Design Project

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

Kelsey Clark ·
Warm, layered living room with beige sectional, terracotta pillows, and mid-tone wood coffee table

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

Serene minimalist living space with cream furniture, natural wood accents, and sculptural black chair

After

Curved sectional in warm neutrals with rust and navy pillows, complemented by geometric ceiling fixture

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

Serene modern bedroom with white linens, warm wood nightstands, and soft neutral color palette

After

Traditional bedroom with dark wood four-poster bed, mauve drapery, and warm striped bedding

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

Minimalist bedroom corner with white linens, wooden stool, and monochromatic styling

After

Eclectic sitting area with navy shell-patterned chair, terracotta vase, and warm brown drapery

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 bedroom blending mid-century style with white bedding, warm wood dresser, and sculptural black chair

After

Warm traditional bedroom with natural wood bed frame, layered textiles, and neutral linen drapery

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.

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