{Practically Beautiful}

The Deschapelleses’ house was built with a large window in the downstairs powder room. Although the homeowners could appreciate the natural light it provides, the layout did not allow for privacy. The previous plantation shutters either provided privacy but blocked all the light, or let in too much of a view in addition to the light.

Eileen’s creative solution to the problem was an Asian wooden screen that fits over the window itself. She stapled a linen lining to the back of the screen so sunshine can enter while the room stays concealed from the outside. The screen is mounted on hinges so it can be swung away from the window when the glass needs cleaning. In addition to its practical uses, the screen is simply beautiful to look at.

INDUSTRIAL MEETS BEACH COTTAGE

The kitchen certainly benefits from the addition. Light floods in from the large window, reflecting off the metallic and stone surfaces. The center island is also 9 feet long, built to match the window in scale. Brushed aluminum, stainless steel and zinc finishes give the room an industrial feel in perfect juxtaposition to the homey cottage quality of the exposed beams, hardwood flooring and white cabinetry.

The cottage ambience is more pronounced in the breakfast nook with its wide-plank paneling, wicker chairs and pale-blue accents. In the family room, the home’s coastal location is celebrated with more pale-blue accents and coral motifs in addition to the global theme that appears throughout the house. The large metal-and-wood coffee table and the printer’s type tray hanging from the wall carry the industrial theme over from the kitchen.

Eileen has arranged the space with plush seating, so the family can lean back and relax after a long day. “My favorite thing about my home is that it is a sanctuary in this crazy world we live in,” she says. “It is filled with my favorite people, my dog, who is my shadow, and all of my favorite things. As soon as I unlock the door, I feel that all is well in the world.” Getting a glimpse inside her sanctuary, it’s easy to feel the same way.

“I do not discriminate between high and low,” she says. “I love my children’s artwork as much as a fine antique. Good design is good design!”

|ABOVE| SPACE LIFT. The master bedroom is Eileen’s most recent renovation project. The ceilings in both the bedroom and the en suite bath were vaulted to make use of wasted attic space. White, taupe and natural wood tones ensure the master bedroom is a...

OUTDOOR LIFE. In addition to the front and back yard landscaping, Eileen also worked with Robin Kramer of Robin Kramer Garden Design to create spaces for conversations, meals and entertaining. In the backyard, sofas from Restoration Hardware are as...