Talk about a world of difference—this cottage was redone by an interior designer of Indian heritage who came of age in Kuwait, for a married couple by way of the UK (he) and South Korea (she). Everyone agreed the house had great bones, but at over 100 years old, it needed a slew of updates. Working together, nodding to all of their respective cultural influences, they ended up with a warm, livable, present-day home that makes the most of mindfully preserved historical details like moldings and floors.
Interior designer Charlene Miranda, founder of Brooklyn-based Miranda & Co., started with just the powder room and primary bathroom. Over the course of 18 months, she then took on the kitchen, butler’s pantry, and the living, dining, and breakfast rooms. “Renovating a home in phases can be cost effective at the time but you do lose some efficiencies, versus mobilizing a general contractor and tackling everything at once,” says Miranda.
BeforeAfter
A carefully curated mix of wood tones and a statement chandelier from Blueprint Lighting took this space from dark and dreary to bright and cheery.
BeforeAfter. Miranda made way for a classic deVOL kitchen—the decades-old British company is widely known for bespoke designs. High-end English paint brand Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green inspired the color, and a Wolf range completed the picture.After
Aiming to create visual balance throughout the home, Miranda leaned into her signature warm, minimalist aesthetic in the main living areas, and fun, color-saturated spaces everywhere else. The couple has two young kids, so nothing could be too precious. Choosing performance fabrics eliminated worrying about dealing with spills or messy school projects. Touches of green and pink pop up in the living and dining room areas, but the spaces still stay ageless. Only time will tell when the homeowners may want to consider more updates here—but right now, they couldn’t be happier with the space.
BeforeAfterAfter. A palette of Benjamin Moore paint—Simply White on the walls and Decorator’s White on the ceiling—creates a backdrop that lets the bar and mirror shine. Both are vintage finds that give the room unique character, as does the Eames chair and rug from Lulu and Georgia.BeforeAfter. The breakfast room, with its comfy West Elm banquette, sky blue wallpaper (Porter Teleo x Schumacher), and red Schoolhouse chairs, has proven to be a popular spot for homework and hanging out. Light floods the airy corner but can be easily regulated with window coverings from The Shade Store.
