photos by The Addison Group
When we give the day all we’ve had to give, we escape to the most important respite in our home….the Primary Bedroom. It’s where we rest and restore ourselves for the next day. “What an honor to have been selected to re-design this nostalgia-packed room for the 64th Decorator’s Showhouse,” says Melanie Hufhand of Home & Willow Design. A lover of older homes, Melanie stayed true and faithful to the architecture of the lovely Baxter house. Of course, with an Art Deco flavor, Melanie added layers of modern elements. “To me older homes don’t need a lot, they can stand alone, but I was in love with this property from the start,” says Melanie.
A generous archway at the entrance beckons the homeowner to come in and sit for a moment. Cocoa pod wallcovering perfectly frames the welcoming archway with the attention it deserves. A warm chateau brown drenches the room. The meaning of color is always at play when designers pull together their designs. Knowing that brown conjures up feelings of stability, reliability, warmth and comfort, Hufhand knew it was a perfect backdrop in the palette. “I think the house called for it,” says Melanie. “I do love dark bedrooms, but needs to fit with the rest of the house, while not disrupting the flow.”
A nostalgic chandelier with milky glass globes and brass stems shines perfectly at center stage. Atop a heritage, hand-knotted rug sits a stunning artisanal bed of midnight and chocolate velvet. Always inclusive to all, a menswear vibe can be witnessed in the lush bedding, as well as the crisp white shirts that adorn the walls. Melanie removed the window seat and repurposed the space in the gorgeous bay window with a comfy green settee. It will add much better seating for any tête-à-tête. Both beautifully contrasting and practical, a long creamy dresser sits along the wall. Flanked on each side of the credenza, are shimmering sconces, reminiscent of large tassels with delicate vintage brass chains. A dramatic arched mirror rests on the floor and makes the cozy room feel larger.
Curious homeowners can tour this space as part of the 2025 St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild Decorators’ Show House & Gardens, or see more of Melanie’s work through Homeandwillowdesign.com
