Eclectic Elegance

Crafting the 'Little Gem' with Isabella Style

"Just go for it" was the attitude that Isabella Style Interior Designer, Mara Steinmetz, embraced when orchestrating the design of this eclectic residence in Charlotte, North Carolina. Renowned for catering to clients' design preferences through Isabella Style's home store in Myers Park, lead designer Mara Steinmetz, commenced this venture with a pre-existing, meaningful connection to the homeowners; the Howe family. This enduring relationship laid the groundwork for sculpting a home that authentically mirrors the vivacity of their personalities. Defined by a fusion of bold choices, moody undertones, and a touch of whimsy, the eclectic aesthetic seamlessly intertwines throughout every nook and cranny of this captivating "little gem."

At the heart of the residence lies the lounge room. Infused with vintage charm, this space serves as a hub for intimate gatherings, wine, and laughter. Steinmetz holds a special affection for this particular room, skillfully infusing her favorite purple hues into a dazzling dance of colors that truly stands as a testament to its one-of-a-kind character.

"It’s just beautiful," enthuses Steinmetz. "The home has so much character. She has the most fun personality, and the design reflects it. With elements like the Penguin cocktail shaker found at an estate sale paired with the Equestrian art on the wall, it all comes together in a unique and quirky way."

The interplay of light blues and creamy tones, coupled with bold dark accents, contributes to a visually striking composition. The centerpiece, a light blue couch adorned with floral pillows, invites you to sink in and revel in the comfort of this distinctive space.

The subsequent rooms stand as a testament to why this residence has earned the moniker "the little gem." Jewel tones weave their way through the home, manifesting in couch colors, intricate trimmings, bold art, and scalloped headboards. 

The living room's focal point, a mesmerizing James Henry painting that seemingly comes alive in three-dimensional splendor, served as the catalyst for the room's aesthetic. Its vivid colors set the stage for a rich palette that harmonizes throughout the space. Opposite the captivating eye painting, a Yvaral piece and a carefully chosen Michelle Morris artwork on the console engage in a harmonious visual dialogue. Steinmetz offers her insight, stating, "It's not just about the colors; we also wanted to craft a cozy and livable atmosphere."

The client's enthusiasm for unique finds extends to the furnishings, with two must-have blue sofas taking center stage. An intentional touch of whimsy is introduced with a chic plum welt on one sofa, mirroring its counterpart in the sunroom. Steinmetz emphasizes, "When she [the client] loves something, it's a full-fledged commitment. She knew she wanted two blue sofas, no matter the fabric — just two blue sofas. And we loved adding that plum welt for a playful, personal twist."

Venturing deeper into the home, our journey unfolds in the bedroom — the room that captures the complete essence of the project's charm. The spotlight here is cast upon the union of masculine and feminine elements, highlighting details such as the scalloped-edged bed frame, vibrant plaid patterns, and the blue curtain trimmings. "The seamless blend of masculine and feminine elements in this bedroom is one of my favorite things about this project," shares Steinmetz, emphasizing the intentional mix of patterns — from the playful plaid on the bed to the tropical butterfly print adorning the throw pillows.

In curating this unique space, numerous elements were thoughtfully chosen from the Isabella Style store, contributing to a smooth and authentic design process. From stylish bed linens to distinctive curtain trimmings, the store's offerings seamlessly complemented the project's vision. Steinmetz expresses, "We have a great selection of things in the store. We’re definitely a one-stop shop in the design realm. Everyone here feeds off each other, and we love being able to add that personal touch to our clients' projects."