So with this blog of mine, some pretty wonderful opportunities arise that I couldn’t have dreamed up in literally a million years.
With that said, I am assisting on a new project in the renovation and complete overhaul of a beautiful penthouse in Boston’s Back Bay. Though I have no design background (seriously none) it is fun to be called upon to consult on projects in areas I have a passion for whether food, fashion, beauty, travel, Marketing or interior design.
Penthouses, with their wide open spaces, high ceilings, original moldings and breath-taking views are pretty gorgeous on their own.
If you’re as into interior design as I am, you’ll agree that any space can be improved. If you’ve moved into a penthouse, then first of all congratulations! Your work has just started (and hopefully you have a team to help you along the way.)
In chronicling each step of this process, here are some of the ways we have been approaching design on such a grand scale.
Decide on a theme and stick to it.
Many people see all the space in a penthouse, and start designing each room with a vastly different slant.
It seem like a wonderful idea in your head, but you’ll run the risk of creating a confusing and somewhat uninviting tone to the whole home. Instead, try to keep everything within the boundaries of a given theme.
What you choose is entirely dependent on your own tastes. I favor both the classic, historic look many of the homes in Beacon Hill and Back Bay retain but do love the minimalist, modern penthouses cropping up in buildings like the Millennium Tower.
This particular client prefers a neo-classical Juan Pablo Molyneux approach.
Don’t Shy Away From Drama.
If you’re starting on a small scale, one significant change in the hallway is usually all you need to give your entryway a wonderful dose of drama.
Selecting your favorite piece of art, or changing out the existing one allows you to change the temperament (and color palette!)
Make sure you don’t neglect the ceiling in your penthouse. You may be far too excited about all the potential on the floor to notice this detail, but take a moment to look up. In all likelihood, your home may have a few unsightly bits of ventilation if you have central air. Get creative in covering the vents to help them blend in more with your vision.
Keep Things Bright.
Whatever kind of theme you’ve settled on, try to keep away from using only dark fabrics and materials. This may be your own style, but if you overdo it on the darker colors, you may lose some of the airiness you’re looking to retain and accentuate.
You’re likely to have a lot of windows that grant you a lot of natural light. It would be a shame to let it go to waste! Try to focus on lighter woods, and creamy, subdued fabrics. The way the morning sun plays with these is something really spectacular. It will also be a great complement to the expansive views you’ll have.
Take these tips on board when you’re planning to decorate your penthouse. You’ll be surprised at how potent they are. With a few subtle changes, you can make your big, beautiful space even more stunning.
Annalisa L
June 26, 2016Very good ideas. Making a plan is the most important, I think but keeping it bright is also important.