Popular at the turn of the century, Foursquare houses are known for their large rooms, simple layout, and beautiful woodwork. This stately 1906 Foursquare in Bellingham, Washington, boasted all the hallmarks of the style, but needed to be lightened up for its latest occupants, a young family of five. Designer Lisa Staton helped them create a more casual vibe that's better suited to life in the 21st century. "We wanted the home to be lighter and airier — a bit of a feat with all the heavy woodwork! — and have a casual, comfortable and relaxing environment for family living and entertaining," she says.
The clients didn't want to paint the dark Fir woodwork, so Staton had to find other ways to brighten up the home and tone down the formality of the architecture. She painted the walls white and updated the lighting to help recreate the light, open feel of the family's previous home. The palette consisted of creams, whites, and warm cinnamon, and Staton brought in lots of textures to add coziness and visual impact.
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The client contributed plenty of vintage pieces, which the designer layered with natural elements such as stone, wool, and linen. The resulting space feels bright, airy, and most importantly, family-friendly.
