Interior designer Jess Cooney, founder of Jess Cooney Interiors, has revitalized a once-sterile Victorian home in Great Barrington, MA, transforming it into a lively space that reflects the personality of its owners, a couple from New Jersey. The project aimed to enhance warmth and character while accommodating the couple’s love for hosting family gatherings.
When Cooney first visited the home, she noted its bland aesthetics. “The floors were painted gray, the entire house was white; it was all very fresh, but it didn’t have any personality,” she explained. The challenge was to create a vibrant atmosphere suitable for entertaining while incorporating thoughtful design elements throughout the house.
Creating a Functional and Inviting Kitchen
One of the most significant changes involved the kitchen layout, where Cooney added a striking black island. “The house has very strong lines, and everything is very straight,” she said. By emphasizing these features with a bold centerpiece, Cooney created a focal point that contrasts the previously conventional all-white kitchen.
The addition of a butler’s pantry was another key modification. “The homeowners wanted to enhance their entertaining experience, especially during ski season,” Cooney noted. This functional design optimizes a narrow hallway, providing extra storage and making glassware more accessible during gatherings. The pantry’s black cabinetry mirrors the kitchen island, reinforcing a cohesive aesthetic.
Infusing Charm into Dining and Living Areas
Cooney focused on incorporating vintage furniture to instill warmth and a sense of eclecticism. She sourced an antique farmhouse table and refurbished the homeowners’ existing chairs, adding natural woven options that harmonize with the home’s rustic vibe. “Mismatched chairs contribute to a more inviting atmosphere,” she explained. This approach aligns with her belief that such elements reduce formality and encourage relaxation among guests.
The living room features a dual-purpose design, combining a lounge area with a cozy reading nook. Cooney utilized the bay window space by placing vintage chairs upholstered in a vibrant fabric, adding a playful contrast to the home’s traditional architecture. “You want a bit of tension,” she stated, highlighting the importance of unpredictability in design.
Emphasizing Bold Aesthetics in Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The bedroom showcases a custom-designed bed that echoes the black accents found throughout the home. Cooney’s choice of a graphic frame adds weight and presence, making it a defining feature of the space. “The bed serves as both a focal point and a statement piece,” she remarked.
In the bathrooms, Cooney embraced bold wallpaper choices, encouraging her clients to indulge in playful designs. The primary bathroom features grasscloth wallpaper, while the powder room showcases a striking tiger print. “Painting the shiplap black transformed the space, giving it a moody yet inviting feel,” she noted.
Cooney’s transformation of this historic Victorian home from a bland space into a vibrant, character-rich environment is a testament to her design philosophy. The strategic use of color, particularly black accents, creates visual continuity and enhances the home’s inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal gathering place for family and friends.
