS! This is incredible work, the perfect application of lightness and whimsy to a very intact and special house. Really inspired work, congrats!

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