A Styling Refresh Is Better Than a Reno — This Stunning Connecticut Home Is Proof

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Kelsey Clark

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Published on June 19, 2025

When Shelby Girard renovated and decorated her Connecticut home back in 2019, she essentially perfected the art of warm minimalism.

With a foundation of natural materials like cane and wicker, plus soft shades of white, ivory, and tan, her magazine-worthy home created a blueprint for the warm minimalist aesthetic: inviting and cozy, yet understated and modern with a little edge.

But now, as our SVP of Creative and Design continues to refine her signature aesthetic (what she aptly calls Heritage Modern), she felt it was time for a styling refresh. Satisfied with her reno from six years prior, she focused on easy aesthetic updates and intentional pops of color and pattern for a fresh look brimming with individuality.

The end result is living proof that thoughtful stylistic swaps can completely change the vibe of a space — all without demo’ing or renovating a thing. Ahead, see inside Shelby’s new space, brought to life with hand-selected pieces from our family of home brands.

Put It In Print

Before

Modern traditional homes | Shelby Girard

After

Modern traditional homes | Shelby Girard

Formerly an all-neutral space, Shelby experimented with eye-catching patterns and richer colors in her living room. She set the stage with a custom Lukas sectional from Interior Define upholstered in Kuba Cloth fabric from St. Frank — a statement piece that adds visual interest while still functioning as a neutral. Accented with throw pillows and textiles from The Citizenry and St. Frank, the space has just enough personality, while still aligning with Shelby’s signature style.

It’s a Mood

Before

Modern traditional homes | Shelby Girard

After

Modern traditional homes | Shelby Girard

Desiring a bit more moodiness and depth in her primary bedroom, Shelby kept the neutral bones and added drama with brown drapery, a wooden four-poster bed, a deep olive green area rug, and layered bedding from The Citizenry and St. Frank. The end result is just as classic as the first iteration, but leans a bit more storied and vintage-inspired.

That’s Rich

Before

Modern traditional homes | Shelby Girard

After

Modern traditional homes | Shelby Girard

In keeping with the new aesthetic tone, Shelby gave the seating nook in her primary bedroom a moody makeover, too. She carried over the Black Daisy Suzani print from the bed throw pillows with a custom banquette, and swapped the modern white pedestal for an antique-inspired stool for more character.

Down to Earth

Before

Modern traditional homes | Shelby Girard

After

Modern traditional homes | Shelby Girard

Last but not least, Shelby gave her guest room a Heritage Modern makeover evocative of the primary suite. She swapped the layout to make the canopy bed a focal point between the windows, and upgraded her white drapes for a Maze Kuba Cloth pinch pleat with just enough pattern. Finished with earth-toned bedding and a vintage-inspired Terracotta Swallows lumbar from The Inside, the guest room makes a statement of its own.

Want expert advice on your own space, straight from an interior designer? Get started today with our style quiz.   

Words by Kelsey Clark