Designer Kati Curtis was called in by a young family to renovate the house they had just bought on New Jersey’s Navesink River.
They wanted to respect its Arts and Crafts-style architecture but transform its dark interiors into light and airy contemporary spaces.
They were satisfied with the home’s overall layout so no walls needed to be moved but the designer had to work with spatial and proportion issues. The house boasted oddly formed spaces, dormers and two octagonal rooms – and very high ceilings.
“We needed to bring things down to a more human scale without making any architectural changes,” said Kati.
All the dark wood inside the house was painted white, while the original earth tones were covered over with shades of pale greys, taupes and other neutral colours. Similarly pale neutral fabrics were used on upholstered furniture, and, as there are two young children in the house, a requirement was for everything to be easily cleaned.
Seating in the family living areas is covered in outdoor fabric and in the dining room the children can colour on the stone topped table without ruining it.
The final result is a house that was once very gloomy is now flooded with light.
Kati Curtis founded Kati Curtis Design in 2005 after over 12 years of working in international architecture, and engineering firms on both the east and west coasts. Featured in such publications as the Architectural Digest, New York Times and Financial Times, she has worked with many of New York’s most successful institutions and individuals. After quickly developing a following among an influential Manhattan client base, Kati Curtis Design expanded to include projects throughout New York City, and the world.
