THIS WESTCHESTER HOME IS COTTAGECORE MEETS WHIMSY, THANKS TO THRIFTED ACCENTS

Fairytale homes are easy to find in storybooks—trickier to find in real life. However, some make it off the page. Case in point? Stephanie Perez O’Boyle’s whimsical Westchester abode.

Nestled among the town's lush farming villages, rolling hills, and sparkling rivers, the designer’s condo brims with fantastical details: Floral tableware straight out of a Mad Hatter tea party; fluffy blossoms cascading over the home like those in Casa Madrigal; and baskets floating over the banquette as if spellbound by Fairy Godmother herself.

Still, the home is rooted in Perez O’Boyle’s reality. Her style is an amalgamation of her grandparents’ warm Colombian home, travels across Europe’s countryside, and practical details that accommodate her family—including a toddler and pup.

Ahead, the Stephanie Perez Studio founder reveals the tricks behind her magical home, from her favorite vintage (100-year-old!) artwork to the custom island she created with her father-in-law, and more.

How did you first discover your space? What about it appealed to you? 

My husband and I happened to walk past the condo during an open house. We decided to pop in — our first impression was that there was a lot of work to be done. But as an interior designer, and with a father-in-law who’s a carpenter, work doesn’t deter us.

The place had so much potential with large windows letting in incredible natural light, and it was in a wonderful location near the water. We knew we could turn it into a cozy starter home for our growing family. 

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Describe the surrounding neighborhood—does your home fit in or stand out? 

It’s a condo but unassumingly so at first glance, as it’s nestled between beautiful residential homes. It blends naturally into the neighborhood with traditional white vinyl siding, bay windows, and juliette balconies or small patios for all of its inhabitants. 

The condo’s landscapers also did a fantastic job. There are cherry and white blossom trees, dogwood, hydrangea bushes, tulips, and plants thoughtfully scattered throughout the entire property.

We also have an enormous white blossom tree right outside of our dining room window that climbs higher than my son’s bedroom on the second floor. It’s always such a beautiful time when it’s in bloom. 

How would you describe your approach to decorating your home? 

My style is lived-in, personal, and eclectic. I chased a feeling of cozy, comfortable living with all of my selections. I believe the foundation for great design is creating enduring spaces filled with memories and pieces that truly mean something to you. 

There are a lot of pieces on display throughout my kitchen — whether it’s the collection of cookbooks, vintage mugs, and tureen on my coffee bar shelves, or the hanging wall plates in the dining nook, which are vintage Fajalauza ceramics from Granada, Spain and a favorite of mine to collect.

Who or what are your biggest design inspirations? 

I’m constantly inspired by the past. Designers I admire are Billy Baldwin, Nancy Lancaster, Josef Frank, and Jean Royere. Each one of them speaks to a different facet of my style, whether it’s creating livable floor plans, timeless designs, eclectic pieces, or whimsical moments. 

How does your heritage inform your style?

My parents came to New York in the late ‘80s and I grew up visiting Colombia every year. My grandparents’ house is still my favorite place to this day.

It’s a Spanish-style home with a terracotta roof, plaster walls, and a center courtyard that’s exposed to the elements. The furnishings are unfussy and cozy, and my grandmother keeps the entire place filled with beautiful plants, fresh flowers, and warm food.

Any other cultures you take design notes from? 

I’ve been lucky enough to do a lot of traveling. I’ve visited over 20 countries so far—with an even longer bucket list. I take notes from British and French country interiors overall. But I love collecting vintage tableware and handmade pottery from places like Mexico, Romania, and Hungary. 

I’m also drawn to the old-world aesthetic from Portugal and Spain, especially their ceramics, tile, and antiques. Lastly, I love the colorful and timeless textiles and rugs that come out of India. 

What were the greatest finds in your home? 

I have so many! Our dining table is an antique 19th-century English pine farm table that I got from The Parsons Nose Antiques. I left it in the exact condition it came in with an unwaxed, aged top that will continue to patina over time. 

The collection of Swedish herbariums in the entryway are nearly 100-years-old and is from Studio Welby in London, along with the custom handmade bobbin frames. The hand-painted floral table lamps on the bamboo entry table are vintage from Portugal—a country I visited with my family and holds wonderful meaning for us. 

But I think the most special piece is the kitchen island, which I designed and had custom-made by my father-in-law. He’s been a carpenter for over 40 years and has his own business, William Thomas Woodworking. My husband and I were so thrilled that he left us with an incredible heirloom piece that grounds the whole space. 

Do you have a favorite design feature or room? 

The vintage baskets hanging over the banquette in my dining nook are a favorite. They’re part of a collection I've grown over time from my travels and visiting antique shops. I was inspired by Bunny Mellon, who effortlessly incorporated baskets in all of her spaces to add a layer of warmth and texture. 

Where in your home do you spend the most time, and what are you usually doing there?

My husband and I both love to cook so we spend the majority of our time in the kitchen, while my son and dog play on the banquette or underneath the dining table. The room gets so much natural light and we have a patio right off the kitchen, so we’re often going between the two spaces. 

We also have an espresso machine that we were gifted for our wedding by close friends. My favorite weekend morning activity is making a cappuccino and playing with my son while my husband makes pancakes. 

Read the original article on The Spruce.

2024-07-20T11:08:16Z dg43tfdfdgfd