A young family’s move from Los Angeles to New Jersey was not about starting anew but about infusing their new home with the essence of their Californian lifestyle. Located on Hickory Drive, a picturesque street in Maplewood, their house was charming and ready for occupancy, featuring a grand porch and a tree-lined front yard. Yet, it lacked the vibrant personality that had characterized their life in Southern California. To address this, designer Hollie Velten-Lattrell of SPACES by Hollie Velten embarked on a transformation that celebrated the family’s roots while honoring the home’s original architecture.
The project was guided by Velten-Lattrell’s philosophy of enhancing the character of older homes rather than making drastic structural changes. “We help families navigate the intimidation of older homes, increased square footage, and fragmented room layouts,” she explained. The family sought a space that felt both welcoming and reflective of their past experiences, and Velten-Lattrell’s approach ensured that their new residence was as inviting as it was stylish.
Design Inspired by California’s Culinary Scene
Central to the design was a color palette inspired by Chez Panisse, a renowned California restaurant. Velten-Lattrell drew from its seasonal menu, incorporating hues such as poached leeks, earthy olives, summer figs, and persimmon peel into the home’s aesthetic. “Our ‘white’ was Farrow & Ball’s Au Lait, which is clean and warm,” she said, noting how these choices created a harmonious backdrop.
The living room was designed to accommodate the family’s existing furniture while addressing the spaciousness of the new layout. Velten-Lattrell created a “conversation square” around a large custom ottoman, complemented by antique leather chairs and relaxed window treatments that added a touch of casual elegance. “The custom bookcase helped block out the room that felt sparse and empty,” she added, enhancing both the practicality and style of the space.
Functional Spaces with Personal Touches
As the design process progressed, the family’s needs evolved. Initially envisioned as a music room, the front area transitioned into a practical mudroom to better accommodate the demands of suburban life. “This room brief pivoted midway, and we wanted to give it a proper utility quality,” Velten-Lattrell explained. The beadboard walls were painted in a cohesive color to connect the mudroom with the overall design, featuring a window seat and hooks that combine utility with aesthetics.
The dining room was crafted to be a warm and inviting space, perfect for family activities. Designed with a ochre-painted accent ceiling, it serves not just as a dining area but as a place for homework, crafts, and family gatherings. Velten-Lattrell emphasized the room’s purpose, stating it was meant to “hold you,” reflecting the family’s lifestyle and needs.
In a striking contrast, the powder room drew inspiration from coastal nostalgia, incorporating elements reminiscent of fisherman’s shacks and oyster culture. “We thought of this space as a bit of a fisherman’s shack,” Velten-Lattrell commented, highlighting the hand-printed wallpaper that adds a whimsical touch to the smallest room in the home.
Ultimately, Velten-Lattrell’s design approach came together to create a home that was less about individual spaces and more about a cohesive living experience. By incorporating practical elements alongside personal touches, she crafted a residence that felt both lived-in and well-appointed. “A home that feels like you to live in and enjoy,” she stated, capturing the essence of what the family desired.
The result is a “happy loud” house that blends memories, comfort, and personality, ensuring the family feels welcomed and cozy in their new surroundings. Velten-Lattrell’s vision has successfully transformed a house into a home, embodying the family’s journey from California to New Jersey while fostering a sense of belonging in their new environment.
