When envisioning a farmhouse, one might conjure images of shiplap walls, bright white subway tiles, and an abundance of neutral accents. However, designer Melissa Lee, the founder and creative director of Bespoke Only, took a distinctive approach in crafting this Connecticut home. She opted for a curated and refined space, characterized by a moody color palette and an eclectic blend of modern and classic furnishings.
Bespoke Only’s aesthetic is characterized by refinement and timelessness, drawing inspiration from art and nature to achieve simplicity and harmony. Each project undertaken by Bespoke Only adopts a truly bespoke approach, tailored to reflect the client’s personality and lifestyle.
In the case of this 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom home (plus 2 powder rooms), the objective was to create a space that felt “more organic, less ‘decorated.'”
“As this project was for a young family, we sought to create a multifaceted haven that accommodates relaxing, working, and growing — where nothing feels too precious and everything is meant for living,” explains Lee.
In the creation of a sophisticated yet lived-in home for a Connecticut family, Melissa Lee, the founder and creative director of Bespoke Only, utilized a 4,800-square-foot space filled with stunning architectural details. The house boasts arched built-in bookcases and intricate trim, typical of classic colonial-style dwellings.
“As a classic colonial-style dwelling, many of the architectural details inherited remain timeless til this day,” Lee notes. “Our goal was clear from the beginning – introduce a new chapter of the house with the new owner’s story. We conceptualized a layered design full of texture with a variety of classic, modern pieces to create a relaxed, inviting space that marries the home’s roots with its inhabitants.”
Lee drew inspiration from classic colonial homes and fused this influence with modern design trends, including elements of Scandinavian style and lush fabrics, resulting in a unique aesthetic.
“We borrowed the traditional blue and cream combo in colonial homes and mixed it with a touch of Nordic influence – the result is a spectrum of subdued, hazy hues that reflect softly by the panoramic natural exposure,” Lee explains. “Clean Scandinavian designs in plush velvet, bouclé and natural wood introduce a fresh and youthful take on the traditional suburban aesthetic.”
In the living room, the objective was to create a soothing space aligned with the family’s priorities.
“The main living spaces feature a calming palette suitable for the family and their dynamic lifestyle,” Lee says. “A place fitting for both gathering and cozying up on the couch.”
Despite its stunning outcome, the project encountered challenges, particularly in dealing with the old oil-based paint on the millwork. Melissa Lee emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and proper priming when dealing with older homes to save time, money, and potential damages.
While the more private areas of the home feature moodier color palettes, such as bedrooms and offices, the living areas adopt a brighter and more neutral aesthetic, reflecting a deliberate choice for a sophisticated yet playful atmosphere.
“We wanted the house to feel sophisticated, yet playful,” Lee explains. “The main living spaces feature a brighter, cheerful color scheme while the private spaces (like the offices and main bedroom) feature a moody, darker scheme.”
In one of the office spaces, a warm gray is complemented by a deep green reading chair, showcasing that, with the right styling, color can be as soothing as neutrals.
“Both the husband and wife have their own office spaces tucked away from the main living space,” Lee says. “These work-from-home spaces have a notably different; moody and sophisticated feel.”
In the husband’s office area, blue-green paint covers the entire space, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A reading chair and desk area provide ample room to work. Vintage accents are scattered throughout the entire home, including the offices. During a sourcing trip to Hudson, the design team discovered an assorted grouping of antique Chinese pottery, which they incorporated into the home office’s built-in bookshelves behind the desk.
The solarium, with its older features, is styled with a deliberately minimal approach, allowing the picturesque view to take center stage. Embracing negative space is a key decorating principle for Lee, and she advises not to be afraid of leaving room for future growth.
In the bedroom, the cheerful color palettes found in other areas of the home are replaced with deeper color schemes and luxurious fabrics. This corner exemplifies Lee’s talent for curated, sculptural, and intriguing design.
